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Comprehensive Summary: Hyperbranched polysiloxanes have attracted increasing interest due to their unique fluorescence properties. However, the relatively short emission wavelength and low fluorescence lifetime are still the main obstacles to their broader application. In this study, we first synthesized a β‐diketone contained hyperbranched polysiloxane with excitation‐dependent multicolor emission. Further through the coordination of HBPSi‐NMDEA with Eu3+ ion, a hybrid luminescent material was prepared. It exhibited not only aggregation‐induced red emission at 613 nm, but also a long fluorescence lifetime of 681.45 μs. Particularly, it showed highly sensitive reversible fluorescence response to temperature variation, thus displaying the potential to be used in fluorescence temperature detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Tumor dormancy continues to be a research hotspot with numerous pressing problems that need to be solved. The goal of this study is to perform a bibliometric analysis of pertinent articles published in the twenty-first century. We concentrate on significant keywords, nations, authors, affiliations, journals, and literature in the field of tumor dormancy, which will help researchers to review the results that have been achieved and better understand the directions of future research. We can comprehend the evolution of the field more rapidly thanks to the abundance of visual information. We can better grasp some significant discoveries and scientific advances by analyzing some key works in the subject. We can also more immediately spot pressing concerns and issues. We believe that research on tumor dormancy has been a popular subject. Future research areas that are anticipated to be most popular include the investigation of the tumor dormancy microenvironment and immunotherapeutic therapies for tumor dormancy. Tumor dormancy continues to be a research hotspot with numerous pressing problems that need to be solved. The goal of this study is to perform a bibliometric analysis of pertinent articles published in the twenty-first century. We concentrate on significant keywords, nations, authors, affiliations, journals, and literature in the field of tumor dormancy, which will help researchers to review the results that have been achieved and better understand the directions of future research. We retrieved research articles on tumor dormancy from the Web of Science Core Collection. This study made use of the visualization tools VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Scimago Graphica, as visualization helps us to uncover the intrinsic connections between information. Research on tumor dormancy has been growing in the 21st century, especially from 2015 to the present. The United States is a leader in many aspects of this research area, such as in the number of publications, the number of partners, the most productive institutions, and the authors working in this field. Harvard University is the institution with the highest number of publications, and Aguirre-Ghiso, Julio A. is the author with the highest number of publications and citations. The keywords that emerged after 2017 were "early dissemination", "inhibition", "mechanism", "bone metastasis", and "promotion". We believe that research on tumor dormancy mechanisms and therapy has been, and will continue to be, a major area of interest. The exploration of the tumor dormancy microenvironment and immunotherapeutic treatments for tumor dormancy is likely to represent the most popular future research topics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electroencephalogram (EEG) was used to analyze the mechanisms and differences in brain neural activity of drivers in visual, auditory, and cognitive distracted vs. normal driving emergency braking conditions. A pedestrian intrusion emergency braking stimulus module and three distraction subtasks were designed in a simulated experiment, and 30 subjects participated in the study. The common activated brain regions during emergency braking in different distracted driving states included the inferior temporal gyrus, associated with visual information processing and attention; the left dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus, related to cognitive decision-making; and the postcentral gyrus, supplementary motor area, and paracentral lobule associated with motor control and coordination. When performing emergency braking under different driving distraction states, the brain regions were activated in accordance with the need to process the specific distraction task. Furthermore, the extent and degree of activation of cognitive function-related prefrontal regions increased accordingly with the increasing task complexity. All distractions caused a lag in emergency braking reaction time, with 107.22, 67.15, and 126.38 ms for visual, auditory, and cognitive distractions, respectively. Auditory distraction had the least effect and cognitive distraction the greatest effect on the lag. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non‐conjugated fluorescent polymers have attracted great attention due to their excellent biocompatibility and environmental friendliness. However, it remains a huge challenge to obtain a polymer with high fluorescence quantum yield (QY) and multicolor emission simultaneously. Herein, we reported three kinds of nonaromatic hyperbranched polyborates (P1–P3) with multicolor emission, surprisingly, P2 also exhibits an unanticipated high QY (54.1 %). The natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis and density functional theory (DFT) calculation results revealed that the synergistic effect of rigid BO3 planar and flexible carbon chain, as well as the through‐space dative bond in supramolecular aggregate, were the key factors contributing to the ultrahigh QY of P2. Moreover, the applications of P2 in Fe3+ ions detection and cell imaging were also investigated. This work provides a new perspective for designing non‐conjugated fluorescent polymers with both high QY and multicolor emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non‐conjugated fluorescent polymers have attracted great attention due to their excellent biocompatibility and environmental friendliness. However, it remains a huge challenge to obtain a polymer with high fluorescence quantum yield (QY) and multicolor emission simultaneously. Herein, we reported three kinds of nonaromatic hyperbranched polyborates (P1–P3) with multicolor emission, surprisingly, P2 also exhibits an unanticipated high QY (54.1 %). The natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis and density functional theory (DFT) calculation results revealed that the synergistic effect of rigid BO3 planar and flexible carbon chain, as well as the through‐space dative bond in supramolecular aggregate, were the key factors contributing to the ultrahigh QY of P2. Moreover, the applications of P2 in Fe3+ ions detection and cell imaging were also investigated. This work provides a new perspective for designing non‐conjugated fluorescent polymers with both high QY and multicolor emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) is the research hotspot of robot positioning and navigation. In a large-scale complex environment, closed-loop detection by vision or lidar has low reliability and high computational cost. To solve this problem, a graph optimization SLAM algorithm based on YOLOv5 (You Only Look Once version 5) and Wi-Fi fingerprint sequence matching is proposed. The proposed method utilizes fusion deep learning approaches to enhance the accuracy and robustness of closed-loop detection to navigate the robot. The algorithm uses an effective object detection network and the fingerprint sequence for closed-loop detection to figure out the dynamic semantic information within a scene. Therefore, the traditional matching based on fingerprint point pairs is extended to include matching of fingerprint sequences. This can greatly reduce the probability of closed-loop misjudgment, ensuring the accuracy of closed-loop detection and meeting the accuracy requirements of the SLAM algorithm in a wide range of complex environments. The proposed algorithm is verified with two sets of experimental data (the robot starts from different starting points): the accuracy of the proposed algorithm is 22.95% higher than that of the first set of data compared with the Gaussian similarity method; the second group of data increased by 39.19%. The experimental results show that the proposed method improves the accuracy and robustness of mobile robot localization and mapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Altered cerebral perfusion has been reported in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Using dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI, we compared cerebral perfusion between male OSA patients and male healthy reference subjects and assessed correlations of perfusion abnormalities of OSA patients with sleep parameters and neuropsychological deficits at 3 T MRI, polysomnography and neuropsychological tests in 68 patients with OSA and 21 reference subjects. We found lower global and regional cerebral blood flow and cerebral blood volume, localized mainly in bilateral parietal and prefrontal cortices, as well as multiple focal cortical and deep structures related to the default mode network and attention network. In the correlation analysis between regional hypoperfusion and parameters of polysomnography, different patterns of regional hypoperfusion were distinctively associated with parameters of intermittent hypoxia and sleep fragmentation, which involved mainly parietal and orbitofrontal cortices, respectively. There was no association between brain perfusion and cognition in OSA patients in areas where significant association was observed in reference subjects, largely overlapping with nodes of the default mode network and attention network. Our results suggest that impaired cerebral perfusion in important areas of functional networks could be an important pathomechanism of neurocognitive deficits in OSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a gene sequence are markers for a variety of human diseases. SNP detection methods are time-consuming, need laboratory-scale settings, and are expensive. A simple, rapid and label-free method for detecting SNPs was developed in this study. SG (SYBR Green I), DNA sequences, and molybdenum disulfide–gold nanoparticles (MoS2@AuNPs) were used in this sensing system for a proof-of-principle study. DNA was immobilized on the surface of MoS2@AuNPs in order to remove the nonspecific probe displacement and false-positive signals using 10% Tween 80. MoS2@AuNPs quenched the fluorescence from SG intercalated into the DNA duplex. The SG fluorescence signals from the matched and mismatched DNA duplex were significantly different after the addition of MoS2. HapII can recognize the enzyme digestion site in the DNA sequence and further improve the effect of SNP detection. Therefore, this method can clearly distinguish SNPs in DNA sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient in-situ reduction and cyclization reaction was reported from the aromatic aldehydes, 6-nitro-1 H -indazole (5-nitrobenzimidazole), and 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxane-4,6-dione (1,3-cyclohexanedione or dimedone) to synthesize 9-aryl-1,6,8,9-tetrahydro-7 H -pyrazolo[3,4- f ]quinolin-7-one, 11-aryl-1,6,7,8,9,11-hexahydro-10 H -pyrazolo [3,4- a ]acridin-10-one, and 11-aryl-3,6,7,8,9,11-hexahydro-10 H -imidazo[4,5- a ]acridin-10-one derivatives in the presence of SnCl 2 ·2H 2 O in THF medium. The advantages of this method are mild conditions, convenient manipulation, high yields and wide range of substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reactions of isatins, urea, and different diketones under solvent-free conditions have been developed for the preparation of novel spiroheterocycles. It was found that these reactions could be given higher yields and required shorter time compared with commonly used volatile organic solvent conditions. In this synthesis, the important group trifluoromethyl was introduced into the structure of the products. The pure products could be obtained only through removing TsOH, isatins, and urea from hot water. At same time, diketone was eliminated through a small amount of EtOH. Other advantages of this method are simple setup, mild conditions, and minimal environment impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prominent theories emphasize key roles for the insular cortex in the central representation of interoceptive sensations, but how this brain region responds dynamically to changes in interoceptive state remains incompletely understood. Here, we systematically modulated cardiorespiratory sensations in humans using bolus infusions of isoproterenol, a rapidly acting peripheral beta-adrenergic agonist similar to adrenaline. To identify central neural processes underlying these parametrically modulated interoceptive states, we used pharmacological functional magnetic resonance imaging (phMRI) to simultaneously measure blood-oxygenation-level dependent (BOLD) and arterial spin labelling (ASL) signals in healthy participants. Isoproterenol infusions induced dose-dependent increases in heart rate and cardiorespiratory interoception, with all participants endorsing increased sensations at the highest dose. These reports were accompanied by increased BOLD and ASL activation of the right insular cortex at the highest dose. Different responses across insula subregions were also observed. During anticipation, insula activation increased in more anterior regions. During stimulation, activation increased in the mid-dorsal and posterior insula on the right, but decreased in the same regions on the left. This study demonstrates the feasibility of phMRI for assessing brain activation during adrenergic interoceptive stimulation, and provides further evidence supporting a dynamic role for the insula in representing changes in cardiorespiratory states. This article is part of the themed issue 'Interoception beyond homeostasis: affect, cognition and mental health'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epoxide modification effectively improves the water tolerance of soy protein adhesives, showing great potential in the commercial application as alternatives to petroleum-derived formaldehyde-based adhesives. However, epoxide-modified adhesives still present problematic limitations, such as poor mildew resistance and high hot-pressing temperature. In this study, a curing system based on radical polymerization was designed and developed to prepare soy protein adhesives, instead of building a traditional epoxide cross-linking structure. First, allyl glycidyl ether (G) was grafted onto a soy protein (SP) molecule to obtain soy protein with unsaturated double bonds (G@SP). Allicin (A) was then used as a cross-linker to build a cross-linking structure (G@SP/A) via free-radical polymerization to enhance the bond performance of the adhesive. Relative to that of pure SP adhesive, the wet shear strength (WSS) and dry shear strength (DSS) of plywood bonded with the G@SP/A adhesive increased by 108% and 45%, reaching 1.08 MPa and 1.84 MPa, respectively, at 120 °C pressing temperature. Notably, the G@SP/A adhesive showed superior antibacterial (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) activity, high mildew resistance (35 d shelf life), good cytocompatibility, and biodegradability (30 d). Moreover, the WSS of plywood bonded with the G@SP/A adhesive at 80 °C for 6 min and 20 °C for 72 h reached 1.08 MPa and 1.12 MPa, respectively, indicating the sufficient low-temperature curing ability of the resultant adhesive. Thus, building a cross-linking structure by free-radical polymerization can be extended to improve the performance of film composites, other adhesives, and engineering materials. • Free radical polymerization curing system was used to prepare soy protein adhesive. • The resultant adhesive has excellent antibacterial and mildew proof ability. • The resultant adhesive has good cytocompatibility and biodegradability. • The wet shear strength of resultant plywood increased by 108% to 1.08 MPa. • The resultant adhesive has good low temperature curing ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neurobiological interpretation of developmental BOLD fMRI findings remains difficult due to the confounding issues of potentially varied baseline of brain function and varied strength of neurovascular coupling across age groups. The central theme of the present research is to study the development of brain function and neuronal activity through in vivo assessments of cerebral blood flow (CBF), oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO 2 ) both at baseline and during the performance of a working memory task in a cohort of typically developing children aged 7 to 18 years. Using a suite of 4 emerging MRI technologies including MR blood oximetry, phase-contrast MRI, pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) perfusion MRI and concurrent CBF/BOLD fMRI, we found: 1) At baseline, both global CBF and CMRO 2 showed an age related decline while global OEF was stable across the age group; 2) During the working memory task, neither BOLD nor CBF responses showed significant variations with age in the activated fronto-parietal brain regions. Nevertheless, detailed voxel-wise analyses revealed sub-regions within the activated fronto-parietal regions that show significant decline of fractional CMRO 2 responses with age. These findings suggest that the brain may become more “energy efficient” with age during development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vascular compliance (VC) is an important marker for a number of cardiovascular diseases and dementia, which is typically assessed in the central and peripheral arteries indirectly by quantifying pulse wave velocity (PWV), and/or pulse pressure waveform. To date, very few methods are available for the quantification of intracranial VC. In the present study, a novel MRI technique for in-vivo assessment of intracranial VC was introduced, where dynamic arterial spin labeling (ASL) scans were synchronized with the systolic and diastolic phases of the cardiac cycle. VC is defined as the ratio of change in arterial cerebral blood volume (ΔCBV) and change in arterial pressure (ΔBP). Intracranial VC was assessed in different vascular components using the proposed dynamic ASL method. Our results show that VC mainly occurs in large arteries, and gradually decreases in small arteries and arterioles. The comparison of intracranial VC between young and elderly subjects shows that aging is accompanied by a reduction of intracranial VC, in good agreement with the literature. Furthermore, a positive association between intracranial VC and cerebral perfusion measured using pseudo-continuous ASL with 3D GRASE MRI was observed independent of aging effects, suggesting loss of VC is associated with a decline in perfusion. Finally, a significant positive correlation between intracranial and central (aortic arch) VC was observed using an ungated phase-contrast 1D projection PWV technique. The proposed dynamic ASL method offers a promising approach for assessing intracranial VC in a range of cardiovascular diseases and dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non‐conjugated fluorescent polymers have attracted great attention due to their excellent biocompatibility and environmental friendliness. However, it remains a huge challenge to obtain a polymer with high fluorescence quantum yield (QY) and multicolor emission simultaneously. Herein, we reported three kinds of nonaromatic hyperbranched polyborates (P1–P3) with multicolor emission, surprisingly, P2 also exhibits an unanticipated high QY (54.1 %). The natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis and density functional theory (DFT) calculation results revealed that the synergistic effect of rigid BO3 planar and flexible carbon chain, as well as the through‐space dative bond in supramolecular aggregate, were the key factors contributing to the ultrahigh QY of P2. Moreover, the applications of P2 in Fe3+ ions detection and cell imaging were also investigated. This work provides a new perspective for designing non‐conjugated fluorescent polymers with both high QY and multicolor emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLR) is the most commonly used surgical treatment for patients with lateral patellar dislocation (LPD). It is still poorly understood whether or not MPFLR has a contributory effect on decreasing patellar height. Materials and methods: Forty-five patients who underwent isolated MPFLR for LPD and patella alta were evaluated with a mean follow-up period of 24 months (22–25 months). Knee joint functions were evaluated by Banff patellofemoral instability instrument (BPII) 2.0 scores and Kujala scores. Patellofemoral engagement and stability were assessed by the patella tilt angle (PTA) and patellar congruence angle (PCA) measured by CT scans, and the patellar-glide test. Patellar height was calculated on lateral radiographs according to three methods: Caton-Deschamps ratios (CDR), Insall-Salvati ratios (ISR), and Blackburne-Peel ratios (BPR). A threshold value of p < 0.05 denoted a statistically significant difference. Results: Significant improvements were found in both BPII 2.0 scores, which increased from 41.7 to 77.8 (p < 0.001) and Kujala scores, which increased from 49.2 to 85.5 (p < 0.001). Post-operative PTAs and PCA decreased from 19.6 ± 8.8 to − 3.4 ± 6.2, and from 24.6 ± 7.3 to 13.1 ± 3.8 degrees respectively (p < 0.001). No patients showed lateral translation more than grade II in the patellar-glide test. Regarding patellar height, a tiny reduction (Δ = 0.02, Δ max = 0.09) was discovered in using CDR (p = 0.027), rather than ISR or BPR. All measurements of radiographic indices had an excellent intra- and inter-rater reliability (ICC > 0.75). Conclusions: Isolated anatomic MPFLR is sufficient to achieve good clinical outcomes, as well as patellofemoral stability and high rates of return-to-sport. However, it is unclear if the reconstructed MPFL has a contributory effect on reducing patellar height. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) remains the gold standard to diagnose intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) but is invasive. Existing magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is suboptimal for assessing the hemodynamics of AVMs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical utility of a novel noncontrast four-dimensional (4D) dynamic MRA (dMRA) in the evaluation of intracranial AVMs through comparison with DSA and time-of-flight (TOF) MRA. Nineteen patients (12 women, mean age 26.2±10.7 years) with intracranial AVMs were examined with 4D dMRA, TOF and DSA. Spetzler–Martin grading scale was evaluated using each of the above three methods independently by two raters. Diagnostic confidence scores for three components of AVMs (feeding artery, nidus and draining vein) were also rated. Kendall''s coefficient of concordance was calculated to evaluate the reliability between two raters within each modality (dMRA, TOF, TOF plus dMRA). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was applied to compare the diagnostic confidence scores between each pair of the three modalities. dMRA was able to detect 16 out of 19 AVMs, and the ratings of AVM size and location matched those of DSA. The diagnostic confidence scores by dMRA were adequate for nidus (3.5/5), moderate for feeding arteries (2.5/5) and poor for draining veins (1.5/5). The hemodynamic information provided by dMRA improved diagnostic confidence scores by TOF MRA. As a completely noninvasive method, 4D dMRA offers hemodynamic information with a temporal resolution of 50–100 ms for the evaluation of AVMs and can complement existing methods such as DSA and TOF MRA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A widely used tool for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data analysis, statistical parametric mapping (SPM), is based on the general linear model (GLM). SPM therefore requires a priori knowledge or specific assumptions about the time courses contributing to signal changes. In contradistinction, independent component analysis (ICA) is a data-driven method based on the assumption that the causes of responses are statistically independent. Here we describe a unified method, which combines ICA, temporal ICA (tICA), and SPM for analyzing fMRI data. tICA was applied to fMRI datasets to disclose independent components, whose number was determined by the Bayesian information criterion (BIC). The resulting components were used to construct the design matrix of a GLM. Parameters were estimated and regionally-specific statistical inferences were made about activations in the usual way. The sensitivity and specificity were evaluated using Monte Carlo simulations. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves indicated that the unified SPM–ICA method had a better performance. Moreover, SPM–ICA was applied to fMRI datasets from twelve normal subjects performing left and right hand movements. The areas identified corresponded to motor (premotor, sensorimotor areas and SMA) areas and were consistently task related. Part of the frontal lobe, parietal cortex, and cingulate gyrus also showed transiently task-related responses. The unified method requires less supervision than the conventional SPM and enables classical inference about the expression of independent components. Our results also suggest that the method has a higher sensitivity than SPM analyses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Resistance training is a promising strategy to promote healthy cognitive aging; however, the brain mechanisms by which resistance training benefits cognition have yet to be determined. Here, we examined the effects of a 12-week resistance training program on resting brain activity and cerebrovascular function in 20 healthy older adults (14 females, mean age 69.1 years). In this single group clinical trial, multimodal 3 T magnetic resonance imaging was performed at 3 time points: baseline (preceding a 12-week control period), pre-intervention, and post-intervention. Along with significant improvements in fluid cognition (d = 1.27), 4 significant voxelwise clusters were identified for decreases in resting brain activity after the intervention (Cerebellum, Right Middle Temporal Gyrus, Left Inferior Parietal Lobule, and Right Inferior Parietal Lobule), but none were identified for changes in resting cerebral blood flow. Using a separate region of interest approach, we provide estimates for improved cerebral blood flow, compared with declines over the initial control period, in regions associated with cognitive impairment, such as hippocampal blood flow (d = 0.40), and posterior cingulate blood flow (d = 0.61). Finally, resistance training had a small countermeasure effect on the age-related progression of white matter lesion volume (rank-biserial = −0.22), a biomarker of cerebrovascular disease. These proof-of-concept data support larger trials to determine whether resistance training can attenuate or even reverse salient neurodegenerative processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The driver's attentional state is a significant human factor in traffic safety. The executive control process is a crucial sub-function of attention. To explore the relationship between the driver's driving performance and executive control function, a total of 35 healthy subjects were invited to take part in a simulated driving experiment and a task-cuing experiment. The subjects were divided into three groups according to their driving performance (aberrant driving behaviors, including lapses and errors) by the clustering method. Then the performance efficiency and electroencephalogram (EEG) data acquired in the task-cuing experiment were compared among the three groups. The effect of group, task transition types and cue-stimulus intervals (CSIs) were statistically analyzed by using the repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the post hoc simple effect analysis. The subjects with lower driving error rates had better executive control efficiency as indicated by the reaction time (RT) and error rate in the task-cuing experiment, which was related with their better capability to allocate the available attentional resources, to express the external stimuli and to process the information in the nervous system, especially the fronto-parietal network. The activation degree of the frontal area fluctuated, and of the parietal area gradually increased along with the increase of CSI, which implied the role of the frontal area in task setting reconstruction and working memory maintaining, and of the parietal area in stimulus–Response (S–R) mapping expression. This research presented evidence of the close relationship between executive control functions and driving performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The incidence of perioperative stroke following spinal surgery, including ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, has not been fully investigated in the Chinese population. Whether specific spinal or emergency/elective procedures are associated with perioperative stroke remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of perioperative stroke, health economic burden, clinical outcomes, and associated risk factors.Method: A retrospective cohort study using an electronic hospital information system database was conducted from Jan 1, 2015, to Jan 1, 2021, in a tertiary hospital in China. Patients aged ≥18 years who had undergone spinal surgery were included in the study. We recorded patient demographics, comorbidities, and health economics data. Clinical outcomes included perioperative stroke during hospitalization and associated risk factors. The patients' operative data, anesthetic data, and clinical manifestations were recorded.Result: A total of 17,408 patients who had undergone spinal surgery were included in this study. Twelve patients had perioperative stroke, including seven ischemic stroke (58.3%) and five hemorrhagic stroke (41.7%). The incidence of perioperative stroke was 0.07% (12/17,408). In total, 12 stroke patients underwent spinal fusion. Patients with perioperative stroke were associated with longer hospital stay (38.33 days vs. 9.78 days, p < 0.001) and higher hospital expenses (RMB 175,642 vs. RMB 81,114, p < 0.001). On discharge, 50% of perioperative patients had severe outcomes. The average onset time of perioperative stroke was 1.3 days after surgery. Stroke history (OR 146.046, 95% CI: 28.102-759.006, p < 0.001) and hyperlipidemia (OR 4.490, 95% CI: 1.182-17.060, p = 0.027) were associated with perioperative stroke.Conclusion: The incidence of perioperative stroke of spinal surgery in a tertiary hospital in China was 0.07%, with a high proportion of hemorrhagic stroke. Perioperative stroke patients experienced a heavy financial burden and severe outcomes. A previous stroke history and hyperlipidemia were associated with perioperative stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel denoising algorithm termed k-space weighted image average (KWIA) was proposed to improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of dynamic MRI, such as arterial spin labeling (ASL)-based dynamic magnetic resonance angiography (dMRA) and perfusion imaging. KWIA divides the k-space of each time frame into multiple rings, the central ring of the k-space remains intact to preserve the image contrast and temporal resolution, while outer rings are progressively averaged with neighboring time frames to increase SNR. Simulations and in-vivo dMRA and multi-delay ASL studies were performed to evaluate the performance of KWIA under various MRI acquisition conditions. SNR ratios and temporal signal errors between KWIA-processed and the original data were measured. Visualization of dynamic blood flow signals as well as quantitative parametric maps were evaluated for KWIA-processed images as compared to the original images. KWIA achieved a SNR ratio of 1.73 for dMRA and 2.0 for multi-delay ASL respectively, which were in accordance with the theoretical predictions. Improved visualization of dynamic blood flow signals was demonstrated using KWIA in distal small vessels in dMRA and small brain structures in multi-delay ASL. Approximately 5% temporal errors were observed in both KWIA-processed dMRA and ASL signals. Fine anatomical features were revealed in the quantitative parametric maps of dMRA, and the residuals of model fitting were reduced for multi-delay ASL. Compared to other conventional denoising methods, KWIA is a flexible denoising algorithm that improves the SNR of ASL-based dMRA and perfusion MRI by up to 2-fold without compromising spatial and temporal resolution or quantification accuracy. • KWIA is a simple and fast post-processing denoising algorithm used for dynamic MRI. • The SNR of ASL-based dMRA and perfusion MRI can be improved by up to 2-fold. • The improved SNR enabled better visualization of dynamic blood flow signals in small vessels and fine brain structures. • KWIA was able to retain the spatial and temporal resolution and quantification accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generalized tonic–clonic seizures (GTCS), syncope, and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are common emergent neurological conditions that cause transient disturbances of consciousness; however, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish them. This study aimed to explore the value of serum uric acid levels in differentiating among GTCS, syncope, and PNES by analyzing serum uric acid levels in patients with GTCS, syncope, and PNES. A total of 391 patients were retrospectively analyzed. Venous blood was drawn from the patients within 20 min of their arrival to the emergency department; serum uric acid levels were measured using the uricase method. Serum uric acid levels and the percentage of patients with elevated uric acid (elevation percentage) were significantly higher in the group with GTCS (n = 179) than in the groups with syncope (n = 156) (p < 0.001) and PNES (n = 56) (p < 0.001). The result remained the same when the serum uric acid level of male or female patients in the group with GTCS were compared separately with that in the other two groups (all p < 0.001). In the group with GTCS, both the serum uric acid level (p < 0.001) and elevation percentage (p < 0.05) were significantly higher in males than in females. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis in male patients yielded a serum uric acid value of 428.50 μmol/L with a sensitivity of 0.78 and a specificity of 0.99 as the optimal cutoff value to distinguish GTCS from other events. In female patients, a cutoff value of 338.00 μmol/L had a sensitivity of 0.69 and a specificity of 0.91 to distinguish GTCS from other events. For the group with GTCS, the period of time between the onset of seizure and serum uric acid levels dropping to normal were analyzed in 40 patients. The duration was 44.56 ± 11.46 h for males (n = 23) and 40.37 ± 9.78 h for females (n = 17) with no significant difference (p = 0.325). Serum uric acid levels provided certain clinical value for the differentiation of GTCS, syncope, and PNES; however, this requires verification in prospective studies with larger sample sizes. • first to propose serum uric acid level as a marker to differentiate causes of transient loss of consciousness. • focus especially on sex differences. • help for the rapid diagnosis of patients who experience disturbances in consciousness in emergency situations. • more convenient in clinical applications [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy and safety of ticagrelor and clopidogrel in East Asian patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains uncertain. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of ticagrelor and clopidogrel in East Asian patients with CAD treated with PCI. A total of 12383 patients with CAD undergoing PCI who received dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) were consecutively enrolled in the ticagrelor group (n = 1321) and the clopidogrel group (n = 11062). Major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) and thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) bleeding events were compared according to ticagrelor or clopidogrel use were compared. After propensity matching (n = 1321 in each group), ticagrelor was associated with lower incidence of MACCEs compared with clopidogrel (3.9 vs. 5.9%, hazard ratio [HR] = 0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.45–0.92, p =.015). The incidence of TIMI bleeding events was higher in the ticagrelor group than in the clopidogrel group (4.5 vs. 2.9%, HR = 1.90, 95% CI 1.25–2.88, p =.024). The difference between ticagrelor and clopidogrel for net adverse clinical events was nonsignificant (4.3 vs. 4.9%, HR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.61–1.27, p =.458). Ticagrelor was associated with a lower incidence of MACCEs and an increased risk of TIMI bleeding events in East Asian patients with CAD receiving PCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lenticulostriate arteries (LSAs) with small diameters of a few hundred microns take origin directly from the high flow middle cerebral artery (MCA), making them especially susceptible to damage (e.g. by hypertension). This study aims to present high resolution (isotropic ∼0.5 mm), black blood MRI for the visualization and characterization of LSAs at both 3 T and 7 T. T1-weighted 3D turbo spin-echo with variable flip angles (T1w TSE-VFA) sequences were optimized for the visualization of LSAs by performing extended phase graph (EPG) simulations. Twenty healthy volunteers (15 under 35 years old, 5 over 60 years old) were imaged with the T1w TSE-VFA sequences at both 3 T and 7 T. Contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) was quantified, and LSAs were manually segmented using ITK-SNAP. Automated Reeb graph shape analysis was performed to extract features including vessel length and tortuosity. All quantitative metrics were compared between the two field strengths and two age groups using ANOVA. LSAs can be clearly delineated using optimized 3D T1w TSE-VFA at 3 T and 7 T, and a greater number of LSA branches can be detected compared to those by time-of-flight MR angiography (TOF MRA) at 7 T. The CNR of LSAs was comparable between 7 T and 3 T. T1w TSE-VFA showed significantly higher CNR than TOF MRA at the stem portion of the LSAs branching off the medial middle cerebral artery. The mean vessel length and tortuosity were greater on TOF MRA compared to TSE-VFA. The number of detected LSAs by both TSE-VFA and TOF MRA was significantly reduced in aged subjects, while the mean vessel length measured on 7 T TSE-VFA showed significant difference between the two age groups. The high-resolution black-blood 3D T1w TSE-VFA sequence offers a new method for the visualization and quantification of LSAs at both 3 T and 7 T, which may be applied for a number of pathological conditions related to the damage of LSAs. • High resolution black blood MRI for the visualization of lenticulostriate arteries at 3 and 7 T • More lenticulostriate arteries delineated compared to time-of-flight MRA at 7 T • Vessel morphology quantified with automated Reeb graph shape analysis. • Number and mean vessel length significantly reduced in aged subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiometabolic index (CMI) is recently considered to have certain significance in the screening of diabetes, atherosclerosis, and renal dysfunction. Therefore, this study intends to explore the relationship between CMI and the risk of albuminuria. This is a cross-sectional study involving 2732 elderly people (age ≥ 60). The research data are from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to 2018. Calculate CMI index: Triglyceride (TG) (mmol/L)/ High density lipid-cholesterol (HDL C) (mmol/L) × WHtR. The CMI level in microalbuminuria group was significantly higher than that in normal albuminuria group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), whether in the general population or in diabetes and hypertensive population respectively. The proportion of abnormal microalbuminuria increased gradually with the increase of CMI tertile interval (P < 0.01). Correlation analysis showed that CMI was positively correlated with urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and serum creatinine (Scr), and negatively correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). With the occurrence of albuminuria as the dependent variable, weighted logistic regression analysis showed that CMI was an independent risk factor for microalbuminuria. Weighted smooth curve fitting showed that CMI index was linearly related to the risk of microalbuminuria. Subgroup analysis and interaction test showed that they participated in this positive correlation. Obviously, CMI is independently associated with microalbuminuria, suggesting that CMI, a simple indicator, can be used for risk assessment of microalbuminuria, especially in diabetes patients. • The CMI level in microalbuminuria group was significantly higher than that in normal albuminuria group. • CMI index was linearly related to the risk of microalbuminuria. • CMI is independently associated with microalbuminuria, suggesting that CMI, a simple indicator, can be used for risk assessment of microalbuminuria, especially in diabetes patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Films are originally made from the high-purity Ga 2 O 3 granules by electron-beam evaporation. • The loss of oxygen in Ga 2 O 3 film is obviously improved by decreasing the depositing temperature. • The optical properties of Ga 2 O 3 films show regular connections with deposition temperature. • The laser-induced damage properties of Ga 2 O 3 film are tied with the depositing temperature. Abstract Ga 2 O 3 thin films were prepared by electron-beam evaporation from a starting material of high-purity Ga 2 O 3 granules. The relations between depositing temperature and properties including structural and optical aspects of the film were investigated. When the depositing temperatures were 50, 100, 150 and 200 °C, the corresponding refractive indexes were 1.790, 1.799, 1.816 and 1.830 at a wavelength of 532 nm. With the rise of depositing temperature, transparency of the thin films presented a decreasing trend in the ultraviolet as well as visible regions, and the edges of absorption showed red-shifted characteristic simultaneously. During the testing process, a 532 nm laser with variable energy from 5 to 200 mJ was loaded on film for 10 ns. The laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) of the Ga 2 O 3 samples rose up from 1.89, 3.28, and 4.13 to 4.49 J/cm2 against the increasing of depositing temperature. It demonstrated that optical properties of Ga 2 O 3 film relied heavily on the depositing temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the anatomical and chemical properties of sapwood and heartwood is important for the utilization of wood. In this study, the anatomical characteristics and chemical compositions of sapwood (SW) and heartwood (HW) of Michelia macclurei Dandy were investigated and compared. Six locations at SW and HW were selected and studied. The wet chemical method and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) technology were used to analyze the chemical compositions in SW and HW. The results showed that the fiber wall thickness, fiber lumen diameter, fiber wall thickness-to-lumen ratio, vessel lumen diameter and vessel frequency were significantly different between SW and HW. However, the ray frequency did not differ significantly between SW and HW. Less lignin (22.42%) in HW than SW (25.56%), proved that cell walls in HW were not completely lignified. As the heartwood accumulated substances, the extractives in HW was significantly higher than SW. The FTIR relative absorbance of 1502 cm-1 of lignin decreased from SW to HW. The two-dimensional heteronuclear single-quantum coherence (2D-HSQC) NMR spectra showed that the main lignin substructure, β-O-4′ aryl ether, was higher in SW (66.99%) than HW (58.22%). The S/G ratio in SW was about 1.8 times higher than that in HW, indicating that SW had more S-lignin. The alkaloids, a class of antifungal extractives of Michelia , were found to be mainly present in HW. These results contribute to a better understanding of sapwood and heartwood properties, which is of value for the further utilization of Michelia macclurei Dandy. • Structures variation of sapwood and heartwood of Michelia Macclurei were compared. • Fiber cell wall thickness to lumen ratio was 0.69 in heartwood and 0.78 in sapwood. • Klason lignin was 22.42% in heartwood and 25.56% in sapwood. • Syringyl/guaiacyl ratio in sapwood was 1.8 times higher than heartwood. • There were 6 quinoline alkaloids in heartwood and only 3 in sapwood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) are critical regulators of the biological activities of insulin-like growth factors. The IGFBP family plays diverse roles in different types of cancer, which we still lack comprehensive and pleiotropic understandings so far. Methods: Multi-source and multi-dimensional data, extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Oncomine, Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE), and the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) was used for bioinformatics analysis by R language. Immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR were performed to validate the results of the database analysis results. Bibliometrics and literature review were used for summarizing the research progress of IGFBPs in the field of tumor. Results: The members of IGFBP gene family are differentially expressed in various cancer types. IGFBPs expression can affect prognosis of different cancers. The expression of IGFBPs expression is associated with multiple signal transduction pathways. The expression of IGFBPs is significantly correlated with tumor mutational burden, microsatellite instability, tumor stemness and tumor immune microenvironment. The qRT-PCR experiments verified the lower expression of IGFBP2 and IGFBP6 in gastric cancer and the lower expression of IGFBP6 in colorectal cancer. Immunohistochemistry validated a marked downregulation of IGFBP2 protein in gastric cancer tissues. The keywords co-occurrence analysis of IGFBP related publications in cancer showed relative research have been more concentrating on the potential of IGFBPs as tumor diagnostic and prognostic markers and developing cancer therapies. Conclusions: These findings provide frontier trend of IGFBPs related research and new clues for identifying novel therapeutic targets for various cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The molecular mechanism of patellar instability (PI) remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to explore the function of SOST/sclerostin in PI and examine the effect of sclerostin antibody (Scl-Ab). We randomly divided 60 male 3-week-old C57Bl/6 mice into four groups: sham, PI, Scl-Ab intraperitoneal injection (Scl-Ab IP), Scl-Ab intraarticular injection (Scl-Ab IA). PI was established in the latter three groups. The Scl-Ab IP/IA groups were administered with an intraperitoneal/intraarticular Scl-Ab injection (100 mg/kg, 20 µl), respectively, at 5-day intervals. Distal femurs were collected 30 days after the surgery. The SOST/sclerostin, β-catenin, ALP, OPG and RANKL expression in distal femur were determined. Trochlear morphology and structural parameters of the trabecular and cortical bone compartments were determined by micro-CT. Further sub-regional analysis was performed. HE staining and Masson's trichrome staining were performed to evaluate cartilage changes. PI increased the expression of SOST/sclerostin and RANKL, and decreased β-catenin, ALP and OPG levels, while Scl-Ab IP reversed these changes. Scl-Ab IP brought trochlear morphology closer to normality. Additionally, Scl-Ab IP significantly improved most of the bone parameters. Importantly, both PI and Scl-Ab IP acted mainly on trabecular bone. Histological analysis showed that Scl-Ab IP protected cartilage from degeneration. However, Scl-Ab IA did not protect against bone loss or cartilage degradation. SOST/sclerostin plays an important role in PI and systemic Scl-Ab use promotes bone formation through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in the femoral trochlear after PI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• In contrast to methods such as power spectrum and wavelet analysis, dipole source localization can determine the location and size of activated brain regions during stimulation. • The driver's right intraorbital superior and the infraorbital frontal gyrus regions were significantly activated during visually distracted driving. • The left and right dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus regions were significantly activated during auditory distracted driving. • The right intraorbital superior, infraorbital, and dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus were significantly activated during cognitive distraction. • Driving distracted drivers were most affected in prefrontal cortical regions, especially in the right frontal cortical region. Electroencephalogram (EEG) was used to analyze the differences in brain area activation correlations between driving distraction (visual distraction, auditory distraction, and cognitive distraction) and normal driving. Thirty subjects participated in this study. Three subtasks were designed, which occurred randomly during driving simulation, to investigate the effects of different distractions on the drivers' neural activity. The drivers' right intraorbital superior frontal gyrus and right infraorbital frontal gyrus were significantly activated during visual distraction driving, while the superior frontal gyrus, right dorsolateral region were significantly activated during auditory distracted driving, and the right intraorbital superior frontal gyrus, right infraorbital frontal gyrus and superior frontal gyrus, and right dorsolateral region were significantly activated during cognitive distraction. This intrinsic neural activity in brain regions is expressed through extrinsic driving performance. It was found that auditory distracted driving, with the lowest activation in the right frontal lobe, had the least effect on lateral control of the vehicle, and cognitive distracted driving, with the highest activation in the right frontal lobe, had the greatest effect on lateral control of the vehicle. Therefore, we suggest that prefrontal cortical areas, especially the right frontal cortical area, are most affected by distracted driving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and efficient tandem reaction approach was developed for the synthesis of 5-hydroxyhydantoins from one-pot reaction of isatins, phthalic anhydride or succinic anhydride, and 1,3-dimethylurea (1,3-diethylurea). The products were gained through the ring-opening of isatins process. The advantages of this report are simple operation, mild reaction conditions, good yields and easily available raw materials. It was very important for us to obtain the intermediate product and that provided a solid basis for the correct interpretation of the reaction mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: As reported, diagnostic age, gender and presence of outflow tract obstruction have an impact on prognosis in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term outcome between apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (ApHCM) and asymmetric septal hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (ASHCM) after the exclusion of these factors. Methods: A total of 540 patients (270 with ApHCM and 270 with ASHCM) identified in a consecutive single-center cohort were retrospectively studied. The two groups were matched by diagnostic age, gender and the presence of outflow tract obstruction. Clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes were compared. Results: The mean follow-up duration in ASHCM and ApHCM were 6.6 ± 5.5 and 7.6 ± 4.1 years, respectively. During follow-up, 16 patients experienced cardiovascular death in the ASHCM group, while 2 patients experienced cardiovascular death in the ApHCM group (6.3 vs. 0.7%, p < 0.01). Cardiovascular morbidity in the ASHCM and ApHCM groups were 39.9 and 18.5% (p < 0.01). In the multivariate Cox regression analysis late gadolinium enhancement (LGE; HR 4.81, 95% CI 1.28-78.0, p = 0.03) and unexplained syncope (HR 9.68, 95% CI 1.9-17.2, p < 0.01) were independent predictors for cardiovascular mortality. Unexplained syncope was independently associated with a higher risk for sudden cardiac death (HR 4.3, 95% CI 1.2-15.3, p = 0.02). Conclusions: After eliminating the interference of diagnostic age, gender and outflow tract obstruction, ASHCM represented a worse prognosis with a higher incidence of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity than ApHCM. LGE was a strong predictor for cardiovascular death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expression of CXC motif chemokine 17 (CXCL17) and its reported membrane receptor G-protein-coupled receptor 35 (GPR35) in different gastric pathological lesions and their clinical implications are largely unknown. In this study, a total of 860 pathological sections were immune-stained with either anti-CXCL17 or anti-GPR35 antibodies. Their expression was scored within the area of the normal gastric gland of non-atrophic gastritis (NAG-NOR), intestinal metaplasia of atrophic gastritis (AG-IM), IM adjacent to GC (GC-IM), and GC tissue. The clinical significance and potential function of CXCL17 and GPR35 were explored using multiple methods. Our results suggested that CXCL17 expression was gradually upregulated during the pathological progress of gastric diseases (NAG-NOR < AG-IM < GC-IM), but significantly downregulated when GC occurred. GPR35 had a similar expression pattern but its expression in GC remained abundant. High CXCL17 expression in GC was associated with less malignant behavior and was an independent biomarker of favorable prognosis. Overexpressing CXCL17 in HGC27 cells significantly upregulated CCL20 expression. TCGA analysis identified that CXCL17 was negatively correlated with some cancer-promoting pathways and involved in inflammatory activities. CTRP analysis revealed that gastric cell lines expressing less CXCL17 and were more sensitive to the CXCR2 inhibitor SB-225002. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Luteolin, a monomeric substance, is a natural product of the Brucea javanica (BJ) plant. Brucea javanica oil emulsion injection (BJOEI) is a proprietary Chinese medicine purified from BJ that is widely used clinically as an anti-tumor treatment. Although a growing body of research suggests that luteolin and BJOEI have anti-tumor effects, the molecular mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated. In this study, through molecular docking technology, we found that luteolin can interact directly with GPSM2 and regulate the FoxO signaling pathway through GPSM2. In addition, the inhibitory effect of luteolin on colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) cells was found to be offset by knockdown of GPSM2. In contrast, the anti-proliferative effects of luteolin could be notably reversed by overexpression of GPSM2. The results reveal that GPSM2 is crucial in luteolin-mediated anti-proliferative effects. The mediation of anti-proliferative effects by GPSM2 has also been indirectly demonstrated in RKO and SW480 xenograft mice models. In addition, we verified that BJOEI inhibits the progression of COAD by mediating GPSM2 and regulating the FoxO signaling pathway. We also found that BJOEI achieved a better anti-tumor effect when combined with fluorouracil injection. Collectively, our data show that the anti-tumor effects of BJOEI and luteolin on COAD are GPSM2 -dependent and downregulating the expression of GPSM2 to regulate the FoxO signaling pathway may be an effective way to treat COAD. [Display omitted] • Luteolin is a natural product of the Brucea javanica monomeric component that is widely used in antitumour treatment. • Luteolin and Brucea javanica oil emulsion injection can inhibit colon cancer progression. • The anticancer mechanism of luteolinrevealed and laid a solid foundation for its clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) remains one of the most common complications following anesthesia and surgery (AS) in the elderly population. Calcium-mediated mitochondrial injury has been proved to induce cognitive impairment in a variety of neurologic diseases. In the current study we determined whether electro-acupuncture (EA) pretreatment ameliorated AS-induced POCD in aged rats, as well as the underlying mechanism. Eighty SD rats (18 months, male) were randomly assigned into four groups (n = 20): C, C + EA, POCD and EA + POCD. Rats in Group POCD and EA + POCD were subjected to exploratory laparotomy under sevoflurane anesthesia. Rats of Group C + EA and EA + POCD received a 5-day EA stimulation at Hegu, Neiguan and Zusanli acupoints before AS. At 3rd day after AS, open field test along with Morris water maze test were employed to examine the cognitive function of aged rats. Then hippocampal tissues were stripped and hippocampal neuronal amount, expression level of cleaved caspase-9 level, cytochrome c (Cyt C), cleaved caspase-3 level, Bcl-2, Bax, ROS expression level, apoptosis rate, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]c), opening level of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) and ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons were detected separately. EA pretreatment inhibited AS-induced cognitive dysfunction. Furthermore, EA pretreatment decreased level of [Ca2+]c, MMP, mPTP, ROS and hippocampal mitochondrial disruption and enhanced neuronal amount. In addition, EA pretreatment notably reduced the AS-induced increased level of cleaved caspase-9, cleaved caspase-3 and expression of Cyt c, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, as well as neuronal apoptosis rate in aged rats. EA pretreatment ameliorates AS-induced POCD in aged rats, the potential mechanism may be associated with inhibiting calcium overload and ameliorating mitochondrial injury and neuroapoptosis in hippocampal neurons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Resting-state brain activity has been investigated extensively using BOLD contrast. However, BOLD signal represents the combined effects of multiple physiological processes and its spatial localization is less accurate than that of cerebral blood flow and volume (CBF and CBF, respectively). In this study, we demonstrate that resting-state brain activity can be reliably detected by spontaneous fluctuations of CBV-weighted signal using whole-brain gradient and spin echo (GRASE) based vascular space occupancy (VASO) imaging. Specifically, using independent component analysis, intrinsic brain networks, including default mode, salience, executive control, visual, auditory, and sensorimotor networks were revealed robustly by the VASO technique. We further demonstrate that task-evoked VASO signal aligned well with expected gray matter areas, while blood-oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signal extended outside of these areas probably due to their different spatial specificity. The improved spatial localization of VASO is consistent with previous studies using animal models. Moreover, we showed that the 3D-GRASE VASO images had reduced susceptibility-induced signal voiding, compared to the BOLD technique. This is attributed to the fact that VASO does not require T2* weighting, thus the acquisition can use a shorter TE and can employ spin-echo scheme. Consequently VASO-based functional connectivity signals were well preserved in brain regions that tend to suffer from signal loss and geometric distortion in BOLD, such as orbital prefrontal cortex. Our study suggests that 3D-GRASE VASO imaging, with its improved spatial specificity and less sensitivity to susceptibility artifacts, may have advantages in resting-state fMRI studies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening disorder and, therefore, investigation into its underlying mechanisms in light of the competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) hypothesis has gradually increased. However, there is still lacking systematic analysis on AAA-associated circular RNA (circRNA)-microRNA (miRNA/miR)-messenger RNA (mRNA) interaction networks based on bioinformatics methods. The present study attempted to identify novel molecular biomarkers for AAA by profiling circRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks using three public microarray datasets (GSE7084, GSE57691 and GSE144431). A total of 135 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 142 differentially expressed circRNAs were detected using the limma R package with the statistical threshold of P<0.05 and |log2fold change (FC)| >1.5. In addition, 12 circRNA-miRNA-mRNA axes were identified to construct upregulated and downregulated ceRNA networks using Cytoscape. Based on molecular complex detection algorithm, (hsa_circ_0057691/0092108/0006845/0082182)- miR-330-5p-calponin 1 (CNN1) and (hsa_circ_0061482/0011450/0008351/0004121)-miR-326-CD8a molecule (CD8A) were recognized as the center axes in ceRNA networks. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR results verified the significant downregulation of CNN1 and upregulation of CD8A in human AAA tissues (P<0.05). In addition, four upregulated circRNA/mRNA axes, and five downregulated circRNA/mRNA axes were revealed to have possible biological functions in the pathogenesis of AAA using the Cytoscape software. Receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated the accuracy of these nine DEGs involved in these axes for AAA diagnosis with area under the curves >0.80. The present study revealed novel circRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks associated with AAA, especially for CNN1 and CD8A axes with the potential function of 'focal adhesion' and 'immune response', respectively. Overall, the present findings may provide evidence to explore the implicated ceRNAs in the molecular mechanisms and as novel biomarkers for AAA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Resistance training (RT) is a promising strategy to slow or prevent fluid cognitive decline during aging. However, the effects of strength-specific RT programs have received little attention. The purpose of this single-group proof of concept clinical trial was to determine whether a 12-week strength training (ST) program could improve fluid cognition in healthy older adults 60 to 80 years of age, and to explore concomitant physiological and psychological changes. Methods: Twenty participants (69.1 ± 5.8 years, 14 women) completed this study with no drop-outs or severe adverse events. Baseline assessments were completed before an initial 12-week control period, then participants were re-tested at pre-intervention and after the 12-week ST intervention. The NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery and standard physical and psychological measures were administered at all three time points. During the 36 sessions of periodized ST (3 sessions per week), participants were supervised by an exercise specialist and challenged via autoregulatory load progression. Results: Test-retest reliability over the control period was good for fluid cognition and excellent for crystallized cognition. Fluid composite scores significantly increased from pre- to post-intervention (8.2 ± 6.1%, p < 0.01, d = 1.27), while crystallized composite scores did not (-0.5 ± 2.8%, p = 0.46, d = -0.34). Performance on individual fluid instruments, including executive function, attention, working memory, and processing speed, also significantly improved. Surprisingly, changes in fluid composite scores had small negative correlations with changes in muscular strength and sleep quality, but a small positive correlation with changes in muscular power. Conclusions: Thus, improvements in fluid cognition can be safely achieved in older adults using a 12-week high-intensity ST program, but further controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings. Furthermore, the relationship with other widespread physiological and psychological benefits remains unclear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on a study which examined the association between red cell distribution (RDW) width and myocardial infarction (MI) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Topics discussed include the prevalence of coronary heart disease patients with RA, risk factors of MI in RA, and the relationships between RDW and other inflammatory markers.

Increased cerebroarterial pulsations are thought to be contributing factors in microvascular damage and cognitive impairment. In this study, we assessed the utility of two-dimensional (2D) phase-contrast MRI (PC-MRI) in quantifying cerebroarterial pulsations and evaluated the associations of pulsatile and non-pulsatile hemodynamic measures with cognitive performance and white matter hyperintensities (WMH). Neurocognitive assessments on 50 elderly subjects were performed using clinical dementia rating (CDR) and Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA). An electrocardiogram-gated 2D PC-MRI sequence was used to calculate mean flow rate, pulsatility index (PI), and resistivity index (RI) of the internal carotid artery. For each subject, whole brain global cerebral blood flow (gCBF) and relative WMH volume were also quantified. Elevated RI was significantly associated with reduced cognitive performance quantified using MoCA (p = 0.04) and global CDR (p = 0.02). PI and RI were both significantly associated with relative WMH volume (p = 0.01, p < 0.01, respectively). However, non-pulsatile hemodynamic measures were not associated with cognitive impairment or relative WMH volume. This study showed that the cerebroarterial pulsatile measures obtained using PC-MRI have stronger association with the measures of cognitive impairment compared to global blood flow measurement and as such, might be useful as potential biomarkers of cerebrovascular dysfunction in preclinical populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 57‐year‐old male presented with symptomatic systolic heart failure and complete left bundle branch block (LBBB). Left bundle branch pacing corrected LBBB at a low capture threshold (0.5V @0.4ms) with right bundle branch conduction delay and paced QRS morphology changed to near‐normal by adjusting AV delay with diminished RBBD. At 1‐year follow‐up, the patient had a significant improvement in heart failure and LBBB automatically resolved with a rate‐dependent pattern. LBBP may be an alternative to conventional cardiac resynchronization therapy with the likelihood of recovery of LBBB. More research is needed to evaluate the potential use of this pacing strategy in patients with LBBB and heart failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a scoring system for assessing reperfusion status based on arterial spin labeled (ASL) perfusion MRI in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients receiving thrombolysis and/or endovascular treatment. Pseudo-continuous ASL with background suppressed 3D GRASE was acquired along with DWI in 90 patients within 24 h post-treatment. An automatic reperfusion scoring system (auto-RPS) was devised based on the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) template, and compared with manual RPS and DWI-ASPECTS. TICI (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction) scores were graded in 48 patients who received endovascular treatment. Favorable outcomes were defined by a modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2 at three months. Auto-RPS was positively correlated with DWI-ASPECTS (ρ = 0.6, P < 0.001) and was on average 1 point lower than DWI-ASPECTS (P < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for discriminating poor functional outcome (n = 90) was 0.75 (95% CI, 0.64–0.86) for manual RPS, 0.85 (95% CI, 0.76–0.94) for auto-RPS, and 0.81 (95% CI, 0.71–0.90) for DWI-ASPECTS. Multiple logistic regression analysis in the TICI-graded patients (n = 48) showed that auto-RPS is highly associated with functional outcome (OR = 25.2, 95% CI 4.02–496, P < 0.01). Post treatment auto-RPS within 24 h provides a useful tool to predict functional outcome in AIS patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Extreme left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a known risk factor for sudden cardiac death in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Extreme right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) is rare, and whether it is linked to a poor outcome is unknown. This study was designed to investigate differences between HCM patients with extreme RVH and those with extreme LVH. Methods: Among 2,413 HCM patients, 31 with extreme RVH (maximum right ventricular wall thickness ≥10 mm) and 194 with extreme LVH (maximum left ventricular wall thickness ≥30 mm) were investigated. The main clinical features and natural history were compared between the 2 groups. Results: The prevalence of extreme RVH and extreme LVH was 1.3 and 8.0%, respectively. Patients with extreme RVH tended to be younger and female (p < 0.01). Cardiovascular-related mortality and morbidity within 10 years were significantly greater in the extreme RVH group (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis demonstrated 3 independent predictors for cardiovascular mortality - extreme RVH, left ventricular end-diastolic dimension ≥50 mm, and age ≤18 years at baseline - and 2 for morbidity - extreme RVH and presyncope. Conclusions: Compared with extreme LVH, extreme RVH was quite uncommon in HCM and had a worse prognosis. A right ventricle examination should be performed in routine HCM evaluation. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To identify potential biomarkers of the renal impairment in lupus nephritis using a multi-parametric renal quantitative MRI (qMRI) protocol including diffusion weighted imaging (DWI), blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD), arterial spin labeling (ASL) and T1rho MRI between a cohort of healthy volunteers and lupus nephritis (LN) patients. Materials and methods The renal qMRI protocol was performed twice with repositioning in between on 10 LN patients and 10 matched controls at 1.5 T. Navigator-gated and breath-hold acquisitions followed by non-rigid image registration were used to control respiratory motion. The repeatability of the 4 MRI modalities was evaluated with the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and within-subject coefficient of variation (wsCV). Unpaired t-test and stepwise logistic regression were carried out to evaluate qMRI parameters between the LN and control groups. Results The reproducibility of the 4 qMRI modalities ranged from moderate to good (ICC = 0.4–0.91, wsCV ≤ 12%) with a few exceptions. T1rho MRI and ASL renal blood flow (RBF) demonstrated significant differences between the LN and control groups. Stepwise logistic regression yielded only one significant parameter (medullar T1rho) in differentiating LN from control groups with 95% accuracy. Conclusion A reasonable degree of test–retest repeatability and accuracy of a multi-parametric renal qMRI protocol has been demonstrated in healthy volunteers and LN subjects. T1rho and ASL RBF are promising imaging biomarkers of LN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Since graphene oxide (GO) is readily available and exhibits exceptional optical, electrical, mechanical and chemical properties, it has attracted increasing interests for use in GO–DNA based sensors. This paper reviews the advances in GO–DNA based sensors using DNA as recognition elements. In solution, GO is as an excellent acceptor of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) to quench the fluorescence in dye labeled DNA sequences. This review discusses the emerging GO–DNA based sensors related to FRET for use in the detection of DNA, proteins, metal ions, cysteine (Cys), and others. The application of the electrochemical GO–DNA based sensors is also summarized because GO possesses exceptional electrochemical properties. The detection mechanisms and the advantages of GO are also revealed and discussed. GO–DNA based sensors perform well at low cost, and high sensitivity, and provide low detection limits. Additionally, GO–DNA based sensors should appear in the near future as scientists explore their usefulness and properties. Finally, future perspectives and possible challenges in this area are outlined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in the resting state, particularly fMRI based on the blood-oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signal, has been extensively used to measure functional connectivity in the brain. However, the mechanisms of vascular regulation that underlie the BOLD fluctuations during rest are still poorly understood. In this work, using dual-echo pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling and MR angiography (MRA), we assess the spatio-temporal contribution of cerebral blood flow (CBF) to the resting-state BOLD signals and explore how the coupling of these signals is associated with regional vasculature. Using a general linear model analysis, we found that statistically significant coupling between resting-state BOLD and CBF fluctuations is highly variable across the brain, but the coupling is strongest within the major nodes of established resting-state networks, including the default-mode, visual, and task-positive networks. Moreover, by exploiting MRA-derived large vessel (macrovascular) volume fraction, we found that the degree of BOLD–CBF coupling significantly decreased as the ratio of large vessels to tissue volume increased. These findings suggest that the portion of resting-state BOLD fluctuations at the sites of medium-to-small vessels (more proximal to local neuronal activity) is more closely regulated by dynamic regulations in CBF, and that this CBF regulation decreases closer to large veins, which are more distal to neuronal activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Peptide-mediated interactions are crucial to a variety of functions in the living cell and are estimated to be involved in up to 40 % of all cellular processes. Fast and reliable inference of such interactions is fundamentally important for our understanding and, then, reconstruction of complete virtual interactomics involved in a specific cell, tissue or organism. In the current study, we performed structure-level characterization, modeling and prediction of protein-peptide recognition specificity and stability in a high-throughput manner. To achieve this, the classical chemometrics methodology quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR), which is traditionally applied to small-molecule entities such as drug compounds and environmental chemicals, was employed to statistically correlate structure features with binding affinities for a panel of structure-solved, affinity-known protein-peptide complexes compiled from the PDB database and literatures. In the standard QSAR procedure, various structural descriptors including physicochemical, geometrical and constitutional parameters that characterize diverse aspects of protein-peptide interaction property were derived from the biomacromolecular complex structure architecture, and these descriptors were then correlated with experimentally measured affinities by using the partial least squares (PLS) regression and Gaussian process (GP) in conjunction with genetic algorithm (GA) variable selection. The nonlinear GA/GP method was found to perform much well as compared to linear GA/PLS modeling, suggesting that the protein-peptide interaction system is highly complicated that may involve strong noise and interactive effect. The optimal GA/GP model revealed that the interface size and solvent effect play a critical role in protein-peptide binding, and other properties such as peptide length and flexibility also contribute significantly to the binding. A further test on 2,018 human amphiphysin SH3 domain-binding peptides demonstrated that the purposed QSAR modeling procedure is very fast and effective, which can thus be readily used to perform proteome-wide inference of peptide-mediated interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As for subjective methods (such as scale scores) for evaluation of automobile sound quality, electroencephalogram (EEG) can objectively and real-time reflect human mental states. Thus, EEG was introduced here to study the method of automobile sound recognition in view of frequency bands and channels. An EEG acquisition instrument was utilized to simultaneously acquire the EEGs of subjects stimulated by engine, exhaust and in-car sounds, and the power spectra of EEG were extracted by means of Welch Algorithm to construct a feature matrix; Then, the accuracies of automobile sound recognition based on five machine learning models were compared to determine the optimal model and the best frequency band range; What' more, considering the differences between subjects, the m-ReliefF algorithm was applied here to investigate the universality channel with the optimal weight. Our results indicated that the differences between the three kinds of automobile sounds can be effectively identified by means of the KNN model, whose mean of accuracy peaks up to 87.93%; In addition, the recognition accuracies of beta and gamma bands were far higher than that of alpha and theta bands. Also, the accuracies of top universality 9 and 12 channels were up to 89.9% and 92.8% respectively, which were even better than that of the original 63 channels. This study revealed that recognition accuracy and computational efficiency can be significantly improved through the precise localization of the frequency bands and channels related with the automobile sounds, and demonstrated that EEG-based evaluation of the automobile sound quality shall be feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]