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The feasibility and the diversity of cantilever-based current sensing mechanism, which mainly comprised a cantilever with a permanent magnet on its free end, are verified for desirable applications of wireless sensor network (WSN) in Internet of Things (IoT). In the noninvasive multiphase current measurement, the applied current induced magnetic force is passively converted into a cantilever vibration via the magnet. The cantilever vibration can be further converted to an output voltage as a function of the applied current via diverse detecting units, enabling the diversity of cantilever-based current sensing mechanisms. In this article, cantilever-based methodology is verified to be applicable to multiphase current measurements, with considering decoupling and reconstructing in case of unbalanced ones. As a typical demonstration, three-phase four-wire ac current is passively measured via the positive piezoelectric effect of the piezoelectric detecting unit. Since the measurement of current is physically the noninvasive passive measurement of the gradient of the superimposed magnetic field, the cantilever-based current sensing methodology is applicable to a wide range of diverse current measurements of WSN in various IoT use cases.

This study was to optimize the exercise preconditioning (EP) intensity in protecting from exhaustive exercise-induced cardiac injury (EECI). A total of 98 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 7 groups (n ​= ​14): the control group (C), the exhaustive exercise group (EE) and the EP ​+ ​EE groups, which include the V10 (53.0%̇O2max), V15 (58.4%̇O2max), V20 (67.0%̇O2max), V26 (74.0%̇O2max) and V30 (80.0%̇O2max) groups. Except the C group, the other groups were subjected to treadmill running. The serum contents of N terminal pro B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and cardiac troponin I (cTn-I) were detected by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method, ECG was recorded, heart function was detected by pressure volume catheter and the activities of mitochondrial electron transfer pathway (ET pathway) complexes I, Ⅱ and IV were measured by high-resolution respiration instrument. Compared to the EE group, the EP groups have shown decrease of NT-proBNP and cTn-I, improvement of mitochondrial respiratory function and cardiac function. Compared to other EP groups, the V26 group has shown significant decrease of myocardial enzymes and improvement of mitochondrial function. The correlation analysis showed the EP effect was proportional to EP intensity in the range of 53.0%̇O2max-74.0%̇O2max. High intensity and long duration of exhaustive exercise caused cardiac injury and EP could decrease serum level of NT-proBNP and cTn-I, improve electrical derangement and the left ventricular function, and raise the activities of ET pathway complexes I, Ⅱ and IV. The protection of EP on EECI was improved as the EP intensity was increased from 53.0%̇O2max to 74.0%̇O2max and when EP intensity was 74.0%̇O2max, the effect was the most obvious among all the setting EP groups.

Context The interrelationships among the gut microbiome, the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), and a clinical endpoint of diabetes is unknown. Objective To identify gut microbial features of a MedDiet and examine whether the association between MedDiet and diabetes varies across individuals with different gut microbial profiles. Methods This study included 543 diabetic, 805 prediabetic, and 394 normoglycemic participants from a cohort study of USA Hispanic/Latino men and women. Fecal samples were profiled using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Adherence to MedDiet was evaluated by an index based on 2 24-hour dietary recalls. Results A greater MedDiet adherence was associated with higher abundances of major dietary fiber metabolizers (e.g., Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, false-discovery-rate–adjusted P [q] = 0.01), and lower abundances of biochemical specialists (e.g., Parabacteroides, q = 0.04). The gut microbiomes of participants with greater MedDiet adherence were enriched for functions involved in dietary fiber degradation but depleted for those related to sulfur reduction and lactose and galactose degradation. The associations between MedDiet adherence and diabetes prevalence were significantly stronger among participants with depleted abundance of Prevotella (pinteraction = 0.03 for diabetes, 0.02 for prediabetes/diabetes, and 0.02 for prediabetes). A 1-SD deviation increment in the MedDiet index was associated with 24% (odds ratio [OR] 0.76; 95% CI, 0.59-0.98) and 7% (OR 0.93; 95% CI, 0.72-1.20) lower odds of diabetes in Prevotella noncarriers and carriers, respectively. Conclusion Adherence to MedDiet is associated with diverse gut microorganisms and microbial functions. The inverse association between the MedDiet and diabetes prevalence varies significantly depending on gut microbial composition.

Purpose To investigate the efficacy and safety of low-dose bolus plus continuous infusion of penehyclidine in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) following bimaxillary surgery. Methods Three hundred fifty-four patients were randomly allocated into three groups. In the Control group, placebo (normal saline) was injected before anesthesia and infused over 48 h after surgery; in the Bolus group, 0.5 mg penehyclidine was injected before anesthesia, whereas placebo was infused after surgery; in the Infusion group, 0.25 mg penehyclidine were injected before anesthesia, another 0.25 mg penehyclidine was infused after surgery. The primary endpoint was the incidence of PONV within 72 h. Results A total of 353 patients were included in intention-to-treat analysis. The PONV incidence was 61.0% (72/118) in the Control group, 40.2% (47/117) in the Bolus group, and 28.0% (33/118) in the Infusion group. The incidence was significantly lower in the Bolus group than in the Control group (RR 0.66; 95% CI 0.51–0.86; adjusted P = 0.003) and in the Infusion group than in the Control group (RR 0.46; 95% CI 0.33–0.63; adjusted P P = 0.144). Emergence agitation occurred more frequently in the Bolus group than in the Control group (36.8% [43/117] vs. 21.2% [25/118], adjusted P = 0.027), but did not differ significantly between the Infusion and Control groups. Conclusions A low-dose bolus plus continuous infusion of penehyclidine was effective in preventing PONV without increasing emergence agitation. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov. Identifier: NCT04454866.

BACKGROUND: The evidence that plethysmographic variability index (PVI), pulse pressure variation (PPV), FloTrac/Vigileo-derived stroke volume variation (SVV), and Ea(dyn) (dynamic arterial elastance) predict fluid responsiveness in children is limited by conflicting results. We aim to evaluate their accuracy and reliability to predict fluid responsiveness after induction in children aged 4–9 years undergoing major neurosurgery. METHODS: Children aged 4–9 years undergoing intracranial epileptic foci excision were enrolled. After the induction of anesthesia, fluid loading with 10 mL/kg of Ringer’s solution over 10 min was administered before surgical incision. PVI, PPV, SVV, and Ea(dyn) were measured before and within 5 min after fluid loading. Respiratory variation in aortic blood flow peak velocity (∆Vpeak) >15% at baseline, measured using transthoracic echocardiography, identified fluid “responders”. The abilities of dynamic variables to predict an increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP) of >10% following fluid loading were also assessed. RESULTS: Fourteen (31.8%) of forty-four patients were responders defined by a baseline ∆Vpeak >15%. Before fluid loading, only the PVI value was significantly different between R and NR (P=0.017). Baseline PVI showed fair diagnostic accuracy for fluid responsiveness, with an area under the curve (AUROC) of 0.735 and the cutoff value of 13%. The R group showed a significantly greater absolute change in PPV and SVV after fluid loading from baseline compared with the NR group (P=0.021 and 0.040, respectively). The absolute change in the PPV and SVV values from baseline was greater in R than those in NR (P=0.021 and 0.040, respectively). Twenty (45.5%) showed a MAP increase of >10% following fluid loading and were defined as responders. Baseline ∆Vpeak and SVV showed fair predictive values for a MAP increase of >10% (AUROC =0.758 and 0.715, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: PVI at baseline showed fair reliability to predict fluid responsiveness after anesthesia induction in mechanically ventilated children aged 4–9 years undergoing neurosurgery. Baseline ∆Vpeak and SVV were fairly predictive for an increase in MAP following fluid loading.

INTRODUCTION To improve compliance with voiding diaries in children with primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (PMNE), a new modified 3-day weekend frequency-volume chart (FVC) was designed, and the compliance and validity of this modified FVC was evaluated by comparing with the International Children's Continence Society (ICCS) recommended voiding diary. METHODS A total of 1200 patients with PMNE were enrolled in the study from 13 centers in China and were randomly assigned to record this modified FVC or the ICCS-recommended voiding diary. The primary outcome measure was the compliance, assessed by comparing the completing index and the quality score of diaries between two groups. The secondary outcome measure was the validity, evaluated by comparing the constituent of subtypes, micturition parameters and response rate to desmopressin. RESULTS Among the 1200 participants enrolled in the study, 447 patients completed the ICCS-recommended voiding diary and 469 completed the modified diary. The diurnal completing index and the quality score of the modified FVC group were better than those of the ICCS group. In addition, there was no significant difference between these two groups in the subtype classification, or in the response rate to desmopressin. CONCLUSIONS The modified FVC could be applied to obtain the voiding characteristics of children with PMNE as the ICCS-recommended voiding diary does and offers a reasonable and better choice for children with PMNE from the unselected population in the future.

ObjectiveElucidate the core clinical and genetic characteristics and identify the phenotypic variation between different regions and genotypes of fatal familial insomnia (FFI).MethodsA worldwide large sample of FFI patients from our case series and literature review diagnosed by genetic testing were collected. The prevalence of clinical symptoms and genetic profile were obtained, and then the phenotypic comparison between Asians versus non-Asians and 129Met/Met versus 129Met/Val were conducted.ResultsIn total, 131 cases were identified. The age of onset was 47.51±12.53 (range 17–76) years, 106 patients died and disease duration was 13.20±9.04 (range 2–48) months. Insomnia (87.0%) and rapidly progressive dementia (RPD; 83.2%) occurred with the highest frequency. Hypertension (33.6%) was considered to be an objective indicator of autonomic dysfunction. Genotype frequency at codon 129 was Met/Met (84.7%) and Met/Val (15.3%), and allele frequency was Met (92.4%) and Val (7.6%).129 Met was a risk factor (OR: 3.728, 95% CI: 2.194 to 6.333, p=0.000) for FFI in the non-Asian population. Comparison of Asians and non-Asians revealed clinical symptoms and genetic background to show some differences (pConclusionsInsomnia, RPD and hypertension are representative key clinical presentations of FFI. Phenotypic variations in genotypes and geographic regions were documented. Prion protein gene 129 Met was considered to be a risk factor for FFI in the non-Asian population, and 129 polymorphisms could modify survival duration.

Background Activation of the complement component 5a (C5a) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling is an important feature of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and recent studies show that morphine postconditioning (MP) attenuates the myocardial injury. However, the mediating cardioprotective mechanisms remain unclear. The present study explores the role and interaction of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), Akt, C5a, and NF-κB in MP-induced cardioprotection. Methods Male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 160) were randomized into eight groups (n = 20 per group). Rats in the sham group underwent thoracotomy, passing the ligature through the heart but without tying it (150 min), and the other seven groups were subjected to 30 min of anterior descending coronary artery occlusion followed by 2 h of reperfusion and the following treatments: I/R (30 min of ischemia and followed by 2 h of reperfusion); ischemic postconditioning (IPostC, 30 s of ischemia altered with 30 s of reperfusion, repeated for three cycles, and followed by reperfusion for 2 h); MP (0.3 mg/kg morphine administration 10 min before reperfusion); MP combined with the HSP90 inhibitor geldanamycin (GA, 1 mg/kg); MP combined with the Akt inhibitor GSK-690693 (GSK, 20 mg/kg); and MP combined with the C5a inhibitor PMX205 (PMX, 1 mg/kg/day, administration via drinking water for 28 days) and MP combined with the NF-κB inhibitor EVP4593 (QNZ, 1 mg/kg). All inhibitors were administered 10 min before morphine and followed by 2 h reperfusion. Results MP significantly reduced the I/R-induced infarct size, the apoptosis, and the release of cardiac troponin I, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine kinase-MB. These beneficial effects were accompanied by increased expression of HSP90 and p-Akt, and decreased expression of C5a, NF-κB, tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-1β, and intercellular cell adhesion molecule 1. However, HSP90 inhibitor GA or Akt inhibitor GSK increased the expression of C5a and NF-κB and prevented MP-induced cardioprotection. Furthermore, GA inhibited the MP-induced upregulation of p-Akt, while GSK did not affect HSP90, indicating that p-Akt acts downstream of HSP90 in MP-induced cardioprotection. In addition, C5a inhibitor PMX enhanced the MP-induced downregulation of NF-κB, while NF-κB inhibitor QNZ had no effect on C5a, indicating that the C5a/NF-κB signaling pathway is involved in MP-induced cardioprotection. Conclusion HSP90 is critical for MP-mediated cardioprotection possibly by promoting the phosphorylation of Akt and inhibiting the activation of C5a and NF-κB signaling and the subsequent myocardial inflammation, ultimately attenuating the infarct size and cardiomyocyte apoptosis.

Lead-free perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted interest among scientists searching for eco-friendly energy harvesting devices. Herein, the effects of ozone exposure on poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) in lead-free tin halide PSCs as a facile and low-cost process for improving device performance are analyzed. Two types of tin-based PSCs and one typical lead-based PSC were fabricated. The ozone exposure on PEDOT:PSS increases the short-circuit current density (JSC) and the fill factor (FF) of PSCs in all cases with perovskite grain enlargement and hole-mobility enhancement of the devices, respectively. For open-circuit voltage (VOC), the outcome depends on the band gap and the energy levels of the perovskite films. While ozone exposure treatment is favorable for PEA0.15FA0.85SnI3-based tin PSCs, VOC decreases with ozone exposure in the case of Ge:EDA0.01FA0.98SnI3-based tin PSCs because of a misalignment of the energy levels. Regardless, the efficiency of PEA0.15FA0.85SnI3-based tin PSCs increases from 8.7 to 10.1% when measured inside a glovebox upon ozone exposure of PEDOT:PSS. The efficiency of Ge:EDA0.01FA0.98SnI3-based tin PSCs increases from 6.8 to 8.1%, and the devices retain an efficiency of 5.0% even after 50 days in air.

The neoadjuvant chemotherapy plays an important role in locally advanced gastric cancer, but its efficacy, safety profiles and clinical outcomes among different regimens still remain controversial. In this study, totally 231 eligible patients with locally advanced gastric cancer were enrolled. These patients were divided into the observation group (SOX regimen, n = 123) and control group (mFOLFOX6 regimen, n = 108) according to different chemotherapy regimens. Then, the differences in chemotherapy efficacy, adverse reactions, surgical characteristics, complications and survival condition were compared. No significant differences were observed in clinical efficacy of chemotherapy, the rate of D2 lymph node clearance, R0 resection, complications, responses of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and survival condition between two groups (P > 0.05). The incidence of abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (16.26% vs 29.63%, χ2 = 5.893, P < 0.05; 11.38% vs 26.85%, χ2 = 9.084, P < 0.05; 35.77% vs 53.70%, χ2 = 7.499, P < 0.05). The SOX regimen and mFOLFOX6 regimen have similar chemotherapy efficacy for locally advanced gastric cancer, but SOX regimen has a lower risk of gastrointestinal adverse reactions comparing with mFOLFOX6 regimen.

Long-range surface plasmon resonance (LRSPR) sensor has attracted extensive attention from research institutions and commercial companies due to its label-free detection, real-time analysis, high detection accuracy (DA) and high sensitivity. In this paper, a novel, simple, and effective rotating angle modulation (RAM) method for the metal-graphene structure LRSPR sensor is proposed. Compared with the general SPR sensor, the metal-graphene structure LRSPR sensor has a narrower full width at half maximum (FWHM) and a very high DA, especially the metal material is copper (Cu). The theoretical analysis for the Cu-graphene structure LRSPR sensor using RAM method shows that the FWHM, sensitivity and figure of merit (FOM) of the proposed sensor can be 0.74°, 320.4°/RIU and 498.24/RIU, respectively. In addition, this method enables the LRSPR sensor to obtain good measurement results even with the low-resolution rotating device and effectively reduces the dependence of the sensor on the high-resolution expensive rotating device. A preliminary comparative experiment for the SPR sensor has proved this new method. Finally, the concept of combining the RAM and general incident angle methods is proposed to provide the sensor with a large measuring range and low optical losses. We believe that this method can provide a favorable reference for solving the shortcomings of LRSPR sensors, such as complex structure, limited sensitivity and high cost, so that it can be widely promoted and applied in biological detection, medical assay, chemical investigation, etc.

Background Regional anesthesia and analgesia reduce the stress response to surgery and decrease the need for volatile anesthesia and opioids, thereby preserving cancer-specific immune defenses. This study therefore tested the primary hypothesis that combining epidural anesthesia–analgesia with general anesthesia improves recurrence-free survival after lung cancer surgery. Methods Adults scheduled for video-assisted thoracoscopic lung cancer resections were randomized 1:1 to general anesthesia and intravenous opioid analgesia or combined epidural–general anesthesia and epidural analgesia. The primary outcome was recurrence-free survival (time from surgery to the earliest date of recurrence/metastasis or all-cause death). Secondary outcomes included overall survival (time from surgery to all-cause death) and cancer-specific survival (time from surgery to cancer-specific death). Long-term outcome assessors were blinded to treatment. Results Between May 2015 and November 2017, 400 patients were enrolled and randomized to general anesthesia alone (n = 200) or combined epidural–general anesthesia (n = 200). All were included in the analysis. The median follow-up duration was 32 months (interquartile range, 24 to 48). Recurrence-free survival was similar in each group, with 54 events (27%) with general anesthesia alone versus 48 events (24%) with combined epidural–general anesthesia (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.60 to 1.35; P = 0.608). Overall survival was also similar with 25 events (13%) versus 31 (16%; adjusted hazard ratio, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.64 to 1.96; P = 0.697). There was also no significant difference in cancer-specific survival with 24 events (12%) versus 29 (15%; adjusted hazard ratio, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.61 to 1.91; P = 0.802). Patients assigned to combined epidural–general had more intraoperative hypotension: 94 patients (47%) versus 121 (61%; relative risk, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.55; P = 0.007). Conclusions Epidural anesthesia–analgesia for major lung cancer surgery did not improve recurrence-free, overall, or cancer-specific survival compared with general anesthesia alone, although the CI included both substantial benefit and harm. Editor’s Perspective What We Already Know about This Topic What This Article Tells Us That Is New

Background Experimental and observational research suggests that combined epidural–general anesthesia may improve long-term survival after cancer surgery by reducing anesthetic and opioid consumption and by blunting surgery-related inflammation. This study therefore tested the primary hypothesis that combined epidural–general anesthesia improves long-term survival in elderly patients. Methods This article presents a long-term follow-up of patients enrolled in a previous trial conducted at five hospitals. Patients aged 60 to 90 yr and scheduled for major noncardiac thoracic and abdominal surgeries were randomly assigned to either combined epidural–general anesthesia with postoperative epidural analgesia or general anesthesia alone with postoperative intravenous analgesia. The primary outcome was overall postoperative survival. Secondary outcomes included cancer-specific, recurrence-free, and event-free survival. Results Among 1,802 patients who were enrolled and randomized in the underlying trial, 1,712 were included in the long-term analysis; 92% had surgery for cancer. The median follow-up duration was 66 months (interquartile range, 61 to 80). Among patients assigned to combined epidural–general anesthesia, 355 of 853 (42%) died compared with 326 of 859 (38%) deaths in patients assigned to general anesthesia alone: adjusted hazard ratio, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.92 to 1.24; P = 0.408. Cancer-specific survival was similar with combined epidural–general anesthesia (327 of 853 [38%]) and general anesthesia alone (292 of 859 [34%]): adjusted hazard ratio, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.93 to 1.28; P = 0.290. Recurrence-free survival was 401 of 853 [47%] for patients who had combined epidural–general anesthesia versus 389 of 859 [45%] with general anesthesia alone: adjusted hazard ratio, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.84 to 1.12; P = 0.692. Event-free survival was 466 of 853 [55%] in patients who had combined epidural–general anesthesia versus 450 of 859 [52%] for general anesthesia alone: adjusted hazard ratio, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.86 to 1.12; P = 0.815. Conclusions In elderly patients having major thoracic and abdominal surgery, combined epidural–general anesthesia with epidural analgesia did not improve overall or cancer-specific long-term mortality. Nor did epidural analgesia improve recurrence-free survival. Either approach can therefore reasonably be selected based on patient and clinician preference. Editor’s Perspective What We Already Know about This Topic What This Article Tells Us That Is New

Background The duration of humoral and T and B cell response after the infection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains unclear. Methods We performed a cross-sectional study to assess the virus-specific antibody and memory T and B cell responses in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients up to 343 days after infection. Neutralizing antibodies and antibodies against the receptor-binding domain, spike, and nucleoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 were measured. Virus-specific memory T and B cell responses were analyzed. Results We enrolled 59 patients with COVID-19, including 38 moderate, 16 mild, and 5 asymptomatic patients; 31 (52.5%) were men and 28 (47.5%) were women. The median age was 41 years (interquartile range, 30–55). The median day from symptom onset to enrollment was 317 days (range 257 to 343 days). We found that approximately 90% of patients still have detectable immunoglobulin (Ig)G antibodies against spike and nucleocapsid proteins and neutralizing antibodies against pseudovirus, whereas ~60% of patients had detectable IgG antibodies against receptor-binding domain and surrogate virus-neutralizing antibodies. The SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG+ memory B cell and interferon-γ-secreting T cell responses were detectable in more than 70% of patients. Conclusions Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-specific immune memory response persists in most patients approximately 1 year after infection, which provides a promising sign for prevention from reinfection and vaccination strategy.

Cell therapies for the treatment of skin disorders could benefit from simple, safe and efficient technology for the transdermal delivery of therapeutic cells. Conventional cell delivery by hypodermic-needle injection is associated with poor patient compliance, requires trained personnel, generates waste and has non-negligible risks of injury and infection. Here, we report the design and proof-of-concept application of cryogenic microneedle patches for the transdermal delivery of living cells. The microneedles are fabricated by stepwise cryogenic micromoulding of cryogenic medium with pre-suspended cells, and can be easily inserted into porcine skin and dissolve after deployment of the cells. In mice, cells delivered by the cryomicroneedles retained their viability and proliferative capability. In mice with subcutaneous melanoma tumours, the delivery of ovalbumin-pulsed dendritic cells via the cryomicroneedles elicited higher antigen-specific immune responses and led to slower tumour growth than intravenous and subcutaneous injections of the cells. Biocompatible cryomicroneedles may facilitate minimally invasive cell delivery for a range of cell therapies. Cryogenic microneedle patches can deliver mammalian cells before dissolving into the skin, as shown with the transdermal delivery of ovalbumin-pulsed dendritic cells in mice with subcutaneous tumours.

This study aimed to explore the quantitative efficacy of L-carnitine supplementation on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients using model-based meta-analysis (MBMA).Literatures were retrieved from the public database and data from these trials were extracted. The quantitative efficacy of L-carnitine on fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients were evaluated by maximal effect (EIn the model of FPG, EIt was the first time to provide valuable quantitative information for efficacy of L-carnitine supplementation on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Mesangial IgM deposition is found in patients with immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). This study aims to investigate the relationships between mesangial IgM deposition and disease progression in IgAN patients. A total of 1239 patients with biopsy-proven primary IgAN were enrolled in this multicenter, observational study between January 2013 and August 2017. According to the degree of IgM deposition, 1239 patients were divided into three groups: Grade 0 (no or trace; n = 713, 57.55%), Grade 1 (mild; n = 414, 33.41%), Grades 2 + 3 (moderate and marked; n = 112, 9.04%). Using a 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) method identifying age, gender and treatment modality to minimize confounding factors, 1042 matched patients (out of 1239) with different degrees of IgM deposition were enrolled to evaluate the severity of baseline clinicopathological features and renal outcome: Grade 0 (n = 521, 50.00%), Grade 1 (n = 409, 39.25%), Grades 2 + 3 (n = 112, 10.75%). Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards analyses were performed to determine whether different degrees of mesangial IgM deposition are associated with varying renal outcomes in IgAN. During a mean follow-up of 48.90 ± 23.86 and 49.01 ± 23.73 months, before and after adjusting for propensity scores, respectively, the rate of complete remission (CR) was progressively lower with increased IgM deposition in both unmatched (63.39%, 46.14%, 45.54%) and matched cohort (61.80%, 46.45%, 45.54%), whereas the proportion of patients progressing to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) showed reverse correlation (P

The 2020 year-end wrap-up session of Baishideng Publishing Group was held on December 31, 2020. All staff attended this session. We shared our key results area and made a business plan regarding the journal management. World Journal of Virology (WJV) is now abstracted and indexed in PubMed and PubMed Central. It received 23 manuscripts and published 9 papers which included 6 articles reporting coronavirus 19 in 2020. On the other hand, we made major strategies for WJV’s development in 2021. At present, WJV only has 28 Editorial Board members and cannot receive many manuscripts. We must redouble our efforts to invite more highly influential scientists to join our Editorial Board member and write high-quality manuscripts.

The association between cerebral desaturation and postoperative delirium in thoracotomy with one-lung ventilation (OLV) has not been specifically studied.A prospective observational study performed in thoracic surgical patients. Cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (Scto2) was monitored on the left and right foreheads using a near-infrared spectroscopy oximeter. Baseline Scto2 was measured with patients awake and breathing room air. The minimum Scto2 was the lowest measurement at any time during surgery. Cerebral desaturation and hypersaturation were an episode of Scto2 below and above a given threshold for ≥15 seconds during surgery, respectively. The thresholds based on relative changes by referring to the baseline measurement were80%,85%,90%,95%, and100% baseline for desaturation and105%,110%,115%, and120% baseline for hypersaturation. The thresholds based on absolute values were50%,55%,60%,65%, and70% for desaturation and75%,80%,85%, and90% for hypersaturation. The given area under the threshold (AUT)/area above the threshold (AAT) was analyzed. Delirium was assessed until postoperative day 5. The primary analysis was the association between the minimum Scto2 and delirium using multivariable logistic regression controlled for confounders (age, OLV time, use of midazolam, occurrence of hypotension, and severity of pain). The secondary analysis was the association between cerebral desaturation/hypersaturation and delirium, and between the AUT/AAT and delirium using multivariable logistic regression controlled for the same confounders. Multiple testing was corrected using the Holm-Bonferroni method. We additionally monitored somatic tissue oxygen saturation on the forearm and upper thigh.Delirium occurred in 35 (20%) of 175 patients (65 ± 6 years old). The minimum left or right Scto2 was not associated with delirium. Cerebral desaturation defined by90% baseline for left Scto2 (odds ratio [OR], 5.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.12-19.2; corrected P =.008) and85% baseline for right Scto2 (OR, 4.27; 95% CI, 1.77-11.0; corrected P =.01) was associated with an increased risk of delirium. Cerebral desaturation defined by other thresholds, cerebral hypersaturation, the AUT/AAT, and somatic desaturation and hypersaturation were all not associated with delirium.Cerebral desaturation defined by90% baseline for left Scto2 and85% baseline for right Scto2, but not the minimum Scto2, may be associated with an increased risk of postthoracotomy delirium. The validity of these thresholds needs to be tested by randomized controlled trials.

Ferroelectric materials are promising for solar energy conversion due to the unique spontaneous polarization effect, leading to effective control of electron-hole recombination and potentially high power conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells. Herein, the ultrathin ferroelectric hafnia alumina (HfAlO) films were obtained by atomic layer deposition and applied to modify the electron transport layer of PSCs. The XPS and AFM characterizations indicate that the Hf0.39Al0.10O films feature smooth, dense, and compact surface morphology. For the devices incorporating the ultrathin HfAlO films, the oriented ferroelectric effect-induced spontaneous polarization and internal electric field are crucial factors to enhance the charge separation during charge transfer. Accordingly, the short circuit current, open-circuit voltage, and power conversion efficiency (PCE) are increased by 11.8%, 9.0%, and 29.8%, respectively. Moreover, the HfAlO incorporating devices retained ~ 80% of the original PCE after 500 h ageing, much better than that of the pristine devices showing the retention of only ~ 50% of the original PCE.

To evaluate how prevertebral space involvement (PSI) and degree of tumor extension within the space affects prognosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).Data of patients with newly-diagnosed nonmetastatic NPC (n = 757) were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were separated into groups according to presence or absence of PSI and degree of tumor spread. Overall survival (OS), failure-free survival (FFS), local relapse-free survival (LRFS), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) were compared between the groups.Prevalence of PSI, simple prevertebral muscle involvement (PMI), and behind prevertebral muscle involvement (BPMI) were 44.9% (340/757), 22.5% (170/757), and 22.5% (170/757), respectively. OS, FFS, LRFS, and DMFS for patients with and without PSI were 64% vs. 84.8%, 68% vs. 85.6%, 85.8% vs. 94.4%, and 78.5% vs. 92.8%, respectively (all P 0.001). PSI was an independent predictor of OS, FFS, LRFS, and DMFS. OS, FFS, and DMFS for patients with simple PMI and with BPMI were 72.7% vs. 54.8% (P = 0.002), 75.8% vs. 59.8% (P = 0.003), and 85.5% vs. 71.2% (P = 0.002), respectively. Degree of PSI extension was related to OS, FFS, and DMFS. OS, FFS, LRFS, and DMFS were significantly poorer in patients with PSI in T2-3 stage than in patients without PSI in T3 stage (P 0.05), but comparable to those in patients with T4 stage (P 0.05).PSI predicts poor prognosis in NPC. Survival is poorer in patients with BPMI than in those with simple PMI. NPC with PSI should be classified as T4 stage.

The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of solution-processed organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells has been drastically improved. Despite this considerable progress, systematic research on...

To address how the microbiome might modify the interaction between diet and cardiometabolic health, we analyzed longitudinal microbiome data from 307 male participants in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, together with long-term dietary information and measurements of biomarkers of glucose homeostasis, lipid metabolism and inflammation from blood samples. Here, we demonstrate that a healthy Mediterranean-style dietary pattern is associated with specific functional and taxonomic components of the gut microbiome, and that its protective associations with cardiometabolic health vary depending on microbial composition. In particular, the protective association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and cardiometabolic disease risk was significantly stronger among participants with decreased abundance of Prevotella copri. Our findings advance the concept of precision nutrition and have the potential to inform more effective and precise dietary approaches for the prevention of cardiometabolic disease mediated through alterations in the gut microbiome. The beneficial effects of a Mediterranean diet on cardiometabolic health are associated with specific changes in the gut microbiome, suggesting a personalized approach towards cardiometabolic disease prevention.

Background Cornell assessment of pediatric delirium (CAPD) showed advantage in diagnosis of pediatric delirium in Chinese critically ill patients. But its performance in surgical patients is still unclear. The present study was designed to validate the diagnostic performance of CAPD in surgical pediatric patients. Methods This is a prospective validation study. Pediatric patients who underwent selective surgery and general anesthesia were enrolled. Primary outcome was the incidence of delirium within postoperative three days. CAPD Chinese version was used to evaluate if the patient had delirium one time per day. At the meantime, a psychiatrist employed Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fifth edition to diagnose delirium, which was the “gold standard”, and the result was considered as reference standard. Sensitivity, specificity and area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were calculated to investigate the performance of CAPD. Results A total of 170 patients were enrolled. Median age was 4 years old. As diagnosed by psychiatrist, 23 (13.5 %) patients experienced at least one episode of delirium during the follow-up period. When diagnostic threshold was set at 9, CAPD showed the optimal sensitivity (87.0 %, 95 %CI 65.3 %-96.6 %) and specificity (98.0 %, 95 %CI 93.7 %-99.5 %) in comparison with other diagnostic thresholds. ROC analysis showed that CAPD was a good delirium assessment instrument with area under curve of 0.911 (95 % CI 0.812 to 1.000, P P Conclusions This study found that Cornell assessment of pediatric delirium could be used as an effective instrument in diagnosis of delirium in pediatric surgical patients. Trial registration www.chictr.org.cn Identifier: ChiCTR-DDD-17,012,231, August 3, 2017.

Background Depression is a common and serious complication in new mothers. We investigated the hypothesis that neuraxial labor analgesia is associated with a decreased risk of postpartum depression. Methods In this multicenter prospective cohort study with propensity score matching, 599 nulliparous women with single term cephalic pregnancy who planned vaginal delivery were enrolled and self-selected neuraxial analgesia or not. The primary outcome was 6-week postpartum depression assessed with the Chinese version Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale; a score of ≥10 was set as the threshold of postpartum depression. Logistic regression models were established to assess the association between neuraxial labor analgesia and postpartum depression. Results Of the 577 parturients who completed the study, 417 (72.3%) received neuraxial analgesia and 160 (27.7%) did not. After propensity score matching, 433 parturients were included in the analysis; of whom, 279 (64.4%) received neuraxial analgesia and 154 (35.6%) did not. The incidence of postpartum depression was lower in parturients with neuraxial analgesia than in those without (14.9% [62/417] vs. 23.8% [38/160], P=0.012 before matching; 13.3% [37/279] vs. 23.4% [36/154], P=0.007 after matching). After adjustment for confounding factors, neuraxial analgesia was associated with decreased odds of postpartum depression (odds ratio [OR] 0.50, 95% CI 0.28-0.88, P=0.015 before matching; OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.21-0.77, P=0.006 after matching). Limitations As an observational study, unidentified confounders might influence the results. Conclusions In nulliparae with single term cephalic pregnancy preparing to give vaginal delivery neuraxial analgesia during labor was associated with a decreased risk of 6-week postpartum depression.

BACKGROUND Moderate-to-severe pain exists in the early postoperative period after laparoscopic renal surgery. OBJECTIVE We investigated the analgesic effect of quadratus lumborum block (QLB) via two approaches in patients undergoing laparoscopic renal nephrectomy. DESIGN A randomised controlled trial. SETTING An academic tertiary care hospital in Beijing, China. PARTICIPANTS Ninety-six patients aged 18 to 70 years who were scheduled for elective laparoscopic radical or partial nephrectomy. INTERVENTIONS Eligible patients were allocated randomly to a control group (no block), lateral QLB group or posterior QLB group. Ultrasound-guided QLB was performed via either the lateral or posterior approach with 30 ml of 0.4% ropivacaine before surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was sufentanil equivalent consumption within 24 h. Among secondary outcomes, somatic and visceral pain intensity at rest and on coughing were assessed with a numerical rating scale (where 0 = no pain and 10 = the worst pain) until 24 h postoperatively. RESULTS Sufentanil equivalent consumption did not differ among the three groups (118 ± 36 μg in the control group, 115 ± 47 μg in the lateral QLB group and 119 ± 40 μg in the posterior QLB group; P = 0.955). However, both somatic (lateral QLB vs. control, median difference -1, P

Yun-Xiao Zhang,1,2 Dong-Liang Mu,1 Ke-Min Jin,3 Xue-Ying Li,4 Dong-Xin Wang1,5 1Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 2Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), The Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 3Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), The First Department of Hepatic, Biliary & Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Biostatistics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 5Outcomes Research Consortium, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of AmericaCorrespondence: Dong-Xin WangDepartment of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, No. 8 Xishiku Street, Beijing 100034, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +8610 83572784Fax +86 10 66551057Email dxwang65@bjmu.edu.cnPurpose: Perioperative anesthetic management may affect long-term outcome after cancer surgery. This study investigated the effect of perioperative glucocorticoids on long-term survival in patients after radical resection for pancreatic cancer.Methods: In this retrospective cohort study with propensity score-matching, patients who underwent radical resection for pancreatic cancer from January 2005 to December 2016 were recruited. Baseline and perioperative data including use of glucocorticoids for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting were collected. Patients were followed up by qualified personnel for cancer recurrence and survival. The primary outcome was the recurrence-free survival. Outcomes were compared before and after propensity matching. The association between perioperative glucocorticoid use and recurrence-free survival was analyzed with multivariable regression models.Results: A total of 215 patients were included in the study; of these, 112 received perioperative glucocorticoids and 103 did not. Patients were followed up for a median of 74.0 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 68.3– 79.7). After propensity score-matching, 64 patients remained in each group. The recurrence-free survivals were significantly longer in patients with glucocorticoids than in those without (full cohort: median 12.0 months [95% CI 6.0– 28.0] vs 6.9 months [4.2– 17.0], P< 0.001; matched cohort: median 12.0 months [95% CI 5.8– 26.3] vs 8.3 months [4.3– 18.2], P=0.015). After correction for confounding factors, perioperative glucocorticoids were significantly associated with prolonged recurrence-free survivals (full cohort: HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.48– 0.92, P=0.015; matched cohort: HR 0.54, 95% CI 0.35– 0.84, P=0.007).Conclusion: Perioperative use of low-dose glucocorticoids is associated with improved recurrence-free survival in patients following radical surgery for pancreatic cancer.Keywords: pancreatic cancer, surgery, perioperative management, glucocorticoids, survival

Necking defects have long troubled the application of cross-wedge rolling technology in aluminium alloy shaft parts. To accurately predict necking defects, new judgement conditions are established based on the thermal performance of 6082 aluminium alloy. The limit-sectional shrinkage without necking defects is achieved by combining theoretical calculation and finite-element model analysis, which couples heat transfer and deformation. In this paper, a 6082 aluminium alloy extruded rod with a 40 mm diameter rolled at a preheated temperature of 500 °C and a rolling angular velocity of 1 rad/s is taken as an example. The simulation and experimental results show that necking defects do not occur on the rolled pieces if the sectional shrinkage is below the limit-sectional shrinkage but will occur when the sectional shrinkage is above it. The results prove that the prediction model of necking defects in cross-wedge rolling of 6082 aluminum alloy is feasible, and this research provides a theoretical basis for the qualified aluminum alloy shafts produced by the cross-wedge rolling.

Background Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common occupational injuries that nurses experience in their daily work, which ultimately causes disability or difficulty in performing heavy physical activity. There is scarce information that presents a direct figure about the prevalence of LBP in Chinese nurses. Objective To systematically review and analyze the prevalence and influencing factors of LBP among nurses in China. Methods Related literature extracted from PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were selected and reviewed based on the PRISMA guideline. Random effects models were used for data analysis, where heterogeneity was tested through I2. Egger's test was used to analyze the literature publication bias. Results The combined data indicated that the prevalence of LBP among nurses in China was 78% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.72–0.83]. The prevalence of LBP among nurses in China has declined in the past decade. Nurses presented a high risk of LBP in terms of female (OR = 2.38, 95% CI = 1.23–3.44, P < 0.0001), married (OR = 2.79, 95% CI = 1.57–3.86, P < 0.0001), 24 ≤ BMI < 28 (OR = 2.03, 95% CI = 1.18–3.08, P < 0.0001), and working for more than ten >10 years (OR = 2.54, 95% CI = 2.03–3.32, P < 0.0001). Conclusions There is a high prevalence of LBP among nurses in China. Interventions that include healthy dietary habits and physical activity mainly focusing on female married nurses who are working for at least 10 years should be implemented. Furthermore, nurses ought to apply ergonomic principles for personal protection at the workplace.

Currently, controversies regarding the optimal time-point of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pretreatment before pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) still exist. To clarify this, we conducted a network meta-analysis, 26 randomized controlled trials including 1806 PDR patients were included. Compared with the sham group, performing anti-VEGF injection at preoperative (Pre-Op) 6 to 14 days could significantly improve post-operative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and decrease the incidence of recurrent vitreous hemorrhage (VH). Meanwhile, it could significantly reduce the duration of surgery. Performing anti-VEGF injection at Pre-Op more than 14 days, 6 to 14 days or 1 to 5 days could significantly reduce the incidence of intra-operative bleeding, while no significant benefit existed at the end of PPV (P > 0.05). No significant difference existed between all those strategies and sham group in reducing the rate of silicone oil tamponade. Based on currently available evidence, performing the anti-VEGF pretreatment at pre-operative 6 to 14 days showed best efficacy in improving post-operative BCVA, reducing the duration of surgery and incidence of recurrent VH, it also achieves satisfactory effect in reducing the incidence of intra-operative bleeding.

To estimate the polyp regression rate and treatment prognosis of different interventions for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and clarify its baseline characteristics. The PubMed, EMBASE, and Ovid were searched up to January 2020 to identify related studies. R software version 3.6.3 was used to perform the statistical analyses. Results in proportion with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by means of the Freeman-Tukey variant of arcsine square transformation. Chi-squared test and I2 statistics were used to evaluate the statistical heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis and subgroup analyses were performed to identify the source of heterogeneity. This meta-analysis included 104 studies with 5816 patients. The pooling results indicated the general rate of complete polyp regression at post-treatment 12 months was 64% (95% CI [57~71%]), 89% (95% CI [81~95%]) for photodynamic therapy (PDT) monotherapy, 78% (95% CI [68~86%]) for PDT plus anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF), and 42% (95% CI [35~49%]) for anti-VEGF monotherapy; PDT plus anti-VEGF showed the best efficacy in visual improvement and achieved the highest rate of dry macula (91%, 95% CI [78~99%]), while anti-VEGF monotherapy achieved the lowest polyp recurrence rate (14%, 95% CI [8~20%]); PDT monotherapy showed the best efficacy in pigment epithelial detachment regression (66%, 95% CI [58~83%]). Additionally, the baseline characteristics of PCV were also well described. PDT plus anti-VEGF is still valuable for the management of PCV; it could achieve not only satisfactory anatomical outcomes like dry macula rate and polyp regression rate but also ideal visual prognosis like BCVA improvement.

The vibration and damping performances of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) three-dimensional double-arrow-head (3D DAH) auxetic metamaterials are investigated in this paper. The negative Poisson’s ratio effects of the CFRP 3D DAH auxetic metamaterials are analytically studied by the energy method. 3D finite element models based on Modal Strain Energy approach are developed to analyze their vibration and damping characteristics. To validate the numerical models in the present study, the CFRP 3D DAH auxetic metamaterials are designed and manufactured. The sine-sweep response tests are conducted to investigate their vibration performances. The influence of different inclined corrugated angles, and fiber orientations on the natural frequencies, loss factors and the nominal Young’s modulus are plotted and discussed using validated numerical models. Meanwhile, the effect of Poisson’s ratio on the nominal Young’s modulus, natural frequencies and loss factors is also revealed explicitly. Furthermore, the comprehensive evaluation parameter that simultaneously characterizes the structural bearing capacity and vibration damping performance is further improved through parameter optimization.

Background:The risk of environmental contamination by severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the intensive care unit (ICU) is unclear. We evaluated the extent of environmental contamination in the ICU and correlated this with patient and disease factors, including the impact of different ventilatory modalities.Methods:In this observational study, surface environmental samples collected from ICU patient rooms and common areas were tested for SARS-CoV-2 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Select samples from the common area were tested by cell culture. Clinical data were collected and correlated to the presence of environmental contamination. Results were compared to historical data from a previous study in general wards.Results:In total, 200 samples from 20 patient rooms and 75 samples from common areas and the staff pantry were tested. The results showed that 14 rooms had at least 1 site contaminated, with an overall contamination rate of 14% (28 of 200 samples). Environmental contamination was not associated with day of illness, ventilatory mode, aerosol-generating procedures, or viral load. The frequency of environmental contamination was lower in the ICU than in general ward rooms. Eight samples from the common area were positive, though all were negative on cell culture.Conclusion:Environmental contamination in the ICU was lower than in the general wards. The use of mechanical ventilation or high-flow nasal oxygen was not associated with greater surface contamination, supporting their use and safety from an infection control perspective. Transmission risk via environmental surfaces in the ICUs is likely to be low. Nonetheless, infection control practices should be strictly reinforced, and transmission risk via droplet or airborne spread remains.

Objective To evaluate the effect of multilevel single-shot thoracic paravertebral blockade (PVB) on the occurrence of chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) in patients undergoing breast cancer surgery. Design A randomized controlled trial with two parallel groups. Setting A tertiary hospital. Methods Patients scheduled for breast cancer surgery were randomized to receive either ultrasound-guided multilevel single-shot PVB from T2 to T5 (the PVB group) or nothing (the control group). Surgery was then performed under general anesthesia. Patients were followed up for 12 months after surgery. The primary end point was incidence of CPSP at six months after surgery. Results A total of 218 patients were enrolled and randomized; of these, 208 and 204 completed six- and 12-month follow-up, respectively. The incidence of CPSP at six months was significantly lower in the PVB group (12.5% [13/104]) than in the control group (24.0% [25/104], relative risk = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.28–0.96, P = 0.031). Pain scores within 48 hours both at rest and with movement were lower in the PVB group than the control group (P = 0.006 and P Conclusions For patients undergoing breast cancer surgery, multilevel single-shot PVB reduces the incidence of CPSP at six months; it also improves early postoperative analgesia and reduces neuropathic pain at six and 12 months after surgery.

BACKGROUND Spontaneous rupture and hemorrhage of renal angiomyolipoma (RAML) is a life-threatening clinical emergency. When it occurs during pregnancy, it is compared to a “bomb explosion,” which makes the diagnosis and treatment more challenging. An ultrasound examination is a quick and safe examination with the benefit of no radiation exposure, which is always preferred for pregnant women. Currently, cases of spontaneous rupture and hemorrhage of RAML during pregnancy are rare, as is the diagnostic value and characteristics of ultrasound. The lack of understanding of the condition among ultrasound doctors makes it prone to misdiagnosis. In this study, we present the case of a pregnant woman who was preliminarily diagnosed with spontaneous rupture and hemorrhage of the left RAML using ultrasound and discuss the ultrasound characteristics. CASE SUMMARY A 38-year-old woman in her 19th wk of pregnancy (G2P1) was referred to our clinic for a sudden, persistent pain on the left side of the waist. She had not undergone any previous related abdominal examination. Ultrasound of the urinary system revealed a giant nonhomogenous lump in the left kidney area. The diagnosis was considered spontaneous rupture and hemorrhage of the left RAML in pregnancy via ultrasound. Her left-side waist pain continued to be intense. Subsequently, she underwent computed tomography, which led to the same diagnosis. Based on many factors, the patient underwent left nephrectomy after the induction of labor. The pathological result was the rupture and hemorrhage of a vascular leiomyoma lipoma. CONCLUSION Ultrasound examination plays an important role in the diagnosis of the spontaneous rupture and hemorrhage of RAML during pregnancy.

Highlights • Lymphopenia and eosinopenia might be predictors of disease severity in COVID-19. • Lymphopenia and eosinopenia might be predictors of disease progression in COVID-19. • Clinical classification-severe type is the dependently risk factor for alteration of PBICs. • PBICs might be a sentinel, and it deserves attention during COVID-19 management., Background The underlying changes of peripheral blood inflammatory cells (PBICs) in COVID-19 patients are little known. Moreover, the risk factors for the underlying changes of PBICs and their predicting role in severe COVID-19 patients remain uncertain. Material and Methods This retrospective study including two cohorts: the main cohort enrolling 45 patients of severe type serving as study group, and the secondary cohort enrolling 12 patients of no-severe type serving as control group. The PBICs analysis was based on blood routine and lymphocyte subsets. The inflammatory cell levels were compared among patients according to clinical classifications, disease-associated phases, as well as one-month outcomes. Results Compared with patients of non-severe type, the patients of severe type suffered from significantly decreased counts of lymphocytes, eosinophils, basophils, but increased counts of neutrophils. These PBICs alterations got improved in recovery phase, but persisted or got worse in aggravated phase. Compared with patients in discharged group, the patients in un-discharged/died group suffered from decreased counts of total T lymphocytes, CD4+T lymphocytes, CD8+T lymphocytes, as well as NK cells at 2 weeks after treatment. Clinical classification-critically severe was the independently risk factor for lymphopenia (OR=7.701, 95%CI:1.265-46.893, P=0.027), eosinopenia (OR=5.595, 95%CI:1.008-31.054, P=0.049) and worse one-month outcome (OR=8.984; 95%CI:1.021-79.061, P=0.048). Conclusion Lymphopenia and eosinopenia may serve as predictors of disease severity and disease progression in COVID-19 patients, and enhancing the cellular immunity may contribute to COVID-19 treatment. Thus, PBICs might become a sentinel of COVID-19, and it deserves attention during COVID-19 treatment.

Background Despite its high sensitivity in diagnosing COVID-19 in a screening population, chest CT appearances of COVID 19 pneumonia are thought to be non-specific. Purpose To assess the performance of United States (U.S.) and Chinese radiologists in differentiating COVID-19 from viral pneumonia on chest CT. Methods A total of 219 patients with both positive COVID-19 by RT-PCR and abnormal chest CT findings were retrospectively identified from 7 Chinese hospitals in Hunan Providence, China from January 6 to February 20, 2020. A total of 205 patients with positive Respiratory Pathogen Panel for viral pneumonia and CT findings consistent with or highly suspicious for pneumonia by original radiology interpretation within 7 days of each other were identified from Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, RI. Three Chinese radiologists blindly reviewed all chest CTs (n=424) to differentiate COVID-19 from viral pneumonia. A sample of 58 age-matched cases was randomly selected and evaluated by 4 U.S. radiologists in a similar fashion. Different CT features were recorded and compared between the two groups. Results For all chest CTs, three Chinese radiologists correctly differentiated COVID-19 from non-COVID-19 pneumonia 83% (350/424), 80% (338/424), and 60% (255/424) of the time, respectively. The seven radiologists had sensitivities of 80%, 67%, 97%, 93%, 83%, 73% and 70% and specificities of 100%, 93%, 7%, 100%, 93%, 93%, 100%. Compared to non-COVID-19 pneumonia, COVID-19 pneumonia was more likely to have a peripheral distribution (80% vs. 57%, p

At present, the infrastructure of hydrogen production, storage and transportation is poor. Fuel reforming for hydrogen production from liquid fossil fuels such as kerosene, petrol and diesel is of great significance for wide application of on-board fuel cell and distributed energy resources. In this work, the produced and heat released of kerosene, petrol and diesel reformed by different reforming methods (autothermal reforming, partial oxidation, steam reforming) were studied by means of thermodynamic analysis. Based on the thermodynamic analysis, the effect of reforming methods on the system's ideal thermal efficiency are analysed. The results show that the hydrogen concentration of syngas obtained from steam reforming is highest regardless of the fuel types. The hydrogen yielded by per unit volume of diesel is largest under same reforming method. Autothermal reforming has the largest ideal thermal efficiency among three reforming methods.

Two kinds of SiC nanowires exhibiting different structures were fabricated by carbothermal reduction method and subsequent wet chemical etching. Strong and tunable ultraviolet to green emission pea...

Background Both selective and nonselective α-blockade are used for preoperative preparation in patients with pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs). However, the effects of different types of α-blockade on perioperative outcomes remain inconclusive. This study was designed to assess the association between the choice of α-blockade and the amount of intraoperative hypertension in patients undergoing surgery for PPGLs. Methods In this propensity-matched retrospective cohort study, data of patients who received either selective or nonselective α-blockade preoperatively and underwent surgery for PPGLs were collected. The primary end point was the time-weighted average above the systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 160 mm Hg (TWA-SBP >160 mm Hg), which was calculated as the total area of the SBP-time curve above the SBP of 160 mm Hg and divided by anesthesia duration. Results A total of 286 patients were included in analysis; of them, 156 received selective α-blockade and 130 nonselective α-blockade. After propensity score matching, 89 patients remained in each group. Patients who received nonselective α-blockade had a lower TWASBP >160 (median 0.472 mm Hg, interquartile range [IQR], 0.081-1.300) versus those who received selective α-blockade (median 1.114 mm Hg, IQR, 0.162-2.853; median difference -0.391, 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.828 to -0.032; P = .016); they also had a lower highest SBP during surgery (193 ± 24 mm Hg versus 205 ± 34 mm Hg; mean difference -12, 95% CI, -20 to -3; P = .008). Postoperative outcomes did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. Conclusions For patients undergoing surgery for PPGLs, preoperative nonselective α-blockade was associated with less intraoperative hypertension when compared with selective α-blockade.

The purpose of this study was to explore the functional implication of microRNA-218 (miR-218) in diabetic nephropathy (DN) through high-glucose-stimulated renal proximal tubule impairment. Biological function experiments showed that miR-218 and inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1β were highly expressed in renal proximal tubule under high-glucose conditions. Inhibiting miR-218 alleviated renal tubular cell injury, which was represented by miR-218 inhibitor facilitating renal tubular cell vitality whilst reducing its apoptosis and levels of inflammation factors. In addition, we confirmed that miR-218 directly targeted GPRC5A and negatively regulated its expression. Co-transfection assay showed that overexpression of GPRC5A accentuated the mitigated action of miR-218 inhibitor on renal proximal tubule cell injury induced by high-glucose. Accordingly, these data indicated that downregulation of miR-218 can assuage high-glucose-resulted renal tubular cell damage, and its ameliorative effect was achieved by negative regulation of GPRC5A, which provides a novel direction for unearthing the pathogenesis and even further biological treatment of DN.

Cold storage is the vital infrastructure of cold chain logistics. In this study, we analyzed the spatial pattern evolution characteristics, spatial autocorrelation and influencing factors of cold storage in China by using kernel density estimation (KDE), spatial autocorrelation analysis (SAA), and spatial error model (SEM). Results showed that: 1) the spatial distribution of cold storage in China is unbalanced, and has evolved from ‘one core’ to ‘one core and many spots’, that is, ‘one core’ refers to the Bohai Rim region mainly including Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shandong and Liaoning regions, and ‘many spots’ mainly include the high-density areas such as Shanghai, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Zhengzhou, Hefei, Wuhan, Urumqi. 2) The distribution of cold storage has significant global spatial autocorrelation and local spatial autocorrelation, and the ‘High-High’ cluster area is the most stable, mainly concentrated in the Bohai Rim; the ‘Low-Low’ cluster area is grouped in the southern China. 3) Economic developmenficit.

BackgroundDramatic hemodynamic fluctuation occurs frequently during surgery for pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma. However, the criteria of intraoperative hemodynamic instability vary widely, and most of them were defined arbitrarily but not according to patients’ prognosis. The objective was to analyze the relationship between different thresholds and durations of intraoperative hyper−/hypotension and the risk of postoperative complications in patients undergoing surgery for pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma.MethodsThis was a retrospective single-center cohort study performed in a tertiary care hospital from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2017. Three hundred twenty-seven patients who underwent surgery for pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma, of which the diagnoses were confirmed by postoperative pathologic examination, were enrolled. Those who were less than 18 years, underwent surgery involving non-tumor organs, or had incomplete data were excluded. The primary endpoint was a composite of the occurrence of AKI or other complications during hospital stay after surgery. Multivariate Logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between different thresholds and durations of intraoperative hyper−/hypotension and the development of postoperative complications.ResultsForty three (13.1%) patients developed complications during hospital stay after surgery. After adjusting for confounding factors, intraoperative hypotension, defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) of ≤95 mmHg for ≥20 min (OR 3.211; 99% CI 1.081–9.536;P = 0.006), SBP of ≤90 mmHg for ≥20 min (OR 3.680; 98.8% CI 1.107–12.240;P = 0.006), SBP of ≤85 mmHg for ≥10 min (OR 3.975; 98.3% CI 1.321–11.961;P = 0.003), and SBP of ≤80 mmHg for ≥1 min (OR 3.465; 95% CI 1.484–8.093;P = 0.004), were associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications. On the other hand, intraoperative hypertension was not significantly associated with the development of postoperative complications.ConclusionsFor patients undergoing surgery for pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma, intraoperative hypotension is associated with increased postoperative complications; and the harmful effects are level- and duration-dependent. The effects of intraoperative hypertension need to be studied further.

The inherent optical and electrical properties of inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) give them high potential applicability in advanced energy devices. In this study, PEDOT:PSS was remodeled with aqueou...

Background Suboptimal tissue perfusion and oxygenation during surgery may be responsible for postoperative nausea and vomiting in some patients. This trial tested the hypothesis that muscular tissue oxygen saturation–guided intraoperative care reduces postoperative nausea and vomiting. Methods This multicenter, pragmatic, patient- and assessor-blinded randomized controlled (1:1 ratio) trial was conducted from September 2018 to June 2019 at six teaching hospitals in four different cities in China. Nonsmoking women, 18 to 65 yr old, and having elective laparoscopic surgery involving hysterectomy (n = 800) were randomly assigned to receive either intraoperative muscular tissue oxygen saturation–guided care or usual care. The goal was to maintain muscular tissue oxygen saturation, measured at flank and on forearm, greater than baseline or 70%, whichever was higher. The primary outcome was 24-h postoperative nausea and vomiting. Secondary outcomes included nausea severity, quality of recovery, and 30-day morbidity and mortality. Results Of the 800 randomized patients (median age, 50 yr [range, 27 to 65]), 799 were assessed for the primary outcome. The below-goal muscular tissue oxygen saturation area under the curve was significantly smaller in patients receiving muscular tissue oxygen saturation–guided care (n = 400) than in those receiving usual care (n = 399; flank, 50 vs. 140% · min, P < 0.001; forearm, 53 vs. 245% · min, P < 0.001). The incidences of 24-h postoperative nausea and vomiting were 32% (127 of 400) in the muscular tissue oxygen saturation–guided care group and 36% (142 of 399) in the usual care group, which were not significantly different (risk ratio, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.73 to 1.08; P = 0.251). There were no significant between-group differences for secondary outcomes. No harm was observed throughout the study. Conclusions In a relatively young and healthy female patient population, personalized, goal-directed, muscular tissue oxygen saturation–guided intraoperative care is effective in treating decreased muscular tissue oxygen saturation but does not reduce the incidence of 24-h posthysterectomy nausea and vomiting. Editor’s Perspective What We Already Know about This Topic What This Article Tells Us That Is New

Rotenone is a mitochondrial complex I inhibitor, which can cause the death of dopaminergic (DA) neurons and Parkinson's disease (PD). Currently, whether metformin has a protective effect on neurotoxicity induced by rotenone is unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential protective effect of metformin against rotenone-induced neurotoxicity. PD animal model was established by unilateral rotenone injection into the right substantia nigra (SN) of C57BL/6 mice. The behavioral tests were performed by rotarod test and cylinder test. The numbers of TH-positive neurons and Iba-1 positive microglia in the SN were investigated by immunohistochemical staining. The mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β) and molecules involved in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress (ATF4, ATF6, XBP1, Grp78, and CHOP) in the midbrain were detected by Quantitative real-time PCR. This study showed that 50 mg/kg metformin given orally daily, beginning 3 d before rotenone injection and continuing for 4 weeks following rotenone injection, significantly ameliorated dyskinesia, increased the number of TH-positive neurons, and mitigated the activation of microglia in the SN in rotenone-induced PD mice. Furthermore, 50 mg/kg metformin markedly downregulated the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β) and ER stress-related genes (ATF4, ATF6, XBP1, Grp78, and CHOP) in rotenone-induced PD mice. Metformin has a protective effect on DA neurons against rotenone-induced neurotoxicity through inhibiting neuroinflammation and ER stress in PD mouse model.