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Background: Aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) is a benign adrenal tumor with autonomous aldosterone production which causes hypertension and excess cardiovascular risk. Protein phosphorylation regulates aldosterone secretion from adrenal cortical cells, but how signaling networks are remodeled in APA remains unknown. Methods: We performed an integrated proteomic and phosphoproteomic profiling of 15 APA and 10 matched nonfunctioning adrenocortical tumors (NFAT) based on the 4-dimensional label-free technique. We further validated our main findings in enlarged APA samples, mice, and adrenocortical cell line. Results: The proteomic and phosphoproteomic profiling of APA and NFAT quantified 5989 proteins and 9011 phosphopeptides. We highlighted differentially expressed and phosphorylated proteins which modulated aldosterone synthesis and secretion from APA. As intracellular calcium is the central signal for aldosterone synthesis, our integrated calcium signaling network implicated wolframin in the control of calcium influx and CYP11B2 (aldosterone synthase) activation in APA (ratio of wolframin expression in APA to NFAT: 6.411, P Conclusions: Wolframin is a regulatory protein in aldosterone hypersecretion. Remodeled calcium transportation and mitochondrial function are involved in wolframin-related aldosterone secretion.

Gold-silica drug nanocapsules were fabricated via peptide photowrapping, which respond to an MMP-upregulated tumor microenvironment and achieve chemo-photothermal combination therapy.

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are a network structure composed of loose chromatin and embedded with multiple proteins. Here, we observed increased NETs deposition in the glomeruli of DKD patients and diabetic mice (streptozotocin-induced or db/db mice). After NETs were degraded with DNase I, diabetic mice exhibited attenuated glomerulopathy and glomerular endothelial cells (GECs) injury. We also observed alleviated glomerulopathy and GECs injury in peptidylarginine deiminase 4–knockout mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. In vitro, NETs-induced GECs pyroptosis was characterized by pore formation in the cell membrane, dysregulation of multiple genes involved in cell membrane function, and increased expression of pyroptosis-related proteins. Strengthening the GECs surface charge by oleylamine significantly inhibited NETs-induced GECs pyroptosis. These findings suggest that the GECs charge-related pyroptosis is involved in DKD progression, which is promoted by NETs.

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Fluoxetine (FLX), used in the clinic to treat depression, is a well-known cationic amphiphilic antidepressant. However, there is a lack of research on the effect of FLX on the surface behavior of lipid monolayers under different surface pressures. In this study, 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine/1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine/CHOL (DPPC/POPC/CHOL) monolayers were prepared via the Langmuir method, and FLX was added to these monolayers under various surface pressures. The effect of FLX on the surface behavior of DPPC/POPC/CHOL monolayers under various surface pressures was studied using a combination of surface pressure-area isotherms, compressibility modulus-surface pressure curves, and atomic force microscope (AFM). The results showed that the effect of FLX on the lipid monolayers was different under different surface pressures. The interaction between FLX and lipid molecules was weak under low surface pressures, and FLX could easily intercalate between the lipid molecules to inhibit monolayer phase transition. The interaction between FLX and lipid molecules was enhanced and FLX tended to self-aggregate to reduce the monolayer stability when the surface pressure was high. This study lays the foundation for further studies on the interaction between FLX and lipid monolayers.

Current guidelines recommend adrenal venous sampling (AVS) to identify unilateral primary aldosteronism (UPA) before offering adrenalectomy. However, AVS is costly and technically challenging, limiting its use to expert centres.To establish a model to predict UPA, and therefore, bypass the need for AVS prior to surgery.The model was developed in a Chinese cohort and validated in an Australian cohort. Previously published prediction models of UPA were also tested.primary aldosteronism patients with a definite subtyping diagnosis based on AVS and/or surgery.Diagnostic value of the model.In the development cohort (268 UPA and 88 bilateral primary aldosteronism), combinations of different levels of low serum potassium (≤3.0 or 3.5 mmol/l), high PAC (≥15-30 ng/dl), low PRC (≤2.5-10 μIU/ml) and presence of unilateral nodule on adrenal CT (8-15 mm in diameter) showed specificity of 1.00 and sensitivity of 0.16-0.52. The model of serum potassium 3.5 mmol/l or less, PAC at least 20 ng/dl, PRC 5 μIU/ml or less plus a unilateral nodule at least 10 mm had the highest sensitivity of 0.52 (0.45-0.58) and specificity of 1.00 (0.96-1.00). In the validation cohort (84 UPA and 117 bilateral primary aldosteronism), the sensitivity and specificity of the model were 0.13 (0.07-0.22) and 1.00 (0.97-1.00), respectively. Ten previous models were tested, and only one had a specificity of 1.00 in our cohorts but with a very low sensitivity [0.07 (0.04-0.10) and 0.01 (0.00-0.06) in our development and validation cohorts, respectively].A combination of high PAC, low PRC, low serum potassium and unilateral adrenal nodule could accurately determine primary aldosteronism subtype in 13-52% of patients with UPA and obviate the need for AVS before surgery.

To evaluate the steady-state availability of heterogeneous edge computing-enabled wireless sensor networks (HECWSNs) with malware infections, we first propose a Stackelberg attack-defence game to predict the optimal strategies of malware and intrusion detection systems (IDSs) deployed in heterogeneous sensor nodes (HSNs). Next, we present a new malware infection model—heterogeneous susceptible-threatened-active-recovered-dead (HSTARD) based on epidemic theory. Then, considering the heterogeneity of sink sensor nodes and common sensor nodes and the malware attack correlation, we derive the state transition probability matrix of an HSN based on a semi-Markov process (SMP), as well as the steady-state availability of an HSN. Furthermore, based on a data flow analysis of HSNs, we deduce the steady-state availability of HECWSNs with various topologies, including the star topology, cluster topology, and mesh topology. Finally, numerical analyses illustrate the influence of the IDS parameters on the optimal infection probability of malware and reveal the effect of multiple factors on the steady-state availability of HSNs, including the initial infection rate, the infection change rate, and the malware attack correlation. In addition, we present data analyses of the steady-state availability of HECWSNs with various topologies, including the star topology, cluster topology, and mesh topology, which provide a theoretical basis for the design, deployment, and maintenance of high-availability HECWSNs.

The deposition of lignin and carbohydrates in different cells and morphologically distinct cell wall layers during the development of Calamus simplicifolius was investigated by combined microscopic techniques. Lignin autofluorescence images showed that protoxylem vessels were the first to differentiate among vascular elements. At the subcellular level, high spatial resolution Raman images revealed that the deposition of carbohydrates in fibers preceded that of lignin. Additionally, the lignin and carbohydrates concentration in the secondary wall (SW) varied among different cell types. The carbohydrates concentration in SW of fibers presented the highest level, which was much higher than that in vessels and parenchyma. High concentrations of lignin were most visible in the SW of vessels, followed by fibers, with the lowest amount visible in parenchyma. Within the morphologically distinct cell wall layers, the carbohydrates and lignin in fibers SW and cell corners deposited rapidly at the early stage from the 7th to the 10th internode, while the deposition rate decreased from the 10th to the 50th internode. The findings have substantial theoretical significance to understand the biosynthesis of rattan cell walls.

With the widespread use of advanced imaging technology, adrenal tumors are increasingly being identified.To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of adrenal tumors in an unselected screening population in China.Cross-sectional study. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04682938).A health examination center in China.Adults having an annual checkup were invited to be screened for adrenal tumors by adrenal computed tomography.The participants with adrenal tumors had further evaluation for malignancy risk and adrenal function.A total of 25 356 participants were screened, 351 of whom were found to have adrenal tumors, for a prevalence of 1.4%. The prevalence increased with age, from 0.2% in participants aged 18 to 25 years to 3.2% in those older than 65 years. Among 351 participants with adrenal tumors, 337 were diagnosed with an adrenocortical adenoma, 14 with another benign nodule, and none with a malignant mass. In 212 participants with an adenoma who completed endocrine testing, 69.3% were diagnosed with a nonfunctioning adenoma, 18.9% with cortisol autonomy, 11.8% with primary aldosteronism, and none with pheochromocytoma. Proportions of nonfunctioning adenomas were similarly high in various age groups (72.2%, 67.8%, and 72.2% in those aged46, 46 to 65, and ≥66 years, respectively).Only 212 of 337 participants with an adrenocortical adenoma had endocrine testing.The prevalence of adrenal tumors in the general adult screening population is 1.4%, and most of these tumors are nonfunctioning regardless of patient age. Cortisol and aldosterone secretion are the main causes of functional adenomas.National Key Research and Development Program of China and National Natural Science Foundation of China.

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) is a network structure composed of loose chromatin and embedded with multiple proteins. Here, we observed increased NETs deposition in the glomeruli of DKD patients and diabetic mice (streptozotocin-induced or db/db mice). After degrading NETs with DNase I, diabetic mice exhibited attenuated glomerulopathy and glomerular endothelial cells (GECs) injury. We also observed alleviated glomerulopathy and GECs injury in peptidylarginine deiminase 4 (PAD4)-knockout mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. In vitro, NET-induced GECs pyroptosis was characterized by pore formation in the cell membrane, dysregulation of multiple genes involved in cell membrane function, and increased expression of pyroptosis-related proteins. Strengthening the GECs surface charge by oleylamine significantly inhibited NETs-induced GECs pyroptosis. These findings suggest that the GECs charge related pyroptosis is involved in DKD progression which promoted by NETs.

Purpose: Adrenal vein sampling (AVS) is the recommended procedure for subtyping primary aldosteronism (PA) as unilateral PA (UPA) or bilateral PA (BPA) which needs adrenalectomy and medication treatment, respectively. However, AVS is invasive and technically difficult. How to subtype PA non-invasively is currently a great challenge. We aimed to prospectively evaluate the accuracy of 68Ga-Pentixafor positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in subtyping PA, using AVS as a reference standard.Methods: Patients diagnosed with PA were recruited to undergo AVS and 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT. Maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of each adrenal during the PET/CT was measured to calculate the lateralization index (LI) of SUVmax. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), specificity and sensitivity were used to analyze the accuracy of LI based on SUVmax for subtyping PA.Results: One hundred PA patients completed the study, including 43 UPA and 57 BPA. SUVmax of adrenals at 10min during the PET/CT positively correlated with aldosterone concentration (r=0.27, P=0.0001) as well as aldosterone-cortisol ratio (r=0.38, PConclusions: 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT is a promising subtyping method for PA with high diagnostic accuracy. For a large proportion of PA patients, 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT could be used to avoid invasive AVS.Trial registration number：ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT 05131061. Registered 10 November 2021.

In this study, we uncovered the nuclear export of nucleus accumbens-associated protein-1 (NAC1) as a novel mechanism involved in ovarian cancer resistance to taxanes, the chemotherapeutic drugs commonly used in treatment of this malignancy. We showed that NAC1, a nuclear factor of the BTB/POZ gene family, has a nuclear export signal (NES) at the N terminus (aa 17-28), and this NES critically contributes to the NAC1 nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling when tumor cells were treated with docetaxel. Mechanistically, the nuclear-exported NAC1 bound to cullin3 (Cul3) and cyclin B1 via its BTB and BOZ domains respectively, and the cyto-NAC1-Cul3 E3 ubiquitin ligase complex promotes the ubiquitination and degradation of cyclin B1, thereby facilitating mitotic exit and leading to cellular resistance to docetaxel. We also showed in in vitro and in vivo experiments that TP-CH-1178, a membrane-permeable polypeptide against the NAC1 NES motif, blocked the nuclear export of NAC1, interfered with the degradation of cyclin B1 and sensitized ovarian cancer cells to docetaxel. This study not only reveals a novel mechanism by which the NAC1 nuclear export is regulated and cyclin B1 degradation and mitotic exit are impacted by the NAC1-Cul3 complex, but also provides the nuclear-export pathway of NAC1 as a potential target for modulating taxanes resistance in ovarian cancer and other malignancies.

Indium tin oxide (ITO) targets possess good performances, thereby used to produce high-quality ITO films in transparent electrodes of various optoelectronic devices. The performance of the target greatly affects the performances of prepared ITO films. However, effect of the overall performance of ITO targets on ITO films performance is still not fully understood. ITO films were prepared with four targets by magnetron sputtering in the similar condition in this study. Effects of crystal structure, resistivity, and oxygen content of the targets on photoelectric performances of ITO films were all evaluated. Results showed the important effect of target properties on obtained film characteristics. ITO films prepared by low resistivity targets are more evenly distributed on the substrate surface. Meanwhile, oxygen content of obtained ITO films decreased as oxygen content of ITO targets used in sputtering process increased. This also significantly improved the photoelectric performances. ITO thin films deposited using targets with low resistivity and low oxygen content exhibited excellent photoelectric performances. In this experiment, the prepared ITO film illustrated the lowest resistivity of 1.75×10−4 Ω·cm and average transmittance of 90.5%. In sum, these findings provided a certain experimental basis for further improving the performances of ITO films.

Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis), an apt example of an anisotropic, functionally graded composite material, is the most important commercial bamboo species of China. This species has excellent mechanical properties due to its unique vascular bundle structure. This article examines the variation in mechanical properties of single vascular bundles with respect to their location within a bamboo culm. The mechanical exfoliation method was used to prepare the single vascular bundle. This study found that moso bamboo has superior stiffness and strength. Additionally, the variation in properties was large in the radial direction but minimal in longitudinal direction. The large variation in mechanical properties of vascular bundles can be ascribed to the synergistic effect of the fibrous sheath and parenchyma rather than to changes in fibrous sheath properties. This study provides a basis for the structure application for moso bamboo.

Objective The saline suppression test (SST) and captopril challenge test (CCT) are commonly used confirmatory tests for primary aldosteronism (PA). Seated SST (SSST) has been reported to be superior to recumbent SST. Whether SSST is better than CCT remains unclear. We aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of SSST and CCT in a prospective study. Methods Hypertensive patients at a high risk of PA were consecutively included. Patients with an aldosterone-renin ratio of ≥1.0 ng/dL/μIU/mL were asked to complete SSST, CCT, and the fludrocortisone suppression test (FST). Using FST as a reference standard (plasma aldosterone concentration [PAC] post FST ≥ 6.0 ng/dL), area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity of SSST and CCT were calculated, and multiple regression analyses were performed to identify potential factors leading to false diagnosis. Results A total of 196 patients diagnosed with PA and 73 with essential hypertension completed the study. Using PAC post SSST and PAC post CCT to confirm PA, SSST and CCT had comparable AUCs (AUCSSST 0.87 [95% CI 0.82-0.91] vs AUCCCT 0.88 [0.83-0.95], P = .646). When PAC post SSST and post CCT were set at 8.5 and 11 ng/dL, respectively, the sensitivity and specificity of SSST (0.72 [0.65, 0.78] and 0.86 [0.76, 0.93]) and CCT (0.73 [0.67, 0.80] and 0.85 [0.75, 0.92]) were not significantly different. In the multiple regression analyses, 1-SD increment of sodium intake resulted in a 40% lower risk of false diagnosis with SSST. Conclusion SSST and CCT have comparable diagnostic accuracy. Insufficient sodium intake decreases the diagnostic efficiency of SSST but not of CCT. Since CCT is simpler and cheaper, it is preferred over SSST.

The association between fat mass and mortality has been equivocally shown to be linear, J-shaped, and U-shaped. We aimed to clarify this relationship based on Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis and lifestyle modification.This prospective analysis included 449,831 participants from UK Biobank. Linear MR analysis was used to estimate the linear relationship between fat mass and mortality. We assessed whole body fat mass by bioimpedance analysis at baseline and categorized subjects into five equal groups based on fat mass index (FMI). The association between FMI and mortality were investigated among whole population and in subgroups stratified by individual lifestyle factors, including diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol, sleep and psychological health.Linear MR analyses indicated a positive association between genetically predicted fat mass and all-cause mortality (HR 1.10, 95 % CI 1.08-1.12, P 0.001). The association between FMI and all-cause mortality was manifested as J-shaped (HRs across FMI categories: 1.04, 1.00, 1.07, 1.21, 1.54), which was significantly modified by the number of low-risk lifestyle factors (P for interaction0.001). When evaluating individual lifestyle factors, we observed a nonlinear relationship between FMI and all-cause mortality among participants who had high-risk lifestyle factors, while a linear relationship was observed among participants who had low-risk lifestyle factors, especially for those with adequate physical activity (HRs across FMI categories: 0.95, 1.00, 1.05, 1.17, 1.44) and who never smoked (0.96, 1.00, 1.03, 1.14, 1.51).Genetically determined fat mass is causally and linearly associated with mortality. The J-shape association between anthropometric FMI and mortality is caused by high-risk lifestyle factors.

Radix puerariae, a traditional Chinese herbal medication, has been used to treat patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Our previous studies demonstrated that puerarin, the active compound of radix puerariae, improves podocyte injury in type 1 DKD mice. However, the direct molecular target of puerarin and its underlying mechanisms in DKD remain unknown. In this study, we confirmed that puerarin also improved DKD in type 2 diabetic db/db mice. Through RNA-sequencing odf isolated glomeruli, we found that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that were altered in the glomeruli of these diabetic mice but reversed by puerarin treatment were involved mostly in oxidative stress, inflammatory and fibrosis. Further analysis of these reversed DEGs revealed protein kinase A (PKA) was among the top pathways. By utilizing the drug affinity responsive target stability method combined with mass spectrometry analysis, we identified guanine nucleotide-binding protein Gi alpha-1 (Gnai1) as the direct binding partner of puerarin. Gnai1 is an inhibitor of cAMP production which is known to have protection against podocyte injury. In vitro, we showed that puerarin not only interacted with Gnai1 but also increased cAMP production in human podocytes and mouse diabetic kidney in vivo. Puerarin also enhanced CREB phosphorylation, a downstream transcription factor of cAMP/PKA. Overexpression of CREB reduced high glucose-induced podocyte apoptosis. Inhibition of PKA by Rp-cAMP also diminished the effects of puerarin on high glucose-induced podocyte apoptosis. We conclude that the renal protective effects of puerarin are likely through inhibiting Gnai1 to activate cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway in podocytes.

Neutrophil-related chronic inflammation (NRCI) may contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). We evaluated whether blocking NRCI with low-dose colchicine prevents DKD.A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted. A total of 160 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and microalbuminuria (urinary albumin creatinine ratio [UACR] 30 to 300 mg/g Cr) who received angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) for at least 3 months were included. Subjects were 1:1 randomized to a placebo or colchicine group (0.5 mg/day).The primary end point was the incidence of overt nephropathy (UACR 300 mg/g Cr). During the 36 months, 38 patients (51.4%) in colchicine group and 39 (54.1%) in the control group developed overt nephropathy (hazard ratio, 1.066; 95% confidence interval, 0.679-1.673; P = .78). Compared with placebo, colchicine modestly lowered levels of NRCI parameters (P values.05 for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, white blood cell counts, neutrophil counts, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio), whereas the changes of UACR and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were similar between the two groups. There were no significant differences between the two groups in drug-related adverse events, including infection, gastrointestinal symptoms, and limb numbness.In patients with T2D with microalbuminuria, low-dose colchicine effectively and safely lowered NRCI but did not prevent the incidence of overt nephropathy.背景: 中性粒细胞相关性慢性炎症(NRCI)可能与糖尿病肾病(DKD)的发生有关。我们用低剂量秋水仙碱抑制NRCI并评估其是否能延缓DKD的发生。 方法: 本研究为一项双盲、随机、安慰剂对照临床试验。研究共纳入2型糖尿病合并微量白蛋白尿(肌酐比 [UACR] 30-300mg/g Cr)的患者共160名, 所有患者均接受血管紧张素转换酶抑制剂(ACEi)或血管紧张素受体拮抗剂(ARBs)类药物至少3个月。患者按1:1随机分为安慰剂组或秋水仙碱组(接受秋水仙碱0.5mg/d)。 结果: 本研究的主要终点为显著肾病(UACR300mg/g Cr)的发生率。在随访的36个月中, 秋水仙碱组的38名患者(51.4%)以及安慰剂组的39名患者(54.1%)发展成为了显著肾病(危险比1.066; 95%置信区间 0.679-1.673; p=0.78)。秋水仙碱组与安慰剂组相比, NRCI水平有所下降(高灵敏C-反应蛋白、白细胞总数、中性粒细胞总数、中性粒细胞-淋巴细胞比值等指标, 两组有显著性差异, p0.05), 但两组的UACR变化率、估算肾小球滤过率变化率无显著差异。两组的药物相关不良反应, 包括感染、胃肠道症状、肢体麻木等症状无显著差异。 结论: 在2型糖尿病合并微量白蛋白尿的患者中, 低剂量秋水仙碱能有效且安全地降低NRCI, 但是不能延缓DKD的发生。.

To achieve high mechanical strength electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials for practical application, cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), as a reinforcing and dispersing agent, are intercalated into reduced graphene oxide (RGO) layers, forming an ultrathin, robust, flexible, and hydrophobic CNC/RGO film with a highly ordered nacre-like layered structure via a self-assembly process. The layered structure significantly shortens the reduction time and improves the mechanical strength and shielding effectiveness (SE) of the resultant CNC/RGO composite film. The controlled preparation of CNC with different aspect ratios is realized by using separated bamboo fiber and parenchyma. The CNC of the fiber with a higher aspect ratio and lower diameter results in a lower porosity, denser structure, and more uniform distribution in the composites, and therefore a higher electrical conductivity and SE. The highest SE (39.1 dB) and specific SE (11 367 dB cm2 g−1) with a high tensile strength (179 MPa) and water contact angle (106°) of the CNC/RGO film are obtained at 10 wt% CNC loading with a film thickness of 12 μm. The maximum tensile strength of the composite film reaches 227 MPa with 30–50% CNC. The ultrathin high-performance CNC/RGO film shows significant potential as an EMI shielding material in the aerospace and flexible electronics fields.

Natural bamboo is rapidly replacing wood, but it is highly hygroscopic and has poor dimensional stability. Herein, Moso bamboo was subjected to hygrothermal treatment at different temperatures. The hydrophobicity and dimensional stability of bamboo increased, as indicated by the 16.5% decrease in volumetric swelling and three-fold increase in the contact angle at 220 °C. The fibers and parenchyma cells delaminated, and pores appeared after treatment at 200 °C. These changes were attributed to the significant degradation of hemicelluloses. The acetyl groups of hemicelluloses decomposed into acetic acid. The apparent crystallinity of cellulose increased mainly due to the reduced hemicellulose content. Furthermore, a breakage of xylan and β-O-4 bonds was observed, and S units were condensed after treatment at 220 °C. In addition, the syringyl/guaiacyl ratio showed more than a five-fold increase, while associated ferulic acid decreased after hygrothermal treatment, indicating that the dense structure of the cell walls was broken. These data were used to propose a mechanism for changes in the bamboo cell walls during hygrothermal treatment. This simple and environmentally-friendly approach holds great potential for use in high-humidity environments.

The permanent fixation is essential for the full industrialization of sandwich-compressed wood. In this study, sandwich-compressed wood was modified with superheated steam for compression fixation. Effects of superheated steam pressure on set-recovery were investigated. Changes in microstructure, chemical structure and cellulose crystalline structure of the compressed wood were analyzed, to clarify the reason and mechanism for sandwich compression fixation under superheated steam treatment. It was found that set-recovery of central-compressed wood was higher than that of surface-compressed wood. Effects of superheated steam treatment on set-recovery were statistically significant (P

Self-assembled dual-working electrode electrolytic cells were designed to produce twin alumina-Co composite films with highly symmetrical microstructures using a deflected electric field-assisted alternating current electrodeposition method. The results show that the deposition current density, microstructure, and optical and magnetic properties of the twin composite films exhibit a high degree of symmetry. The distribution of magnetic Co particles in the alumina nanopores can be changed by adjusting the magnitude of the deflected electric field, resulting in a synchronous symmetrical change in the microstructure of the composite films, which enables the fine-tuning of the magneto-optical properties of the twin alumina-Co composite films at the microscopic scale. The current density distribution on the surface of the twin composite films along the direction of the deflected electric field was quantitatively analyzed by theoretical calculations and numerical simulations. The results show that the deposition current density gradually increases from 0.024 A/m2 in region C to 0.056 A/m2 in region A at 6 V deflection voltage. The saturation magnetization intensity gradually increases along the radial direction, which is 118, 130, and 150 kA/m, respectively

Purpose The prevalence of general obesity (commonly defined by body mass index (BMI) in kg/m2) and abdominal obesity (commonly assessed by waist circumference (WC)) has increased rapidly in China. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of traditional cut-offs for BMI or WC to identify general or abdominal obesity in Chinese type 2 diabetic patients and propose optimal cut-offs. Patients and Methods BMI and WC were obtained from 1539 type 2 diabetic patients. Body fat percentage and visceral fat area measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry were set as the gold standard to identify general and abdominal obesity. We assessed the diagnostic power of traditional cut-offs for BMI and WC to define obesity, and analyzed receive operating characteristic (ROC) curves to obtain the optimal cut-offs to identify obesity in Chinese type 2 diabetic patients. Results In Chinese type 2 diabetic patients, the optimal BMI was 25 kg/m2 with the best trade-off between sensitivity and specificity (men: 74.6% (95% CI: 70.7-78.2%) and 65.1% (95% CI: 59.7-70.3%), AUC 0.78 (95% CI: 0.75-0.81), p

Context The Endocrine Society Guidelines for the diagnosis of primary aldosteronism (PA) suggest that confirmatory tests (CFT) are not required when the following criteria are met: plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) is >20 ng/dL, plasma renin is below detection levels, and hypokalemia is present. The evidence for the applicability of the guideline criteria is limited. Objective To develop and validate optimized criteria for sparing CFT in the diagnosis of PA. Design and Setting The optimized criteria were developed in a Chinese cohort using the captopril challenge test, verified by saline infusion test (SIT) and fludrocortisone suppression test (FST), and validated in an Australian cohort. Participants Hypertensive patients who completed PA screening and CFT. Main Outcome Measure Diagnostic value of the optimized criteria. Results In the development cohort (518 PA and 266 non-PA), hypokalemia, PAC, and plasma renin concentration (PRC) were selected as diagnostic indicators by multivariate logistic analyses. The combination of PAC >20 ng/dL plus PRC Conclusions Hypertensive patients with PAC >20 ng/dL, PRC