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Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST) MRI is sensitive to dilute metabolites with exchangeable protons, allowing tissue characterization in diseases such as acute stroke and tumor. CEST quantification using multi-pool Lorentzian fitting is challenging due to its strong dependence on image signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), initial values and boundaries. Herein we proposed an Image Downsampling Expedited Adaptive Least-squares (IDEAL) fitting algorithm that quantifies CEST images based on initial values from multi-pool Lorentzian fitting of iteratively less downsampled images until the original resolution. The IDEAL fitting in phantom data with superimposed noise provided smaller coefficient of variation and higher contrast-to-noise ratio at a faster fitting speed compared to conventional fitting. We further applied the IDEAL fitting to quantify CEST MRI in rat gliomas and confirmed its advantage for in vivo CEST quantification. In addition to significant changes in amide proton transfer and semisolid macromolecular magnetization transfer effects, the IDEAL fitting revealed pronounced negative contrasts of tumors in the fitted CEST maps at 2 ppm and −1.6 ppm, likely arising from changes in creatine level and nuclear overhauser effects, which were not found using conventional method. It is anticipated that the proposed method can be generalized to quantify MRI data where SNR is suboptimal.

Transverse relaxation time ( T2) is a basic but very informative MRI parameter, widely used in imaging to examine a host of diseases, including multiple sclerosis, stroke, and tumor. However, short repetition time (TR) is often used to minimize scan time, which may introduce non-negligible errors in T2 measurement. Specifically, due to the use of refocusing pulse, the steady state magnetization depends not only on TR but also on the TE. Hence, if the TE dependence is not properly accounted for, it may be mistaken as T2-induced signal attenuation, leading to non-negligible T2 underestimation. Our study proposed a fast radio-frequency enforced steady state (FRESS) spin echo (SE) MRI sequence, which saturates the magnetization after the echo and ensures a TE-independent steady state. The proposed FRESS-SE MRI was evaluated with numerical simulation, implemented with echo planar imaging readout, and validated by both phantom and in vivo experiments. In summary, FRESS-SE T2 MRI technique was developed for fast and accurate T2 imaging, suitable for in vivo applications. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The highly charged ion 40Ar16+ with the velocity (kinetic energy EK=150 keV, velocity V=8.5×105 m/s) smaller than Bohr velocity ( VBohr=2.9×106 m/s) was found to hove impacts on the surfaces of metals Ni, Mo, Au and Al, and the Ar atomic infrared light lines and X-rays spectra were simultaneously measured. The experimental results show that the highly charged ion that captures electrons is neutralized, and the multiply-excited hollow atom forms. The hollow atom cascade decay radiates lights from infrared to X-ray spectrum. The intensity of infrared lights shows that the metallic work functions play an important role in the neutralization process of highly charged ions during their interaction with metallic surfaces, which verifies the classical over-the-barrier model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The X-ray spectra of Nb surface induced by Ar q+ ( q = 16,17) ions with the energy range from 10 to 20 keV/q were studied by the optical spectrum technology. The experimental results indicate that the multi-electron excitation occurred as a highly charged Ar16+ ion was neutralized below the metal surface. The K shell electron of Ar16+ was excited and then de-excited cascadly to emit K X-ray. The intensity of the X-ray emitted from K shell of the hollow Ar atom decreased with the increase of projectile kinetic energy. The intensity of the X-ray emitted from L shell of the target atom Nb increased with the increase of projectile kinetic energy. The X-ray yield of Ar17+ is three magnitude orders larger than that of Ar16+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L-shell X-ray spectra of Mo surface induced by Xe25+ and Xe29+ were measured. The X-ray intensity was obtained in the kinetic energy range of the incident ions from 350 to 600 keV. The relationship of X-ray intensity with kinetic energy of the projectile and its charge state were studied, and the simple explanation was given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the slow highly charged ions 129Xe q+ ( q = 25, 26, 27; initial kinetic T 0⩽4.65 keV/a.u.) to impact Au surface, the Au atomic Mα characteristic X-ray spectrum is induced. The result shows that as long as the charge state of projectile is high enough, the heavy atomic characteristic X-ray can be effectively excited even though the incident beam is very weak (nA magnitude), and the X-ray yield per ion is in the order of 10−8 and increases with the kinetic energy and potential energy of projectile. By measuring the Au Mα-X-ray spectra, Au atomic N-level lifetime is estimated at about 1.33×10−18 s based on Heisenberg uncertainty relation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We evaluated the prognostic and diagnostic ability of p16/Ki-67 immunocytochemistry, HPV E6/E7 mRNA testing and HPV DNA assay in triaging ASCUS to find a way to manage cervical lesions more effectively. Methods: We conducted a prospective study through follow-up. The detection methods of the three factors: p16/Ki-67 immunocytochemistry conducted by using the CINtec® Plus Kit, E6/E7 mRNA testing by QuantiVirus®HPV E6/E7 mRNA assay and DNA by Hybrid Capture 2 assay. Results: One hundred three women with ASCUS satisfied requirements and completed the entire follow-up process. All CIN2+ occurred in women who were mRNA positive at baseline, none in mRNA negative. 100% (6/6) patients with CIN2+ were HPV DNA assay positive, 100% (6/6) were HPV E6/E7 mRNA testing positive and 50.0% (3/6) were p16/Ki-67 immunocytochemistry positive. The risk ratio of E6/E7 mRNA test was 57.306 (95% CI 0.077–42,400.545). For endpoint of CIN2+, the sensitivity between HPV DNA assay and HPV E6/E7 mRNA testing is no statistical difference, but statistical difference exists between HPV E6/E7 mRNA testing vs. p16/Ki-67 immunocytochemistry (χ2 = 5.718, P = 0.023) and HPV DNA assay vs. p16/Ki-67 immunocytochemistry (χ2 = 5.718, P = 0.023). The specificity of E6/E7 mRNA testing, p16/Ki-67 and DNA assay in triaging ASCUS was 44.33, 75.26 and 11.34% respectively and is all statistical difference (χ2 = 26.277, P < 0.001(HPV DNA assay vs. HPV E6/E7 mRNA testing), χ2 = 19.297, P < 0.001(HPV E6/E7 mRNA testing vs. p16/Ki-67 immunocytochemistry), χ2 = 80.707, P < 0.001(HPV DNA assay vs. p16/Ki-67 immunocytochemistry). The expression level of 2097.09 copies/ml was the optimal cut-off value for HPV E6/E7 mRNA testing to diagnose CIN2+, the sensitivity and specificity was 61.1 and 68.2%. Conclusions: High expression of HPV E6/E7 mRNA could be a good candidate as a diagnostic biomarker to triage ASCUS superseding HPV DNA. p16/Ki-67 immunocytochemistry is suggested to be a good tool to triage ASCUS, but it reduced the sensitivity of diagnosis when improves the diagnostic specificity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging (DKI)-derived metrics are recognized as indicators of maturation in neonates with low-grade germinal matrix and intraventricular hemorrhage (GMH-IVH). However, it is not yet known if these factors are associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes. The objective of this study was to acquire DKI-derived metrics in neonates with low-grade GMH-IVH, and to demonstrate their association with later neurodevelopmental outcomes. In this prospective study, neonates with low-grade GMH-IVH and control neonates were recruited, and DKI were performed between January 2020 and March 2021. These neonates underwent the Bayley Scales of Infant Development test at 18 months of age. Mean kurtosis (MK), radial kurtosis (RK) and gray matter values were measured. Spearman correlation analyses were conducted for the measured values and neurodevelopmental outcome scores. Forty controls (18 males, average gestational age (GA) 30 weeks ± 1.3, corrected GA at MRI scan 38 weeks ± 1) and thirty neonates with low-grade GMH-IVH (13 males, average GA 30 weeks ± 1.5, corrected GA at MRI scan 38 weeks ± 1). Neonates with low-grade GMH-IVH exhibited lower MK and RK values in the PLIC and the thalamus (P < 0.05). The MK value in the thalamus was associated with Mental Development Index (MDI) (r = 0.810, 95% CI 0.695–0.13; P < 0.001) and Psychomotor Development Index (PDI) (r = 0.852, 95% CI 0.722–0.912; P < 0.001) scores. RK value in the caudate nucleus significantly and positively correlated with MDI (r = 0.496, 95% CI 0.657–0.933; P < 0.001) and PDI (r = 0.545, 95% CI 0.712–0.942; P < 0.001) scores. The area under the curve (AUC) were used to assess diagnostic performance of MK and RK in thalamus (AUC = 0.866, 0.787) and caudate nucleus (AUC = 0.833, 0.671) for predicting neurodevelopmental outcomes. As quantitative neuroimaging markers, MK in thalamus and RK in caudate nucleus may help predict neurodevelopmental outcomes in neonates with low-grade GMH-IVH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Hip fracture and falls are significant health concerns. Handgrip strength (HGS) is closely associated with overall muscle strength and physical health. However, the longitudinal relationship between HGS and the risk of hip fractures and falls remains unclear, particularly regarding gender differences. This longitudinal study aimed to investigate the association between HGS and the risk of hip fracture and falls in individuals aged 45 years and above, considering gender‐specific differences over a 4‐year period. Methods: This study included 10,092 participants (4471 men and 5621 women) aged 45 years and above from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Incidents of hip fractures and falls were recorded during a 4‐year follow‐up, along with various demographic and clinical factors. Participants were categorized into five groups based on their HGS quintiles. Logistic regression models were employed to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the relationship between HGS and hip fracture/fall risk. Results: During the 4‐year follow‐up period, 223 cases of hip fracture (2.2%) and 1831 cases of falls (18.1%) were documented. Notably, higher HGS demonstrated a strong inverse association with the risk of hip fracture in both males and females (p < 0.05). In comparison to the lowest HGS quintile, the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for hip fracture were 0.46 (0.27–0.78) for the total population, 0.4 (0.19–0.81) for males and 0.48 (0.23–0.98) for females in the highest HGS quintile. Furthermore, a profound and statistically significant negative correlation between HGS and falls was detected (p < 0.05). The adjusted ORs for falls in the highest HGS quintile, compared to the lowest quintile, were 0.62 (0.51–0.76) in the overall population, 0.59 (0.44–0.78) in males, and 0.78 (0.62–0.99) in females. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the significant inverse association between HGS and the risk of hip fracture and falls in both males and females aged 45 years and above. Assessing handgrip strength may serve as a valuable tool for predicting fracture and fall risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) often arises as a cerebral complication directly related to preterm birth. The impaired autoregulation of cerebral blood flow is closely associated with IVH in preterm neonates. Three-dimensional pseudo-continuous arterial spin labelling (3D-pCASL) is a noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique used for evaluating cerebral perfusion. Objective: This study aimed to compare cerebral blood flow values among three distinct groups using 3D-pCASL: preterm neonates with and without IVH and preterm neonates at term-equivalent age. Materials and methods: A total of 101 preterm neonates who underwent conventional MRI and 3D-pCASL were included in this study. These neonates were categorised into three groups: 12 preterm neonates with IVH, 52 preterm neonates without IVH, and 37 healthy neonates at term-equivalent age. Cerebral blood flow measurements were obtained from six brain regions of interest (ROIs)—the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe, basal ganglia, and thalamus—in the right and left hemispheres. Results: The cerebral blood flow values measured in all ROIs of preterm neonates with IVH were significantly lower than those of neonates at term-equivalent age (all P<0.05). Additionally, the cerebral blood flow in the temporal lobe was lower in preterm neonates without IVH than in neonates at term-equivalent age (16.87±5.01 vs. 19.76±5.47 ml/100 g/min, P=0.012). Furthermore, a noteworthy positive correlation was observed between post-menstrual age and cerebral blood flow in the temporal lobe (P=0.037), basal ganglia (P=0.010), and thalamus (P=0.010). Conclusion: The quantitative cerebral blood flow values, as measured by 3D-pCASL, highlighted that preterm neonates with IVH had decreased cerebral perfusion. This finding underscores the potential of 3D-pCASL as a technique for evaluating the developmental aspects of the brain in preterm neonates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis caused by citrin deficiency (NICCD) is an autosomal recessive disorder and one of the most common inherent causes of cholestatic jaundice in Asian infants. Mutations in the SLC25A13 gene, which encodes citrin protein expressed in the liver, have been identified as the genetic cause for NICCD.Case Presentation: Here, we report a 4-month-old female with clinical features including jaundice, hyperbilirubinemia, hyperlactacidemia, and abnormal liver function. The patient was diagnosed with NICCD by differential diagnosis using genetic analysis. Mutations in 60 jaundice-related genes were tested by using amplicon sequencing, which was performed on an Ion S5XL genetic analyzer. A compound heterozygous mutation in the SLC25A13 gene was identified, consisting of a known deletion SLC25A13:c.852_855delTATG and a novel splicing mutation SLC25A13:c.1841 + 3_1841 + 4delAA. Sanger sequencing for the proband and her parents was performed to validate the result and reveal the source of mutations.Conclusion: A compound heterozygous mutation in the SLC25A13 gene was identified in a 4-month-old female patient with NICCD. Our data suggest that amplicon sequencing is a helpful tool for the differential diagnosis of inherited diseases with similar symptoms. Further studies of the mutation spectrum of neonatal jaundice in China are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have gained increasing attention as a potential approach for the treatment of bone injuries due to their multi-lineage differentiation potential and also their ability to recognize and home to damaged tissue sites, secreting bioactive factors that can modulate the immune system and enhance tissue repair. However, a wide gap between the number of MSCs obtainable from the donor site and the number required for implantation, as well as the lack of understanding of MSC functions under different in vitro and in vivo microenvironment, hinders the progression of MSCs toward clinical settings. The clinical translation of MSCs pre-requisites a scalable expansion process for the biomanufacturing of therapeutically qualified cells. This review briefly introduces the features of implanted MSCs to determine the best strategies to optimize their regenerative capacity, as well as the current MSC implantation for bone diseases. Current achievements for expansion of MSCs using various culturing methods, bioreactor technologies, biomaterial platforms, as well as microtissue-based expansion strategies are also discussed, providing new insights into future large-scale MSC expansion and clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The available evidence on the effects of ambient fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) and pregnancy outcomes (birth outcomes and pregnancy complications) has increased substantially. The purpose of this umbrella review is to refine the evidence of the association between birth outcome (birth defects) and PM 2.5 ; and summarize the credibility of existing research on the association between pregnancy complications and PM 2.5. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane databases for relevant systematic reviews and meta-analyses up to March 16, 2022 in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Two independent investigators conducted data extraction. AMSTAR 2 and GRADE assessment criteria were used to evaluate the methodological and evidence quality. We performed subgroup analyses by trimesters of pregnancy. The review protocol for this study has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022325550). This umbrella review identified a total of 41 systematic reviews, including 28 articles evaluating the influence of PM 2.5 on birth outcomes and 13 on pregnancy complications. Positive associations between perinatal PM 2.5 exposure and adverse birth outcomes were found, including low birth weight, preterm birth, stillbirth, small for gestational age, and birth defects. Pregnant women exposed to PM 2.5 had a significantly higher risk of developing hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, gestational diabetes mellitus, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia. The findings of subgroup analysis demonstrated that the effects of ambient PM 2.5 exposure on pregnancy outcomes varied by trimesters. The findings of this extensive umbrella review provide convincing proof that exposure to ambient PM 2.5 raises the risks of unfavorable birth outcomes and pregnancy complications. Some associations show considerable disparity between trimesters. These findings have implications for strengthen perinatal health care on air pollution and improving intergenerational equity. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The L-shell x-ray emissions of gold are investigated for the bombardment of high energy C6+ ions in the high energy region of 154.3–423.9 MeV/u. Due to the multiple ionization of outer-shell electrons at the movement of L x-ray emission, the blue shift of the experimental x-ray energy and an enhancement of the relative intensity ratios of Lι, Lβ–Lα x rays are observed. Using the improved thin target formula and considering the effect of multiple ionization on atomic parameters, the L-subshell x-ray production cross sections are extracted from the counts and compared with the theoretical estimations of BEA, PWBA and ECPSSR. It is found that the relative corrections of ECPSSR on PWBA can be ignored in the present experimental energy region. The calculations of PWBA and ECPSSR are almost identical and both are larger than the experimental results. The BEA is in better agreement with the experiment as a whole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to establish a MRI-based classifier to distinguish early stages of cervical cancer with improved diagnostic performance to assist clinical diagnosis and treatment. 57 patients with pathological diagnosis of cervical cancer from January 2018 to May 2019 were enrolled in this study. MRI examinations, including T1-weighted image(T1WI), T2-weighted image(T2W), diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE), were performed before surgery. MR images from patients of stage Ib or IIa cervical cancer with tumor segmented were used as input. Feature extraction process extracted first-order statistics and texture and applied filters. The dimensionality of the radiomic features was reduced using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). Models were trained by three machine-learning (k-nearest neighbor (KNN), support vector machine (SVM), and logistic regression (LR)) and diagnostic performance in differentiating stage Ib and stage IIa cases was evaluated. A total of 27 features were extracted to establish models, including 2 features from T1WI, 5 features from T2WI, 5 features from DWI (b = 50), 4 features from DWI (b = 800), 5 features from DCE, and 6 features from ADC. For each machine learning (ML) classifier, six sequences of training set and testing set are modeled and analyzed. Among all the models, the training set and testing set of T2WI model built by SVM classifier were the best (Area under the curve (AUC) 0.915) / (AUC 0.907). Radiomic analysis of ML-based texture features and first-order statistics features can be used to stage the early cervical cancer pre-operatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The L-shell x-rays of Te have been measured for the impact of protons with energies from 100 to 300 keV, and He2+ ions in the energy range of 300–600 keV. The new experimental data of Te for individual L-subshell and total L x-ray production cross sections were extracted from the thick-target analysis of x-ray yields. This is significant for updating the existing database. The cross sections were also compared with theoretical calculations of BEA, PWBA, ECPSSR and ECUSAR along with various atomic parameter databases and including modification of multiple ionization. On the whole, The ECUSAR-MI predictions using Campbell's atomic parameters present a best agreement to the experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mg K-shell x-ray production cross sections have been investigated for the impact of H+, He2+ and highly charged heavy ions Xe20+ and Eu20+ in the energy range near the Bohr velocity. The x-ray production cross sections were extracted from the yield and compared with various theoretical calculations. It is found that, with the same incident energy per nucleon, the cross section induced by light ions is lower than that produced by highly charged heavy ions by a factor of about 104. With the impact of H+ and He2+ ions, the x-ray emission cross section can be well predicted by ECPSSR theory. However, for the bombardment of highly charged heavy ions, the BEA calculation, corrected both by Coulomb repulsion and effective nuclear charge, results in a good estimation to the experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this prospective study of an in-vivo cervical examination using optical coherence tomography (OCT), we evaluated the diagnostic value of non-invasive and real-time OCT in cervical precancerous lesions and cancer diagnosis, and determined the characteristics of OCT images. 733 patients from 5 Chinese hospitals were inspected with OCT and colposcopy-directed biopsy. The OCT images were compared with the histological sections to find out the characteristics of various categories of lesions. The OCT images were also interpreted by 3 investigators to make a 2-class classification, and the results were compared against the pathological results. Various structures of the cervical tissue were clearly observed in OCT images, which matched well with the corresponding histological sections. The OCT diagnosis results delivered a sensitivity of 87.0% (95% confidence interval, CI 82.2–90.7%), a specificity of 84.1% (95% CI 80.3–87.2%), and an overall accuracy of 85.1%. Both good consistency of OCT images and histological images and satisfactory diagnosis results were provided by OCT. Due to its features of non-invasion, real-time, and accuracy, OCT is valuable for the in-vivo evaluation of cervical lesions and has the potential to be one of the routine cervical diagnosis methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common female cancer worldwide. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), such as SOX21-AS1, play pivotal roles in the progression and metastasis of cancer. We previously described that SOX21-AS1 was hypomethylated in cervical cancer (CC) and aimed to further explore the relationship between methylation of the SOX21-AS1 promoter and CC using clinical cervical samples. Pyrosequencing was performed to detect the methylation status of the SOX21-AS1 promoter in 33 cervical specimens. Additionally, expression levels of related genes in 43 clinical cervical specimens were measured using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The SOX21-AS1 promoter was significantly hypomethylated in CC (P < 0.01). SOX21-AS1 hypomethylation was also significantly associated with an advanced Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage (P < 0.01). The expression levels of SOX21-AS1 and SOX21 were noted to be higher in cancer vs. normal cervix (all P < 0.001). Moreover, the expression of SOX21-AS1 was positively correlated with SOX21 in all samples (r = 0.891, P < 0.001). Methylation statue of the SOX21-AS1 promoter region was negatively correlated with the expression levels of SOX21-AS1 and SOX21 (SOX21-AS1, r = − 0.628; SOX21, r = − 0.648; both P < 0.001). The methylation status of SOX21-AS1 displayed promising diagnostic potential for CC, exhibiting good sensitivity (100.0%) and specificity (69.2%), with an area under the curve of 0.846. In addition, bioinformatic analyses identified a potential link between SOX21-AS1 and the Wnt signaling pathway. Furthermore, methylation status of SOX21-AS1 was negatively correlated with β-catenin/c-myc/cyclin D1 mRNA levels (rs = − 0.529, − 0.462 ,and − 0.383, respectively, P < 0.05). Our findings illuminated that lncRNA SOX21-AS1 showed hypomethylation in cervical cancer and SOX21-AS1 could serve as a novel biomarker for CC diagnosis or a potential therapeutic target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dissociation processes of lactic acid and its isomer formed by low-energy dissociation electron attachment (DEA) in the gas phase are investigated by using ab initio molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The ab initio MD simulations using an atom-centered density matrix propagation (ADMP) method are carried out to investigate the DEA dissociation process of lactic acid and its isomer. The analysis of the simulated dissociation trajectories of lactic acid and its isomer indicates that the C-C, C-H, and C-O bonds are cleaved within femtoseconds of the simulation time scale in the DEA dissociation process, and the difference in dissociation trajectory depends on the size of the three basis sets. The simulation results enable us to gain insights into the DEA dissociation process of lactic acid and its isomer. In this work, we present a comparative study of the 6-31 + G(d,p), 6-311++G(2d,2p), and Aug-cc-pVDZ basis sets of the DEA dissociation simulation of lactic acid and its isomer. The comparative study results indicate that the 6-311++G(2d,2p) is an excellent basis set for the ADMP trajectory simulation of lactic acid and its isomer in the DEA dissociation process. The natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis is carried out to characterize variation in the charge population and charge transfer accompanied by the C-C, C-H, and C-O bond dissociation processes for lactic acid and its isomer in the ADMP trajectory simulation. ADMP simulation and NBO analysis of the dissociation trajectory is considered an important initial and decisive step in DEA dissociation dynamics for lactic acid and its isomer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atypical squamous cell of undetermined significance (ASCUS) is a common cervical cytological diagnosis. At present, HPV DNA assay is used to triage these patients, but its lower specificity brings a series of problems. The purpose of this study was to evaluated the value of p16/Ki67 immunostaining, HPV E6/E7 mRNA testing in triaging women with ASCUS by comparing HPV DNA assay.Methods: Liquid based cytology specimens were collected from 300 patients. P16/Ki67 immunocytochemistry using the CINtec® Plus Kit and HPV E6/E7 mRNA testing by QuantiVirus®HPV E6/E7 mRNA assay used the same cytology sample. Detection rates of each test were evaluated against histopathology.Results: All assays yielded a high sensitivity for the detection of CIN3+ (100% (86.7-100) for HPV DNA assay, 88.0% (70.0-95.8) for HPV E6/E7 mRNA testing and 100% (86.7-100) for p16/Ki67 immunocytochemistry) and CIN2+ (98.2% (90.2-99.7) for HPV DNA assay, 87.0% (75.6-93.6) for HPV E6/E7 mRNA testing, 98.2% (90.2-99.7) for p16/Ki67 immunocytochemistry). The specificity to detect high grade dysplasia was highest for p16/Ki67 immunocytochemistry (74.2% (68.7-79.0) in CIN3+ and 82.5% (77.3-86.8) in CIN2+), followed by HPV E6/E7 mRNA testing (39.6% (34.0-45.5) in CIN3+ and 42.7% (36.7-48.9) in CIN2+) and HPV DNA assay (16.0% (12.1-20.8) in CIN3+ and 17.5% (13.2-22.7) in CIN2+).Conclusions: p16/Ki67 immunostaining and HPV E6/E7 mRNA testing, especially the former, may be promising tools in triage of ASCUS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is one of the most widespread musculoskeletal diseases worldwide, which remains an intractable clinical challenge. The aim of this study is to investigate the therapeutic potential of the small molecule gefitinib (an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor) in ameliorating IVD degeneration. Aberrant EGFR activation levels were detected in both human and rat degenerative IVDs, which prompted us to investigate the functional roles of EGFR by utilizing inducible cartilage-specific EGFR-deficient mice. We demonstrated that conditional EGFR deletion in mice increased nucleus pulposus (NP) extracellular matrix (ECM) production and autophagy marker activation while MMP13 expression decreased. These outcomes are comparable to the use of a controlled-release injectable thermosensitive hydrogel of gefitinib to block EGFR activity in a puncture-induced rat model. We also conducted a case series study involving patients with non-small cell lung cancer and IVD degeneration who received gefitinib treatment from 2010 to 2015. Gefitinib-treated patients displayed a relative slower disc degenerating progression, in contrast to control subjects. These findings thus provide evidence that suppression of EGFR by the FDA-approved drug gefitinib can protect IVD degeneration in rats, implying the potential application of gefitinib as a small molecule drug for treating IVD degeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The L-shell x-ray emission of 50 Sn has been investigated for the impact of proton with energies from 100 keV to 300 keV. The experimental cross section of individual Lι, Lα, Lβ, Lγ and total L x rays were obtained from the yield. This is significant for the enrichment of existing database and PIXE analysis in applications. The results were compared with the data available in literature, as well as to the theoretical estimations of BEA, PWBA, ECPSSR and ECUSAR using various atomic parameters and considering correction of multiple ionization. The influences of the modification of united atom approximation, the multi-ionized atomic parameters and the selection of different databases on the theory calculation were discussed. On the whole, the experimental data can be well predicted by ECUSAR-MI calculation with Puri et al. and Campbell's atomic parameters. • New experiment data of Sn L x-ray production cross section by protons was reported. • United atom approximation is needed for lower energy proton impact. • Multi-ionization correction on atomic parameter is needed for lower proton impact. • Corrected ECPSSR model presents a better calculation to the experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

K-shell X-ray emission of Silicon induced by near-Bohr-velocity ions was systematically investigated in collision systems for which the ratio of projectile-to-target atomic numbers ( Z 1 / Z 2 ) ranged from 0.07 to 3.79. The results show that, in asymmetric collisions, the measured K-shell X-ray production cross sections of Silicon fit very well with the predictions of different direct ionization models depending on the atomic number of projectile. In the case of near-symmetric collisions ( Z 1 / Z 2 ∼ 1), an obvious enhancement of the X-ray production cross section was observed, which can be attributed to the vacancy transfer within the framework of quasi-molecular model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Several l,5-di-N,N′-dialkyaminoanthraquinones containing acryloyl groups were synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The photophysical and photoinduction properties of these anthraquinone derivatives were examined in solution, in combination with free radical producing agents such as hexa-aryl-bis-imidazoles (HABI). When UV–vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy were employed to investigate the photophysical process, results showed that the photobleaching rate of N-alkylaminoanthraquinones containing an acrylate group and HABI was much faster than the acrylate group-free N-alkylaminoanthraquinone/HABI combination. N-alkylaminoanthraquinone induced polymerization of 2-phenoxyethyl acrylate (POEA)/N-vinyl carbazole (NVC)/cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) mixtures was studied using real-time infrared spectroscopy (RTIR). It was found that the rate of polymerization was faster if the acryloyl groups were connected to the N,N′-dialkylaminoanthraquinone structure and that 1,5-di-N,N′-dialkylaminoanthraquinone containing acryloyl groups was more sensitive to visible light system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Preterm infants often have the risk of apnea and respiratory distress. • Caffeine has been widely used to prevent apnea of prematurity. • Caffeine has been shown the conflicting effects on the developing brain. • Early application of caffeine in preterm infants improves white matter development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of early prophylactic caffeine treatment on white matter development in very preterm infants using cerebral magnetic resonance imaging. A total of 194 preterm infants (≤32 weeks gestational age) were randomly assigned to the caffeine (n = 96) or placebo (n = 93) treatment group and administered with either caffeine or placebo within 72 h after birth. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging, including diffuse tensor imaging examination, was performed at 34–36 weeks of corrected gestational age, and the fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were measured. In total, 160 infants were included in the final analysis, including 80 cases in the placebo group and 80 cases in the caffeine group. There were fewer instances of apnea of prematurity and shorter assisted ventilation times for infants in the caffeine group compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). Infants in the caffeine group had significantly higher FA values in white matter, including the posterior limb of the internal capsule, the corpus callosum, the frontal, occipital, and parietal white matter, the cerebellum, and the cerebral peduncle, compared to infants in the placebo group. ADC values in the above white matter areas were significantly reduced in the caffeine group. However, there were no significant differences regarding the FA and ADC in the gray matter between the two groups. These results demonstrate that early administration of caffeine improves white matter micro-structural development in preterm infants, but with no significant effect on short-term complications related to prematurity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Docetaxel (DTX) resistance attenuates anti-tumor effects of DTX on prostate cancer (mCRPC) and drug resistance was related to Treg expansion in tumors. ZNF667-AS1 played a suppressing role in various tumors and tumor-derived exosomes carry lncRNAs to participate in tumor progression. Here, the effects of ZNF667-AS1 on malignant characteristics and DTX resistance in PC and the effect and its underlying molecular mechanism of tumor-derived exosomes carrying ZNF667-AS1 on Treg expansion were investigated., Methods: The identification of exosomes were determined using TEM, NTA and western blot. The abundance of genes and proteins were evaluated using IHC, RT-qPCR, western blot and FISH. Malignant phenotypes of PC cells were evaluated by means of Edu, scratch test, transwell, CCK-8 and flow cytometry. The percentage of CD4 + CD25 + Foxp 3+ Tregs was detected using flow cytometry. The location of ZNF667-AS1 was detected using nuclear-cytoplasmic fractionation. The co-location of ZNF667-AS1 and U2AF1 protein was detected using IF-FISH assay. The interactions among ZNF667-AS1, TGFBR1 and U2AF1 were verified using RNA pull-down, RIP and dual luciferase activity., Results: ZNF667-AS1 expression in PC samples was lowered, which was negatively relative to poor prognosis and DTX resistance. ZNF667-AS1 overexpression inhibited malignant phenotypes of PC cells, tumor growth and DTX resistance. Besides, DTX resistant cell-derived exosomes expressed lower ZNF667-AS1 expression. Exosomes carrying exogenously high ZNF667-AS1 expression derived PC cells or serum of mice suppressed Treg expansion. On the mechanism, ZNF667-AS1 interacted with U2AF1 to destabilize TGFBR1 mRNA and reduce TGFBR1 expression in CD4 + T cells., Conclusion: ZNF667-AS1 suppressed cell growth of PC cells, tumor growth of mice and DTX resistance to PC cells and exogenously high ZNF667-AS1 expression in tumor-derived exosomes destabilized TGFBR1 mRNA and reduce TGFBR1 expression through interacting with U2AF1, thus resulting in attenuated Treg expansion, which was related to DTX resistance., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Objective: This study examined the relationship between cystatin C (CysC) levels and all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer mortality in US metabolic syndrome (MetS) patients., Methods: The 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) prospective cohort research included 1980 MetS participants. To assess CysC levels and all-cause, CVD, and cancer mortality, fitted curves, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, Cox regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic curves were performed., Results: During a mean follow-up of 15.3 ± 5.4 years, a total of 819 deaths occurred. The fitted and Kaplan-Meier survival curves revealed that greater CysC levels were linked to higher all-cause, CVD, and cancer mortality rates (P < .05). After adjusting for variables, CysC level was associated with all-cause, CVD, and cancer mortality at 1.63 (1.42-1.88), 1.53 (1.19-1.95), and 1.53 (1 ∼ 2.32), respectively (P < .05). Tertile models showed consistent results: high CysC Tertile participants showed higher risk of all-cause mortality (HR 1.87; 1.43-2.45), CVD mortality (HR 1.97, 1.15 ∼ 3.38), and cancer mortality (HR 1.72, 1.01 ∼ 2.91) compared to those in the lowest tertile (P < .05). Subgroup studies by sex and other characteristics confirmed the findings. CysC demonstrated the higher predictive efficacy across mortality outcomes, followed by eGFR, outperforming urea nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid, and C-reactive protein. CysC alone exhibited substantial predictive value for all-cause (AUC 0.773; P < .05) and CVD mortality (AUC 0.726; P < .05). Combining CysC with age enhanced predictive value for all-cause mortality to 0.861 and CVD mortality to 0.771 (P < .05)., Conclusion: MetS patients with elevated CysC levels have a higher risk of all-cause, CVD, and cancer death. CysC may predict MetS all-cause and CVD mortality., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Endocrine Society.)

Meat quality is important in the meat-production chain. Conflicting reports of the effects of feeding systems on sheep growth performance and meat quality exist. By way of meta-analysis, we reviewed the literature on the growth and slaughter performance, and meat quality of lambs that grazed solely on pasture, those that grazed on pasture but received a dietary supplement, and those were exclusively fed indoors. The relevant literature comprised 28 papers, from which response variables of interest were obtained. Compared with stall-fed sheep, pasture-grazing led to significantly ( p < 0.05) lower average daily gain, slaughter live weight, hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, and similar dressing percentage, but pasture-grazed sheep fed a supplement had similar ( p > 0.05) values for each of these attributes to stall-fed sheep. The quality of the longissimus muscle from lambs that grazed either exclusively on pasture or pasture with a supplement had significantly ( p < 0.05) lower lightness and intramuscular fat content, and significantly ( p < 0.05) higher yellowness, Warner-Bratzler shear force, and protein content than meat from stall-fed sheep. We conclude that sheep that have fed exclusively on pasture have lower carcass yield and meat edibility, but improved meat quality, and that pasture-fed sheep that received a supplement had comparable carcass attributes, but greater meat color and health quality than stall-fed sheep.

Endothelial cells (ECs) are crucial for maintaining the integrity of blood vessel walls and reducing thrombosis. Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a common thrombotic disease and its diagnosis and treatment remain at the stage of coagulation function examination and post-onset treatment. Thus, identifying the pathogenesis of DVT is important. The present study investigated the significance of the Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)/cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) signaling pathway in a human umbilical vein EC (HUVECs) oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) model and femoral fractures were induced in anesthetized rats using a quantifiable impact device delivering 5 J of energy to each side of the proximal outer thigh, followed by external fixation with a hip spica cast to create a traumatic deep venous thrombosis (TDVT) animal model. Rats were subjected to quantitative impact fixation to establish a TDVT model. The rats were treated with a TLR2 agonist (Pam3CSK4) and a TLR2 inhibitor (C29) via intraperitoneal injection and thrombus formation was examined. HUVECs were subjected to OGD and treated with Pam3CSK4 or C29 and cell viability and apoptosis were assessed. Western blotting, immunofluorescence and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR were used to examine the inflammatory responses and signaling pathways. In vivo experiments showed that Pam3CSK4 promoted thrombus formation and increased the mRNA and protein expression of NF-κB, COX-2, Tissue factor (TF), IL-6 and P-selectin compared with the model and C29 groups. In vitro experiments showed that Pam3CSK4 treatment resulted in a higher number of apoptotic cells than C29 treatment and that it increased the levels of NF-κB, COX-2, IL-6 and P-selectin, whereas C29 decreased them. Thus, TLR2 promotes the inflammatory response in EC through the NF-κB/COX-2 signaling pathway, which may lead to EC apoptosis and the occurrence of TDVT., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright: © 2024 Guo et al.)

Objectives: This study aims to assess the predictive capability of synthetic MRI in assessing neurodevelopmental outcomes for extremely preterm neonates with low-grade Germinal Matrix-Intraventricular Hemorrhage (GMH-IVH). The study also investigates the potential enhancement of predictive performance by combining relaxation times from different brain regions., Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, 80 extremely preterm neonates with GMH-IVH underwent synthetic MRI around 38 weeks, between January 2020 and June 2022. Neurodevelopmental assessments at 18 months of corrected age categorized the infants into two groups: those without disability ( n = 40) and those with disability ( n = 40), with cognitive and motor outcome scores recorded. T 1 , T 2 relaxation times, and Proton Density (PD) values were measured in different brain regions. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to correlate MRI values with neurodevelopmental outcome scores. Synthetic MRI metrics linked to disability were identified, and combined models with independent predictors were established. The predictability of synthetic MRI metrics in different brain regions and their combinations were evaluated and compared with internal validation using bootstrap resampling., Results: Elevated T 1 and T 2 relaxation times in the frontal white matter (FWM) and caudate were significantly associated with disability ( p  < 0.05). The T 1 -FWM, T 1 -Caudate, T 2 -FWM, and T 2 -Caudate models exhibited overall predictive performance with AUC values of 0.751, 0.695, 0.856, and 0.872, respectively. Combining these models into T 1 -FWM + T 1 -Caudate + T 2 -FWM + T 2 -Caudate resulted in an improved AUC of 0.955, surpassing individual models ( p  < 0.05). Bootstrap resampling confirmed the validity of the models., Conclusion: Synthetic MRI proves effective in early predicting adverse outcomes in extremely preterm infants with GMH-IVH. The combination of T 1 -FWM + T 1 -Caudate + T 2 -FWM + T 2 -Caudate further enhances predictive accuracy, offering valuable insights for early intervention strategies., Competing Interests: KW was an employee of GE Healthcare. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Zhang, Zhu, Wang, Wang, Lu, Lu, Xing, Wang, Zhang and Zhao.)

The aim of this study was to determine whether the inclusion of 40% of common vetch (CV) hay as a feed ingredient in place of alfalfa hay (AH) would improve performance and ruminal fermentation and microbiota in fattening lambs. Twenty lambs were equally divided into two groups: control group (fed 40% AH with 20% rice straw) and CV group (fed 40% CV hay with 20% rice straw). Concerning hay quality, CV hay had greater in vitro digestibility of dry matter and neutral detergent fiber ( p < 0.05) than AH. Lambs fed the CV diet had a higher average daily gain (ADG) and efficiency of feed and economy than lambs fed the control group. The NH 3 -N content and estimated methane produced per unit of ADG of the CV diet group were significantly lower ( p < 0.05) than control group. Multiple differential microbial genera were identified, with Prevotella being the most dominant genus and a tendency towards higher ( p = 0.095) in lambs offered CV diet. The higher Ruminococcus abundance ( p < 0.05) was found in animals of the CV group compared to the control group. In summary, CV can be incorporated into lamb diets as a low-cost forage alternative to AH to improve feed efficiency and animal performance and to reduce methane produced per unit of ADG.

Introduction: Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) can arise from a diverse range of congenital and acquired factors. Detecting it early is pivotal for nurturing speech, language, and cognitive development in children with SNHL. In our study, we utilized synthetic magnetic resonance imaging (SyMRI) to assess alterations in both gray and white matter within the brains of children affected by SNHL., Methods: The study encompassed both children diagnosed with SNHL and a control group of children with normal hearing {1.5-month-olds ( n = 52) and 3-month-olds ( n = 78)}. Participants were categorized based on their auditory brainstem response (ABR) threshold, delineated into normal, mild, moderate, and severe subgroups.Clinical parameters were included and assessed the correlation with SNHL. Quantitative analysis of brain morphology was conducted using SyMRI scans, yielding data on brain segmentation and relaxation time.Through both univariate and multivariate analyses, independent factors predictive of SNHL were identified. The efficacy of the prediction model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, with visualization facilitated through the utilization of a nomogram. It's important to note that due to the constraints of our research, we worked with a relatively small sample size., Results: Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (NH) and children with inner ear malformation (IEM) were associated with the onset of SNHL both at 1.5 and 3-month groups. At 3-month group, the moderate and severe subgroups exhibited elevated quantitative T1 values in the inferior colliculus (IC), lateral lemniscus (LL), and middle cerebellar peduncle (MCP) compared to the normal group. Additionally, WMV, WMF, MYF, and MYV were significantly reduced relative to the normal group. Additionally, SNHL-children with IEM had high T1 values in IC, and LL and reduced WMV, WMF, MYV and MYF values as compared with SNHL-children without IEM at 3-month group. LL-T1 and WMF were independent risk factors associated with SNHL. Consequently, a prediction model was devised based on LL-T1 and WMF. ROC for training set, validation set and external set were 0.865, 0.806, and 0.736, respectively., Conclusion: The integration of T1 quantitative values and brain volume segmentation offers a valuable tool for tracking brain development in children affected by SNHL and assessing the progression of the condition's severity., Competing Interests: KW is employed by GE Healthcare. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The reviewer CYL declared a shared affiliation with the author KW at the time of review., (Copyright © 2024 Zhang, Yang, Shu, Cheng, Zhao, Wang, Lu, Xing, Niu, Meng, Wang, Zhou and Zhang.)

Rationale and Objectives: This study employed tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) to investigate abnormalities in the white matter microstructure among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Additionally, an eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model was developed to effectively classify individuals with ASD and typical developing children (TDC)., Methods and Materials: Multi-shell diffusion weighted images were acquired from 62 children with ASD and 44 TDC. Using the Pydesigner procedure, diffusion tensor (DT), diffusion kurtosis (DK), and white matter tract integrity (WMTI) metrics were computed. Subsequently, TBSS analysis was applied to discern differences in these diffusion parameters between ASD and TDC groups. The XGBoost model was then trained using metrics showing significant differences, and Shapley Additive explanations (SHAP) values were computed to assess the feature importance in the model's predictions., Results: TBSS analysis revealed a significant reduction in axonal diffusivity (AD) in the left posterior corona radiata and the right superior corona radiata. Among the DK indicators, mean kurtosis, axial kurtosis, and kurtosis fractional anisotropy were notably increased in children with ASD, with no significant difference in radial kurtosis. WMTI metrics such as axonal water fraction, axonal diffusivity of the extra-axonal space (EAS&#95;AD), tortuosity of the extra-axonal space (EAS&#95;TORT), and diffusivity of intra-axonal space (IAS&#95;Da) were significantly increased, primarily in the corpus callosum and fornix. Notably, there was no significant difference in radial diffusivity of the extra-axial space (EAS&#95;RD). The XGBoost model demonstrated excellent classification ability, and the SHAP analysis identified EAS&#95;TORT as the feature with the highest importance in the model's predictions., Conclusion: This study utilized TBSS analyses with multi-shell diffusion data to examine white matter abnormalities in pediatric autism. Additionally, the developed XGBoost model showed outstanding performance in classifying ASD and TDC. The ranking of SHAP values based on the XGBoost model underscored the significance of features in influencing model predictions., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest Author Kaiyu Wang was employed by GE Healthcare. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 The Association of University Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate recent epidemiological evidence on the association of air pollution with congenital anomalies (CAs). Of 11,014 records, 49 were finally included in this meta-analysis. Per 10 μg/m 3 increase in air pollutant, PM 10 exposure during the 1 st month of pregnancy and at the first trimester (T1) was associated with increased overall CAs. Further, exposure to PM 10 was associated with congenital heart disease (OR = 1.055, 95% CI: 1.035, 1.074) and patent ductus arteriosus (OR = 1.094, 95% CI: 1.020, 1.168) at T1, with chromosomal anomalies during the entire pregnancy and with nervous system anomalies when exposure occurred 3 months prior to pregnancy, during the 1 st , 2 nd months of pregnancy and at T1. Besides, a significant association with overall CAs was observed for a combined exposure of PM 10 and SO 2 during the 1 st month of gestation (OR: 1.101, 95% CI: 1.023, 1.180). A combined exposure of PM 10 and CO was also associated with tetralogy of Fallot during 3-8 weeks of gestation (OR: 1.016, 95% CI: 1.005, 1.027). No significant associations were observed between PM 2.5 , NO 2 , and O 3 exposure and CAs.

There is increasing evidence of abnormal neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants with low-grade intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). The purpose of the study was to explore whether brain microstructure and volume are associated with neuro-behavioral outcomes at 40 weeks corrected gestational age in preterm infants with low-grade IVH. MR imaging at term-equivalent age (TEA) was performed in 25 preterm infants with mild IVH (Papile grading I/II) and 40 control subjects without IVH. These subjects all had neonatal behavioral neurological assessment (NBNA) at 40 weeks' corrected age. Microstructure and volume evaluation of the brain were performed by using diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) and Synthetic MRI. Correlations among microstructure parameters, volume, and developmental outcomes were explored by using Spearman's correlation. In preterm infants with low-grade IVH, the volume of brain parenchymal fraction (BPF) was reduced. In addition, mean kurtosis (MK), fractional anisotropy (FA), radial kurtosis (RK), axial kurtosis (AK) in several major brain regions were reduced, while mean diffusivity (MD) was increased (P < 0.05). BPF, RK in the cerebellum, MK in the genu of the corpus callosum, and MK in the thalamus of preterm infants with low-grade IVH were associated with lower NBNA scores (r = 0.831, 0.836, 0.728, 0.772, P < 0.05). DKI and Synthetic MRI can quantitatively evaluate the microstructure alterations and brain volumes in preterm infants with low-grade IVH, which provides clinicians with a more comprehensive and accurate neurobehavioral assessment of preterm infants with low-grade IVH., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Outdoor air pollution has been considered as a severe environmental health issue that almost affecting everyone in the world, and intensive actions were launched. However, little is known about the association between dynamic changes in ambient fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) exposure and body mass index (BMI) among old adults. To investigate the dynamic changes in ambient PM 2.5 and body mass index among the elderly, we included a total of 7204 participants from 28 provinces of China during 2011-2015 in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Ambient fine particle matter (PM 2.5 ) was estimated using a well-validated space-time extremely randomized trees model. Change in PM 2.5 and BMI (ΔPM 2.5 and ΔBMI) were calculated as the value at a follow-up visit minus value at baseline. Linear mixed-effects models were applied to quantify the associations, controlling for sociodemographic factors. We found that per 1 μg/m 3 increase in PM 2.5 exposure was associated with a 0.031-0.044 kg/m 2 increase in BMI among the elderly. We observed an approximate linear concentration-response relationship of PM 2.5 and BMI in each visit. Each 1 μg/m 3 increase in ΔPM 2.5 exposure was associated with an increase in ΔBMI (β = 0.040, 95% CI 0.030, 0.049), while per 1 μg/m 3 decrease in the ΔPM 2.5 exposure level was associated with a decrease in ΔBMI (β = -0.016, 95% CI -0.027, -0.004). Our findings suggest that dynamic changes in ambient PM 2.5 was positively associated with changes in BMI among old Chinese population., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of three feeding systems, i.e., indoor feeding (CON), indoor feeding with 4-h daily access to grazing artificial pasture (ITGP), and indoor feeding with 8-h daily access to grazing artificial pasture (IEGP), on the plasma antioxidant and immunological capacity, slaughter characteristics, meat quality and economic efficiency of Huang-huai lambs., Methods: Thirty-three healthy Huang-huai rams with similar body weight (approximately 5 mo of age, 28.96±1.01 kg) were assigned equally to three experimental groups. When finished fattening, six lambs from each group were collect blood samples for plasma analyses and then slaughtered to determine slaughter characteristics and obtain biceps brachii muscle for further analysis of meat quality and fatty acid profile., Results: Compared to CON group, animals submitted to ITGP and IEGP groups resulted in greater contents of serum glutathione peroxidase, immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, and IgM), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), n-6 PUFA, and PUFA/saturated fatty acid (FA) ratio and lower palmitic /oleic acid ratio (p<0.05). Moreover, animals in ITGP group exhibited a higher (p<0.05) loin eye area, content of meat crude protein (CP), and eicosetrienoic acid compared to CON group, while slaughter performance was superior (p<0.05) to that of the IEGP group. The economic efficiency of ITGP group was 70.12% higher than that of CON group, while the IEGP group exhibited a decrease of 92.54% in economic efficiency compared to the CON group., Conclusion: Restricted grazing time combined with indoor feeding was more effective in conferring superior body health, carcass traits and economic efficiency in Huang-huai lambs, as well as higher CP content and healthier FA composition in the resulting meat.