Aberrant neural activity in patients with bipolar depressive disorder distinguishing to the unipolar depressive disorder: a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study

This study aims to explore the intrinsic patterns of spontaneous activity of bipolar depression (BD) patients by analyzing the fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (fALFF) that help differentiate BD from unipolar depressive disorder(UD). Twenty eight patients with BD, 47 patients with UD and 29 healthy controls were enrolled to receive the resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scans. The group differences of fALFF values were calculated among three groups. In addition, the correlations between the clinical variables and mfALFF values were estimated. The brain regions with activation discrepancies among three groups are located in precuneus, the left middle temporal gyrus (MTG) and left inferior parietal lobe (IPL) and lingual gyrus. Compared with HC group, BD group shows decreased fALFF in precuneus, the left IPL and increased fALFF in lingual gyrus remarkably; UD group shows significantly decreased fALFF in precuneus, the left MTG and the left IPL. On the contrast of patients with UD, patients with BD have significantly increased fALFF value in the left precuneus, the left MGT and lingual gyrus. Furthermore, a negative correlation is found between the mfALFF values in precuneus and the scores of cognitive impairment factor in the UD group. The similar pattern of intrinsic activity in PCC suggests depressive state-dependent change. The aberrant patterns of intrinsic activity in precuneus, the IPL and lingual gyrus might be provide quantitative nodes that help to conduct further study for better distinguishing between BD and UD

Nanoarchitectonic Engineering of Thermal-Responsive Magnetic Nanorobot Collectives for Intracranial Aneurysm Therapy

Stent-assisted coiling is a main treatment modality for intracranial aneurysms (IAs) in clinics, but critical challenges remain to be overcome, such as exogenous implant-induced stenosis and reliance on antiplatelet agents. Herein, we report an endovascular approach for IA therapy without stent grafting or microcatheter shaping, enabled by active delivery of thrombin (Th) to target aneurysms using innovative phase-change material (PCM)-coated magnetite-thrombin (Fe3O4-Th@PCM) FTP nanorobots. The nanorobots are controlled by an integrated actuation system of dynamic torque-force hybrid magnetic fields. With robust intravascular navigation guided by real-time ultrasound imaging, nanorobotic collectives can effectively accumulate and retain in model aneurysms constructed in vivo, followed by controlled release of the encapsulated Th for rapid occlusion of the aneurysm upon melting the protective PCM (thermally responsive in a tunable manner) through focused magnetic hyperthermia. Complete and stable aneurysm embolization was confirmed by postoperative examination and 2-week postembolization follow-up using digital subtraction angiography (DSA), contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and histological analysis. The safety of the embolization therapy was assessed through biocompatibility evaluation and histopathology assays. Our strategy, seamlessly integrating secure drug packaging, agile magnetic actuation and clinical interventional imaging, avoids possible exogenous implant rejection, circumvents cumbersome microcatheter shaping, and offers a promising option for IA therapy

Thermal Stability Studies of Benzoyl Peroxide Systems

Organic Peroxide is one of the common reactive chemical classes. Their unstable O-O bonds make them very useful, but also hazardous due to highly exothermic decomposition, which can result in runaway reactions. Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) is one of the most commonly used organic peroxides in market and the hazards have been revealed in many incidents. To prevent conditions leading to a thermal runaway, it is necessary to understand the kinetics, thermodynamic properties and critical safety parameters of the systems involving reactive chemicals. In this research, calorimetric experiments were employed to characterize the runaway behavior of BPO in different systems. The aim was the advancement of understanding the thermal risks of BPO under various conditions in a systematic and comprehensive approach. More specifically, BPO was studied in three different systems: 1) solid phase BPO decomposition, 2) BPO decomposition in solvent, and 3) BPO compatibility study in mixtures with selected acids, bases or salts. Chemical reactivity of BPO in different systems were investigated experimentally using screening techniques and adiabatic calorimeter. Significant differences in thermal behavior and reaction pathways were observed in different systems involving BPO. Solid BPO was tested in pseudo-adiabatic calorimeter to study the condition-dependent BPO decomposition, including the effect of sample size, confinement, and additives. The information was useful in identifying safer operation conditions to avoid exposure of BPO to heat, confined spaces or incompatible materials, and to prevent thermal explosion. BPO-solvent system was evaluated in adiabatic calorimeter. A quantitative assessment of the effects of sample volume and mass fraction on thermal runaway was conducted. The thermal hazards associated with process scaling up and process deviation were revealed. In addition, the effect of dry fire-extinguishing chemicals on BPO stability was assessed. The results showed that sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate could reduce the “onset” temperature, and reduce the pressure hazard of solid BPO decomposition, and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate had an inhibition effect on BPO decomposition. We anticipate this research to provide useful information in terms of thermal runaway prevention, protection layer design, and developing emergency responding measures in order to safely handle energetic BPO in storage, transportation, manufacturing, production processes, as well as safely tackle BPO-related fires

Subclavian vein ultrasound-guided fluid management to prevent post-spinal anesthetic hypotension during cesarean delivery: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Hypotension frequently occurs after spinal anesthesia during cesarean delivery, and fluid loading is recommended for its prevention. We evaluated the efficacy of subclavian vein (SCV) ultrasound (US)-guided volume optimization in preventing hypotension after spinal anesthesia during cesarean delivery. Methods This randomized controlled study included 80 consecutive full-term parturients scheduled for cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia. The women were randomly divided into the SCVUS group, with SCVUS analysis before spinal anesthesia with SCVUS-guided volume management, and the control group without SCVUS assessment. The SCVUS group received 3 mL/kg crystalloid fluid challenges repeatedly within 3 min with a 1-min interval based on the SCV collapsibility index (SCVCI), while the control group received a fixed dose (10 mL/kg). Incidence of post-spinal anesthetic hypotension was the primary outcome. Total fluid volume, vasopressor dosage, changes in hemodynamic parameters, maternal adverse effects, and neonatal status were secondary outcomes. Results The total fluid volume was significantly higher in the control group than in the SCVUS group (690 [650–757.5] vs. 160 [80–360] mL, p < 0.001), while the phenylephrine dose (0 [0–40] vs. 0 [0–30] µg, p = 0.276) and incidence of post-spinal anesthetic hypotension (65% vs. 60%, p = 0.950) were comparable between both the groups. The incidence of maternal adverse effects, including nausea/vomiting and bradycardia (12.5% vs. 17.5%, p = 0.531 and 7.5% vs. 5%, p = 1.00, respectively), and neonatal outcomes (Apgar scores) were comparable between the groups. SCVCI correlated with the amount of fluid administered (R = 0.885, p < 0.001). Conclusions SCVUS-guided volume management did not ameliorate post-spinal anesthetic hypotension but reduced the volume of the preload required before spinal anesthesia. Reducing preload volume did not increase the incidence of maternal and neonatal adverse effects nor did it increase the total vasopressor dose. Moreover, reducing preload volume could relieve the heart burden of parturients, which has high clinical significance. Clinical trial registration The trial was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry at chictr.org.cn (registration number, ChiCTR2100055050) on December 31, 2021

Palaeoecological analysis of phytoplankton regime shifts in response to coastal eutrophication

We used a multiple-proxy palaeoecological method to reconstruct a 100 yr time series showing coastal eutrophic processes and phytoplankton responses. Total organic carbon, total nitrogen, diatom frustules, dinoflagellate cysts, brassicasterol and dinosterol were extracted from chronologic sediment cores in Sishili Bay, a polluted area in China. The cores showed that eutrophication occurred during about 1975 to 1985, which corresponds to increased human activity associated with China's economic development since 1978. During eutrophication, the biomass of diatoms and dinoflagellates increased, and dominant species shifted abruptly. The small, heavily silicified diatoms Cyclotella stylorum and Paralia sulcata gradually took the place of the large dominant diatom Coscinodiscus radiatus, while dinoflagellates displayed a progressive in crease since 1975. Compared to changes in temperature and rainfall during 1950 to 2010, increased fertilizer use, marine aquaculture and sewage discharge showed a better match to the increasing trend in biomass, species shift and nutrient concentration. Altered nutrient supply ratios caused by increased nitrogen inputs play an important role in the shifts in diatom and dinoflagellate assemblages.We used a multiple-proxy palaeoecological method to reconstruct a 100 yr time series showing coastal eutrophic processes and phytoplankton responses. Total organic carbon, total nitrogen, diatom frustules, dinoflagellate cysts, brassicasterol and dinosterol were extracted from chronologic sediment cores in Sishili Bay, a polluted area in China. The cores showed that eutrophication occurred during about 1975 to 1985, which corresponds to increased human activity associated with China's economic development since 1978. During eutrophication, the biomass of diatoms and dinoflagellates increased, and dominant species shifted abruptly. The small, heavily silicified diatoms Cyclotella stylorum and Paralia sulcata gradually took the place of the large dominant diatom Coscinodiscus radiatus, while dinoflagellates displayed a progressive in crease since 1975. Compared to changes in temperature and rainfall during 1950 to 2010, increased fertilizer use, marine aquaculture and sewage discharge showed a better match to the increasing trend in biomass, species shift and nutrient concentration. Altered nutrient supply ratios caused by increased nitrogen inputs play an important role in the shifts in diatom and dinoflagellate assemblages

Tumor-infiltrating mast cells predict prognosis and gemcitabine-based adjuvant chemotherapeutic benefit in biliary tract cancer patients

Abstract Background Recent studies have reported TIMs play an important role in tumors progression or regression, but the effect of TIMs in biliary tract cancer remains unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the prognostic value of tumor infiltrating mast cells (TIMs) and its influence on gemcitabine-based adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) benefits in biliary tract cancer patients after surgery. Methods TIMs were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining of tryptase in 250 patients with resected gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) or extrahepatic bile duct carcinoma (EBDC) from Zhongshan Hospital. The relationships between TIMs and clinicopathological factors and postoperative prognosis were analyzed respectively. Results High TIMs infiltration was significantly correlated with prolonged overall survival (OS). Furthermore, multivariate analysis indicated TNM stage and TIMs as independent prognostic factors for OS. Patients with high TIMs infiltration appeared to significantly benefit from Gemcitabine-based ACT in the discovery and validation cohorts. Spearman analysis identified that TIMs infiltration were positively correlated with anti-tumor CD8+ T cells. Conclusion TIMs infiltration is an independent favorable prognostic factor in GBC and EBDC patients, which could better stratify patients with different prognosis and predict benefit from gemcitabine-based ACT

Coupling Seq-BSA and RNA-Seq Analyses Reveal the Molecular Pathway and Genes Associated with Heading Type in Chinese Cabbage

In Chinese cabbage, heading type is a key agricultural trait of significant economic importance. Using a natural microspore-derived doubled haploid plant, we generated self-crossed progeny with overlapping or outward curling head morphotypes. Sequencing-based bulked segregant analysis (Seq-BSA) revealed a candidate region of 0.52 Mb (A06: 1,824,886~2,347,097 bp) containing genes enriched for plant hormone signal transduction. RNA Sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis supported the hormone pathway enrichment leading to the identification of two key candidate genes, BrGH3.12 and BrABF1. The regulated homologous genes and the relationship between genes in this pathway were also revealed. Expression of BrGH3.12 varied significantly in the apical portion of the leaf, consistent with the morphological differences between overlapping and outward curling leaves. Transcript levels of BrABF1 in the top, middle and basal segments of the leaf were significantly different between the two types. The two morphotypes contained different concentrations of IAA in the apical portion of their leaves while levels of ABA differed significantly between plant types in the top, middle, and basal leaf segments. Results from Seq-BSA, RNA-Seq and metabolite analyses all support a role for IAA and ABA in heading type formation. These findings increase our understanding of the molecular basis for pattern formation of the leafy head in Chinese cabbage and will contribute to future work developing more desirable leafy head patterns

Atypical features and treatment choices in bipolar disorders: a result of the National Bipolar Mania Pathway Survey in China.

In this study, we examined the point prevalence rate of atypical features in bipolar disorder, and estimated the potential impact of these features on treatment practices in China. Using the atypical features criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-IV), we documented the atypical symptoms in 3 906 consecutive participants with bipolar disorder enrolled at 26 psychiatric services across China. We further assessed the association between atypical features and the treatment approaches, including the prescription of antidepressants. The overall point prevalence rate of atypical features was 9.1% among patients with various bipolar disorder subtypes. When the definition was broadened to include atypical features B, the overall rate increased to 11.8%. Interestingly, among patients with the mixed state and remission subtypes, there was a significant difference in the rates of antidepressant medication usage between patients who met and those who did not meet the criteria for atypical features B. These findings indicate a trend of using antidepressants for these two types of patients with atypical features. Further, for both mixed state and remission patients, treatment approaches were related to atypical features B. Our findings provide evidence to assist clinicians to readily recognize atypical features in bipolar subtypes and can propose treatments based on these diagnoses