Current evidence suggests high serum uric acid may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, but the association is still uncertain. The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between serum ...uric acid and future risk of type 2 diabetes by conducting a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.
We conducted a systematic literature search of the PubMed database through April 2012. Prospective cohort studies were included in meta-analysis that reported the multivariate adjusted relative risks (RRs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between serum uric acid and risk of type 2 diabetes. We used both fix-effects and random-effects models to calculate the overall effect estimate. The heterogeneity across studies was tested by both Q statistic and I(2) statistic. Begg's funnel plot and Egger's regression test were used to assess the potential publication bias.
We retrieved 7 eligible articles derived from 8 prospective cohort studies, involving a total of 32016 participants and 2930 incident type 2 diabetes. The combined RR of developing type 2 diabetes for the highest category of serum uric acid level compared with the lowest was 1.56(95% CI, 1.39-1.76). Dose-response analysis showed the risk of type 2 diabetes was increased by 6% per 1 mg/dl increment in serum uric acid level (RR 1.06, 95% CI: 1.04-1.07). The result from each subgroup showed a significant association between serum uric acid and risk of type 2 diabetes. In sensitive analysis, the combined RR was consistent every time omitting any one study. Little evidence of heterogeneity and publication bias was observed.
Our meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies provided strong evidence that high level of serum uric acid is independent of other established risk factors, especially metabolic syndrome components, for developing type 2 diabetes in middle-aged and older people.
During the spring of 2013, a novel avian-origin influenza A (H7N9) virus emerged and spread among humans in China. Data were lacking on the clinical characteristics of the infections caused by this ...virus.
Using medical charts, we collected data on 111 patients with laboratory-confirmed avian-origin influenza A (H7N9) infection through May 10, 2013.
Of the 111 patients we studied, 76.6% were admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU), and 27.0% died. The median age was 61 years, and 42.3% were 65 years of age or older; 31.5% were female. A total of 61.3% of the patients had at least one underlying medical condition. Fever and cough were the most common presenting symptoms. On admission, 108 patients (97.3%) had findings consistent with pneumonia. Bilateral ground-glass opacities and consolidation were the typical radiologic findings. Lymphocytopenia was observed in 88.3% of patients, and thrombocytopenia in 73.0%. Treatment with antiviral drugs was initiated in 108 patients (97.3%) at a median of 7 days after the onset of illness. The median times from the onset of illness and from the initiation of antiviral therapy to a negative viral test result on real-time reverse-transcriptase-polymerase-chain-reaction assay were 11 days (interquartile range, 9 to 16) and 6 days (interquartile range, 4 to 7), respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of a coexisting medical condition was the only independent risk factor for the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (odds ratio, 3.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.21 to 9.70; P=0.02).
During the evaluation period, the novel H7N9 virus caused severe illness, including pneumonia and ARDS, with high rates of ICU admission and death. (Funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and others.).
•A model optimizing both quality and quantity of hydro/PV power was proposed.•The dimension was reduced by decoupling hydropower and PV power in time scales.•Reservoir operations have been optimized ...for different typical hydrological years.•Hydropower was proved to be an ideal compensating resource for PV power in nature.
The most striking feature of the solar energy is its intermittency and instability resulting from environmental influence. Hydropower can be an ideal choice to compensate photovoltaic (PV) power since it is easy to adjust and responds rapidly with low cost. This study proposed a long-term multi-objective optimization model for integrated hydro/PV power system considering the smoothness of power output process and the total amount of annual power generation of the system simultaneously. The PV power output is firstly calculated by hourly solar radiation and temperature data, which is then taken as the boundary condition for reservoir optimization. For hydropower, due to its great adjustable capability, a month is taken as the time step to balance the simulation cost. The problem dimension is thus reduced by decoupling hydropower and PV power in time scales. The modified version of Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II) is adopted to optimize the multi-objective problem. The proposed model was applied to the Longyangxia hydro/PV hybrid power system in Qinghai province of China, which is supposed to be the largest hydro/PV hydropower station in the world. The results verified that the hydropower is an ideal compensation resource for the PV power in nature, especially in wet years, when the solar radiation decreases due to rainfalls while the water resource is abundant to be allocated. The power generation potential is provided for different hydrologic years, which can be taken to evaluate the actual operations. The proposed methodology is general in that it can be used for other hydro/PV power systems than those studied here.
Plasmonic color filtering and color printing have attracted considerable attention in recent years due to their supreme performance in display and imaging technologies. Although various color‐related ...devices are designed, so far very few studies have touched the topic of dynamic color generation. In this article, dynamic color generation is demonstrated by integrating plasmonic nanostructures with vanadium dioxide based on its tunable optical properties through insulator–metal transition. Periodic arrays of silver nanodisks on a vanadium dioxide film are fabricated to realize different colors, relying on the excitation of localized and propagating surface plasmons, and Wood's anomaly. By tuning spatial periodicity of the arrays and diameter of the silver nanodisks, various colors can be achieved across the entire visible spectrum. Further, using insulator–metal transition of vanadium dioxide, the colors can be actively tuned by varying temperature. The approach of dynamic color generation based on the phase transition of vanadium dioxide can easily realize diverse color patterns, which makes it beneficial for display and imaging technology with distinct advantages of multifunctionality, flexibility, and high efficiency.
Dynamic color generation is realized by integrating plasmonic nanostructures with vanadium dioxide based on its tunable optical properties through insulator–metal transition. Various colors can be designed across the visible spectrum via adjusting the spatial periodicity and nanodisk diameter of the silver‐nanodisk array, and the colors can be tuned dynamically by varying the temperature.
Background
Positron emission tomography (PET)/MRI biomarkers have been shown to have prognostic significance in patients with cervical cancer. Their associations with progression‐free survival (PFS) ...and overall survival (OS) merit further investigation.
Purpose
To evaluate the association between PET/MRI biomarkers and tumor stage, PFS, and OS in patients with cervical cancer.
Study Type
Prospective cohort study.
Population
In all, 54 patients with newly diagnosed cervical cancer and measurable tumors (>1 cm) were included in the image analysis.
Field Strength/Sequence
3.0T integrated PET/MRI including diffusion‐weighted echo‐planar imaging (b = 50 and 1000 s/mm2) and 18Ffluorodeoxyglucose PET.
Assessment
Two radiologists measured the minimum and mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADCmin and ADCmean), maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) of the primary tumors.
Statistical Tests
A Mann–Whitney U‐test was used to evaluate the association between the imaging biomarkers and tumor stage. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the relationships between the imaging biomarkers and survival.
Results
In advanced tumors (T ≥ 1b2, M1, stage ≥ IB3), ADCmin was significantly lower and MTV, TLG, MTV/ADCmin, and TLG/ADCmin were significantly higher (P values between <0.001 and 0.036). In N1 tumors, ADCmin was significantly lower and MTV and MTV/ADCmin were significantly higher (P values between 0.005 and 0.016). In survival analysis, SUVmax was an independent predictor of PFS (hazard ratio HR = 4.57, P < 0.05), and ADCmin was an independent predictor of OS (HR = 0.02, P < 0.05). In subgroup analysis of patients with different stages, MTV/ADCmin was a predictor of PFS in stage I disease (P = 0.003), ADCmin (P = 0.038), and MTV (P = 0.020) in stage II, SUVmax (P = 0.006), and TLG (P = 0.006) in stage IV; and ADCmin was a predictor of OS in stage III disease (P = 0.008).
Data Conclusion
PET/MRI biomarkers of cervical cancer are associated with tumor stage and survival. SUVmax and ADCmin are independent predictors of PFS and OS, respectively.
Level of Evidence
1
Technical Efficacy
3
Administration of exosomes derived from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) could improve some neurologic conditions by transferring functional biomolecules to recipient cells. Furthermore, exosomes ...from hypoxic progenitor cells exerted better therapeutic effects in organ injury through specific cargoes. However, there are no related reports about whether exosomes derived from MSCs or hypoxia‐preconditioned MSCs (PC‐MSCs) could prevent memory deficits in Alzheimer disease (AD). In this study, the exosomes derived from MSCs or PC‐MSCs were systemically administered to transgenic APP/PS1 mice. The expression of miR‐21 in MSCs was significantly increased after hypoxic treatment. Injection of exosomes from normoxic MSCs could rescue cognition and memory impairment according to results of the Morris water maze test, reduced plaque deposition, and Aβ levels in the brain; could decrease the activation of astrocytes and microglia; could down‐regulate proinflammatory cytokines (TNF‐α and IL‐1β); and could up‐regulate anti‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐4 and ‐10) in AD mice, as well as reduce the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and NF‐κB. Compared to the group administered exosomes from normoxic MSCs, in the group administered exosomes from PC‐MSCs, learning and memory capabilities were significantly improved; the plaque deposition and Aβ levels were lower, and expression of growth‐associated protein 43, synapsin 1, and IL‐10 was increased; and the levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein, ionized calcium‐binding adaptor molecule 1, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and activation of STAT3 and NF‐κB were sharply decreased. More importantly, exosomes from PC‐MSCs effectively increased the level of miR‐21 in the brain of AD mice. Additionally, replenishment of miR‐21 restored the cognitive deficits in APP/PS1 mice and prevented pathologic features. Taken together, these findings suggest that exosomes from PC‐MSCs could improve the learning and memory capabilities of APP/PS1 mice, and that the underlying mechanism may lie in the restoration of synaptic dysfunction and regulation of inflammatory responses through regulation of miR‐21.—Cui, G.‐H., Wu, J., Mou, F.‐F., Xie, W.‐H., Wang, F.‐B., Wang, Q.‐L., Fang, J., Xu, Y.‐W., Dong, Y.‐R., Liu, J.‐R., Guo, H.‐D. Exosomes derived from hypoxia‐preconditioned mesenchymal stromal cells ameliorate cognitive decline by rescuing synaptic dysfunction and regulating inflammatory responses in APP/PS1 mice. FASEB J. 32, 654–668 (2018). www.fasebj.org
In recent years, molecular ferroelectrics have received great attention due to their low weight, mechanical flexibility, easy preparation and excellent ferroelectric properties. Among them, ...crown‐ether‐based molecular ferroelectrics, which are typically composed of the host crown ethers, the guest cations anchored in the crown ethers, and the counterions, are of great interest because of the host‐guest structure. Such a structure allows the components to occur order‐disorder transition easily, which is beneficial for inducing ferroelectric phase transition. Herein, we summarized the research progress of crown ether host‐guest molecular ferroelectrics, focusing on their crystal structure, phase transition, ferroelectric‐related properties. In view of the small spontaneous polarization and uniaxial nature, we outlook the chemical design strategies for obtaining high‐performance crown‐ether‐based molecular ferroelectrics. This minireview will be of guiding significance for the future exploration of crown ether host‐guest molecular ferroelectrics.
Crown‐ether‐based molecular ferroelectrics are attractive for the host‐guest structure, where the guest cation is anchored in the host crown ether and the anion acts as the counterion. Their crystal structure, phase transition and ferroelectric properties are discussed in this minireview. Additionally, an outlook on the chemical design of high‐performance crown ether host‐guest molecular ferroelectrics is given.
Changes in functional properties of biological denitrification in the long-term use of methanol were explored in both pre- and post-denitrification processes. The two systems employed were sequencing ...batch reactor (SBR) using post-denitrification in temporal sequence, and Carrousel oxidation ditch, which was equipped with a separate pre-denitrification zone. In the SBR, stable nitrate reduction rates reached after 37 days elapsed with addition of methanol (TOC/N = 1.4-1.8) at the start of anoxic phase, and specific denitrification rate increased from 0.378 mgNO
-N·(gVSS·h)
to 2.406 mgNO
-N·(gVSS·h)
. Besides, by means of nitrogen uptake rate (NUR) batch tests based on methanol-adapted sludge, the appropriate range of TOC/N ratios for complete denitrification was estimated to be 1.10-2.68. By comparison, the Carrousel oxidation ditch that was fed with methanol in the anaerobic zone took fewer days (29 days) to obtain a constant effluent nitrate. Moreover, the denitrification yield in ditch was elevated from an initial value of 0.082 mgTN/mgCOD to 0.123 mgTN/mgCOD, and the nitrogen removal efficiency reached up to a level of 68%. The focus on denitrification potential with external methanol is valuable to provide information for developing carbon dosage control, as well as predict the nitrate effluent quality of the plant.
Mesenchymal stem cells （MSCs）, the major stem cells for cell therapy, have been used in the clinic for approximately 10 years. From animal models to clinical trials, MSCs have afforded promise in the ...treatment of numerous diseases, mainly tissue injury and immune disorders. In this review, we summarize the recent opinions on methods, timing and cell sources for MSC administration in clinical applications, and provide an overview of mechanisms that are significant in MSC-mediated therapies. Although MSCs for cell therapy have been shown to be safe and effective, there are still challenges that need to be tackled before their wide application in the clinic.
It has been accepted that kidney function is connected with brain activity. In clinical studies, chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients have been found to be prone to suffering cognitive decline and ...Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The cognitive function of CKD patients may improve after kidney transplantation. All these indicators show a possible link between kidney function and dementia. However, little is known about the mechanism behind the relation of CKD and AD. This review discusses the associations between CKD and AD from the perspective of the pathophysiology of the kidney and complications and/or concomitants of CKD that may lead to cognitive decline in the progression of CKD and AD. Potential preventive and therapeutic strategies for AD are also presented. Further studies are warranted in order to confirm whether the setting of CKD is a possible new determinant for cognitive impairment in AD.
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