The aerosol products retrieved using the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) collection 5.1 Deep Blue algorithm have provided useful information about aerosol properties over ...bright‐reflecting land surfaces, such as desert, semiarid, and urban regions. However, many components of the C5.1 retrieval algorithm needed to be improved; for example, the use of a static surface database to estimate surface reflectances. This is particularly important over regions of mixed vegetated and nonvegetated surfaces, which may undergo strong seasonal changes in land cover. In order to address this issue, we develop a hybrid approach, which takes advantage of the combination of precalculated surface reflectance database and normalized difference vegetation index in determining the surface reflectance for aerosol retrievals. As a result, the spatial coverage of aerosol data generated by the enhanced Deep Blue algorithm has been extended from the arid and semiarid regions to the entire land areas. In this paper, the changes made in the enhanced Deep Blue algorithm regarding the surface reflectance estimation, aerosol model selection, and cloud screening schemes for producing the MODIS collection 6 aerosol products are discussed. A similar approach has also been applied to the algorithm that generates the Sea‐viewing Wide Field‐of‐view Sensor (SeaWiFS) Deep Blue products. Based upon our preliminary results of comparing the enhanced Deep Blue aerosol products with the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) measurements, the expected error of the Deep Blue aerosol optical thickness (AOT) is estimated to be better than 0.05 + 20%. Using 10 AERONET sites with long‐term time series, 79% of the best quality Deep Blue AOT values are found to fall within this expected error.
Key Points
The new Deep Blue algorithm can retrieve aerosol over entire land
The new Deep Blue aerosol products are significantly improved
The key factors in surface reflectance determination are characterized
The epidemiology of mucormycosis in the era of modern diagnostics is relatively under-explored.
To examine the contemporary epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and causative pathogens of ...mucormycosis.
Ovid MEDLINE and Ovid EMBASE from January 2000 to January 2017.
Published case reports/series of proven/probable mucormycosis.
Patients ≥18 years old.
Patient characteristics, disease manifestations and causative pathogens were summarized descriptively. Categorical variables were assessed by chi-square test or Fischer's exact test, and continuous variables by the Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney or Kruskal–Wallis test. Risk factors for the different clinical manifestations of mucormycosis were identified using multivariate logistic regression.
Initial database searches identified 3619 articles of which 600 (851 individual patient cases) were included in the final analysis. Diabetes mellitus was the commonest underlying condition (340/851, 40%) and was an independent risk for rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (odds ratio (OR) 2.49; 95% CI 1.77–3.54; p < 0.001). Underlying haematological malignancy was associated with disseminated infection (OR 3.86; 95% CI 1.78–8.37; p 0.001), whereas previous solid organ transplantation was associated with pulmonary (OR 3.19; 95% CI 1.50–6.82; p 0.003), gastrointestinal (OR 4.47; 95% CI 1.69–11.80; p 0.003), or disseminated (OR 4.20; 95% CI 1.68–10.46; p 0.002) mucormycosis. Eight genera (24 species) of Mucorales organisms were identified in 447/851 (53%) cases, of which Rhizopus spp. (213/447, 48%) was the most common. Compared with other genera, Rhizopus spp. was predominantly observed in patients with rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (75/213, 35% versus 34/234, 15%; p < 0.001). Death was reported in 389/851 (46%) patients. Mortality associated with Cunninghamella infections was significantly higher than those caused by other Mucorales (23/30, 71% versus 185/417, 44%; p < 0.001). However, Cunninghamella spp. were isolated primarily in patients with pulmonary (17/30, 57%) or disseminated disease (10/30, 33%).
Findings from the current review have helped ascertain the association between various manifestations of mucormycosis, their respective predisposing factors and causative organisms.
We evaluated whether ELISPOT assay can predict tuberculosis (TB) development in kidney‐transplantation (KT) recipients with a negative tuberculin skin test (TST). All adult patients admitted to a KT ...institute between June 2008 and December 2009 were enrolled; TB development after KT was observed between June 2008 and December 2010. Isoniazid (INH) was given to those patients with positive TST or clinical risk factors for latent TB infection (LTBI). ELISPOT assay was performed on all patients, and TB development after KT was observed by a researcher blinded to the results of ELISPOT. A total of 312 KT recipients including 242 (78%) living‐donor KT were enrolled. Of the 312 patients, 40 (13%) had positive TST or clinical risk factors for LTBI and received INH; none developed TB after KT. Of the remaining 272 patients, 4 (6%) of 71 with positive ELISPOT assay developed TB after KT, whereas none of the 201 patients with negative (n = 171) or indeterminate ELISPOTs (n = 30) developed TB after KT (rate difference between positive and negative/indeterminate ELISPOT, 3.3 per 100 person‐years 95% CI 1.4–5.1, p<0.001). Positive ELISPOT results predict subsequent development of TB in KT recipients in whom LTBI cannot be detected by TST or who lack clinical risk factors for LTBI.
Positive results of an interferon‐gamma releasing assay anticipate the subsequent development of tuberculosis in kidney transplant recipients in whom latent tuberculosis infection cannot be detected by tuberculin skin test or who lack clinical risk factors for latent tuberculosis infection. See editorial by Torre‐Cisneros and Doblas on page 1769.
AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Bifidobacterium lactis HY8101 on insulin resistance induced using tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) in rat L6 skeletal muscle cells and on ...the KK‐AY mouse noninsulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) model. METHODS AND RESULTS: The treatment using HY8101 improved the insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake and translocation of GLUT4 via the insulin signalling pathways AKT and IRS‐1(Tyr) in TNF‐α‐treated L6 cells. HY8101 increased the mRNA levels of GLUT4 and several insulin sensitivity‐related genes (PPAR‐γ) in TNF‐α‐treated L6 cells. In KK‐AY mice, HY8101 decreased fasting insulin and blood glucose and significantly improved insulin tolerance. HY8101 improved diabetes‐induced plasma total cholesterol and triglyceride (TG) levels and increased the muscle glycogen content. We observed concurrent transcriptional changes in the skeletal muscle tissue and the liver. In the skeletal muscle tissue, the glycogen synthesis‐related gene pp‐1 and GLUT4 were up‐regulated in mice receiving HY8101 treatment. In the liver, the hepatic gluconeogenesis‐regulated genes (PCK1 and G6PC) were down‐regulated in mice receiving HY8101 treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Bifidobacterium lactis HY8101 can be used to moderate glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity in mice and in cells. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Bifidobacterium lactis HY8101 might have potential as a probiotic candidate for alleviating metabolic syndromes such as diabetes.
Absolute cross sections for isotopically identified products formed in multinucleon transfer in the (136)Xe+(198)Pt system at ∼8 MeV/nucleon are reported. The isotopic distributions obtained using a ...large acceptance spectrometer demonstrated the production of the "hard-to-reach" neutron-rich isotopes for Z<78 around the N=126 shell closure far from stability. The main contribution to the formation of these exotic nuclei is shown to arise in collisions with a small kinetic energy dissipation. The present experimental finding corroborates for the first time recent predictions that multinucleon transfer reactions would be the optimum method to populate and characterize neutron-rich isotopes around N=126 which are crucial for understanding both astrophysically relevant processes and the evolution of "magic" numbers far from stability.
Exosomes are enclosed compartments that are released from cells and that can transport biological contents for the purpose of intercellular communications. Research into exosomes is hindered by their ...rarity. In this article, we introduce a device that uses centrifugal force and a filter with micro-sized pores to generate a large quantity of cell-derived nanovesicles. The device has a simple polycarbonate structure to hold the filter, and operates in a common centrifuge. Nanovesicles are similar in size and membrane structure to exosomes. Nanovesicles contain intracellular RNAs ranging from microRNA to mRNA, intracellular proteins, and plasma membrane proteins. The quantity of nanovesicles produced using the device is 250 times the quantity of naturally secreted exosomes. Also, the quantity of intracellular contents in nanovesicles is twice that in exosomes. Nanovesicles generated from murine embryonic stem cells can transfer RNAs to target cells. Therefore, this novel device and the nanovesicles that it generates are expected to be used in exosome-related research, and can be applied in various applications such as drug delivery and cell-based therapy.
We introduce a device that uses centrifugal force and a filter with micro-sized pores to generate a large quantity of cell-derived nanovesicles.
Background
In gallbladder cancer, stage T2 is subdivided by tumour location into lesions on the peritoneal side (T2a) or hepatic side (T2b). For tumours on the peritoneal side (T2a), it has been ...suggested that liver resection may be omitted without compromising the prognosis. However, data to validate this argument are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of tumour location in T2 gallbladder cancer, and to clarify the adequate extent of surgical resection.
Methods
Clinical data from patients who underwent surgery for gallbladder cancer were collected from 14 hospitals in Korea, Japan, Chile and the USA. Survival and risk factor analyses were conducted.
Results
Data from 937 patients were available for evaluation. The overall 5‐year disease‐free survival rate was 70·6 per cent, 74·5 per cent for those with T2a and 65·5 per cent among those with T2b tumours (P = 0·028). Regarding liver resection, extended cholecystectomy was associated with a better 5‐year disease‐free survival rate than simple cholecystectomy (73·0 versus 61·5 per cent; P = 0·012). The 5‐year disease‐free survival rate was marginally better for extended than simple cholecystectomy in both T2a (76·5 versus 66·1 per cent; P = 0·094) and T2b (68·2 versus 56·2 per cent; P = 0·084) disease. Five‐year disease‐free survival rates were similar for extended cholecystectomies including liver wedge resection versus segment IVb/V segmentectomy (74·1 versus 71·5 per cent; P = 0·720). In multivariable analysis, independent risk factors for recurrence were presence of symptoms (hazard ratio (HR) 1·52; P = 0·002), R1 resection (HR 1·96; P = 0·004) and N1/N2 status (N1: HR 3·40, P < 0·001; N2: HR 9·56, P < 0·001). Among recurrences, 70·8 per cent were metastatic.
Conclusion
Tumour location was not an independent prognostic factor in T2 gallbladder cancer. Extended cholecystectomy was marginally superior to simple cholecystectomy. A radical operation should include liver resection and adequate node dissection.
Antecedentes
En el cáncer de vesícula biliar, la ubicación del tumor subdivide el estadio T2 en tumores con invasión del lado peritoneal y del lado del hígado (T2a y T2b). Para los tumores que invaden el lado peritoneal (T2a) se sugiere que se puede obviar la resección hepática sin que ello comprometa el pronóstico. Sin embargo, este argumento no ha sido validado. El estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar el valor pronóstico de la localización del tumor en el cáncer de vesícula biliar T2 y establecer la extensión adecuada de la resección quirúrgica.
Métodos
Se recogieron los datos clínicos de pacientes que se sometieron a cirugía por cáncer de vesícula biliar en 14 hospitales de Corea, Japón, Chile y Estados Unidos. Se realizaron análisis de la supervivencia y de los factores de riesgo.
Resultados
Se dispuso de datos de 937 pacientes para ser evaluados. La tasa de supervivencia global libre de enfermedad a los 5 años fue del 70,6%, y las de T2a y T2b del 74,5% y 65,5% (P = 0,028). Con respecto a la resección hepática, la colecistectomía extendida presentó una tasa mejor de supervivencia libre de enfermedad a los 5 años que la colecistectomía simple (73,0% versus 61,5%, P = 0,012). La tasa de supervivencia libre de enfermedad a los 5 años fue marginalmente mejor para la colecistectomía extendida que para la colecistectomía simple tanto en T2a (76,5% versus 66,1%, P = 0,094) como en T2b (68,2% versus 56,2%, P = 0,084). Las tasas de supervivencia libre de enfermedad a los 5 años no fueron diferentes entre la resección hepática en cuña y la segmentectomía S4b+S5 (74,1% versus 71,5%, P = 0,720). En el análisis multivariable, los factores de riesgo independientes para la recidiva fueron la presencia de síntomas (cociente de riesgos instantáneos, hazard ratio, HR 1,52, P = 0,002), la resección R1 (HR 1,96, P = 0,004) y el estadio N1/N2 (N1 HR 3,40, P < 0,001; N2 HR 9,56, P < 0,001). El 70,8% de las recidivas eran metastásicas.
Conclusión
La localización del tumor no fue un factor pronóstico independiente en el cáncer de vesícula biliar T2. La colecistectomía extendida fue marginalmente superior que la colecistectomía simple. La cirugía radical debe incluir una resección hepática y una linfadenectomía adecuada.
This multinational multicentre cohort study was undertaken to investigate the prognostic value of tumour location in T2 gallbladder cancer and to clarify the adequate extent of surgical resection. Although tumour location influenced prognosis, it was not an independent prognostic factor in T2 gallbladder cancer. T2 gallbladder cancer requires extended cholecystectomy including hepatic resection and lymph node dissection, regardless of the location.
challenges current TNM system
Objective
The objective of this paper is to identify the prevalence, risk factors, and impact on mortality of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE).
Methods
Patients from the Hanyang ...BAE lupus cohort were registered and followed from 1998 to 2015. NPSLE was defined using American College of Rheumatology (ACR) case definitions and Ainiala criteria. Demographics, autoantibodies, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinic (SLICC)/ACR Damage Index were collected at baseline and then annually. Mortality data were derived by linking data from the Korean National Statistics Office. Multivariable logistic regression and Cox regression analysis were conducted in the inception cohort to assess the risk factors and mortality impact of NPSLE.
Results
Of 1121 registered patients, 429 (38.3%) had NPSLE manifestations according to ACR criteria and 216 (19.3%) by Ainiala criteria. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, higher SLEDAI (OR 1.08, CI 1.01–1.16, p = 0.02) and antiphospholipid antibody positivity (OR 1.72, CI 1.03–2.87, p = 0.04) at SLE diagnosis increased NPSLE risk, while elevated anti-dsDNA antibodies (OR 0.43, CI 0.24–0.78, p < 0.01) and greater education duration (OR 0.92, CI 0.85–1.00, p = 0.04) showed reduced risk of NPSLE. Cox proportional hazard models demonstrated that presence of NPSLE had a three-fold increased risk of mortality (HR 3.09, CI 1.03–9.21, p = 0.04), especially in patients with focal CNS NPSLE (HR = 7.83, CI 2.12–28.96, p < 0.01).
Conclusion
Higher SLEDAI, antiphospholipid antibody positivity, absence of anti-dsDNA antibody at SLE diagnosis, and fewer years of education are risk factors for development of NPSLE. Presence of NPSLE, especially focal CNS NPSLE, increased the risk of mortality in SLE patients.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Time-of-flight MR angiography, though widely used after coil embolization, is associated with limitations owing to magnetic susceptibility and radiofrequency shielding following stent-assisted coil ...embolization. We evaluated the pointwise encoding time reduction with radial acquisition (PETRA) sequence in subtraction-based MRA (qMRA) using an ultrashort TE relative to TOF-MRA during the follow-up of stent-assisted coil embolization for anterior circulation aneurysms.
Twenty-five patients (3 men and 22 women; mean age, 59.1 ± 14.0 years) underwent stent-assisted coil embolization for anterior circulation aneurysms and were retrospectively evaluated using TOF-MRA and PETRA qMRA data from the same follow-up session. Two neuroradiologists independently reviewed both MRA findings and subjectively graded flow within the stents (relative to the latest DSA findings) and occlusion status (complete occlusion or neck/aneurysm remnant). Interobserver and intermodality agreement for TOF-MRA and PETRA qMRA were evaluated.
The mean score for flow visualization within the stents was significantly higher in PETRA qMRA than in TOF-MRA (
< .001 for both observers), and good interobserver agreement was reported (κ = 0.63). The aneurysm occlusion status of PETRA qMRA (observer 1, 92.0%; observer 2, 88.0%) was more consistent with DSA than with TOF-MRA (observer 1, 76.0%; observer 2, 80.0%), and there was a better intermodality agreement between DSA and PETRA qMRA than between DSA and TOF-MRA.
These findings indicate that PETRA qMRA is a useful follow-up technique for patients who have undergone stent-assisted coil embolization for anterior circulation aneurysms.
Graphite oxide was synthesized using various oxidation times and characterized by its physical and chemical properties. The degree of oxidation of the graphite oxide was systematically controlled via ...oxidation time up to 24 h. Three phases of interlayer distances were identified by x-ray diffraction: pristine graphite (3.4 AA), intermediate (4 AA) and fully expanded graphite oxide (6 AA) phases. These phases were distinguished by ant atomic ratio of O/C, which occurred from the different compositions of epoxide, carboxyl and hydroxyl groups. The band gap of the graphite oxides was also tuned via the oxidation time, resulting in direct band gap engineering from 1.7 to 2.4 eV and strong correlation with the atomic ratio of O/C.
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