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Abstract Background Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is recognized as an atypical Parkinsonian syndrome, distinguished by a more rapid progression than that observed in Parkinson’s disease. Unfortunately, the prognosis for MSA remains poor, with a notable absence of globally recognized effective treatments. Although preliminary studies suggest that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) could potentially alleviate clinical symptoms in MSA patients, there is a significant gap in the literature regarding the optimal stimulation parameters. Furthermore, the field lacks consensus due to the paucity of robust, large-scale, multicenter trials. Methods This investigation is a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial. We aim to enroll 96 individuals diagnosed with MSA, categorized into Parkinsonian type (MSA-P) and cerebellar type (MSA-C) according to their predominant clinical features. Participants will be randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either the TMS or sham stimulation group. Utilizing advanced navigation techniques, we will ensure precise targeting for the intervention, applying theta burst stimulation (TBS). To assess the efficacy of TBS on both motor and non-motor functions, a comprehensive evaluation will be conducted using internationally recognized clinical scales and gait analysis. To objectively assess changes in brain connectivity, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) will be employed as sensitive indicators before and after the intervention. Discussion The primary aim of this study is to ascertain whether TBS can alleviate both motor and non-motor symptoms in patients with MSA. Additionally, a critical component of our research involves elucidating the underlying mechanisms through which TBS exerts its potential therapeutic effects. Ethics and dissemination All study protocols have been reviewed and approved by the First Affiliated Medical Ethics Committee of the Air Force Military Medical University (KY20232118-F-1). Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2300072658. Registered on 20 June 2023.

Three-dimensional topological insulators feature unconventional two-dimensional surface states, the carriers in which are helical Dirac fermions and protected from backscattering. Thus, they exhibit novel electronic response upon illuminate ultrashort and intense laser light. We briefly reviewed recent studies on ultrafast phenomena from the surface of the topological insulators driven by laser pulse ranging from visible to THz frequency. Ultrafast dynamics of Dirac fermions can be excited by helical photons and driven by strong light field. Many unique nonlinear behaviors have been demonstrated, such as the excitation of helicity-dependent photocurrent, the formation of Floquet-Bloch bands, lightwave-driven Dirac currents and the generation of optical high-harmonic emission. This review aimed at understanding the microscopic mechanism of the ultrafast charge and spin dynamics in topological surface states and its prospects for coherent manipulation of Dirac fermions by laser light.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to analyze risk factors of residual dizziness (RD) after successful treatment for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) in middle-aged and older adults.Methods181 patients with BPPV, after successful canalith repositioning maneuver (CRM) treatment, were recruited. All patients were divided into the middle-aged group (aged 45–59 years, n = 101) and the older group (over 60 years, n = 80). The clinical characteristics were recorded, including age, gender, numbers of maneuvers, involved canal, affected side, RD, comorbidities, dizziness handicap inventory score, and generalized anxiety disorder's 7-item scale score.ResultsThe incidence of RD in the older group was significantly higher than that of the middle-aged group (p = 0.033). Multivariate logistic regression analysis shows that age (odds ratio = 1.042, p = 0.006), moderate to severe dizziness (odds ratio = 2.017, p = 0.034), and moderate to severe anxiety (odds ratio = 2.228, p = 0.017) were independently associated with RD in middle-aged and older adults.ConclusionOlder adults exhibited higher incidence of RD after successful treatment for BPPV. Age, moderate to severe dizziness, and moderate to severe anxiety were independent risk factors of RD in middle-aged and older adults.

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to apply the amplitude of the low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) method to investigate the spontaneous brain activity alterations in patients with residual dizziness (RD) after successful canalith repositioning manoeuvre for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).MethodsAll BPPV patients underwent visual vertigo analog scale (VVAS) evaluations and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The ALFF method was used to assess the spontaneous brain activity. Screening of brain regions with significant changes in ALFF values was based on analysis of the whole brain. We further analyze the relationship between ALFF values of the altered regions and VVAS scores in BPPV patients with RD.ResultsFifteen BPPV patients with RD and fifteen without RD were recruited in this study. In contrast to without RD, RD patients exhibited increased scores in VVAS tests (p < 0.001) and RD patients also showed significant ALFF decrease in the bilateral precuneus (left: 251 voxels; x = −10, y = −69, z = 51; peak t-value = −3.25; right: 170 voxels; x = 4, y = −59, z = 42; peak t-value = −3.43). Correlation analysis revealed that the mean ALFF z-values in the left precuneus displayed significant negative correlations with the VVAS scores(r = −0.44, p = 0.01).ConclusionsThis study shows that RD is associated with left precuneus function as revealed by fMRI. It might provide useful information for explaining neural mechanisms in BPPV patients with RD.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate a modified Epley maneuver for self-treatment of posterior canal benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (PC-BPPV).Methods: The study recruited 155 patients with PC-BPPV. All patients were randomized into the Epley maneuver group (n = 77) and modified Epley maneuver group (n = 78). We analyzed the resolution rate (1 day and 1 week), residual symptoms after the maneuver, and adverse effects.Results: It was found that the modified Epley maneuver group had a higher resolution rate than that of the Epley maneuver group in the treatment of PC-BPPV after 1 day of the initial maneuver (p < 0.05). However, there was no difference in resolution rate between the Epley maneuver group and the modified Epley maneuver group in resolution rate after 1 week of the initial maneuver (p > 0.05). The modified Epley maneuver group had fewer residual symptoms than that of the Epley maneuver group 1 week after treatment of PC-BPPV (p < 0.05). Significant improvements were also observed in average DHI scores in patients who underwent the modified Epley maneuver compared to the Epley maneuver (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in adverse effects between the two groups (p > 0.05).Conclusions: The modified Epley maneuver has a satisfactory therapeutic efficacy with less residual symptoms and could be recommended as a self-treatment for patients with PC-BPPV.

Objective: To explore the recovery pattern of the high-frequency acceleration vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) function in unilateral vestibular neuritis (UVN).Methods: Forty-seven consecutive patients with UVN were recruited within 10 days of symptom onset for this study. The high-frequency acceleration horizontal VOR function was assessed using the video head impulse test (vHIT). Patients returned for follow-up evaluation at ~6 months after the onset of symptoms. According to the dizziness handicap inventory questionnaire (DHI), the patients were classified into the normal to mild dizziness group (DHI score ≤30) and moderate to severe dizziness group (DHI score >30) at the follow-up. All the obtained horizontal vHIT gains and corrective saccades parameters were analyzed.Results: vHIT results showed a significantly horizontal VOR gain recovery in UVN patients at the follow-up on the lesion side (p < 0.01). A significantly reduction in the occurrence of corrective saccades (overt and covert) and velocity of corrective saccades (overt and covert) were observed at the follow-up (p < 0.05). At the follow-up, the normal to mild dizziness group (DHI score ≤30) had a significantly higher normal rate of VOR gain, the mean vHIT gains and occurrence of isolated covert saccades (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the occurrence of mixed saccades and the mean velocity of covert saccades were significantly lower in normal to mild dizziness group (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Apart from the recovery of the VOR gain, recovery pattern of corrective saccades can play a key role in vestibular compensate.

Background: The aim of this study is to identify the effects of hand positions (head and jaw) on the video head-impulse test (vHIT).Methods: Eighty-six healthy volunteers and sixty-seven patients with unilateral vestibular neuritis (UVN) were recruited for this study. Different hand positions (head and jaw) were used in the vHIT of horizontal semicircular canals in healthy volunteers and UVN patients. All the obtained horizontal vHIT gains were analyzed.Results: It was observed that when horizontal vHIT was performed with the head hand position, the number of head impulses that produced overhigh vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gains was more than that with the jaw hand position (p < 0.01), irrespective of whether the test was performed in healthy volunteers or UVN patients. The gains obtained were lower when the jaw hand position was used than that obtained when the head hand position was used (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference existed in the mean head velocity between the two hand positions (p > 0.05). Using the head hand position has greater a chance to elicit in UVN patients normal horizontal vHIT gains with refixation saccades than using the jaw hand position (p = 0.04).Conclusion: The jaw hand position can increase the accuracy of vHIT in determining the lesion side.

DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-6731.2015.08.015

We demonstrate the measurement of field-free molecular alignment of air can be realized by combining the weak field polarization technique (WFPT) with a balanced detection system. The measured signal is proportional to the alignment parameter. Periodic revival structures of the transient alignment and permanent alignment between revivals can be detected clearly by a single measurement with high sensitivity. Fourier transform spectrum of the measured signal agrees well with the calculation result and provides information of the populations of different J states in the rotational wave packet.

Vascular complications induced by intercavernous sinus injury during dural opening in the transsphenoidal surgery may contribute to incomplete tumour resections. Preoperative neuro-imaging is of crucial importance in planning surgical approach. The aim of this study is to correlate the microanatomy of intercavernous sinuses with its contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance venography (CE-MRV).Eighteen human adult cadavers and 24 patients were examined based on autopsy and CE-MRV. Through dissection of the cadavers and CE-MRV, the location, shape, number, diameter and type of intercavernous sinuses were measured and compared.Different intercavernous sinuses were identified by their location and shape in all the cadavers and CE-MRV. Compared to the cadavers, CE-MRV revealed 37% of the anterior intercavernous sinus, 48% of the inferior intercavernous sinus, 30% of the posterior intercavernous sinus, 30% of the dorsum sellae sinus and 100% of the basilar sinus. The smaller intercavernous sinuses were not seen in the neuro-images. According to the presence of the anterior and inferior intercavernous sinus, four types of the intercavernous sinuses were identified in cadavers and CE-MRV, and the corresponding operative space in the transsphenoidal surgical approach was implemented.The morphology and classification of the cavernous sinus can be identified by CE-MRV, especially for the larger vessels, which cause bleeding more easily. Therefore, CE-MRV provides a reliable measure for individualized preoperative planning during transsphenoidal surgery.

Objectives: There are few studies of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in immunocompromised patients assisted by veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (vv-ECMO). The present study is aimed to investigate the pathogen-detected effect and clinical therapy value of mNGS technologies in immunocompromised patients assisted by vv-ECMO. Methods: Our study retrospectively enrolled 46 immunocompromised patients supported by vv-ECMO from Jan 2017 to June 2021 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, respectively. Patients were divided into the deterioration group (Group D) (n = 31) and improvement group (Group I) (n = 15) according to their outcomes. Baseline characteristics and etiological data of patients during hospitalization of 2 groups were compared. The pathogens detected by mNGS and antibiotic regimens guided by mNGS in immunocompromised patients assisted by vv-ECMO were analyzed. Results: Compared with Group I, the deterioration patients showed a higher percentage of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (32.3% vs. 6.7%, p < 0.01) and were significantly older (47.77 ± 16.72 years vs. 32 ± 15.05 years, p < 0.01). Within 48 h of being ECMO assisted, the consistency of the samples detected by traditional culture and mNGS at the same time was good (traditional culture vs. mNGS detection, the positive rate of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) culture: 26.1% vs. 30.4%; the positive rate of blood sample culture: 12.2% vs. 12.2%, p > 0.05). However, mNGS detected far more pathogen species and strains than conventional culture (30 strains vs. 78 strains, p < 0.01); the most popular pathogen was Klebsiella pneumoniae. Parts of patients had their antibiotic treatment adjustments, and the improvement patients showed less usage of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Conclusions: mNGS may play a relatively important role in detecting mixed pathogens and personalized antibiotic treatment in immunocompromised patients assisted by vv-ECMO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transient ischemic attack (TIA) or minor ischemic stroke represents the largest group of cerebrovascular disease, and those patients have a high risk of early recurrent stroke. Over decades, anticoagulation therapy has been used prudently in them for likely increasing the risk of intra-/extra-cranial hemorrhagic complications. However, recently rivaroxaban, a new oral anticoagulant, is proved to be as effective as traditional anticoagulants, while carrying significantly less risk of intracranial hemorrhage. Therefore, we assumed that patients may benefit from rivaroxaban if treated soon after TIA or minor stroke, and designed this adequately powered randomized study, TRACE.Methods and Design: The Treatment of Rivaroxaban versus Aspirin in Non-disabling Cerebrovascular Events (TRACE) study is a randomized, double-blind clinical trial with a target enrollment of 4400 patients. A 14-days regimen of rivaroxaban 10 mg daily or a 14-days regimen of aspirin 100 mg daily will be administrated to randomized participants with acute TIA or minor stroke, defined as National Institute of Health Stroke Scale scores ≤ 3. The primary efficacy end point is percentage of patients with any stroke (ischemic or hemorrhage) at 14 days. Study visits will be performed at the day of randomization, day 14 and day 90.Discussion: Even though the new oral anticoagulants seem to be both safe and effective, few clinical trials have been carried out to test their effect on non-disabling cerebrovascular events. Treatment with rivaroxaban may prevent more cerebrovascular events with an acceptable risk profile after TIA or minor stroke, compared with aspirin, thus helping to improve the outcome of the disease.Trial Registration: No. NCT01923818. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waveform-controlled terahertz (THz) radiation is of great importance due to its potential application in THz sensing and coherent control of quantum systems. We demonstrated a novel scheme to generate waveform-controlled THz radiation from air plasma produced when carrier-envelope-phase (CEP) stabilized few-cycle laser pulses undergo filamentation in ambient air. We launched CEP-stabilized 10 fs-long ( ∼ 1.7 optical cycles) laser pulses at 1.8 &mgr;m into air and found that the generated THz waveform can be controlled by varying the filament length and the CEP of driving laser pulses. Calculations using the photocurrent model and including the propagation effects well reproduce the experimental results, and the origins of various phase shifts in the filament are elucidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Both severe stenosis and completed occlusion in internal carotid artery or its distal branches have been considered the main reasons of cerebral hypoperfusion, which contributes to the washout disturbances of embolism in low perfusion territories distal to stenosis. An aggravated hypoperfusion state in certain brain region may induce ischemic stroke and further cognitive decline. However, the effective medication for cerebral hypoperfusion is largely unsettled. Methods/design: By using computed tomography perfusion (CTP) imaging, the trial will evaluate the effectiveness, safety and tolerability of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 130/0.4 for patients with extra-/intra-cranial artery stenosis and cerebral hypoperfusion. From 5 neurological inpatient wards, 300 patients will be randomly recruited for administered routine medications plus intravascular volume therapies using the equal volume of HES 130/0.4 or0.9% sodium chloride solution. Cerebral hypoperfusion state after 7-day intervention is the primary outcome measure. The secondary outcome measures includes, impaired renal function, abnormal heart function,hematological changes, neurological dysfunctions and cerebrovascular events in peri-intervention period and/or 3-month follow-up. The sample size will allow the detection of a two-sided 5% significance level between group sin the endpoint with a power of 80%. Discussion: The trial would provide important efficacy and safety data on the intravascular administration of HES 130/0.4 in patients with unilateral cerebral hypoperfusion. The effects on kidney function, heart function, coagulation, neurological function and cerebralvascular events will be assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies have been conducted to design terahertz broadband metamaterial absorbers for various applications, such as electromagnetic stealth, photodetection, and broadband communications. It remains a hot research topic to design metamaterial absorbers (MAs) to achieve broadband absorption while maintaining a wide range of tunability. Here, we present a novel design of graphene-embedded metamaterial functioning as a broadband tunable absorber based on the field reinforcement effect and plasmon resonance of graphene. With a stacked configuration, the absorptivity of the MA proposed in this paper can be as high as 90% in a wide range of 1.2 THz. By comparative analysis, we exhibit that the MA shows a relatively wider absorption bandwidth than the one without the embedded graphene, which discloses the significance of integrating graphene layer in our design. The detailed numerical calculations of the surface currents and electric field distributions are presented in this paper to better uncover the physical mechanisms of the broadband and multi-band absorption. Moreover, further numerical calculations show that the designed MA also demonstrates several other excellent properties, such as tunability, polarization insensitivity, incident angle insensitivity and outstanding structural parameters tolerance. The proposed graphene-embedded MA can be used in various promising applications, like smart sensors, broadband absorber and imaging devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundCoptis deltoidea C.Y. Cheng et Hsiao (CD), commonly used in the treatment of heat-toxin congestion and excessiveness. However, CD needs to be processed with wine for alleviating the bitter and cold of CD, meanwhile, reducing the gastrointestinal damage. The research assessed the discrepant effects of CD on gastrointestinal system before and after processing with wine, and explore the potential mechanisms.MethodsThe ingredients in CD and CD processed with wine (PCD) were performed on Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS). The mice were treated with CD and PCD once a day for 6 weeks (0.65 and 2.6 g/kg, i.g.). The pathological changes of gastrointestinal tract were evaluated, and the serum inflammatory factors and Nuclear Factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) RelA (p65) protein of tissues were determined. The short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) of feces were analyzed by UPLC-MS, the gut microbiota (GM) changes were performed on 16 S rRNA sequencing.ResultsIngredients analysis declared that the alkaloids, flavonoids, phenylpropanoid compounds were the main metabolites in CD and PCD. CD reduced body weight and food intake, and the effect of CD on fecal water content increased first and then decreased with the prolongation of administration time, while its effect on intestinal transport time was exactly the opposite, reduced the SCFAs contents of feces. CD caused different degree of damage to the gastrointestinal tract, and the effect on the small intestine and colon was more obvious, which increased the expression of NF-κB p65 and elevated the inflammatory factors levels. PCD were weaker than that of CD. In addition, CD and PCD can change the composition of GM, and reduced the levels of Lactobacillus, Allobaculum, Ruminococcus, and norank_f_S24-7, increased the levels of Akkermansia, Dorea, Bacteroides, and Blautia at the genus level. However, PCD induced a milder effect of GM dysregulation than that of CD.ConclusionCD can cause damage to the gastrointestinal tract, which may be related to the GM disorders, SCFAs changes-mediated by GM, abnormal NF-κB p65 expression and increased inflammatory factors levels, interestingly, PCD had a lower effect than CD, which may be related to the differences in the types and contents of ingredients in CD after processing. And this study provided data support for the mechanism of processing with wine to alleviate “bitter-cold injury the stomach” of CD.

A compact prototype based on mid-infrared wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS) is developed for the simultaneous monitoring of NO, NO2, and NH3 in the urban area. Three quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) with central frequencies around 1900.0 cm−1, 1600.0 cm−1, and 1103.4 cm−1 are used for NO, NO2, and NH3 detections, respectively, by time-division multiplex. An open-path multi-pass cell of 60-m optical path length is applied to the instrument for high sensitivity and reducing the response time to less than 1 s. The prototype achieves a sub-ppb detection limit for all the three target gases with an average time of about 100 s. The instrument is installed in the Jiangsu environmental monitoring center to conduct performance tests on ambient air. Continuous 24-hour measurements show good agreement with the results of a reference instrument based on the chemiluminescence technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An algorithm for the metamaterial sensors to simultaneously measure the refractive index (RI) and conductivity of the analyte is introduced. To verify the algorithm, a square ring metamaterial absorber is numerically calculated as a specific example in the terahertz frequency. Firstly, the sensing performances of the absorber on the RI and conductivity are evaluated separately. Then the relationship expressions between dual variables (frequency shift (FS) and amplitude modulation (AM)) and two arguments (RI and conductivity) can be obtained through mathematical fitting process. By reversely solving this equations set, the conductivity and RI of the analyte can be expressed as another equations set that can be solved easily. The proposed algorithm offers an effective method to determine RI and conductivity of the analyte by measuring the AM and FS of the reflection dip of the absorber sensor. To validate the effectiveness and accuracy of the algorithm, the FS and AM obtained from the simulations are plugged into the reverse equations set. Then the calculated n and σ are compared to their responding original values. The maximum percentage error between them are both less than 0.83%, which are small enough to illustrate the rightness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hybrid mode-locked thulium-doped fiber laser incorporating a nonlinear optical loop mirror and a nonlinear polarization rotation effect is proposed in the 2 μm band for the first time. By adjusting two polarization controllers, a stable single-polarization noise-like (SPNL) pulse operation is obtained. The SPNL pulse could work steadily for at least 400 min. At a launched pump power of 3.52 W, the hybrid mode-locked SPNL pulse centers at 2007 nm with an optical full width at half maximum of 20 nm, a polarization extinction ratio of 26.3 dB, a coherence spike width of 258 fs and a pulse energy of 42.11 nJ, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the energy scaling of terahertz (THz) emission through difference frequency generation of near-infrared pulses, and demonstrate that Gigawatt few-cycle THz transients at the central frequency of 30 THz are produced from GaSe crystal pumped by two pulses at 1.65 and 1.95 micrometers, with the high quantum yield of 28%. Our analysis indicates that the high yield of DFG originates from the largely reduced group velocity mismatch as the long-wavelength pumping pulses are employed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An improved algebraic reconstruction technique (ART) combined with tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy(TDLAS) is presented in this paper for determining two-dimensional (2D) distribution of H2O concentration and temperature in a simulated combustion flame. This work aims to simulate the reconstruction of spectroscopic measurements by a multi-view parallel-beam scanning geometry and analyze the effects of projection rays on reconstruction accuracy. It finally proves that reconstruction quality dramatically increases with the number of projection rays increasing until more than 180 for 20 × 20 grid, and after that point, the number of projection rays has little influence on reconstruction accuracy. It is clear that the temperature reconstruction results are more accurate than the water vapor concentration obtained by the traditional concentration calculation method. In the present study an innovative way to reduce the error of concentration reconstruction and improve the reconstruction quality greatly is also proposed, and the capability of this new method is evaluated by using appropriate assessment parameters. By using this new approach, not only the concentration reconstruction accuracy is greatly improved, but also a suitable parallel-beam arrangement is put forward for high reconstruction accuracy and simplicity of experimental validation. Finally, a bimodal structure of the combustion region is assumed to demonstrate the robustness and universality of the proposed method. Numerical investigation indicates that the proposed TDLAS tomographic algorithm is capable of detecting accurate temperature and concentration profiles. This feasible formula for reconstruction research is expected to resolve several key issues in practical combustion devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A passively mode-locked thulium-doped fiber laser (TDFL) based on a nonlinear amplifying loop mirror (NALM) is presented. By adjusting the polarization controllers, stable noise-like (NL) mode-locked femtosecond pulse operation is obtained at the 2 μm band. In the experimental period of 200 min, the output power fluctuation is less than 0.06 dB and the 3 dB spectral bandwidth variation is less than 0.02 nm, indicating that the pulsed TDFL possesses good long-term stability. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first 2 μm band NALM-based TDFL with small net anomalous dispersion for a NL femtosecond pulse. At the maximum pump power of 3.52 W, the emitting laser has a NL pulse width of 460 fs, the repetition rate of 9.1 MHz, and the NL pulse energy of 32.72 nJ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The self-focusing of few-cycle pulses at the wavelength of 1800 nm under different focusing conditions and polarization states is experimentally investigated. The critical power and nonlinear refractive index for linearly and circularly polarized few-cycle pulses are determined. The value of the critical power for few-cycle pulses is found much larger than that of multi-cycle pulses, which is consistent with the previous result on few-cycle pulses at 800 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the rheological properties, particle size distribution, color change, and stability of lily juice under different ultrasonic treatment conditions (152 W, 304 W, 456 W, 608 W, and 760 W). The results showed that the lily juice exhibited non-Newtonian shear thinning behavior, and the viscosity decreased with the increase in ultrasonic power. Under ultrasonic treatment conditions, there was no significant change in the pH value and zeta potential value of the samples. The content of cloudy value and total soluble solids (TSS) increased gradually. However, both the sedimentation components and centrifugal sedimentation rate showed a downward trend and an asymptotic behavior. In addition, high-power ultrasound changed the color index (L* value decreased, a* value increased), tissue structure, and particle distribution of the sample, and small particles increased significantly. To sum up, ultrasonic treatment has great potential in improving the physical properties and suspension stability of lily juice.

Abstract Background Benzo [a] pyrene (BaP), a potent carcinogen, has been proved that it has toxicological effects via activation the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway. AhR can participate in regulating lipogenesis and lipolysis. This topic will verify whether BaP regulates lipid metabolism via AhR. Methods (1) C57BL/6 mice were gavaged with BaP for 12 weeks to detect serum lipids, glucose tolerance, and insulin resistance. Morphological changes in white adipose tissue (WAT) were detected by Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. The mRNA expression levels of adipogenesis-related factors included recombinant human CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPα), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), and fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) and inflammatory factors included nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were detected using PCR. (2) Neutral lipid content changes in differentiated 3 T3-L1 adipocytes treated with BaP with and w/o AhR inhibitor were detected by Oil red staining. The protein expression levels of adipogenesis- and decomposition-related factors included PPARγ coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α), and peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) were detected using western blotting. The mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors were detected using PCR. Results (1) BaP inhibited body weight gain, decreased lipid content, increased lipid levels, and decreased glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance in mice; (2) BaP reduced the expressions of C/EBPα, PPARγ, FABP4, PGC-1α, and PPARα and increased the expressions of NF-κB, MCP-1, and TNF-α by activating AhR. Conclusion BaP inhibit fat synthesis and oxidation while inducing inflammation by activating AhR, leading to WAT dysfunction and causing metabolic complications.

Chronic dacryocystitis(CD)is a disease caused by microorganism infection secondary to nasolacrimal duct stenosis or obstruction. Its pathological changes are of great significance to the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of patients. This paper summarizes the characteristics of the pathological changes of the lacrimal drainage system and surrounding tissues by reading a large number of domestic and foreign literatures on chronic dacryocystitis in recent years, aiming at improving clinicians' understanding, doing better diagnosis, treatment and prognosis judgment, and providing ideas for further research.

Metformin, one of the first-line of hypoglycemic drugs, has cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities, in addition to its proven hypoglycemic effects. Furthermore, the preventive and therapeutic potential of metformin for neurodegenerative diseases has become a topic of concern. Increasing research suggests that metformin can prevent the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. In recent years, many studies have investigated the neuroprotective effect of metformin in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. It has been revealed that metformin can play a neuroprotective role by regulating energy metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammatory response and protein deposition of cells, and avoiding neuronal dysfunction and neuronal death. On the contrary, some have hypothesized that metformin has a two-sided effect which may accelerate the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, the results of animal experiments and clinical studies are reviewed to discuss the application prospects of metformin in neurodegenerative diseases.

Background: The outbreak of severe respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) has led to long periods of social isolation for individuals across the world. Although medical students generally have a high prevalence of mental health problems, they have received less attention than other groups concerning the impact of SARS-COV-2. Therefore, the present study investigated the mental health status, risk factors, and protective factors for mental health problems in medical students in North China during the SARS-COV-2 pandemic.Methods: A WeChat-based survey, which included the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 and measures of social demographics, was performed twice. Risk and protective factors were identified by binary logistic regression analysis.Results: A total of 702 effective questionnaires were collected in two separate surveys. In total, 24.55% of medical students were suffering anxiety to different degrees of severity, 13.18% were suffering depression in the first survey, and 3.71% wanted to give up working in primary medical care during the SARS-COV-2 pandemic in the second survey. In contrast, during the SARS-COV-2 pandemic, a risk factor for anxiety and depression was gender which is male, while being knowledgeable about the SARS-COV-2 pandemic and having a lower academic burden were both protective factors.Conclusions: Measures are required to prevent increases in mental health problems in medical students. Our findings suggest that increasing knowledge about the SARS-COV-2 pandemic and reducing academic burden in medical students is extremely important during the SARS-COV-2 pandemic.

Background: The symptoms of sciatic herpes zoster are sometimes difficult to distinguish from sciatica caused by lumbar disc herniation. We describe a case of suspected lumbar disc herniation with sciatic herpes zoster to reduce the rate of misdiagnosis.Case Report: A 55-year old man, male, developed low back pain after carrying heavy items 20 years ago. Characteristics of symptoms: 1. Symptoms were aggravated in the upright lumbar forward flexion position; 2. The VAS (leg) score was 8–9 points and the VSA (lumbar) score was 0 point; 3. It can be relieved when rested in the supine position; 4. It came on intermittently with radiation pain in the right lower limb. There were several attacks every year. One month ago, there was radiating pain in the right lower limb. The pain was from the back of the right hip, behind the thigh, in lateral crural region, to the back of the foot. And Symptoms worsened for 10 days. The VAS score was 8 points. Pain could not be relieved by rest or changing posture. There was no back pain, no lower limbs, weak walking, no claudication and other symptoms. Analgesics and neurotrophic drugs are ineffective. After the application of antiviral drugs, the radiation pain in the right lower extremity was significantly relieved.Conclusion: We describe this case in detail and discuss how to make an authentic diagnosis, with a concomitant literature review.

We experimentally observe the bond stretching time of one-photon and net-two-photon dissociation pathways of singly ionized H2 molecules driven by a polarization-skewed femtosecond laser pulse. By measuring the angular distributions of the ejected photoelectron and nuclear fragments in coincidence, the cycle-changing polarization of the laser field enables us to clock the photon-ionization starting time and photon-dissociation stopping time, analogous to a stopwatch. After the single ionization of H2, our results show that the produced H+2 takes almost the same time in the one-photon and net-two-photon dissociation pathways to stretch to the internuclear distance of the one-photon coupled dipole-transition between the ground and excited electronic states. The spatiotemporal mapping character of the polarization-skewed laser field provides us a straightforward route to clock the ultrafast dynamics of molecules with sub-optical-cycle time resolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microRNAs (miRNAs) have been suggested as a tumor suppressor in recent years. miR-15b was reported to exert an anti-oncogenic role in the proliferation, migration, and invasion of diverse tumor cells. However, the mechanisms underlying miR-15b-mediated biology of glioblastoma are still unclear. In the present study, the expression of miR-15b was down-regulated in glioblastoma tumor tissues and U87 and U251 cells, but insulin-like growth factor receptor 1 (IGF1R) expression became up-regulated in these tumor tissues and cells (all p < 0.001). Furthermore, IGF1R expression was inversely associated with miR-15b expression. Notably, patients with lower miR-15b expression have a much shorter survival period compared with high expression (log-rank test p = 0.045). In vitro data demonstrated that miR-15b mimics inhibited the proliferation, cell cycle arrest, and invasion of U87 and U251 cells. Besides, we validated IGF1R as a direct target of miR-15b using dual luciferase assays, and IGF1R plasmids partially abrogated miR-15b mimics inhibited cell proliferation. In vivo, miR-15b mimics indeed repressed cell proliferation in mouse xenograft model. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that miR-15b inhibits the progression of glioblastoma cells through targeting IGF1R, and miR-15b can be recommended as a tumor suppressor in the progression of glioblastoma.