An automated and intelligent microfluidic platform for microalgae detection and monitoring

Microalgae not only play a vital role in the ecosystem but also hold promising commercial applications. Conventional methods of detecting and monitoring microalgae rely on field sampling followed by transportation to the laboratory for manual analysis, which is both time-consuming and laborious. Although machine learning (ML) algorithms have been introduced for microalgae detection in the laboratory, no integrated platform approach has yet emerged to enable real-time, on-site sampling and analysing. To solve this problem, here, we develop an automated and intelligent microfluidic platform (AIMP) that can offer automated system control, intelligent data analysis, and user interaction, providing an economical and portable solution to alleviate the drawbacks of conventional methods for microalgae detection and monitoring. We demonstrate the feasibility of the AIMP by detecting and classifying four microalgal species (Cosmarium, Closterium, Micrasterias, and Haematococcus Pluvialis) that exhibit varying sizes (from a few to hundreds of microns) and morphologies. The trained microalgae species detection network (MSDN, based on YOLOv5 architecture) achieves a high overall mean average precision at 0.5 intersection-over-union ([email protected]) of 92.8%. Furthermore, the versatility of the AIMP is demonstrated by long-term monitoring of astaxanthin production from Haematococcus Pluvialis over a period of 30 days. The AIMP achieved 97.5% accuracy in the detection of Haematococcus Pluvialis and 96.3% in further classification based on astaxanthin accumulation. This study opens up a new path towards microalgae detection and monitoring using portable intelligent devices, providing new ideas to accelerate progress in the ecological studies and commercial exploitation of microalgae

Developing and validating a nomogram for cognitive impairment in the older people based on the NHANES

ObjectiveTo use the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Study (NHANES) to develop and validate a risk-prediction nomogram for cognitive impairment in people aged over 60 years.MethodsA total of 2,802 participants (aged ≥ 60 years) from NHANES were analyzed. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression model and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used for variable selection and model development. ROC-AUC, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the nomogram’s performance.ResultsThe nomogram included five predictors, namely sex, moderate activity, taste problem, age, and education. It demonstrated satisfying discrimination with a AUC of 0.744 (95% confidence interval, 0.696–0.791). The nomogram was well-calibrated according to the calibration curve. The DCA demonstrated that the nomogram was clinically useful.ConclusionThe risk-prediction nomogram for cognitive impairment in people aged over 60 years was effective. All predictors included in this nomogram can be easily accessed from its’ user

Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)-encapsulated iodine-131 nanoparticles fabricated with rhTSH induce apoptosis and immobilization of thyroid cancer cells

BackgroundAggressive thyroid carcinoma (ATC) usually loses radioiodine avidity to iodine-131 (131I) due to the downregulation of sodium/iodide symporter (NIS). The expression of thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) is more persistent than NIS and the administration of recombinant human thyroid stimulating hormone (rhTSH) promotes de novo NIS synthesis. Hence, exploring methods integrating 131I with rhTSH might be a feasible therapeutic strategy for selective delivery of 131I into thyroid cancer to fortify the effect of radioiodine ablation.MethodsThe 131I, poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and rhTSH were used to synthesize of the 131I-PLGA-rhTSH nanoparticles. The characteristics of the 131I-PLGA-rhTSH nanoparticles was determined using a light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), autoradiography and immunofluorescence (IF) staining. The diameter of the 131I-PLGA-rhTSH nanoparticles was measured with a Mastersizer 3000, and the encapsulation efficiency (EF) of 131I in 131I-PLGA-rhTSH nanoparticles and the radioactivity of a single nanoparticle were determined. Then, the mouse tumor xenograft model was established, and the biodistribution and effect of 131I-PLGA-rhTSH nanoparticles on apoptosis of thyroid cance cells were investigated in vivo. Thereafter, the role of 131I-PLGA-rhTSH nanoparticles in cell viability using cell counting kit-8 and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays. Subsequently, the underlying mechanism of 131I-PLGA-rhTSH nanoparticles in reducing cell viability was assessed using immunostaining, boyden invasion assays and phalloidin staining.ResultsOur results showed that the method of developing nanoparticles-encapsulated 131I using poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and modified with rhTSH (131I-PLGA-rhTSH), was a feasible avenue for the integration of 131I and rhTSH. Meanwhile, the encapsulation efficiency (EF) of 131I-PLGA-rhTSH nanoparticles was approximately 60%, and the radioactivity of a single nanoparticle was about 1.1×10-2 Bq. Meanwhile, the 131I-PLGA-rhTSH nanoparticles were selectively delivered into, gradually enriched and slowly downregulated in xenograft tumor after the administration of 131I-PLGA-rhTSH nanoparticles through tail vein in mouse tumor xenograft model. Thereafter, the tumor weight was significantly reduced after the administration of 131I-PLGA-rhTSH nanoparticles. Subsequently, the application of 131I-PLGA-rhTSH nanoparticles facilitated apoptosis and attenuated immobilization via inhibiting F-actin assembling of FTC-133 cells.ConclusionThe present study develops a suitable approach integrating 131I and rhTSH, and this strategy is a feasible regimen enhancing the effect of radioiodine ablation for the treatment of thyroid cancer

The treatment practices for anterior urethral strictures in China: A case-based survey

ObjectiveTo investigate the treatment concept of Chinese urologists for anterior urethral strictures based on actual cases.MethodsA self-designed case-based questionnaire was distributed to the members of Official WeChat account of Learning Union from March 19, 2020, to April 10, 2020. Questionnaires requested respondents' demographic information and responses to five cases of anterior urethral stricture: short obliterative bulbar urethral stricture caused by straddle injury (Case 1), idiopathic bulbar urethral stricture after failure of multiple endoscopic therapy (Case 2), iatrogenic long penile urethral stricture (Case 3), lichen sclerosis-related urethral stricture (Case 4), and anterior urethral stricture in indwelling catheter after multiple failure of endoscopic surgery (Case 5). Data was described by frequency and percentage.ResultsA total of 1,267 valid anonymous questionnaires were received. Urethroplasty was recommended more frequently than endoscopic surgery (Case 1: 47.8% vs. 32.8%,Case 2: 42.5% vs. 33.8%, Case 3: 36.1% vs. 26.7%). Referrals patients to other urologists engaged in urethral repair and reconstruction account for a high portion of the treatment (Case 1:18.4%, Case 2:23.1%, Case 3:36.5%, Case 4:27.7%,Case 5:9.3%). Excision and primary anastomosis urethroplasty (EPA) was preferred for treatment of Case 1 (42.5%). For Case 2, the most popular choice was EPA (30.6%). Although the patient has a history of failure in endoscopic surgery, 33.8% of urologists continue to choose endoscopic surgery. For Case 3, 20.0% of urologists would perform oral mucosal urethroplasty. Surprisingly, 5.9% chose EPA. For Case 4, 37.3% of urologists selected meatotomy, 30.4% suggested that glans and urethral biopsies should be performed. 21.0% chose to use steroid ointment after surgery. For Case 5, 26.3% of the respondents believed that urethrography should be performed after removing catheter more than one week, if the urine is obstructed during the period, performing cystostomy firstly.ConclusionsIn China, the concept of urethroplasty is more widely accepted than endoscopic surgery for the treatment of anterior urethral strictures. The concept of referral has been widely formed among Chinese urologists. Better understanding of the comprehensive treatment of lichen sclerosis related anterior urethral stricture and the principle of urethral rest should be strengthened