To analyze the disease spectrums underlying orthostatic intolerance (OI) and sitting intolerance (SI) in Chinese children, and to understand the clinical empirical treatment options.
The medical ...records including history, physical examination, laboratory examination, and imagological examination of children were retrospectively studied in Peking University First Hospital from 2012 to 2021. All the children who met the diagnostic criteria of OI and SI were enrolled in the study. The disease spectrums underlying OI and SI and treatment options during the last 10 years were analyzed.
A total of 2 110 cases of OI and SI patients were collected in the last 10 years, including 943 males (44.69%) and 1 167 females (55.31%) aged 4－18 years, with an average of (11.34±2.84) years. The overall case number was in an increasing trend over the year. In the OI spectrum, postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) accounted for 826 cases (39.15%), followed by vasovagal syncope (VVS) (634 cases, 30.05%). The highest proportion of SI spectrum was sitting tachycardia (STS) (8 cases, 0.38%), followed by sitting hypertension (SHT) (2 cases, 0.09%). The most common comorbidity of OI and SI was POTS coexisting with STS (36 cases, 1.71%). The highest proportion of treatment options was autonomic nerve function exercise (757 cases, 35.88%), followed by oral rehydration salts (ORS) (687 cases, 32.56%), metoprolol (307 cases, 14.55%), midodrine (142 cases, 6.73%), ORS plus metoprolol (138 cases, 6.54%), and ORS plus midodrine (79 cases, 3.74%). The patients with POTS coexisting with VVS were more likely to receive pharmacological intervention than the patients with POTS and the patients with VVS (41.95%
30.51%
. 28.08%,
= 20.319,
< 0.01), but there was no significant difference in the proportion of treatment options between the patients with POTS and the patients with VVS.
POTS and VVS in children are the main underlying diseases of OI, while SI is a new disease discovered recently. The number of children with OI and SI showed an increasing trend. The main treatment methods are autonomic nerve function exercise and ORS. Children with VVS coexisting with POTS were more likely to take pharmacological treatments than those with VVS or POTS only.
Abstract
We combined spectroscopic ellipsometry, Raman scattering spectroscopy, and first-principles calculations to explore the optical properties of YBaCuFeO
5
single crystals. Measuring the ...optical absorption spectrum of YBaCuFeO
5
at room temperature revealed a direct optical band gap at approximately 1.41 eV and five bands near 1.69, 2.47, 3.16, 4.26, and 5.54 eV. Based on first-principles calculations, the observed optical excitations were appropriately assigned. Analysis of the temperature dependence of the band gap indicated anomalies in antiferromagnetic phase transition at 455 and 175 K. Additionally, a hardening in the frequency of the
E
g
phonon mode was observed at 175 K. The value of the spin–phonon coupling constant was 15.7 mRy/Å
2
. These results suggest a complex nature of spin–charge–lattice interactions in YBaCuFeO
5
.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have been considered prevalent pathogens in foot infections. However, whether empiric therapy directed against these ...organisms is necessary, and in whom to consider treatment, is rather unclear. The aim of this study was to develop predictive algorithms for forecasting the probability of isolating these organisms in the infected wounds of patients in a population where the prevalence of resistant pathogens is low. This was a retrospective study of regression model-based risk factor analysis that included 140 patients who presented with infected, culture positive foot ulcers to two urban hospitals. A total of 307 bacteria were identified, most frequently MRSA (11.1%). P. aeruginosa prevalence was 6.5%. In the multivariable analysis, amputation (odds ratio (OR) 5.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.48-27.63), renal disease (OR 5.46, 95% CI 1.43-25.16) and gangrene (OR 2.78, 95% CI 0.82-9.59) were identified as risk factors associated with higher while diabetes (OR 0.07, 95% CI 0.01-0.34) and Infectious Diseases Society of America infection severity >3 (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.03-0.65) were associated with lower odds of P. aeruginosa isolation (C statistic 0.81). Similar analysis for MRSA showed that amputation was associated with significantly lower (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.09-0.79) risk, while history of MRSA infection (OR 5.63, 95% CI 1.56-20.63) and osteomyelitis (OR 2.523, 95% CI 1.00-6.79) was associated with higher odds of isolation (C statistic 0.69). We developed two predictive nomograms with reasonable to strong ability to discriminate between patients who were likely of being infected with P. aeruginosa or MRSA and those who were not. These analyses confirm the association of some, but also question the significance of other frequently described risk factors in predicting the isolation of these organisms.
The 0.2Li
2
ZrO
3
–0.8MgO (Li
2
Mg
4
ZrO
7
) ceramics were prepared by conventional solid-state reaction method. The effects of lithium fluoride (LiF) addition on the microstructure, sintering ...temperature and microwave dielectric properties of Li
2
Mg
4
ZrO
7
ceramics were investigated. The experimental results demonstrated a typical single phase existed in Li
2
Mg
4
ZrO
7
–LiF ceramics, in which LiF was proved to be an effective sintering aid for the Li
2
Mg
4
ZrO
7
ceramic. LiF obviously lowed the optimum sintering temperature of Li
2
Mg
4
ZrO
7
ceramic from 1500 to 1050 °C and improved the sintering ability of the matrix. In this paper, the microwave dielectric properties were strongly dependent on the amount of LiF additions and the sintering temperature. Optimum microwave dielectric properties (
ε
r
= 12.95,
Q
·
f
= 180,011 GHz and
τ
f
=− 23.51 ppm/°C) were obtained in Li
2
Mg
4
ZrO
7
-4 wt% LiF ceramics sintered at 1050 °C.
Design and fabrication of optical films to increase visual brightness of OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) lighting units are presented in this paper. This study explores a new fabrication process ...combining precision machining, photolithography, and micro forming techniques to make a double-sided optical film. One side of the optical film is made of micro triangular-pyramidal array (MTPA), and the other side is micro gapless hexagonal microlens array (GHMA). First, Taguchi Method is applied to determine the optimal microstructure configuration by the assistance of the commercial optical software, FRED. Second, tungsten (W) mold of MTPA as the first mold is manufactured by precision machining including optical projection grinding, lapping, and polishing processes. Nickel–cobalt (NiCo) mold of GHMA as the first mold of the other side is fabricated by using LIGA (Lithographie Galvanoformung Abformung)-like process. To obtain inverse molds, poly dimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is used to replicate W and Ni–Co molds, which are served as the secondary molds for two sides, respectively. With these molds, UV (ultraviolet) curable resin was used to make double-sided optical film. Then the optical film was packaged on OLED unit to measure its optical properties by PR 650 equipment. The result shows that both brightness and uniformity can be improved by using this film.
An improved method to model dislocation self-climb Liu, Fengxian; Cocks, Alan C F; Gill, Simon P A ...
Modelling and simulation in materials science and engineering,
07/2020, Letnik:
28, Številka:
5
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
Dislocations can provide short circuit diffusion paths for atoms resulting in a dislocation climb motion referred to as self-climb. A variational principle is presented for the analysis of problems ...in which fast dislocation core diffusion is the dominant mechanism for material redistribution. The linear element based self-climb model, developed in our previous work 1 Liu, Cocks and Tarleton (2020 J. Mech. Phys. Solids 135 103783), is significantly accelerated here, by employing a new finite element discretisation method. The speed-up in computation enables us to use the self-climb model as an effective numerical technique to simulate emergent dislocation behaviour involving both self-climb and glide. The formation of prismatic loops from the break-up of different types of edge dislocation dipoles are investigated based on this new method. We demonstrate that edge dipoles sequentially pinch-off prismatic loops, rather than spontaneously breaking-up into a string of loops, to rapidly decrease the total dislocation energy.
Individualized pre-pregnancy counseling and antenatal care for women with chronic kidney disease (CKD) require disease-specific data. Here, we investigated pregnancy outcomes and long-term kidney ...function in women with COL4A3-5 related disease (Alport Syndrome, (AS)) in a large multicenter cohort. The ALPART-network (mAternaL and fetal PregnAncy outcomes of women with AlpoRT syndrome), an international collaboration of 17 centers, retrospectively investigated COL4A3-5 related disease pregnancies after the 20th week. Outcomes were stratified per inheritance pattern (X-Linked AS (XLAS)), Autosomal Dominant AS (ADAS), or Autosomal Recessive AS (ARAS)). The influence of pregnancy on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)-slope was assessed in 192 pregnancies encompassing 116 women (121 with XLAS, 47 with ADAS, and 12 with ARAS). Median eGFR pre-pregnancy was over 90ml/min/1.73m2. Neonatal outcomes were favorable: 100% live births, median gestational age 39.0 weeks and mean birth weight 3135 grams. Gestational hypertension occurred during 23% of pregnancies (reference: ‘general’ CKD G1-G2 pregnancies incidence is 4-20%) and preeclampsia in 20%. The mean eGFR declined after pregnancy but remained within normal range (over 90ml/min/1.73m2). Pregnancy did not significantly affect eGFR-slope (pre-pregnancy β=-1.030, post-pregnancy β=-1.349). ARAS-pregnancies demonstrated less favorable outcomes (early preterm birth incidence 3/11 (27%)). ARAS was a significant independent predictor for lower birth weight and shorter duration of pregnancy, next to the classic predictors (pre-pregnancy kidney function, proteinuria, and chronic hypertension) though missing proteinuria values and the small ARAS-sample hindered analysis. This is the largest study to date on AS and pregnancy with reassuring results for mild AS, though inheritance patterns could be considered in counseling next to classic risk factors. Thus, our findings support personalized reproductive care and highlight the importance of investigating kidney disease-specific pregnancy outcomes.
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Objective: Very little research has been conducted on intimate partner violence (IPV) against Chinese immigrant women living in the United States, including qualitative explorations of the lived ...experiences of IPV among Chinese immigrant survivors. This study presents Chinese immigrant women's experiences of IPV and its mental health consequences, with a focus on the roles of traditional culture, immigration, and acculturation in survivors' experiences. Method: Phone interviews were conducted with 20 Chinese immigrant women living in the United States who had experienced IPV during the past year. Participants' mean age was 29 years; they were recruited via social network sites. Results: Almost all participants reported emotional abuse, three reported physical violence, and one reported sexual violence. They experienced "cold violence" frequently, and they described how IPV tortured them mentally. The women shared their thoughts on how their experiences of IPV were shaped by traditional Chinese patriarchal family structure, immigration, financial and legal dependence on their abuser, adjustment to life in the United States, and social isolation. Conclusions: There is a need for further research on the prevalence, causes, and consequences of "cold violence" and the development and validation of measures for this type of abuse. It is important to consider culture, immigration, and acculturation in services for Chinese immigrant women who experience IPV. Culturally appropriate, accessible services are needed to meet these women's needs.
The inhibition of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) or the activation of ERβ can inhibit papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), but the precise mechanism is not known. We aimed to explore the role of ERα and ...ERβ on the production of endogenous peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) ligands in PTC.
2 PTC cell lines, 32 pairs of PTC tissues and matched normal thyroid tissues were used in this study. The levels of endogenous PPARγ ligands 15(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15(S)-HETE), 13-S-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (13(S)-HODE), and15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2 (PGJ2) were measured by ELISA.
The levels of PGJ2 and 15(S)-HETE were significantly reduced in PTC, but 13(S)-HODE was not changed. Activation of ERα or inhibition of ERβ significantly downregulated the production of PGJ2, 15(S)-HETE and 13(S)-HODE, whereas inhibition of ERα or activation of ERβ markedly upregulated the production of these three ligands. Application of endogenous PPARγ ligands inhibited growth, induced apoptosis of cancer cells, and promoted the efficacy of chemotherapy.
The levels of endogenous PPARγ ligands PGJ2 and 15(S)-HETE are significantly decreased in PTC. The inhibition of ERα or activation of ERβ can inhibit PTC by stimulating the production of endogenous PPARγ ligands to induce apoptosis in cancer cells.
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