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Measurements of All-Particle Energy Spectrum and Mean Logarithmic Mass of Cosmic Rays from 0.3 to 30 PeV with LHAASO-KM2A. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2024; 132:131002. [PMID: 38613275 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.132.131002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
We present the measurements of all-particle energy spectrum and mean logarithmic mass of cosmic rays in the energy range of 0.3-30 PeV using data collected from LHAASO-KM2A between September 2021 and December 2022, which is based on a nearly composition-independent energy reconstruction method, achieving unprecedented accuracy. Our analysis reveals the position of the knee at 3.67±0.05±0.15 PeV. Below the knee, the spectral index is found to be -2.7413±0.0004±0.0050, while above the knee, it is -3.128±0.005±0.027, with the sharpness of the transition measured with a statistical error of 2%. The mean logarithmic mass of cosmic rays is almost heavier than helium in the whole measured energy range. It decreases from 1.7 at 0.3 PeV to 1.3 at 3 PeV, representing a 24% decline following a power law with an index of -0.1200±0.0003±0.0341. This is equivalent to an increase in abundance of light components. Above the knee, the mean logarithmic mass exhibits a power law trend towards heavier components, which is reversal to the behavior observed in the all-particle energy spectrum. Additionally, the knee position and the change in power-law index are approximately the same. These findings suggest that the knee observed in the all-particle spectrum corresponds to the knee of the light component, rather than the medium-heavy components.
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Effects of empagliflozin on progression of chronic kidney disease: a prespecified secondary analysis from the empa-kidney trial. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2024; 12:39-50. [PMID: 38061371 PMCID: PMC7615591 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(23)00321-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce progression of chronic kidney disease and the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in a wide range of patients. However, their effects on kidney disease progression in some patients with chronic kidney disease are unclear because few clinical kidney outcomes occurred among such patients in the completed trials. In particular, some guidelines stratify their level of recommendation about who should be treated with SGLT2 inhibitors based on diabetes status and albuminuria. We aimed to assess the effects of empagliflozin on progression of chronic kidney disease both overall and among specific types of participants in the EMPA-KIDNEY trial. METHODS EMPA-KIDNEY, a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial, was conducted at 241 centres in eight countries (Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA), and included individuals aged 18 years or older with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 20 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or with an eGFR of 45 to less than 90 mL/min per 1·73 m2 with a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) of 200 mg/g or higher. We explored the effects of 10 mg oral empagliflozin once daily versus placebo on the annualised rate of change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR slope), a tertiary outcome. We studied the acute slope (from randomisation to 2 months) and chronic slope (from 2 months onwards) separately, using shared parameter models to estimate the latter. Analyses were done in all randomly assigned participants by intention to treat. EMPA-KIDNEY is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03594110. FINDINGS Between May 15, 2019, and April 16, 2021, 6609 participants were randomly assigned and then followed up for a median of 2·0 years (IQR 1·5-2·4). Prespecified subgroups of eGFR included 2282 (34·5%) participants with an eGFR of less than 30 mL/min per 1·73 m2, 2928 (44·3%) with an eGFR of 30 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, and 1399 (21·2%) with an eGFR 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2 or higher. Prespecified subgroups of uACR included 1328 (20·1%) with a uACR of less than 30 mg/g, 1864 (28·2%) with a uACR of 30 to 300 mg/g, and 3417 (51·7%) with a uACR of more than 300 mg/g. Overall, allocation to empagliflozin caused an acute 2·12 mL/min per 1·73 m2 (95% CI 1·83-2·41) reduction in eGFR, equivalent to a 6% (5-6) dip in the first 2 months. After this, it halved the chronic slope from -2·75 to -1·37 mL/min per 1·73 m2 per year (relative difference 50%, 95% CI 42-58). The absolute and relative benefits of empagliflozin on the magnitude of the chronic slope varied significantly depending on diabetes status and baseline levels of eGFR and uACR. In particular, the absolute difference in chronic slopes was lower in patients with lower baseline uACR, but because this group progressed more slowly than those with higher uACR, this translated to a larger relative difference in chronic slopes in this group (86% [36-136] reduction in the chronic slope among those with baseline uACR <30 mg/g compared with a 29% [19-38] reduction for those with baseline uACR ≥2000 mg/g; ptrend<0·0001). INTERPRETATION Empagliflozin slowed the rate of progression of chronic kidney disease among all types of participant in the EMPA-KIDNEY trial, including those with little albuminuria. Albuminuria alone should not be used to determine whether to treat with an SGLT2 inhibitor. FUNDING Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly.
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Impact of primary kidney disease on the effects of empagliflozin in patients with chronic kidney disease: secondary analyses of the EMPA-KIDNEY trial. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2024; 12:51-60. [PMID: 38061372 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(23)00322-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The EMPA-KIDNEY trial showed that empagliflozin reduced the risk of the primary composite outcome of kidney disease progression or cardiovascular death in patients with chronic kidney disease mainly through slowing progression. We aimed to assess how effects of empagliflozin might differ by primary kidney disease across its broad population. METHODS EMPA-KIDNEY, a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial, was conducted at 241 centres in eight countries (Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA). Patients were eligible if their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 20 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or 45 to less than 90 mL/min per 1·73 m2 with a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) of 200 mg/g or higher at screening. They were randomly assigned (1:1) to 10 mg oral empagliflozin once daily or matching placebo. Effects on kidney disease progression (defined as a sustained ≥40% eGFR decline from randomisation, end-stage kidney disease, a sustained eGFR below 10 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or death from kidney failure) were assessed using prespecified Cox models, and eGFR slope analyses used shared parameter models. Subgroup comparisons were performed by including relevant interaction terms in models. EMPA-KIDNEY is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03594110. FINDINGS Between May 15, 2019, and April 16, 2021, 6609 participants were randomly assigned and followed up for a median of 2·0 years (IQR 1·5-2·4). Prespecified subgroupings by primary kidney disease included 2057 (31·1%) participants with diabetic kidney disease, 1669 (25·3%) with glomerular disease, 1445 (21·9%) with hypertensive or renovascular disease, and 1438 (21·8%) with other or unknown causes. Kidney disease progression occurred in 384 (11·6%) of 3304 patients in the empagliflozin group and 504 (15·2%) of 3305 patients in the placebo group (hazard ratio 0·71 [95% CI 0·62-0·81]), with no evidence that the relative effect size varied significantly by primary kidney disease (pheterogeneity=0·62). The between-group difference in chronic eGFR slopes (ie, from 2 months to final follow-up) was 1·37 mL/min per 1·73 m2 per year (95% CI 1·16-1·59), representing a 50% (42-58) reduction in the rate of chronic eGFR decline. This relative effect of empagliflozin on chronic eGFR slope was similar in analyses by different primary kidney diseases, including in explorations by type of glomerular disease and diabetes (p values for heterogeneity all >0·1). INTERPRETATION In a broad range of patients with chronic kidney disease at risk of progression, including a wide range of non-diabetic causes of chronic kidney disease, empagliflozin reduced risk of kidney disease progression. Relative effect sizes were broadly similar irrespective of the cause of primary kidney disease, suggesting that SGLT2 inhibitors should be part of a standard of care to minimise risk of kidney failure in chronic kidney disease. FUNDING Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, and UK Medical Research Council.
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Quantitative cardiac MRI parameters for assessment of myocarditis in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Radiol 2023:S0009-9260(23)00230-1. [PMID: 37365114 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2023.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the role of quantitative cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) parameters in myocarditis, including acute and chronic myocarditis (AM and CM), for children and adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS PRISMA principles were followed. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and grey literature were searched. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) checklist were utilised for quality assessment. Quantitative CMRI parameters were extracted and a meta-analysis was performed in comparison with healthy controls. The overall effect size was measured as the weighted mean difference (WMD). RESULTS Ten quantitative CMRI parameters of seven studies were analysed. Compared with the control group, the myocarditis group reported longer native T1 relaxation time (WMD=54.00, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 33.21,74.79, p<0.001), longer T2 relaxation time (WMD=2.13, 95% CI: 0.98, 3.28, p<0.001), increased extracellular volume (ECV; WMD=3.13, 95% CI: 1.34,4.91, p=0.001), elevated early gadolinium enhancement (EGE) ratio (WMD=1.47, 95% CI: 0.65,2.28, p<0.001), and increased T2-weighted ratio (WMD=0.43, 95% CI: 0.21,0.64, p<0.001). The AM group had longer native T1 relaxation times (WMD=72.02, 95% CI: 32.78,111.27, p<0.001), increased T2-weighted ratios (WMD=0.52, 95% CI: 0.21,0.84 p=0.001), and impaired left ventricular ejection fractions (LVEF; WMD=-5.84, 95% CI: -9.69, -1.99, p=0.003). Impaired LVEF (WMD=-2.24, 95% CI: -3.32, -1.17, p<0.001) was observed in the CM group. CONCLUSION Statistical differences can be observed in some CMRI parameters between patients with myocarditis and healthy controls; however, apart from native T1 mapping, there were no large differences in other parameters between two groups, which may reveal the limited benefit of CMRI in assessing myocarditis in children and adolescents.
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Fabrication and Computational Study of a Chemiresistive NO 2 Gas Sensor Based on the Carbon Dots-WO 3 Heterostructure for Operating below Room Temperature. ACS Sens 2023; 8:748-756. [PMID: 36749024 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.2c02291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
For a long time, chemiresistive gas sensors based on metal oxide semiconductors (MOSs) suffer from higher operating temperatures, resulting in higher energy consumption and instability of the sensors. Generally, a MOS-based chemiresistive gas sensor being able to work at room temperature is considered to be outstanding already. Here, a highly sensitive NO2 gas sensor based on the carbon dots-WO3 heterostructure, which can work below room temperature at -6 °C, is fabricated. At 18, -1, and -6 °C, its detection limits are 200 ppb, 5 ppm, and 20 ppm, respectively, and the corresponding response values (Ra/Rg) are 1.11, 1.04, and 1.13, respectively. The sensor exhibits good selectivity, stability, and linearity between relative humidity and response values too. A peculiar response behavior was observed. Toward oxidizing gas NO2, the resistance of the sensor based mainly on n-type WO3 shows decrease behavior. Its peculiar response behavior and strong gas sensing ability at lower temperatures were elucidated theoretically using the results of first-principles calculations. The reduction of NO2 into NO by surface oxygen vacancies of WO3 and the following adsorption of NO on the surface of WO3 lead to electron transfer from NO to WO3, and the Fermi level shifts toward the conduction band, making the sensor exhibit the peculiar response behavior. The stronger adsorption capability of carbon dots toward NO2 and a synergistic effect of carbon dots and WO3 together make the sensor capable of working at lower temperatures and own higher sensitivity.
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Ultrasensitive Chemiresistive Gas Sensor Can Diagnose Asthma and Monitor Its Severity by Analyzing Its Biomarker H 2S: An Experimental, Clinical, and Theoretical Study. ACS Sens 2022; 7:2243-2252. [PMID: 35868028 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.2c00737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic disease characterized by recurrent attacks of breathlessness and wheezing, which vary in severity and frequency from person to person. H2S is considered as the biomarker of asthma. Here, an ultrasensitive chemiresistive H2S gas sensor based on a γ-Bi2MoO6-CuO heterostructure with a detection limit of 5 ppb has been fabricated. It can distinguish asthmatic patients from healthy people roughly by analyzing the exhaled breaths of 28 asthmatic patients and 28 healthy people, suggesting that the sensor can be used to assist physicians in the diagnosis of asthma. Pathologically, it is discovered by this sensor that with the relief of asthma, the concentration of H2S in one's exhaled breath gradually increases. This subtle concentration variation of H2S can be accurately detected, indicating that this sensor can be used in the asthma severity monitoring too. Physical models have been built by first-principles calculation to reveal the causes of the sensor's ultrasensitivity. The stable adsorption of H2S on the surface of CuO results in massive charge transferring and the appearance of the defect states, which play the major role in the ultrasensitivity of the sensor. Upon integrating this sensor with circuits, the cheap, smart, and portable H2S sensing device can be obtained, which can make asthmatic patients' access to this device easy and make the severity monitoring of asthma convenient, especially for children and the aged.
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Sonographic findings of immunoglobulin G 4-related sialadenitis and differences from Sjögren's syndrome. Scand J Rheumatol 2021; 51:128-134. [PMID: 34283677 DOI: 10.1080/03009742.2021.1917144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate ultrasonic features of the major salivary glands in patients with immunoglobulin G4-related sialadenitis (IgG4-RS) and to explore the differences between IgG4-RS and Sjögren's syndrome (SS). METHOD We conducted the study in 150 patients with IgG4-RS and 100 patients with SS. Ultrasonographic variables of the static images of major salivary glands were analysed. An experienced radiologist scored the confidence rating regarding the presence of the characteristic imaging findings using a five-grade rating system. Ultrasonography scores between IgG4-RS and SS were compared. RESULTS The major salivary glands were significantly larger in patients with IgG4-RS than in the SS group. The main features of ultrasonography of the salivary glands in IgG4-RS were various hypoechoic lesions and increased colour Doppler signalling. In contrast, the major salivary glands in SS exhibited hyperechoic lines and/or spots and obscuration of the gland configuration. The scores of the summarized sonographic characteristics also showed statistically significant differences between the IgG4-RS and SS groups. CONCLUSION This study revealed different ultrasonic features of the major salivary glands in patients with IgG4-RS and SS. The scored sonographic features were helpful in differentiating IgG4-RS from SS. Consequently, we suggest that ultrasonography of major salivary glands could be a useful imaging procedure in the evaluation of patients suspected of having IgG4-RS.
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In Vivo 7T MR Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping Reveals Opposite Susceptibility Contrast between Cortical and White Matter Lesions in Multiple Sclerosis. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2016; 37:1808-1815. [PMID: 27282860 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a4830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Magnetic susceptibility measured with quantitative susceptibility mapping has been proposed as a biomarker for demyelination and inflammation in patients with MS, but investigations have mostly been on white matter lesions. A detailed characterization of cortical lesions has not been performed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate magnetic susceptibility in both cortical and WM lesions in MS by using quantitative susceptibility mapping. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fourteen patients with MS were scanned on a 7T MR imaging scanner with T1-, T2-, and T2*-weighted sequences. The T2*-weighted sequence was used to perform quantitative susceptibility mapping and generate tissue susceptibility maps. The susceptibility contrast of a lesion was quantified as the relative susceptibility between the lesion and its adjacent normal-appearing parenchyma. The susceptibility difference between cortical and WM lesions was assessed by using a t test. RESULTS The mean relative susceptibility was significantly negative for cortical lesions (P < 10-7) but positive for WM lesions (P < 10-22). A similar pattern was also observed in the cortical (P = .054) and WM portions (P = .043) of mixed lesions. CONCLUSIONS The negative susceptibility in cortical lesions suggests that iron loss dominates the susceptibility contrast in cortical lesions. The opposite susceptibility contrast between cortical and WM lesions may reflect both their structural (degree of myelination) and pathologic (degree of inflammation) differences, in which the latter may lead to a faster release of iron in cortical lesions.
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Effects of warm acupuncture on breast cancer-related chronic lymphedema: a randomized controlled trial. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 23:e27-34. [PMID: 26966410 DOI: 10.3747/co.23.2788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective treatment for breast cancer-related chronic lymphedema (bcrl) remains a clinical challenge. Acupuncture and moxibustion treatments have been shown to be beneficial and safe for treating bcrl. In the present randomized controlled trial, we compared the effectiveness of combined acupuncture and moxibustion ("warm acupuncture") with that of diosmin in bcrl. METHODS Breast cancer patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria (n = 30) were randomized to experimental and control groups (15 per group). On alternate days, patients in the experimental group received 30 minutes of acupuncture at 6 acupoints, with 3 of the needles each being topped by a 3-cm moxa stick. The control treatment was diosmin 900 mg 3 times daily. The control and experimental treatments were administered for 30 days. Outcome measures included arm circumferences (index of effectiveness), range of motion [rom (shoulder joint function)], quality of life, clinical safety, and adverse events. RESULTS Measured by the index of effectiveness, bcrl improved by 51.46% in the experimental group and by 26.27% in the control group (p < 0.00001). Effects were greatest at 10 cm above the elbow and at the wrist, where the warm needling was provided. Impairments in shoulder joint rom were minimal at baseline in both treatment groups. However, the roms of rear protraction, abduction, intorsion, and extorsion in the experimental group improved significantly; they did not change in the control group. Self-reported quality of life was significantly better with warm acupuncture than with diosmin. No adverse effects were reported during the treatment period, and laboratory examinations for clinical safety fell within the normal ranges. CONCLUSIONS Compared with diosmin, warm acupuncture treatment can effectively reduce the degree of bcrl at the specific acupoints treated and can promote quality of life. Warm acupuncture showed good clinical safety, without any adverse effects on blood or the cardiovascular system.
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Frequency Comparison of Two (40)Ca(+) Optical Clocks with an Uncertainty at the 10(-17) Level. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2016; 116:013001. [PMID: 26799015 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.116.013001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Based upon an over-one-month frequency comparison of two (40)Ca(+) optical clocks, the frequency difference between the two clocks is measured to be 3.2×10(-17) with a measurement uncertainty of 5.5×10(-17), considering both the statistic (1.9×10(-17)) and the systematic (5.1×10(-17)) uncertainties. This is the first performance of a (40)Ca(+) clock better than that of Cs fountains. A fractional stability of 7×10(-17) in 20,000 s of averaging time is achieved. The evaluation of the two clocks shows that the shift caused by the micromotion in one of the two clocks limits the uncertainty of the comparison. By carefully compensating the micromotion, the absolute frequency of the clock transition is measured to be 411 042 129 776 401.7(1.1) Hz.
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Abstract
The ability to control the degree of structural and functional anisotropy in 3D engineered cardiac tissues would have high utility for both in vitro studies of cardiac muscle physiology and pathology as well as potential tissue engineering therapies for myocardial infarction. Here, we applied a high aspect ratio soft lithography technique to generate network-like tissue patches seeded with neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Fabricating longer elliptical pores within the patch networks increased the overall cardiomyocyte and extracellular matrix alignment within the patch. Improved uniformity of cell and matrix alignment yielded an increase in anisotropy of action potential propagation and faster longitudinal conduction velocity (LCV). Cardiac tissue patches with a higher degree of cardiomyocyte alignment and electrical anisotropy also demonstrated greater isometric twitch forces. After two weeks of culture, specific measures of electrical and contractile function (LCV = 26.8 ± 0.8 cm s(-1), specific twitch force = 8.9 ± 1.1 mN mm(-2) for the longest pores studied) were comparable to those of neonatal rat myocardium. We have thus described methodology for engineering of highly functional 3D engineered cardiac tissues with controllable degree of anisotropy.
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Establish and verify TSH reference intervals using optimized statistical method by analyzing laboratory-stored data. J Endocrinol Invest 2014; 37:277-84. [PMID: 24615364 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-013-0031-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish reference intervals using an optimized statistical method by collecting available laboratory data of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and then to verify with the laboratory-present reference intervals. METHODS TSH RIs of the total population and different races, genders, age, source of sample are established through improved Hoffmann and Katayev's method with TSH test results data from Jan 2010 to April 2012 were collected, and finally conduct comparative verification with the laboratory present RIs. RESULTS According to the improved method, we get various RIs of different sample populations. On comparing with the laboratory current RI (0.270-4.200 mIU/L) most reference change values (RCV) were within acceptable limits. Only lower limit of Han male, Uygur male and out-patient male populations outwith acceptable limits. On excluding the different values, finally, the new RI by the optimized statistical method is 0.233-4.979 mIU/L. Because the new RI expanded the current RI and was not different from the current RI, it was indicated that new RI could be used to verify the laboratory current RIs and seen as the current RI's confidence interval (CI). INFERENCE TSH RIs established by optimized Hoffmann's and Katayev's methods is viable and can be used to verify RIs provided by manufacturers or other laboratories.
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KL-6 regulated the expression of HGF, collagen and myofibroblast differentiation. EUROPEAN REVIEW FOR MEDICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES 2013; 17:3073-3077. [PMID: 24302189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES KL-6 is a pulmonary epithelial-derived mucin which is secreted mainly by type II alveolar epithelial cells. The level of KL-6 in serum is closely correlated to the clinical activity of various interstitial lung diseases (ILD) and acts as a prognostic factor for ILD patients. Previous studies have showed that KL-6 promoted chemotaxis, proliferation and inhibited the apoptosis of human lung fibroblasts. However, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the function of KL-6 on the expression of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), collagen and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA) in human embryonic lung fibroblasts cell line MRC-5. METHODS Human embryonic lung fibroblasts were cultured in Eagle's minimum essential medium. The cells plated in 6-well plates was cultured in serum-free medium at 37°C in 5% CO2 and challenged with recombinant KL-6 at a final concentration of 0, 10, 20, 40 ng/mL. Five micrograms of total RNA template were transcripted to cDNA by using AMV (Avian Myeloblastosis Virus) reverse transcriptase and random 9 mers as the first-strand primer. Synthesized cDNA was used in PCR experiments. The expression of TGF-β1 and HGF in cell culture supernatants was measured using ELISA kit. Cells incubated with KL-6 for 72h were collected for flow-cytometry analysis. The analysis was done using a Beckman counter device. RESULTS It was found that KL-6 up-regulated the expression of collagen type I and III in a dose-dependent manner. However, the addition of KL-6 significantly inhibited the production of HGF. As regard to the biological function, KL-6 induced myofibroblast differentiation confirmed by the elevated expression of a-SMA. CONCLUSIONS KL-6 is one of the key molecules involved in epithelial-mesenchymal interactions and might contribute to the fibrosis in ILD.
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Fabrication of porous beta-tricalcium phosphate with microchannel and customized geometry based on gel-casting and rapid prototyping. Proc Inst Mech Eng H 2011; 225:315-23. [PMID: 21485332 DOI: 10.1243/09544119jeim769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The tissue engineering scaffolds with three-dimensional porous structure are regarded to be beneficial to facilitate a sufficient supply of nutrients and enable cell ingrowth in bone reconstruction. However, the pores in scaffolds tend to be blocked by the cell ingrowth and result in a restraint of nutrient supply in the further side of the scaffold. An indirect approach of combining the rapid prototyping and gel-casting technique is introduced in this study to fabricate beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) scaffolds which not only have interconnected porous structure, but also have a microchannel network inside. The scaffold was designed with customized geometry that matches the defect area, and a double-scale (micropores-microchannel) porous structure inside that is beneficial for cell ingrowth. The scaffolds fabricated have an open, uniform, and interconnected porous architecture with a pore size of 200-400 microm, and posses an internal channel network with a diameter of 600 microm. The porosity was controllable. The compressive yield strength was 4.5 MPa with a porosity of 70 per cent. X-ray diffraction analysis shows that these fabrication processes do not change the crystal structure and chemical composition of beta-TCP. With this technique, it was also possible to fabricate porous scaffolds with desired pore size, porosity, and microchannel, as well as customized geometries by other bioceramics.
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Longitudinal analysis of physiologic MRI parameters in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme to predict outcome. J Clin Oncol 2010. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2010.28.15_suppl.2078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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A rigorous carrier-based analytic model for undoped ultra-thin-body silicon-on-insulator (UTB-SOI) MOSFETs. MOLECULAR SIMULATION 2008. [DOI: 10.1080/08927020701730393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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An explicit carrier-based compact model for nanowire surrounding-gate MOSFET simulation. MOLECULAR SIMULATION 2008. [DOI: 10.1080/08927020701730385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Mouse nestin cDNA cloning and protein expression in the cytoskeleton of transfected cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2001; 1520:251-4. [PMID: 11566362 DOI: 10.1016/s0167-4781(01)00275-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Complementary DNA (cDNA) corresponding to mouse nestin intermediate filament protein, a specific marker for neural stem cells, was isolated and characterized. The complete sequence comprised 5983 base pairs encoding 1821 amino acids, and the deduced polypeptide was similar to rat (84%), hamster (73%), and human (62%) nestin. Southern blots showed that mouse nestin was a single-copy gene, and Northern blots detected a 6.0 kilobase mRNA transcript. When the cDNA was overexpressed as an enhanced green fluorescent fusion protein in COS7 cells, nestin immunoreactivity appeared in the filamentous cytoskeletal network. Accordingly, biologically active mouse nestin cDNA may offer an important new tool for stem cell research.
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A role of N-cadherin in neuronal differentiation of embryonic carcinoma P19 cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2001; 284:1098-103. [PMID: 11414696 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.2001.5089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
N-cadherin is one of the important molecules for cell to cell interaction in the development of the central nervous system (CNS). In this report, we have shown that N-cadherin mRNA and protein were increased rapidly in retinoic acid (RA)-induced neuronal differentiation of embryonic carcinoma P19 cells. To explore possible roles for N-cadherin during this process, N-cadherin-overexpressing P19 cell lines were established. These transfected cells could differentiate into neurofilament-expressing neurons in the absence of RA. RT-PCR revealed that the expression patterns of development-related genes, such as Oct-3/4, nestin, Notch-1, and Mash-1 were similar between the transfected P19 cells and the RA-induced wild-type P19 cells during their neuronal differentiation. On the contrary, the Wnt-1 gene was up-regulated in the N-cadherin-overexpressing P19 cells, but could not be detected in the wild-type P19 cells. These results suggest N-cadherin may play a role in neuronal differentiation of P19 cells, possibly through the Wnt-1 signaling pathway.
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Abstract
Effects of maternal dietary zinc deficiency on prenatal and postnatal brain development were investigated in ICR strain mice. From d 1 of pregnancy (E0) until postnatal d 20 (P20), maternal mice were fed experimental diets that contained 1 mg Zn/kg/day (severe zinc deficient, SZD), 5 mg Zn/kg/day (marginal zinc deficient, MZD), 30 mg Zn/kg/day (zinc adequately supplied, ZA) or 100 mg Zn/kg/day (zinc supplemented, ZS and pair-fed, PF). Brains of offspring from these dietary groups were examined at various developmental stages for expression of nestin, an intermediate filament protein found in neural stem cells and young neurons. Immunocytochemistry showed nestin expression in neural tube 10.5 d post citrus (dpc) as well as in the cerebral cortex and neural tube from 10.5 dpc to postnatal d 10 (P10). Nestin immunoreactivities in both brain and neural tube of those zinc-supplemented control groups (ZA, ZS, PF) were stronger than those in zinc-deficient groups (SZD and MZD). Western blot analysis confirmed that nestin levels in pooled brain extracts from each of the zinc-supplemented groups (ZA, ZS, PF) were much higher than those from the zinc-deficient groups (SZD and MZD) from 10.5 dpc to P10. Immunostaining and Western blots showed no detectable nestin in any of the experimental and control group brains after P20. These observations of an association between maternal zinc deficiency and decreased nestin protein levels in brains of offspring suggest that zinc deficiency suppresses development of neural stem cells, an effect which may lead to neuroanatomical and behavioral abnormalities in adults.
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Abstract
The neuronal growth cone, a highly motile structure at the distal tip of growing axons, contains filamentous actin and microtubules as its main cytoskeletal components. Using immunocytochemistry, we observed that nestin, which is the predominant intermediate filament protein in neuroepithelial cells and young neurons of the developing brain, appears to be strongly expressed in neurites and growth cones of neurons differentiating from P19 embryonic carcinoma cells in vitro. Double-staining of nestin and microtubule-associated protein-2 as well as nestin and growth-associated protein-43 revealed that nestin protein localizes in neurites and the central regions of growth cones of primary cultures of cerebellar granule cells from postnatal day 6 mice. These results suggest a role for nestin in growth cone guidance during axon elongation.
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[Study on thermal unfolding process of trichosanthin by FTIR spectroscopy]. GUANG PU XUE YU GUANG PU FEN XI = GUANG PU 2000; 20:471-473. [PMID: 12945351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Fourier-transform infared spectroscopy, combined with resolution-enhancement techniques including second-derivative spectroscopy, Fourier self-deconvolution and curvefitting technique, was used to investigate the thermally induced unfolding process of anti-HIV-I toxin protein trichosanthin. During heating from 25 degrees C to 85 degrees C, the peak of Amide I shifted to 1618 cm-1 while the secondary structural contents change with the temperature. Upon cooling the protein from 85 degrees C to 25 degrees C, the contour of the Amide I do not change. All these show that the thermal unfolding of trichosanthin is an irreversible intermolecular aggregation process between 25 degrees C and 85 degrees C. The changes of secondary structures with temperature suggest the presence of folding intermediates.
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[Study on unfolding process of neo-trichosanthin in the presence of GdnHCl]. GUANG PU XUE YU GUANG PU FEN XI = GUANG PU 2000; 20:492-494. [PMID: 12945357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism are effective instruments to determine the chemical unfolding process of protein solution. In this paper, both of them were selected to investigate the unfolding processes of neo-trichosanthin in the presence of GdnHCl. One GdnHCl is added, both spectra of fluorescence and circular dichroism changed remarkedly. The denaturation curve of CD ellipticity meets that of fluorescence intensive excitation at 295 nm very well. The result shows that, in the presence of GdnHCl, the unfolding of neo-trichosantin matches the two-state process well. The model is different from the model of trichosanthin that others reported previously. The mechanism will be further probed later.
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Abstract
74 students enrolled in physical activity classes completed the happiness and sadness scales of the Emotional Assessment Scale each week for the 7-week course. A repeated measures analysis of variance indicated no significant change in mean mood state scores. Subjects' scores remained fairly happy throughout the length of the course, women having significantly happier scores than men.
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Abstract
Nestin is an intermediate filament protein, which is expressed predominantly in the developing central nervous system and skeletal muscles. In situ hybridization revealed that mouse nestin mRNA is in the optic stalk at 9.0 days post coitus (dpc) and in the lens vesicle at 10.0 dpc. From 14.5 dpc onward, nestin transcripts appear in lens fibers and neuroretina. Immunohistochemistry showed that nestin protein appears in the optic stalk at 9.5 dpc and in the posterior lens epithelium at 10.5 dpc. By 12.5 dpc, it is found in the lens, neuroretina, and optic stalk as well as in developing extrinsic ocular muscle, and it localizes in lens epithelium, optic disc, and optic nerve from 14.5 dpc to postnatal day 1. In adult eye, nestin protein appears in the optic nerve.
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Abstract
The van der Waals forces in the entrance valley of the Cl + HD reaction are shown here to play a decisive role in the reaction's dynamics. Exact quantum mechanical calculations of reactive scattering on a potential energy surface without Cl-HD van der Waals forces predict that the HCl and DCl products will be produced almost equally, whereas the same calculations on a new ab initio potential energy surface with van der Waals forces show a strong preference for the production of DCl. This preference is also seen in crossed molecular beam experiments on the reaction. The study of chemical reaction dynamics has now advanced to the stage where even comparatively weak van der Waals interactions can no longer be neglected in calculations of the potential energy surfaces of chemical reactions.
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[Nestin expression during P19 neuron differentiation]. SHENG LI XUE BAO : [ACTA PHYSIOLOGICA SINICA] 1999; 51:246-52. [PMID: 11498984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Mouse nestin, an intermediate filament gene, is transiently expressed during the development of the central nervous system. In order to find the clue of its function during neural development, we tried to find out the gene expression pattern during the neuronal differentiation of P19 EC cells induced RA. RT-PCR showed that nestin was transiently expressed during P19 neuron differentiation, with a peak at day 4 of this process. However, BMP4, a neural precursor cell marker, was transiently expressed with its highest level at day 6, while NF160 kD a terminal differentiated neuronal marker, was increasingly expressed during the whole process. These results implied that nestin might play some roles during the process of neural progenitor cells differentiating into neural precursor cells. Moreover, immunostaining showed that nestin was located in the neurite and the growth cone of the P19 neuron, suggesting that nestin might be also involved in the process of the establishment of neural connection.
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[The sub-cellular distribution of beta-catenin in the neural differentiation of RA induced P19 EC cells]. SHENG LI XUE BAO : [ACTA PHYSIOLOGICA SINICA] 1998; 50:671-8. [PMID: 11367680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Wnt signals have been shown to play an important role in the development of the central nervous system (CNS) of mouse. In our previous work, it was demonstrated that Wnt signal could initiate differentiation of P19 EC cells. In the present investigation, it was examined with RT-PCR whether expression of beta-catenin, a downstream gene of Wnt in its signal transduction pathway, is regulated. It was found that the level of protein or transcript beta-catenin during P19 neuronal differentiation was not changed. However, immunostaining data showed that beta-catenin was translocalized into nuclei after retinoic acid induced P19 cell aggregates were trypsinized and cultured in serum free N2 medium for 2 and 4 d. In this period, transcription of En-2, a downstream target gene of Wnt signal, increased evidently. The above data suggest that Wnt signals are involved in the early stage of neuronal differentiation process of P19 cell. Meanwhile, the distribution of beta-catenin on the neurites indicates that this protein may also be involved in neuritis outgrowth process.
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[Neural differentiation of Wnt-1 overexpression P19 cells]. SHENG LI XUE BAO : [ACTA PHYSIOLOGICA SINICA] 1998; 50:289-95. [PMID: 11324569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Wnt-1 gene plays important roles during the development of the mouse central neural system. and shown a transient expression during neuronal differentiation of P19 EC cells. We transfected Wnt-1 gene into P19 cells and found the Wnt-1 transfected cells could differentiate into neurons without the induction of RA. However, MASH-1, a crucial gene for the early neural differentiation, was expressed later than P19 cells induced by RA.
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[Nestin mRNA expression during the development of mouse central nervous system]. SHENG LI XUE BAO : [ACTA PHYSIOLOGICA SINICA] 1997; 49:657-65. [PMID: 9863188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Intermediate filament Nestin is a marker of neural precursor cells. Its expression pattern during mouse brain development was studied in the present investigation. A pair of primers based on the sequence of mouse Nestin were found best to be suit for the reverse transcriptional PCR (RT-PCR) with this pair of Nestin Primer. Using RT-PCR, Nestin transcripts were detected during the development of the central nervous system (CNS) of mouse, from embryonic day 10 to adult brain. We found that the Nestin showed a transient expression in the development of cerebrum. At the embryonic day 14, the expression of Nestin mRNA reached the highest peak, and was then down-regulated. In the postnatal cerebellum, Nestin gene was also expressed in a transient pattern. The highest peak of Nestin mRNA expression emerged at postnatal day 5, and was then down-regulated. Nestin mRNA expression in 10 kinds of adult mouse tissues did not yield any positive results.
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[Study on the tribochemistry of antiwear additive BA1 by FTIRM]. GUANG PU XUE YU GUANG PU FEN XI = GUANG PU 1997; 17:50-54. [PMID: 15806766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
This paper studied the tribochemistry of antiwear additive BA1 by FTIR microscope technique. We observed the changes of physical properties, interpreted the infrared spectra of the products in the track and concluded the chemical mechanism through the change of BA1 concentration, load and rubbing time. The results shows that the BA1 was decomposed, oxided and a thin film was produced when rubbed. This film makes the rubbing efficiency less.
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