Aim: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with unfavorable outcomes in patients with ischemic stroke. One major metabolic derangement of CKD is dyslipidemia, which can be managed by statins. ...This study aimed to investigate whether the association of statins with post-stroke outcomes would be affected by renal function.Methods: We evaluated the association of statin therapy at discharge with 3-month outcomes according to the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 50,092 patients with acute ischemic stroke from the Taiwan Stroke Registry from August 2006 to May 2016. The outcomes were mortality, functional outcome as modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and recurrent ischemic stroke at 3 months after index stroke.Results: Statin therapy at discharge was associated with lower risks of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio aHR, 0.41; 95% confidence interval CI, 0.34 to 0.50) and unfavorable functional outcomes (mRS 3–5; aHR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.76 to 0.84) in ischemic stroke patients. After stratification by eGFR, the lower risk of mortality associated with statins was limited to patients with an eGFR above 15 mL/min/1.73 m2. Using statins at discharge was correlated with a lower risk of unfavorable functional outcomes in patients with an eGFR of 60–89 mL/min/1.73 m2. Statin therapy in patients with an eGFR of 60–89 mL/min/1.73 m2 may be associated with a higher risk of recurrent ischemic stroke compared with nonusers (aHR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.57).Conclusions: In patients with acute ischemic stroke, the associations of statins with mortality and functional outcomes was dependent on eGFR.
Estradiol is an endogenous hormone that affects many physiological functions in humans; thus, the demand for its detection has been increasing. Gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-based colorimetric sensors ...with split aptamers offer an easy-to-operate detection method for estradiol. However, the assay performance is still unmet. Here, we report a simple and sensitive colorimetric assay for the detection of estradiol, based on the target-induced recycling assembly of split aptamer fragments. This method contains three DNA fragments that remain in a metastable state without a target. After adding estradiol, the split aptamers assemble with the target, which can be regenerated by helper DNA, resulting in the formation of a three-way junction (3WJ)-like structure and the recycling of recognition. The generation of the 3WJ-like DNA structure causes the formation of unstable AuNPs, enhancing the salt-induced aggregation of AuNPs. The assay shows a detection limit of 0.7 nM, which is better than those of other aptamer-based detection methods. Moreover, the assay enables the detection of estradiol spiked in urine by avoiding any interference from contaminants. The colorimetric assay includes anti-estradiol DNA split aptamers, accounting for no false responses to non-target molecules. Therefore, the results demonstrated that it has application potential for the detection of estradiol in a complex matrix.
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•Enzyme-free amplified colorimetric assay of estradiol was developed.•Signal amplification was achieved by the catalytic estradiol recycling.•This assay can be potential for the detection of estradiol in a complex matrix.
The central amygdala (CeA) nucleus, a subcortical structure composed of mostly GABA-releasing (GABAergic) neurons, controls fear expression via projections to downstream targets in the hypothalamus ...and brainstem. The CeA consists of the lateral (CeL) and medial (CeM) subdivisions. The CeL strongly gates information transfer to the CeM, the main output station of the amygdala, but little is known about the functional organization of local circuits in this region. Using cluster analysis, we identified two major electrophysiologically distinct CeL neuron classes in mouse amygdala slices, the early-spiking (ES) and late-spiking (LS) neurons. These two classes displayed distinct autaptic transmission. Compared with LS neurons, ES neurons had strong and depressing autapses, which enhanced spike-timing precision. With multiple patch-clamp recordings, we found that CeL neurons made chemical, but not electrical, synapses. Analysis of individual connections revealed cannabinoid type 1 receptor-mediated suppression of the ES, but not of the LS cell output synapse. More interestingly, the efficacy of the ES→LS or LS→ES synapse was ~2-fold greater than that of the LS→LS or ES→ES synapse. When tested at 20 Hz, synapses between different neurons, but not within the same class, were markedly depressing and were more powerful to sculpt activity of postsynaptic neurons. Moreover, neurons of different classes also form synapses with higher degree of connectivity. We demonstrate that ES and LS neurons represent two functionally distinct cell classes in the CeL and interactions between presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons dictate synaptic properties between neurons.
The central lateral amygdala (CeL) is a key node in fear circuits, but the functional organization of local circuits in this region is largely unknown. The CeL consists of mostly GABAergic inhibitory neurons with different functional and molecular features. Here, we report that the presynaptic cell class determines functional properties of autapses and cannabinoid-mediated modulation of synaptic transmission between neurons, whereas presynaptic versus postsynaptic cell classes dictate the connectivity, efficacy, and dynamics of GABAergic synapses between any two neurons. The wiring specificity and synaptic diversity have a great impact on neuronal output in amygdala inhibitory networks. Such synaptic organizing principles advance our understanding of the significance of physiologically defined neuronal phenotypes in amygdala inhibitory networks.
In this study, we investigated the interplay of three-dimensional morphologies and the photocarrier dynamics of polymer/inorganic nanocrystal hybrid photoactive layers consisting of TiO(2) ...nanoparticles and nanorods. Electron tomography based on scanning transmission electron microscopy using high-angle annular dark-field imaging was performed to analyze the morphological organization of TiO(2) nanocrystals in poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) in optimal solar cell devices. The Three-dimensional (3D) morphologies of these hybrid films were correlated with the photocarrier dynamics of charge separation, transport, and recombination, which were comprehensively probed by various transient techniques. Visualization of these 3D bulk heterojunction morphologies clearly reveals that elongated and anisotropic TiO(2) nanorods in P3HT not only can significantly reduce the probability of the interparticle hopping transport of electrons by providing better connectivity with respect to the TiO(2) nanoparticles, but also tend to form a large-scale donor-acceptor phase-separated morphology, which was found to enhance hole transport. The results support the establishment of a favorable morphology for polymer/inorganic hybrid solar cells due to the presence of the dimensionality of TiO(2) nanocrystals as a result of more effective mobile carrier generation and more efficient and balanced transport of carriers.
The Taiwan Strait serves as a link between the East China Sea and South China Sea in East Asia. Complex ocean dynamics, huge sediment inputs and distinct tectonic, climatic and bedrock lithological ...settings of the two sides of the strait make it ideal for sediment source-to-sink studying. While mud sediments in the strait have been well investigated, sand composition and provenance remain understudied. Here, we present framework petrography and heavy mineral data of sands from the southern Taiwan Strait and the adjacent representative rivers to characterize sand provenance and depositional mechanisms. As expected, the SE China river sands are dominated by quartz and feldspar, whereas sands from the westward-flowing mountainous rivers in Taiwan are rich in lithic fragments and heavy minerals of metamorphic origin. The southern Taiwan Strait sands show significant spatial variations in composition and texture of the framework grains and heavy minerals. Framework grain-based provenance modeling results show that sands in the southwest margin of Taiwan Strait (water depth of 30–60 m) are mainly supplied by SE China rivers. Taiwan mountainous rivers made prominent contributions to the central-western Taiwan Strait (40–60 m) and the south of Taiwan Shoal (below 50 m), both of which are far away from the Taiwan island (ca. 100–300 km away). Furthermore, sands from the Taiwan Shoal (20–30 m) show extremely high compositional maturity and are mainly composed of coarse, rounded quartz. These sands, previously proposed as relict sediments, have been intensely altered by modern high-energy hydrodynamic conditions and can also be interpreted as palimpsest sediments. These results demonstrate that modern river-derived sands are eventually deposited in relatively deep-water regions in the strait, rather than the shallow regions (Taiwan Shoal). We propose that the sand composition and distribution are closely related to the submarine topography of the Taiwan Strait. Combining previous mud belt investigations, we suggest that sands and muds tend to have different fates in shallow continental shelves with complex climate, ocean current and seafloor landform conditions. This study also highlights the importance of both modern and relict sands in the strait and our findings are important to better understanding of shelf sedimentary systems with huge river-sediment-input and high wave/tidal-current-energy.
•Composition and texture of Taiwan Strait surficial sands vary spatially.•Four deposit areas in southern Taiwan Strait were identified.•Palimpsest sediments of high maturity are preserved in Taiwan Shoal.•Sand distribution in Taiwan Strait is related to submarine topography.
We investigated the strength of acousto-optical (AO) interaction in one-dimensional fishbone silicon nanobeam computationally. The structure can generate phononic and photonic band gaps ...simultaneously. We use defect cavity optical mode and slow light mode to interact with acoustic defect modes. The AO coupling rates are obtained by adding the optical frequency shifts, which result from photo-elastic effect and moving-boundary effect disturbances. The AO coupling rates are strongly dependent on the overlap of acoustic and optical mode distribution. The strength of AO interaction can be enhanced by choosing certain acoustic defect modes that are formed by the stretching of wings and that overlap significantly with optical fields.
Landslides have caused extensive infrastructure damage and caused human fatalities for centuries. Intense precipitation and large earthquakes are considered to be two major landslide triggers, ...particularly in the case of catastrophic landslides. The most widely accepted mechanistic explanation for landslides is the effective-stress dependent shear strength reduction due to increases in pore water pressure. The Chashan landslide site, selected for the present study, has been intensively studied from geological, geophysical, geodetic, geotechnical, hydrological, and seismological perspectives. Our seismic monitoring of daily relative velocity changes (dv/v) indicated that landslide material decreases coincided with the first half of the rainy period and increased during the latter half of the rainy period. The geodetic surveys before and after the rainy period identified vertical subsidence without horizontal movement. The results from the multidisciplinary investigation enabled us to draw a conceptual model of the landslide recovery process induced by water loading. Where all sliding materials were stable (safety factor > 1.0), unconsolidated landslide colluvium and impermeable sliding surfaces trapped the seepage water to form a water tank, provided that compact forces were acting on the materials below the sliding boundary. The vertical force of compaction facilitates an increase in the cohesion and strength of landslide materials, thereby increasing the landslide materials’ stability. We demonstrated that the recovery process periodically occurs only under the combined conditions of prolonged and intense precipitation and the related stability conditions.
Neurological examination remains a fundamental step in the care of patients with neurological disorders. However, studies evaluating the feasibility and validity of neurological examination in ...rabbits are limited. In this study, postural reaction tests or methods commonly performed in dogs and cats were evaluated in clinically healthy rabbits, and we aimed to postulate a simplified examination list according to the results. The feasibility and validity of each test were determined and screened using a cut-off value of 90%. For the remaining tests/methods, the response rates of tests with similar neuroanatomical pathways were compared. Among the 34 healthy rabbits tested, one method of the hopping reaction (holding then lowering the rabbit quickly towards the floor with only the tested limb touching the ground), the hemi-walking test, the wheelbarrowing test, and the righting response yielded a feasibility and validity of over 90%. When comparing tests/methods with similar neuroanatomical pathways, the normal response rate of the hopping reaction was comparable to that of the hemi-walking test. We conclude that in healthy rabbits, hopping reaction tests using the method mentioned above, hemi-walking, wheelbarrowing, and righting responses are likely to be feasible postural reaction tests that yield consistent and normal responses.
Anterior open bite (AOB), characterized by the lack of vertical overlap between upper and lower anterior teeth, poses a considerable challenge in orthodontics. The condition depends on many factors ...that combine to render it difficult to achieve post treatment stability. AOB is commonly classified as dental, skeletal, or functional on the basis of the clinical presentation and causative factors. Traditionally, skeletal AOB necessitates surgical intervention, whereas nonsurgical approaches such as extrusion arches and the Multiloop Edgewise Archwire Technique (MEAW) can be employed in more straightforward cases. Functional appliances are reserved for situations in which a patient's growth potential offers the possibility of effectively addressing AOB. This review presents a strategic treatment approach for addressing AOB, taking into account the classification and severity of the condition. The proposed SHE framework describes the use of mini-screws (S) for anchorage and vertical control, encouragement to correct habits (H), and the utilization of extractions and elastics (E). By incorporating extra-radicular mini-screws, AOB closure is achieved through anterior retraction in extraction cases or whole arch distalization of dentition with elastics in non-extraction cases. This framework emphasizes habit correction through a regimen of oral myofunctional therapy (OMT) and habit-correcting appliances to enhance posttreatment stability. This review suggests that nonsurgical correction is viable in the majority of cases, whereas surgical intervention should be reserved for severe cases of skeletal vertical overgrowth or horizontal discrepancies.
Large ex situ germplasm collections generally harbor a wide range of crop diversity. AVRDC--The World Vegetable Center is holding in trust the world's second largest mungbean (Vigna radiata) ...germplasm collection with more than 6,700 accessions. Screening large collections for traits of interest is laborious and expensive. To enhance the access of breeders to the diversity of the crop, mungbean core and mini core collections have been established.
The core collection of 1,481 entries has been built by random selection of 20% of the accessions after geographical stratification and subsequent cluster analysis of eight phenotypic descriptors in the whole collection. Summary statistics, especially the low differences of means, equal variance of the traits in both the whole and core collection and the visual inspection of quantile-quantile plots comparing the variation of phenotypic traits present in both collections indicated that the core collection well represented the pattern of diversity of the whole collection. The core collection was genotyped with 20 simple sequence repeat markers and a mini core set of 289 accessions was selected, which depicted the allele and genotype diversity of the core collection.
The mungbean core and mini core collections plus their phenotypic and genotypic data are available for distribution to breeders. It is expected that these collections will enhance the access to biodiverse mungbean germplasm for breeding.
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