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The stability and robustness of lightly and highly doped poly-Si resistors were evaluated. These resistors exhibited distinct electrical resistance properties and temperature dependences, which can be explained through the grain and grain boundary conduction mechanisms. The resistance shift saturated under the low current stress condition, but continued to increase under the high current stress condition. A novel carrier trapping density model was proposed to explain this behavior. A generalized free energy model that considered stress temperature and stress current dependences was proposed to account for the stability lifetime of a poly-Si resistor based on the resistance shift criterion. Robustness evaluation with transmission line pulse test revealed that the breakdown current exhibited a pulse width dependence which was further explained by a thermal-conduction energy model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Asia and some other regions of the world, incense burning is an important folk and cultural activity. However, this ritual can cause health impacts, such as chronic respiratory diseases and neoplasms. Herein, we describe a family with lead poisoning possibly related to the frequent use of incense sticks at home. A 65-year-old homemaker with severe anemia, pitting edema of the lower legs, bone pain, abdominal pain, and exertional dyspnea for several months presented to our clinic. Her blood workup indicated severe anemia with basophilic stippling in red blood cells and blood lead level (BLL) of 59.75 μg/dL. Her husband, three children, and four grandchildren who lived with her also had high BLLs. As a Daoist clergy person, she had been exposed to a large amount of smoke from every day use of incense for >30 years. In the field investigation, the chronic dust deposited in hidden corners of their home had considerably higher lead content and other toxic metals. Our observations indicated chronic, frequent exposure to smoke from incense burning may be a cause of lead poisoning. Strict avoidance of incense smoke is a significant step toward preventing lead poisoning in children in societies with the custom of incense burning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of chromogranin A (CgA) in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). We conducted a systematic literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE for citations published prior to September 2017 that described CgA and CRPC and performed a standard meta-analysis on survival outcomes. Our meta-analysis included eight eligible studies with 686 patients. The results were as follows: progression-free survival (PFS) was associated with CgA level (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.47, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.47–4.14, P = 0.0006); PFS was relative to CgA change (HR = 9.22, 95% CI: 3.03–28.05, P < 0.0001); and overall survival (OS) was relative to CgA level (HR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.15–1.87, P = 0.002). When we divided the patients into two groups according to therapy status, the result for OS relative to CgA level was an HR of 1.26 (95% CI: 1.09–1.45, P = 0.001) in the first-line hormonal therapy group, and an HR of 2.33 (95% CI: 1.40–3.89, P = 0.001) in the second-line hormonal therapy or chemotherapy group. This meta-analysis indicated that a high CgA level had a negative influence on OS and PFS in CRPC patients. In addition, CRPC patients with a rising CgA had a shorter PFS. Further studies are needed to verify the prognostic value of CgA in CRPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 26-year-old man with complaints of dizziness, palpitations, and syncope after ingesting Cerbera manghas. Topics discussed include the extremities, blood pressure and heart rate of the patient; the use of intravenous fluids, atropine, and dopamine for treatment; and the patient's progression to ventricular fibrillation (VF).

Emamectin Benzoate, a potent pesticide extensively used in agriculture, has raised concerns due to its potential for severe poisoning. While its safety in mammals is attributed to limited blood-brain barrier penetration and reduced affinity for specific channels, Emamectin Benzoate Poisoning can unexpectedly manifest with severe symptoms. Predominantly resulting from intentional ingestion, clinical presentations involve central nervous system depression, respiratory distress, gastrointestinal symptoms, and sore throat. Formulation solvents enhance toxicity, leading to corrosive injuries and metabolic imbalances. Skin contact induces irritation. Diagnosis relies on clinical evaluation, lacking specific laboratory data. Treatment lacks a designated antidote; hence, decontamination and cautious symptomatic management play pivotal roles. Severe cases require vigilant monitoring, with intensive care unit admission calling for altered consciousness and respiratory distress.

Objective: To investigate the factors that may predict the effectiveness of metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients who received docetaxel plus prednisone treatment., Methods: We retrospectively collected the clinical data of mCRPC patients who has received docetaxel chemotherapy in Peking University First Hospital between February 2010 and March 2015, and the clinical factors were analyzed using univariate analysis., Results: A total of 60 cases of patients were treated, of whom 33 with complete clinical data were analyzed. PSA responsive was defined as PSA declining ≥50% of baseline and without progression according to RESCIST criteria. The median PSA at chemotherapy was 153.4 μg/L (6.6-9 952.0 μg/L), and a total of 20 cases (60.6%) were PSA responsive. Univariate analysis found that lower Gleason score (Gleason scores≤7) (25% vs.72%, P=0.034), the existence of positive Lymph node (78% vs. 40%, P=0.032), the existence of visceral metastasis (80% vs. 44%, P=0.041) and baseline blood HGB value≤120 g/L (30% vs. 74%, P=0.024) were associated with chemotherapy effectiveness., Conclusion: High Gleason score, lymph node metastasis, visceral metastasis and normal HGB level may predict PSA response after docetaxel-based chemotherapy.

Objective: To study the characteristics of histopathologic features of small renal carcinoma., Methods: This retrospective study collected the data of renal cell carcinoma from the patients who underwent surgery from January 2002 to June 2012. They were all preoperatively diagnosed as renal cancer by CT scan, and pathologically diagnosed as renal cell carcinoma after surgery with the diameter ≤ 4 cm. We recorded and analyzed the tumor size, histologic subtype, Fuhrman grading, TNM stage, the existence of tumor vascular invasion, sarcomatoid differentiation, and whether it was multifocal, and then grouped them for comparison., Results: A total of 1 276 patients were included in the study and were analyzed, of whom 306 (24.0%) had small renal cell carcinoma less than 2.0 cm, 526 (41.2%) 2.0-3.0 cm, and 444 (34.8%) bigger than 3.0 cm. Of all the subjects, 1 158 (90.7%) suffered from clear cell carcinoma, 49 (3.8%) papillary carcinoma, 32 (2.5%) chromophobe cell carcinoma, whose distribution was not related with tumor size. Of the ≤ 2.0 cm and >2.0 cm groups, Furmann grades of G3/4 were 15 (4.9%), 98 (10.1%), respectively (P=0.007). T3a + stage and above were 1 (0.3%), and 32 (3.3%), respectively (P=0.004). Synchronous distant metastases occurred in 6 patients, all in group >2.0 cm. Tumor sarcomatoid differentiation (0.3% vs. 0.9%), vascular invasion (0.6% vs. 2.1%) and multifocal (1.3% vs. 2.7%) had no significant difference between the two groups., Conclusion: Small renal cell carcinoma with diameter over 2.0 cm are more aggressive, suggesting that renal cancer bigger than 2.0 cm in diameter should not select a non-surgical treatment.