RESUMEN

In this paper, a new preparation technology is developed to make high-alumina coal gangue (HACG) auxiliary cementitious admixture by calcining HACG-Ca(OH)2 (CH) mixture. HACG powders mixed with 20 wt.% CH were calcined within a temperature range of 600-900 °C, and the thermal transformation and mineral phase formation were analyzed. The hydration reaction between activated HACG-CH mixture and cement was also investigated. The results showed that HACG experienced a conventional transformation from kaolinite to metakaolin at 600 °C and finally to mullite at 900 °C, whereas CH underwent an unexpected transformation process from CH to CaO, then to CaCO3, and finally to CaO again. These substances' states were associated with the dehydroxylation of CH, the chemical reaction between CaO and CO2 generating from the combustion of carbon in HACG, and the decomposition of CaCO3, respectively. It is the formation of a large amount of CaO above 800 °C that favors the formation of hydratable products containing Al2O3 in the calcining process and C-A-H gel in the hydration process. The mechanical properties of HACG-cement mortar specimens were measured, from which the optimal calcination temperature of 850 °C was determined. As compared with pure cement mortar specimens, the maximum 28-d flexural and compressive strengths of HACG-cement mortar specimens increased by 5.4% and 38.2%, respectively.

RESUMEN

The immune/inflammatory responses regulated by B cells are the critical determinants of atherosclerosis. B-cell receptor (BCR) plays pivotal roles in regulating B cell function. However, the composition and molecular characteristics of the BCR repertoire in atherosclerotic patients have not been fully elucidated. Herein we analyzed BCR repertoire in circulation and plaques of atherosclerotic patients by sequencing the BCR heavy chain complement determining region 3 (BCRH CDR3). Our data showed that in plaques, BCR repertoire was dramatically skewed and their combinations and diversity were significantly decreased, while the frequency of public and dominant B-cell clones was markedly increased. Additionally, BCRH CDR3 in plaques had higher positive selection pressure than that in the peripheral blood of normal subjects and atherosclerotic patients. Moreover, the BCRH CDR3 of some B cell clones specifically expanded in plaques were similar to that of antibodies which recognized certain pathogens including Influenza A virus, implying the possibility of the association between pathogens and atherosclerosis. The present study contributed to understand the roles of B cells in atherosclerosis. The design of specific antibodies based on the B cell clones specifically expanded in plaques might yield useful tools to reveal the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, assess or alleviate the progression of atherosclerosis.

Asunto(s)

Aterosclerosis/genética , Regiones Determinantes de Complementariedad/genética , Receptores de Antígenos de Linfocitos B/genética , Secuencia de Aminoácidos/genética , Aterosclerosis/inmunología , Linfocitos B/metabolismo , China , Regiones Determinantes de Complementariedad/inmunología , Secuenciación de Nucleótidos de Alto Rendimiento/métodos , Humanos , Receptores de Antígenos de Linfocitos B/inmunología

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to utilize high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to investigate the characteristics of stable and vulnerable carotid arteriosclerotic plaques, with correlations to histopathological findings. PATIENTS AND METHODS: High-resolution MRI was performed in 817 patients, using three-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography. Plaque composition was evaluated by measuring the areas occupied by calcification, a lipid-rich necrotic core, intra-plaque haemorrhage, and fibrous cap rupture. Plaque morphology was analysed by measuring vessel wall area, thickness, and luminal area at the bifurcation of the common carotid artery. Plaque tissues were sampled during carotid endarterectomy and examined using haematoxylin-eosin, Oil Red O, Masson trichrome staining, and immunohistochemical staining for CD68. RESULTS: Patients were divided into stable plaque group (n = 462) and vulnerable plaque group (n = 355), based on intraoperative observations and postoperative histopathological findings. Compared to the stable plaque group, the vulnerable plaque group exhibited increased vessel wall areas and thickness, and decreased mean luminal areas (P < 0.001). The vulnerable plaque group also had a lower collagen content, a higher lipid content, and higher CD68 expression in plaque tissues on histological examinations (P < 0.01). Incidences of lipid-rich necrotic core (38.1 % vs. 34.3 %), intra-plaque haemorrhage (26.9 % vs. 22.8 %), plaque calcification (45.2 % vs. 40.9 %), and fibrous cap rupture (36.0 % vs 39.8 %) in the plaques were concordant with MRI observations and histopathological findings (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Stable and vulnerable carotid plaques had different morphologies and compositions. High-resolution MRI can assess such differences qualitatively and quantitatively in vivo and provide guidance for risk stratification and management.

Asunto(s)

Enfermedades de las Arterias Carótidas/diagnóstico por imagen , Enfermedades de las Arterias Carótidas/patología , Arteria Carótida Común/diagnóstico por imagen , Arteria Carótida Común/patología , Angiografía por Resonancia Magnética , Placa Aterosclerótica , Anciano , Biopsia , Enfermedades de las Arterias Carótidas/cirugía , Arteria Carótida Común/metabolismo , Arteria Carótida Común/cirugía , China , Colágeno/análisis , Endarterectomía Carotidea , Femenino , Fibrosis , Humanos , Interpretación de Imagen Asistida por Computador , Imagenología Tridimensional , Inmunohistoquímica , Lípidos/análisis , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Necrosis , Valor Predictivo de las Pruebas , Estudios Prospectivos , Rotura Espontánea , Calcificación Vascular/diagnóstico por imagen , Calcificación Vascular/patología

RESUMEN

Stretchable electronic sensing devices are defining the path toward wearable electronics. High-performance flexible strain sensors attached on clothing or human skin are required for potential applications in the entertainment, health monitoring, and medical care sectors. In this work, conducting copper electrodes were fabricated on polydimethylsiloxane as sensitive stretchable microsensors by integrating laser direct writing and transfer printing approaches. The copper electrode was reduced from copper salt using laser writing rather than the general approach of printing with pre-synthesized copper or copper oxide nanoparticles. An electrical resistivity of 96 µΩ cm was achieved on 40-µm-thick Cu electrodes on flexible substrates. The motion sensing functionality successfully demonstrated a high sensitivity and mechanical robustness. This in situ fabrication method leads to a path toward electronic devices on flexible substrates.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: The rules and mechanisms of seasonal changes in plasma lipid levels, which may be related to annual rhythmicity of incidence and mortality of cardiovascular diseases, are still controversial. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to study the effects of climatic factors on plasma lipid levels and to preliminarily reveal mechanisms of annual rhythmicity of plasma lipid levels. METHODS: A longitudinal study was performed using health examination data of 5 consecutive years (47,270 subjects) in Jinan, China. The climate in Jinan is typical temperate continental monsoon climate with huge temperature difference between winter and summer (>30°C). RESULTS: After considering and adjusting those classical lipid-associated risk factors, such as age, gender, diet, exercise, blood pressure, body weight, change of body weight, body mass index, glycemia, alanine aminotransferase, and creatinine, only air temperature could still significantly affect plasma lipid levels among the main climatic factors (humidity, precipitation, and so forth). For men, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was decreased significantly 0.35, 0.18, and 0.06 mmol/L, respectively, whereas triglyceride was increased significantly 0.12 mmol/L for every 10°C increase in air temperature. For women, total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were decreased notably 0.73 and 0.32 mmol/L, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was increased significantly 0.26 mmol/L for every 10°C increase in air temperature, whereas triglyceride was not significantly affected by air temperature. CONCLUSION: Air temperature is an independent risk factor for plasma lipid levels besides those classical lipid-associated risk factors. The annual air temperature fluctuations might be an important mechanism of the seasonal changes of lipids.

Asunto(s)

Lípidos/sangre , Adulto , Anciano , Peso Corporal , Enfermedades Cardiovasculares/diagnóstico , Enfermedades Cardiovasculares/etiología , China , HDL-Colesterol/sangre , LDL-Colesterol/sangre , Dieta , Ejercicio Físico , Femenino , Humanos , Estudios Longitudinales , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Análisis Multivariante , Factores de Riesgo , Factores Sexuales , Temperatura , Triglicéridos/sangre

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and outcomes of surgical revascularization for patients with symptomatic kinking of the internal carotid artery (ICA). METHODS: Twenty-five consecutive patients presented with symptomatic kinking of the ICA and a history of transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke were prospectively enrolled in this study. All patients were treated with ICA transection and end-to-side reimplantation at the level of the carotid bulb. Patients were followed up for a median of 32 months. RESULTS: There were no deaths or strokes within the 30 days of the treatment. No postprocedural thrombosis or narrowing of the ipsilateral ICA was observed. One (4%) patient had temporary recurrent nerve palsy, which was completely recovered at 4-week follow-up. One (4%) patient had a myocardial ischemic event. At the end of the 32-month follow-up, 1 (4%) patient developed ipsilateral minor stroke. No recurrent stenosis was detected by Doppler ultrasound. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment for isolated, symptomatic kinking of the ICA and a history of TIA or stroke is safe, and the outcomes are acceptable.

Asunto(s)

Arteria Carótida Interna/cirugía , Estenosis Carotídea/cirugía , Ataque Isquémico Transitorio/etiología , Procedimientos Quirúrgicos Vasculares/métodos , Adulto , Anciano , Arteria Carótida Interna/diagnóstico por imagen , Estenosis Carotídea/complicaciones , Estenosis Carotídea/diagnóstico por imagen , Angiografía por Tomografía Computarizada , Endarterectomía Carotidea , Femenino , Humanos , Ataque Isquémico Transitorio/diagnóstico , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Complicaciones Posoperatorias/etiología , Estudios Prospectivos , Reimplantación , Factores de Tiempo , Resultado del Tratamiento , Procedimientos Quirúrgicos Vasculares/efectos adversos

RESUMEN

Sequential fault diagnosis is an approach that realizes fault isolation by executing the optimal test step by step. The strategy used, i.e., the sequential diagnostic strategy, has great influence on diagnostic accuracy and cost. Optimal sequential diagnostic strategy generation is an important step in the process of diagnosis system construction, which has been studied extensively in the literature. However, previous algorithms either are designed for single mode systems or do not consider test placement cost. They are not suitable to solve the sequential diagnostic strategy generation problem considering test placement cost for multimode systems. Therefore, this problem is studied in this paper. A formulation is presented. Two algorithms are proposed, one of which is realized by system transformation and the other is newly designed. Extensive simulations are carried out to test the effectiveness of the algorithms. A real-world system is also presented. All the results show that both of them have the ability to solve the diagnostic strategy generation problem, and they have different characteristics.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Central nervous system (CNS) tumors are the most common solid tumors that occur in children, however there were few big-data follow-up analysis published in China. Overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family members was reported on glioblastoma (GBM) and medulloblastoma (MB) before. However, the correlation between EGFR family members expression with prognosis of MB, supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) and small cell GBM is unclear in Chinese children. METHODS: A retrospective and survival analysis was performed on children (age ≤ 16 years) diagnosed as CNS primary small cell tumors in the Affiliated Provincial Hospital, Shandong University from 2000 to 2012, including MB (n = 44), PNET (n = 8) and small cell GBM (n = 19). The expression of EGFR, ERBB-2, ERBB-3 and ERBB-4 were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to observe the amplification of EGFR and ERBB-2 gene. RESULTS: Median survival times of MBs, small GBMs and PNETs were 23 ± 6.7 months, 8 ± 4.7 months and 10 ± 1.4 months. Expression and amplification of ERBB-2, ERBB-3 and ERBB-4 were not observed in all tumor samples. The multiply Cox regression suggested the overexpression and amplification of EGFR were negative prognostic factors for MB. Radiotherapy had the positive function for all pediatric patients. CONCLUSION: Overexpression of EGFR predicts poor outcomes of MBs, small cell GBMs and PNETs, suggesting those three CNS tumor subtypes can be considered as one group for the potential common mechanism. The current individual treatment and big data analysis of pediatric CNS embryonal tumors and GBM continues to be very challenging in China. VIRTUAL SLIDES: The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/7649640001237474.

Asunto(s)

Neoplasias del Sistema Nervioso Central/genética , Amplificación de Genes , Genes erbB-1/genética , Glioblastoma/genética , Meduloblastoma/genética , Tumores Neuroectodérmicos Primitivos/genética , Adolescente , Neoplasias del Sistema Nervioso Central/mortalidad , Niño , Preescolar , Femenino , Regulación Neoplásica de la Expresión Génica , Glioblastoma/mortalidad , Humanos , Inmunohistoquímica , Hibridación Fluorescente in Situ , Estimación de Kaplan-Meier , Masculino , Meduloblastoma/mortalidad , Tumores Neuroectodérmicos Primitivos/mortalidad , Pronóstico

Asunto(s)

Melanoma/cirugía , Neoplasias Meníngeas/cirugía , Nevo de Ota/cirugía , Adulto , Femenino , Cefalea , Humanos , Imagen por Resonancia Magnética , Melaninas/metabolismo , Melanoma/complicaciones , Neoplasias Meníngeas/complicaciones , Microcirugia , Persona de Mediana Edad , Nevo de Ota/complicaciones , Pigmentación , Factores de Tiempo , Resultado del Tratamiento

RESUMEN

In our previous work [1] we investigated the role of tomato GDP-mannose pyrophosphorylase (EC 2.7.7.22) in plants by overexpressing its gene in tobacco leaves and showed its function in AsA metabolism and detoxification of reactive oxygen species under temperature stresses. In this study, we use the antisense technique to block the endogenous GMPase gene expression in tobacco in order to further investigate its function. Northern and western blot analysis confirmed that the expression of endogenous tobacco GMPase mRNA and protein was inhibited by this antisense expression. Consequently, the activity of GMPase and the content of AsA in the leaves of antisense transgenic plants were markedly decreased. This was also the case for the activities of both chloroplastic SOD (superoxide dismutase EC 1.15.1.1), APX (ascorbate peroxidase EC 1.11.1.7) and the content of AsA in leaves of the transgenic plants. On the contrary, the contents of H(2)O(2) and O(2) (-•) were increased. Meanwhile, the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) and the maximal photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm) also declined in the leaves of antisense plants. Under high or low temperature stresses, the seed germination rate of the antisense transgenic plants was significantly decreased in comparison with that of the wild-type tobacco. Interestingly, the antisense plants had smaller leaves and an earlier onset of flowering. In conclusion, the depletion of GMPase decreased the content of AsA, resulting in the plants susceptible to the oxidative damage caused by temperature stresses and subjected to developmental alternations.

Asunto(s)

Adaptación Fisiológica/genética , Regulación de la Expresión Génica de las Plantas , Nicotiana/enzimología , Nicotiana/genética , Oligonucleótidos Antisentido/metabolismo , Desarrollo de la Planta , Temperatura , Ascorbato Peroxidasas/metabolismo , Ácido Ascórbico/metabolismo , Clorofila/metabolismo , Clorofila A , Fluorescencia , Genes de Plantas/genética , Germinación/efectos de los fármacos , Peróxido de Hidrógeno/metabolismo , Nucleotidiltransferasas/genética , Fenotipo , Fotosíntesis , Hojas de la Planta/enzimología , Plantas Modificadas Genéticamente , Semillas/crecimiento & desarrollo , Estrés Fisiológico/genética , Superóxido Dismutasa/metabolismo , Superóxido Dismutasa-1 , Superóxidos/metabolismo , Nicotiana/crecimiento & desarrollo

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and summarize the possibility and experience of reconstructive vascular operation for kinking of internal carotid artery. METHODS: Reconstructive vascular operation was performed on 5 patients with symptomatic kinking of internal carotid artery between July 2008 and June 2009. There were 2 male and 3 female patients, age ranged from 53 to 68 years (mean 62 years). Cutting the internal carotid artery at the bifurcation, mobilizing and stretching the internal carotid artery, then anastomosing the internal and common carotid artery. Two of them underwent endarterectomy simultaneously. RESULTS: For the 5 patients, postoperative recovery went smoothly and symptoms were well improved. Except that mild high perfusion syndrome happened in 1 patient, no other obvious complications. Kinking of internal carotid artery had been stretched in the postoperative CT angiography. In the 5-16-month follow-up, no transient ischemic attack or cerebral infarction happened, and no restenosis appeared. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstructive vascular operation is an effective surgical approach to kinking and coiling of the internal carotid artery. For some risk exists, all-round evaluation should be performed before operation, and operative indication should be strictly controlled.

Asunto(s)

Arteria Carótida Interna , Estenosis Carotídea/cirugía , Procedimientos Quirúrgicos Vasculares/métodos , Anciano , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estudios Retrospectivos , Resultado del Tratamiento , Procedimientos Quirúrgicos Vasculares/efectos adversos

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical manifestation, diagnosis and surgical treatment of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea in sphenoidal sinus. METHODS: Nine cases of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea in sphenoidal sinus from 2007 to 2009 were retrospectively analyzed consisting of their possible etiological factors, clinical manifestations, localization of the leakage site and treatment methods. Among them, there were 3 cases of traumatic rhinorrhea, 4 postoperative rhinorrhea and 2 spontaneous rhinorrhea. All 9 patients underwent 3-dimensional CT scan in sellar region including all para-nasal sinus. Leakage site was identified and repairing procedure was performed through trans-sphenoidal approach. RESULTS: All cases were cured with the trans-sphenoidal microsurgical procedure. They were followed up for 9 months to 2 years. No recurrence, no infection and epilepsy complications were observed. CONCLUSION: For the cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea at sphenoidal sinus, it is critical to identify the leakage site accurately and the trans-sphenoidal approach is a microinvasive and effective way to repair the leakage, which is worthy to be advocated.

Asunto(s)

Rinorrea de Líquido Cefalorraquídeo/cirugía , Microcirugia/métodos , Seno Esfenoidal/cirugía , Adulto , Rinorrea de Líquido Cefalorraquídeo/diagnóstico por imagen , Femenino , Humanos , Imagenología Tridimensional , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estudios Retrospectivos , Tomografía Computarizada por Rayos X

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the adjuvant effect of intraoperative and postoperative low-dose ketamine administration to remifentanil consumption in patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for lower limb fracture. METHODS: A total of 200 patients with lower limb fracture receiving the surgery were randomly divided into 4 groups. In Groups A, B and C, patients received 0.5 mg/kg ketamine infusion under general anesthesia, and ketamine in a dose of 0.1 mg/ kg, 0.05 mg/kg, 0.01 mg/kg per hour continuously for 24 hours after surgery, respectively. The control group (Group D) received an equivalent volume of normal saline only. With 20 microgram/ml remifentanil in normal saline, postoperative PCA was administered with a background infusion at 2 ml/h following 2 ml as a loading dose and 1ml demand dose with a 3-minute lockout period. Remifentanil consumption, 11-point visual analog scale (VAS) scores, global satisfaction score (GSS), and side effects were also recorded by the acute pain service. RESULTS: Cumulative PCA remifentanil consumption in Groups A and B were (1378+/-77) microgram and (1531+/-402) microgram, significantly lower than (1807+/-510) microgram and (1838+/-523) microgram in Groups C and D (P<0.01). VAS scores in Groups A and B were significantly lower than those in Groups C and D (P<0.01). In the first 12 hours after operation, GSS was improved (P<0.01). No respiratory depression was observed. No significant difference in side effects was observed among groups. CONCLUSION: Low-dose ketamine can relieve postoperative pain and moderately decrease remifentanil consumption for PCA, with no obvious side effects of ketamine.

Asunto(s)

Fracturas Óseas/cirugía , Ketamina/administración & dosificación , Extremidad Inferior/lesiones , Dolor Postoperatorio/tratamiento farmacológico , Piperidinas/administración & dosificación , Adulto , Anciano , Analgesia Controlada por el Paciente , Método Doble Ciego , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Remifentanilo

RESUMEN

The oxides of different Mg/Al ratios (Mg/Al = 0, 0.1, 5, 10 and infinity) were prepared, and the characterization of these oxides was attempted by estimating characteristic interaction parameters based on the solvation parameter model. The magnitudes of the regression coefficients varied with the increase of Mg/Al ratio. For the oxide of Mg/Al = 0.1 and Al2O3, the contribution of these characteristic interactions for solutes' retention was similar to that of the common silica, and the dipolarity/polarizability (pi*), the solute hydrogen bond donating (alpha2(H)) and accepting (beta2(H)) abilities played an important role. Yet, the retention behavior at a higher Mg/Al ratio (Mg/Al = 5, 10 and MgO) drastically changes, and V(i)/100 (the intrinsic molar volume), pi*, alpha2(H) and beta2(H) all favored the solutes retention. By comparison of the regression coefficients on various normal-phase (NP) and reversed-phase (RP) columns, a new model was developed to correlate the solute retention factors on Mg/Al = 5, 10 and MgO columns with the data of NP and RP columns.

Asunto(s)

Óxido de Aluminio/química , Óxido de Magnesio/química , Propiedades de Superficie , Cromatografía Liquida/métodos