Pyrolysis of Chinese chestnut shells: Effects of temperature and Fe presence on product composition

To understand the role of Fe on biomass pyrolysis, Fe-catalyzed biomass pyrolysis in a fixed-bed reactor was investigated. It was found that the introduction of Fe increased the yields of gases and solid char while decreasing the yield of liquid oil. With increasing temperature, Hydrogen content in gaseous products obtained in the presence of Fe increased, while that of CH₄ decreased. In the case of liquid oil, the introduction of Fe promoted the formation of ketones and acids at 400-600 °C, and these species became dominant (67.51%) at 700-800 °C. Finally, solid char obtained in the presence of Fe at 700-800 °C featured a larger pore volume, specific surface area, and graphitization degree, and was characterized by a mesoporous structure with narrow pores size distribution (∼5.3 nm).

Systematic Meta-Analysis of the Association Between a Common NOS1AP Genetic Polymorphism, the QTc Interval, and Sudden Death

Contemporary studies have identified rs10494366 in the nitric oxide synthase 1 adaptor protein (NOS1AP) gene as a new genetic marker in modulating the QT interval and sudden cardiac death (SCD) in general populations. However, the conclusions were not coincident. Therefore, we conducted for the first time a system evaluation of the relativity of rs10494366, the QT interval, and sudden death by meta-analysis. In our study, the meta-analysis displayed the GG genotype of rs10494366 correlated with the QT interval in women with no heterogeneity, and in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients with minor heterogeneity. In the Caucasian population, the correlation of rs10494366 and sudden death was significant. The heterogeneity referred to the relevance between rs10494366 and sudden death in the Asian population. In conclusion, the minor allele of rs10494366 may have an impact on the QT interval in women or DM patients and may have a potential role in sudden death in the Caucasian population.

Should internal mammary lymph node sentinel biopsy be performed in breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

Results from studies of internal mammary lymph node sentinel biopsy are inconsistent.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane database, and Clinical Trials. Studies reporting the rate of internal mammary lymph node sentinel biopsy (IMN-SLNB) positivity were identified. We performed pooled proportion meta-analysis using random-effects meta-analyses. The correlation of IMN and axillary lymph node (AXN) metastasis was also investigated.

Results

After application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 18 articles (total number of patients = 2427) were included. The pooled estimate for IMN-SLNB positivity rate was 15% (95% confidence interval (CI) 12–17%). Significant between-study heterogeneity was observed. Our results indicate that axillary lymph node metastasis is a strong predictor of IMN involvement (OR 6.01, 95% CI, 3.49, 10.34).

Conclusion

Internal mammary lymph nodes metastasis might be underestimated. Patients with positive axillary lymph nodes have a higher risk of internal lymph nodes metastasis. As a result, IMN-SLNB might be considered in these patients. Future work needs to be done to assess whether pathological confirmed IMN metastasis can affect patients’ survival.

Effect of gene-gene and gene-environment interaction on the risk of first-ever stroke and poststroke death

BACKGROUND

Multiple genetic and environmental factors contribute to the individual-level heterogeneity in stroke. This study aimed to assess how the genetic interactions confer risk of stroke.

METHODS

In a Chinese case-control study including 1,405 strokes and 1,263 controls who were followed up (range, 0.1-6.0 years), eight genes, including apolipoprotein(a) (APOA1), methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 (VKORC1), arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein (ALOX5AP), NOTCH3, chromosome 9p21.3(Chr.9p21.3), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA), and kinase insert domain-containing receptor (KDR), were analyzed for interactions by the generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction method and validated by the multivariate logistic regression models. The genetic associations with carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) were examined.

RESULTS

The interaction of VKORC1 and Chr.9p21.3 was identified for stroke and its worse prognosis, and subjects having the VKORC1 rs2359612C and Chr.9p21.3 rs10757274G alleles had higher risks for stroke (OR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.32-2.52) as well as for stroke recurrence (HR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.24-2.73), cardiovascular events (HR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.15-2.38), and cardiovascular mortality (HR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.24-3.79). Supporting, they were associated with higher IMT. Hypertension or physical inactivity increased the risk effect. The interaction of VEGFA rs833061C and KDR rs2305948T was identified for hemorrhagic stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings identified two novel genetic interactions of VKORC1 and Chr.9p21.3 and of VEGFA and KDR for risk of stroke and subtypes as well as future stroke prognosis.

Optofluidic refractive index sensor based on asymmetric diffraction

A novel optofluidic refracrtive index (RI) sensor was proposed based on asymmetric Fraunhofer diffraction. In-plane optofluidic lens, light source, slit, diffraction pattern visualization zone and optical path were integrated into the microfluidic networks to avoid the manual alignment of the optical components as well as to reduce the cost of external bulky components. Unlike the conventional RI sensor, this device visualizes the bulk refractive index change of the liquid through a diffraction image, which is readily read-out for clinical diagnosis right at the point-of-care or on-site security check. In the experiment, the device can measure a RI change of as low as ~10^-5 RIU. A low noise-equivalent detection limit (NEDL) of ~10^-6 refractive index unit (RIU) and high sensitivity of ~1.1 × 10⁴/RIU were achieved. The new device is practical and suitable to be extended for high throughput applications by simultaneously reading multiple chips with an 2D-array image sensor.

Steam reforming of toluene and naphthalene as tar surrogate in a gliding arc discharge reactor

Steam reforming of mixed toluene and naphthalene as tar surrogate has been investigated in an AC gliding arc discharge plasma, with particular emphasis on better understanding the effect of steam and CO₂ on the reaction performance. Results show that H₂, C₂H₂ and CO are the major gas products in the plasma steam reforming of tar for energy recovery. The addition of a small amount of steam remarkably enhances the conversions of both toluene and naphthalene, from 60.4% to 76.1% and 57.6% to 67.4%, respectively, as OH radicals formed by water dissociation create more reaction pathways for the conversion of toluene, naphthalene and their fragments. However, introducing CO₂ to this process has a negative effect on the tar reforming. Optical emission spectroscopic diagnostics has shown the formation of a variety of reactive species in the plasma process. Trace amounts of monocyclic and bicyclic aromatic condensable by-products are also detected. The destruction of toluene and naphthalene can be initiated through the collisions of tar surrogates with energetic electrons, N₂ excited species, OH and O radicals etc. Further optimization of the plasma tar destruction is still needed because the complexity of the tar component in a practical gasifier could decrease the tar conversions.

Mechanism of biomass activation and ammonia modification for nitrogen-doped porous carbon materials

The effect of chemical activation and NH₃ modification on activated carbons (ACs) was explored via two contrasting bamboo pyrolysis strategies involving either two steps (activation followed by nitrogen doping in NH₃ atmosphere) or one step (activation in NH₃ atmosphere) with several chemical activating reagents (KOH, K₂CO₃, and KOH + K₂CO₃). The ACs produced by the two-step method showed relatively smaller specific surface areas (∼90% micropores) and lower nitrogen contents. From the one-step method, the ACs had larger pore diameters with about 90% small mesopores (2-3.5 nm). Due to a promotion effect with the KOH + K₂CO₃ combination, the AC attained the greatest surface area (2417 m² g^-1) and highest nitrogen content (3.89 wt%), endowing the highest capacitance (175 F g^-1). The balance between surface area and nitrogen content recommends KOH + K₂CO₃ activation via the one-step method as the best choice for achieving both greener production process and better pore structure.

Identification of rare variants in cardiac sodium channel β4-subunit gene SCN4B associated with ventricular tachycardia

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) causes sudden cardiac death, however, the majority of risk genes for VT remain unknown. SCN4B encodes a β-subunit, Na_vβ4, for the voltage-gated cardiac sodium channel complex involved in generation and conduction of the cardiac action potential. We hypothesized that genomic variants in SCN4B increase the risk of VT. We used high-resolution melt analysis followed by Sanger sequencing to screen 199 VT patients to identify nonsynonymous variants in SCN4B. Two nonsynonymous heterozygous variants in SCN4B were identified in VT patients, including p.Gly8Ser in four VT patients and p.Ala145Ser in one VT patient. Case-control association studies were used to assess the association between variant p.Gly8Ser and VT in two independent populations for VT (299 VT cases vs. 981 controls in population 1 and 270 VT patients vs. 639 controls in population 2). Significant association was identified between p.Gly8Ser and VT in population 1 (P = 1.21 × 10^-4, odds ratio or OR = 11.04), and the finding was confirmed in population 2 (P = 0.03, OR = 3.62). The association remained highly significant in the combined population (P = 3.09 × 10^-5, OR = 6.17). Significant association was also identified between p.Gly8Ser and idiopathic VT (P = 1.89 × 10^-5, OR = 7.27). Functional analysis with Western blotting showed that both p.Gly8Ser and p.Ala145Ser variants significantly reduced the expression level of Na_vβ4. Based on 2015 ACMG Standards and Guidelines, p.Gly8Ser and p.Ala145Ser can be classified as the pathogenic and likely pathogenic variant, respectively. Our data suggest that SCN4B is a susceptibility gene for common VT and idiopathic VT and link rare SCN4B variants with large effects (OR = 6.17-7.27) to common VT.

Magnetic Resonance vs Transient Elastography Analysis of Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis of Individual Participants

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) and transient elastography (TE) are noninvasive techniques for detection of liver fibrosis. Single-center studies have compared the diagnostic performance of MRE vs TE in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We conducted a pooled analysis of individual participant data from published studies to compare the diagnostic performance of MRE vs TE for staging of liver fibrosis in patients with NAFLD, using liver biopsy as reference.

METHODS

We performed a systematic search of publication databases, from 2005 through 2017. We identified 3 studies of adults with NAFLD who were assessed by MRE, TE, and liver biopsy. In a pooled analysis, we calculated the cluster-adjusted area under the curve (AUROC) of MRE and TE for the detection of each stage of fibrosis. AUROC comparisons between MRE and TE were performed using the Delong test.

RESULTS

Our pooled analysis included 230 participants with biopsy-proven NAFLD with mean age of 52.2±13.9 years and a body mass index of 31.9±7.5 kg/m2. The proportions of patients with fibrosis of stages 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 were: 31.7%, 27.8%, 15.7%, 13.9%, and 10.9%, respectively. The AUROC of TE vs MRE for detection of fibrosis stages ≥1 was 0.82 (95% CI, 0.76-0.88) vs 0.87 (95% CI, 0.82-0.91) (P=.04); for stage≥ 2 was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.82-0.91) vs 0.92 (95% CI, 0.88-0.96) (P=.03); for stage ≥3 was 0.84 (95% CI, 0.78-0.90) vs 0.93 (95% CI, 0.89-0.96) (P=.001); for stage ≥ 4 was 0.84 (95% CI, 0.73-0.94) vs 0.94 (95% CI, 0.89-0.99) (P=.005).

CONCLUSION

In a pooled analysis of data from individual participants with biopsy-proven NAFLD, we found MRE to have a statistically significantly higher diagnostic accuracy than TE in detection of each stage of fibrosis. MRE and TE each have roles in detection of fibrosis in patients with NAFLD, depending upon the level of accuracy desired.

Use of an Alzheimer's disease polygenic risk score to identify mild cognitive impairment in adults in their 50s

Early identification of younger, non-demented adults at elevated risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is crucial because the pathological process begins decades before dementia onset. Toward that end, we showed that an AD polygenic risk score (PRS) could identify mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in adults who were only in their 50s. Participants were 1176 white, non-Hispanic community-dwelling men of European ancestry in the Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging (VETSA): 7% with amnestic MCI (aMCI); 4% with non-amnestic MCI (naMCI). Mean age was 56 years, with 89% <60 years old. Diagnosis was based on the Jak-Bondi actuarial/neuropsychological approach. We tested six P-value thresholds (0.05-0.50) for single nucleotide polymorphisms included in the ADPRS. After controlling for non-independence of twins and non-MCI factors that can affect cognition, higher PRSs were associated with significantly greater odds of having aMCI than being cognitively normal (odds ratios (ORs) = 1.36-1.43 for thresholds P < 0.20-0.50). The highest OR for the upper vs. lower quartile of the ADPRS distribution was 3.22. ORs remained significant after accounting for APOE-related SNPs from the ADPRS or directly genotyped APOE. Diabetes was associated with significantly increased odds of having naMCI (ORs = 3.10-3.41 for thresholds P < 0.05-0.50), consistent with naMCI having more vascular/inflammation components than aMCI. Analysis of sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values supported some potential of ADPRSs for selecting participants in clinical trials aimed at early intervention. With participants 15+ years younger than most MCI samples, these findings are promising with regard to efforts to more effectively treat or slow AD progression.

Significant association of rare variant p.Gly8Ser in cardiac sodium channel β4-subunit SCN4B with atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects 33.5 million individuals worldwide. It accounts for 15% of strokes and increases risk of heart failure and sudden death. The voltage-gated cardiac sodium channel complex is responsible for the generation and conduction of the cardiac action potential, and composed of the main pore-forming α-subunit Na_v 1.5 (encoded by the SCN5A gene) and one or more auxiliary β-subunits, including Na_v β1 to Na_v β4 encoded by SCN1B to SCN4B, respectively. We and others identified loss-of-function mutations in SCN1B and SCN2B and dominant-negative mutations in SCN3B in patients with AF. Three missense variants in SCN4B were identified in sporadic AF patients and small nuclear families; however, the association between SCN4B variants and AF remains to be further defined. In this study, we performed mutational analysis in SCN4B using a panel of 477 AF patients, and identified one nonsynonymous genomic variant p.Gly8Ser in four patients. To assess the association between the p.Gly8Ser variant and AF, we carried out case-control association studies with two independent populations (944 AF patients vs. 9,81 non-AF controls in the first discovery population and 732 cases and 1,291 controls in the second replication population). Significant association was identified in the two independent populations and in the combined population (p = 4.16 × 10^-4 , odds ratio [OR] = 3.14) between p.Gly8Ser and common AF as well as lone AF (p = 0.018, OR = 2.85). These data suggest that rare variant p.Gly8Ser of SCN4B confers a significant risk of AF, and SCN4B is a candidate susceptibility gene for AF.

State of the Art and Perspectives on Silicon Photonic Switches

In the last decade, silicon photonic switches are increasingly believed to be potential candidates for replacing the electrical switches in the applications of telecommunication networks, data center and high-throughput computing, due to their low power consumption (Picojoules per bit), large bandwidth (Terabits per second) and high-level integration (Square millimeters per port). This review paper focuses on the state of the art and our perspectives on silicon photonic switching technologies. It starts with a review of three types of fundamental switch engines, i.e., Mach-Zehnder interferometer, micro-ring resonator and micro-electro-mechanical-system actuated waveguide coupler. The working mechanisms are introduced and the key specifications such as insertion loss, crosstalk, switching time, footprint and power consumption are evaluated. Then it is followed by the discussion on the prototype of large-scale silicon photonic fabrics, which are based on the configuration of above-mentioned switch engines. In addition, the key technologies, such as topological architecture, passive components and optoelectronic packaging, to improve the overall performance are summarized. Finally, the critical challenges that might hamper the silicon photonic switching technologies transferring from proof-of-concept in lab to commercialization are also discussed.

Lamin A mutation impairs interaction with nucleoporin NUP155 and disrupts nucleocytoplasmic transport in atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. Here, we show the identification and functional characterization of one AF-associated mutation p.Arg399Cys in lamin A/C. Co-immunoprecipitation and GST pull-down assays demonstrate that lamin A/C interacts with NUP155, which is a nucleoporin and causes AF when mutated. Lamin A/C mutation p.Arg399Cys impairs the interaction between lamin A/C and NUP155, and increases extractability of NUP155 from the nuclear envelope (NE). Mutation p.Arg399Cys leads to aggregation of lamin A/C in the nucleus, although it does not impair the integrity of NE upon cellular stress. Mutation p.Arg399Cys inhibits the export of HSP70 mRNA and the nuclear import of HSP70 protein. Electrophysiological studies show that mutation p.Arg399Cys decreases the peak cardiac sodium current by decreasing the cell surface expression level of cardiac sodium channel Na_v 1.5, but does not affect I_Kr potassium current. In conclusion, our results indicate that lamin A/C mutation p.Arg399Cys weakens the interaction between nuclear lamina (lamin A/C) and the nuclear pore complex (NUP155), leading to the development of AF. The findings provide a novel molecular mechanism for the pathogenesis of AF.

Abnormal levels of vascular endothelial biomarkers in schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, which has been linked to increased vascular risk and rates of cardiovascular disease. Levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) have been related to aging and neurodegeneration, but their role in schizophrenia remains uncertain. Using a cross-sectional, case-control design, this study included 99 outpatients with schizophrenia and 99 healthy comparison subjects (HCs). Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected, and plasma levels of VEGF, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 were assayed. A "vascular endothelial index" (VEI) was computed using logistic regression to create a composite measure that maximally differed between groups. General linear models were conducted to examine the possible role of demographic, physical, and lifestyle factors. A linear combination of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 levels best distinguished the groups, with significantly higher levels of this composite VEI in persons with schizophrenia than HCs. Group differences in the VEI persisted after adjustment for BMI and cigarette smoking. Neither age nor gender was significantly related to the VEI. Schizophrenia patients with higher VEI had earlier age of disease onset, higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure, lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, higher insulin resistance, lower levels of mental well-being, and higher Framingham Coronary Heart Disease Risk scores. Schizophrenia is characterized by an elevation of vascular endothelial biomarkers, specifically cell adhesion molecules poised at the intersection between inflammatory response and vascular risk. Interventions aimed at reducing vascular risk may help reduce vascular endothelial abnormalities and prevent cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in schizophrenia.

Overexpression of miR-142-3p improves mitochondrial function in cardiac hypertrophy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Our previous studies have shown that Src homology 2 (SH2) B adaptor protein 1 (SH2B1) plays an important role in cardiac hypertrophy, but the specific mechanism remains to be studied. Through bioinformatics and related research, it is found that miR-14 2-3 p is closely related to SH2B1. Exploring the relationship between miR-14 2-3 p and gene SH2B1 expression is beneficial for the treatment of cardiac hypertrophy. SH2B1 is a key factor regulating energy metabolism, mitochondria are the main organelles of energy metabolism and cardiac hypertrophy are closely related to mitochondrial dysfunction. So it is particularly important to explore the relationship between miR-14 2-3 p and SH2B1 and myocardial mitochondrial function. In this study, we investigated whether overexpression of miR-14 2-3 p can inhibit the expression of gene SH2B1, ameliorate cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction and cardiac hypertrophy.

METHODS

We first constructed a pressure overload myocardial hypertrophy model by ligation of the abdominal aorta(AB) of rats. After 4 weeks of modeling, echocardiographic examination showed that the heart volume of the model group became larger, and Hematoxylin and Eosin Staining Kit (HE) staining showed that the cross-sectional area of the heart tissue became larger. The expression of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), β-Myosin Heavy Chain (β-MHC) messenger RNA (mRNA) increased by real‑time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which proved that the model of cardiac hypertrophy was successfully constructed. Then, miR-14 2-3 p agomir was injected into the tail vein of rats 2 weeks and 4 weeks respectively. The expression of miR-4 2-3 p mRNA was increased by PCR, suggesting that the miR-14 2-3 p plasmid was successfully transfected. At 4 weeks of pressure overload myocardial hypertrophy model, echocardiography was used to detect cardiac function. HE staining of heart tissue and the expression of ANP, BNP, β-MHC mRNA were used to detect cardiac hypertrophy. Flow cytometry was used to detect changes in mitochondrial membrane potential. Secondly, we observed the effect of miR-14 2-3 p on cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and mitochondrial function in vitro by culture neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Afterwards, using angiotensin (Ang)II-, miRNA mimic- and miRNA mimic nc- treated cardiomyocytes for a given time. α-actin staining found that the myocardial cells became larger, The expression of ANP, BNP, β-MHC mRNA increased by PCR, which proved that AngII-induced cardiac hypertrophy was successfully constructed. Then, the mitochondrial density was measured using mitochondrial Mito-Red staining by Confocal microscope, the mitochondrial membrane potential was evaluated using flow cytometry, Mitochondrial respiration oxygen consumption rate (OCR) was measured by a Seahorse Extracellular Flux Analyzer XF96, and the expression levels of miR-14 2-3 p, ANP, BNP, β-MHC mRNA, SH2B1 in the cardiomyocytes of different groups were measured by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Finally, we used luciferase assay and transfected miR-14 2-3 p agomir in rats, transfected miR-14 2-3 p mimic in Cardiomyocytes, it is found that myocardial SH2B1 mRNA and protein expression both were reduced.

RESULTS

When the pressure overload myocardial hypertrophy model was constructed for four weeks, echocardiography revealed that the heart volume, Left ventricular end diastolic diameter(LVIDd), Left ventricular end systolic diameter (LVIDs), Left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWd), Systolic left ventricular posterior wall (LVPWs), Left ventricle (LV) Mass increased, Ejection fraction (EF) % decreased of AB group increased, but transfected with miR-14 2-3 p agomir of AB, these increase was not significant, EF% reduction was not obvious. HE staining showed that the myocardial cross-sectional area of AB group increased significantly, but the miR-14 2-3 p agomir treatment of AB group did not increase significantly. PCR analysis showed that the expression of ANP, BNP,β-MHC mRNA was significantly increased in AB group, but the miR-14 2-3 p agomir treatment of AB group was not significantly increased. Flow cytometry showed that the mitochondrial membrane potential of AB group was significantly reduced, and the miR-14 2-3 p agomir treatment of AB group was not significantly decreased. During AngII-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, ANP, BNP,β-MHC mRNA expression was increased, while these factors was not significantly increased in miR-14 2-3 p mimic treatment group; mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial density and OCR was significantly decreased in AngII treated group, and these were not significantly reduced in miR-14 2-3 p mimic treatment group; CONCLUSIONS: miR-14 2-3 p not only mitigate cardiac hypertrophy by directly inhibit the expression of gene SH2B1, but also can protect mitochondrial function in cardiac hypertrophy of vitro and vivo.