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Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare life-threatening disorder. It is characterized by microan-giopathic hemolytic anemia, progressive thrombocytopenia, central nervous system disorder, fever and acute renal failure. It is caused by the absent or severe deficiency of the von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease named ADAMTS13. The pathogenesis of TTP is unknown, usually triggered after pregnancy. It causes maternal morbidity and fetal loss. Prompt aggressive management should include timely termination of pregnancy, plasma transfusion and/or plasma exchange. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resistive switching with a self-rectifying feature is one of the most effective solutions to overcome the crosstalk issue in a crossbar array. In this paper, a memory device based on Pt/TiOx/W structure with self-rectifying property is demonstrated for write-once-read-many-times (WORM) memory application. After programming, the devices exhibit excellent uniformity and keep in the low resistance state (LRS) permanently with a rectification ratio as high as 104 at ± 1 V. The self-rectifying resistive switching behavior can be attributed to the Ohmic contact at TiOx/W interface and the Schottky contact at Pt/TiOx interface. The results in this paper demonstrate the potential application of TiOx-based WORM memory device in crossbar arrays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To overcome tough conditions currently used for the preparation of nanostructured hematite films on a conducting substrate, a rational and easy method of chemical etching involving Fe3+ release and material growth in the presence of OH− has been developed. By carefully tuning the parameters influencing the morphologies of hematite, including the synthetic procedure, the concentration of etching solution, temperature, etching time and the morphology controlling surfactant, hematite films grown on iron foil with various morphologies (e.g. nanorod, nanowire, ultrathin nanoflake and cauliflower-like shape) have been achieved. In particular, it is found that F− is an effective surfactant to control the morphology as well as the crystallization process of hematite. Ultrathin nanoflakes having a minimized feature size exhibit the best photocurrent of 0.5 mA cm−2 (1.23 V vs. RHE, RHE is reversible hydrogen electrode) among the samples tested as a result of facilitated hole diffusion to the electrolyte and thus lowered carrier recombination. Compared with pristine hematite, a nearly tripled photocurrent is observed when H2O2 is added in the electrolyte as a hole scavenger, suggesting the presence of a charge injection barrier in the surface of samples. According to this, the strategy of Co2+ treatment is utilized and the improved photocurrent is seen, likely due to the improved water oxidation kinetics and surface state passivation. We believe that this convenient and economical method can be extended to the synthesis of other alkaline metal oxide nanomaterials as long as the redox potential of S2O82−/SO42− is higher than Mn+/M (M refers to metal). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims/Introduction To observe the longitudinal changes in serum adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein ( AFABP), carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism parameters in women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus ( GDM) during mid- and late pregnancy periods, as well as to identify whether there is any association between AFABP and development of GDM. Materials and Methods A total of 40 GDM and 240 normal glucose tolerance participants were enrolled at 24-28 weeks and completed the study. The clinical features, serum AFABP, other adipocytokines (leptin, adiponectin, retinol-binding protein 4), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and lipid profiles were measured in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Results Compared with the normal glucose tolerance group, the GDM group showed greater levels of AFABP, leptin and retinol-binding protein 4; and a decreased level of adiponectin ( P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) during mid- and late pregnancy periods. Prepregnancy body mass index was the independent factor impacting serum AFABP levels in the second (β = 0.567, P = 0.004) and third trimesters (β = 0.619, P = 0.001). Furthermore, GDM was independently associated with AFABP concentrations in multiple regression analysis in the second and third trimester (all P < 0.01). Serum AFABP, leptin and retinol-binding protein 4 are risk factors for GDM; adiponectin is a protective factor for GDM ( P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Conclusions The GDM group had a higher level of AFABP during mid- and late stages of pregnancy; prepregnancy body mass index and GDM were the independent factors with respect to serum AFABP. AFABP might be closely related to obesity, insulin resistance and leptin resistance in pregnancy, and is a major risk factor for GDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics of pregnancy with pneumonia. Methods: A retrospective review of all admissions from January 1,2005 to December 30,2013 included 23 women who had been hospitalized with pneumonia during pregnancy in our hospital. 23 cases were divided into three groups according the first trimester, the second trimester and the third trimester. Data of clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations, treatment and prognosis of these patients were obtained and studied. Results: The incidence of respiratory system disease during pregnancy was 3.652%,pneumonia accounted for 0.965%,the incidence of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) was 78.3% (18/23), hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) was 21.7% (5/23). 2 cases (8.7%) were in the first trimester, 10 cases (43.5%) were in the second trimester, and 11 cases (47.8%) were in the third trimester. It suggested that the incidence of pregnancy with pneumonia accompanied with the trimester. The incidences of cough, fever, and shortness of breath and expectoration were 82.6% (19/23), .2% (15/23), 60.9% (14/23) and 43.5% (10/23), and shortness of breath is particularly evident in the third trimester, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05), but cough, expectoration, chills, fever and other symptoms has no significant differences in different trimesters (P>0.05), the differences of blood count and biochemistry index were not statistically different in the different trimesters (P>0.05). On the other hand, cases with anemia was 43.5%(10/23), which was one of the risk factors of pregnant with pneumonia. The incidence of spontaneous abortion and premature delivery were 8.7% (2/23), and mature delivery were 82.6% (19/23),and no neonatal death. Conclusions: Pneumonia may be more severe in the pregnant woman, and carries significant risk to both mother and fetus. The incidence of CAP in the third trimester is higher than in the first and second trimester, and the clinical manifestations were similar with nonpregnant women, but has higher asthma incidence in the third trimester with pneumonia. Anemia is one of the risk factors of pregnancy complicated with pneumonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) will lead to multiple organ dysfunctions. There will be often complicated with abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) or intra-abdominal high pressure (IAH), if pregnancy with serious internal medical or surgical diseases, or with serious complications. Furthermore, it will lead to an increased risk of maternal and perinatal mortality. Key measures for the diagnosis and prevention of ACS or IAH is monitoring IAP, the pregnancy maternal normal IAP standards and testing methods are not yet clear, that the bladder pressure method is still the gold standard of detection maternal IAP. For severe maternal IAP monitoring, we should do early detection and early treatment to avoid the occurrence of ACS. Once diagnosis of ACS, we should do early intervention, and the surgical decompression if it proves necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]