Recently, highly stretchable and flexible electrodes essential for wearable electronic devices has been reported. However, their electrical resistances are high, the fabrication processes are ...complicated and involve a high cost, and deformations such as stretching can lead to the degradation on electrical performance. To address these issues, a novel fabrication process (both inexpensive and simple) for the highly stretchable and conductive electrodes using well patterned 3D porous laser-induced graphene silver nanocomposite was developed. The fabricated electrode exhibited a high, uniform electrical conductivity even under mechanical deformations. Addition of platinum and gold nanoparticles (PtAuNP) on the 3D porous LIG greatly improved the electrochemical performance for wearable glucose sensor applications. The fabricated glucose sensor exhibited low detection limit (5 µM), and acceptable detection range from 0 to 1.1 mM (covers the glucose range in sweat), and high linearity (0.99). In addition, the fabricated pH sensor also exhibited a linear response (66 mV/pH) at the range from 4 to 7. This work successfully demonstrates the potential of this novel fabrication technique and stretchable LIG metal nanocomposite for wearable electrochemical-physiological hybrid biosensors.
•A novel process for the highly stretchable and conductive electrodes was developed using well patterned 3D porous LIG silver nanocomposite.•Platinum and gold nanoparticles (PtAuNP) were deposited on the 3D porous LIG and it greatly improves the electrochemical performance.•Human sweat samples were used and acceptable results were obtained using electrochemical-physiological hybrid biosensors.
Summary
Globozoospermia and acephalic spermatozoa are two rare sperm head anomalies associated with male infertility. Combination of the two phenotypes in the same patient is extremely rare, so the ...underlying pathogenesis of this disorder remains unclear. Here, we report a 35‐year‐old infertile male, who presented with 30% of sperm‐lacked heads and 69% of sperm round‐headed or small‐headed with neck thickening in his ejaculate. Subsequent whole‐exome sequencing (WES) analysis identified compound heterozygous variants within the DNAH6 gene. DNAH6 is a testis‐specific‐expressed protein that was localised to the neck region in the spermatozoa of normal control; however, immunofluorescent staining failed to detect DNAH6 protein in the patient's spermatozoa. Quantitative real‐time PCR analysis also showed the complete absence of DNAH6 mRNA in the patient's spermatozoa. Moreover, two cycles of in vitro fertilisation (IVF)‐assisted reproduction were carried out, but pregnancy was not achieved after embryo transfer. Therefore, rare sequence variants in DNAH6 might be susceptibility risks for human sperm head anomaly.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are primary treatment options for major depressive and anxiety disorders. CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 polymorphisms can influence the metabolism of SSRIs, ...thereby affecting drug efficacy and safety. We summarize evidence from the published literature supporting these associations and provide dosing recommendations for fluvoxamine, paroxetine, citalopram, escitalopram, and sertraline based on CYP2D6 and/or CYP2C19 genotype (updates at www.pharmgkb.org).
This paper describes the nationwide prevalence of childhood overweight/obesity in Chinese urban population. Data sets of boys and girls aged 7-18 yrs were collected from the series of Chinese ...national surveillance on students' constitution and health between 1985 and 2000 were divided into five socioeconomic groups, while WGOC BMI-reference was used as definitions of overweight and obesity. In 2000, the prevalence of childhood obesity/overweight in the coastal big cities, followed by that of the coastal middle/small cities, had reached the average level of the developed countries. The prevalence of obesity was low in most of the inland cities at an early stage of epidemic overweight. The epidemic manifested a gradient distribution in groups, which was closely related to socioeconomic status of the populations. A dramatic and steady increasing trend was witnessed among all sex-age subgroups in these urban groups, and the increments in obesity/overweight are exceptionally high in recent 5 years, and the prospect of epidemic obesity in China is in no way optimistic. Preventive program should be focused on the improvement of the balance between caloric intake and energy expenditure, and interventions aimed at changing children's life styles.
Summary
Background
Few studies have reported the clinical features, complications and predictors of Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon (KMP) associated with Kaposiform haemangioendothelioma (KHE).
...Objectives
To determine the clinical characteristics present at diagnosis and to identify features that may aid clinicians in managing KHE.
Methods
We conducted a cohort study of 146 patients diagnosed with KHE.
Results
KHE precursors or lesions were present at birth in 52·1% of patients. In 91·8% of patients, lesions developed within the first year of life. The median age at diagnosis of KHE was 2·3 months (interquartile range 1·0–6·0). The extremities were the dominant location, representing 50·7% of all KHEs. Among KHEs in the cohort, 63·0% were mixed lesions (cutaneous lesions with deep infiltration). Approximately 70% of patients showed KMP. A KHE diagnosis was delayed by ≥ 1 month in 65·7% of patients with KMP. Patients with KMP were more likely to have major complications than patients without KMP (P = 0·023). Young age (< 6 months), trunk location, large lesion size (> 5·0 cm) and mixed lesion type were associated with KMP in a univariate analysis. In the multivariate analysis, only age odds ratio (OR) 11·9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4·07–34·8; P < 0·001, large lesion size (OR 5·08, 95% CI 2·24–11·5; P < 0·001) and mixed lesion type (OR 2·96, 95% CI 1·23–7·13; P = 0·016) were associated with KMP.
Conclusions
Most KHEs appeared before 12 months of age. KHEs are associated with various major complications, which can occur in combination and develop early in the disease process. Young age, large lesion size and mixed lesion type are important predictors of KMP.
What's already known about this topic?
Kaposiform haemangioendothelioma (KHE) has notably high mortality and morbidity rates due to severe associated complications.
What does this study add?
We demonstrate that Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon (KMP) is common in patients with KHE and contributes to various life‐threatening complications, which can develop early in the disease course.
Significant predictors of KMP include young age, large lesion size and mixed‐type lesion.
Recognition of the clinical characteristics of KHE and the factors that predict KMP will enable clinical decision making.
Linked Comment: Tower. Br J Dermatol 2018; 179:253–254.
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Aim
The aim of this study was to study the effects of salt concentrations on the microbial communities, physicochemical properties, metabolome profiles and sensory characteristics during the ...fermentation of traditional northeast sauerkraut.
Methods and Results
Northeast sauerkraut was spontaneously fermented under four salt concentrations (0·5, 1·5, 2·5 and 3·5%, w/w). The result of microbiological analysis showed that the population of lactic acid bacteria in 2·5%‐salted sauerkraut was significantly higher than that in the other samples. Correspondingly, the speed of decrease in pH and accumulation of acids were the highest in 2·5%‐salted sauerkraut. The glucose (analysed by HPLC) in 2·5%‐salted sauerkraut was consumed more completely to produce higher levels of organic acids compared to those in the other samples. Principle component analysis showed clear differences in the metabolites of sauerkraut according to different salt concentrations. A higher level of volatiles (detected by HS‐SPME/GC‐MS) was identified in 2·5%‐salted sauerkraut, and sensory evaluation demonstrated that 2·5%‐salted sauerkraut had the best sensory characteristics.
Conclusion
The best quality of sauerkraut was obtained from fermented under 2·5% salt concentration.
Significance and Impact of the Study
This study facilitated the understanding of the effects of salt on the sauerkraut fermentation and may be useful for developing the quality of sauerkraut.
The landscape of acute ischemic stroke management has undergone a substantial transformation over the past 3 decades, mirroring our enhanced comprehension of the pathology and progress in diagnostic ...techniques, therapeutic interventions, and preventive measures. The 1990s marked a pivotal moment in stroke care with the integration of intravenous thrombolytics. However, the most significant paradigm shift in recent years has undoubtedly been the advent of endovascular thrombectomy. This article endeavors to deliver an exhaustive analysis of this revolutionary progression.
Using data on industrial firms from 1999 to 2007, this paper explores the relationship between the outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) and sustainable productive capacity of Chinese firms. The ...paper finds that, first, industrial firms’ engagement in OFDI has a significant impact on their sustainable productive capacity. Second, OFDI has a more pronounced effect on sustainable productive capacity for firms with developed countries as their investment destination countries, firms with single branches, and overseas trade sales-oriented firms. Finally, human capital, R&D intensity, and technology gap have significant mediating effects on the relationship between OFDI and sustainable productive capacity. Therefore, in order to better exploit the role of corporate OFDI in boosting sustainable productive capacity, China should expand its space for foreign cooperation among domestic firms, improve the talent cultivation mechanism, and capitalize on the international competitive advantages of multinational enterprises.
Background
The amide proton transfer‐weighted (APTw) imaging for kidney diseases is important. However, the breathing patterns on APTw imaging remains unexplored.
Purpose
This study aimed to ...investigate the effects of intermittent breath‐hold (IBH) and free breathing (FB) on renal 3D‐APTw imaging.
Study Type
Healthy volunteers were enrolled prospectively, and renal clear cell carcinoma (RCCC) patients were included retrospectively.
Population
58 healthy volunteers and 10 RCCC patients.
Field Strength/Sequence
3‐T, turbo spin echo, and fast field echo.
Assessment
3D‐APTw imaging was scanned using the IBH and FB methods in volunteers and using the IBH method in RCCC patients. The image quality was evaluated by three observers according to the 5‐point Likert scale. Optimal images rated at three points or higher were used to measure the APT values.
Statistical Analysis
The measurement repeatability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Bland–Altman plot. The APT values were analyzed using McNemar's test, one‐way analysis of variance, and t test.
Results
50 healthy volunteers and 8 RCCC patients were enrolled. Renal 3D‐APTw imaging using the IBH method revealed a higher success rate (88% vs 78%). The ICCs were excellent in the IBH group (ICCs > 0.74) and were good in the FB group (ICCs < 0.74). No significant differences in the APT values among various zones using the IBH (P = 0.263) or FB method (P = 0.506). The mean APT value using the IBH method (2.091% ± 0.388%) was slightly lower than the FB method (2.176% ± 0.292%), but no significant difference (P = 0.233). The APT value of RCCC (4.832% ± 1.361%) was considerably higher than normal renal using the IBH method.
Conclusions
The study demonstrated that the IBH method substantially increased the image quality of renal 3D‐APTw imaging. Furthermore, APT values may vary between normal and tumor tissues.
Level of Evidence
2
Technical Efficacy
Stage 2
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