Non-invasive detection of Aspergillosis in ventilated patients: Galactomannan analysis in exhaled breath.

This study evaluates the non-invasive diagnosis of Invasive Aspergillosis Pneumonia (IPA) in mechanically ventilated patients by measuring galactomannan (GM) in exhaled breath condensate (EBC). Utilizing a rat model and a novel EBC collection device, we compared GM levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and EBC, supplemented by cytokine profiling. Analysis of 75 patients confirmed the device's efficacy, with EBC-GM and BALF-GM showing high diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.

Achieving Free-Standing PEDOT:PSS Solar Generators with Efficient All-in-One Photothermoelectric Conversion.

Poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) has attracted widespread attention in solar generation due to its unique all-in-one photothermoelectric effect. However, the poor photothermal conversion, low conductivity, and unsatisfied mechanical properties limit its practical application. Herein, ionic liquids (IL) were first used to improve the conductivity of PEDOT:PSS through ion exchange, then surface-charged nanoparticles SiO-NH (SiO) were added to promote the dispersion of IL and as a thermal insulator to decrease thermal conductivity.

Physiological responses to acute hypoxia in the liver of largemouth bass by alteration of mitochondrial function and Ca exchange.

Oxygen is a critical factor for most organisms and this is especially true for aquatic animals. Unfortunately, high-density aquaculture farming practices and environmental degradation will inevitably lead to hypoxic stress in fishes such as largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Thus, characterizing the physiological responses during acute hypoxia exposure is extremely important for understanding the adaptation mechanisms of largemouth bass to hypoxia.

The Role of ADAM17 in Inflammation-Related Atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that poses a huge economic burden due to its extremely poor prognosis. Therefore, it is necessary to explore potential mechanisms to improve the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. A disintegrin and metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17) is a cell membrane-bound protein that performs a range of functions through membrane protein shedding and intracellular signaling.

Comparison of single-injection ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block with transversus abdominis plane block in peritoneal dialysis catheter implantation: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Previous study indicated that transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block could be the principal anesthetic technique for peritoneal dialysis catheter (PDC) implantations. However, a TAP block could not provide an optimal anesthetic effect on catheter exit site during PDC implantation. We hypothesized that single-injection ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block (US-TPVB) could be the principal anesthetic technique with better pain relief at catheter exit site during PDC implantation, compared to a TAP block.

Constructing nanopores in poly(oxymethylene)/multi-wall carbon nanotube nanocomposites via poly(l-lactide) assisting for improving electromagnetic interference shielding.

Lightweight and high-performance conductive polymer composites (CPCs) have attracted much attention for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. Herein, the porous structure was constructed in poly(oxymethylene)/multi-wall carbon nanotube (POM/MWCNT) nanocomposites via assisting by poly(l-lactide) (PLLA). First, the POM/PLLA/MWCNT (S-PMLNT) nanocomposites were obtained by melt mixing and compression molding.

Single-Injection Ultrasound-Guided Thoracic Paravertebral Block versus Local Anesthetic Infiltration in Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Surgeries: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction: Ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block (US-TPVB) is generally used for postoperative analgesia. We hypothesized that single-injection US-TPVB could be used as the principal anesthetic technique for a peritoneal dialysis catheter (PDC) procedure (implantation or removal). The anesthetic effect and venous ropivacaine level after a TPVB would be compared with that after local anesthetic infiltration (LAI).

Interactive effect of thermal and hypoxia on largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) gill and liver: Aggravation of oxidative stress, inhibition of immunity and promotion of cell apoptosis.

High temperatures and low oxygen in aquatic environments, such as intensive aquaculture or in natural watersheds, inevitably cause stress in fish. Fish are exposed to high temperatures during the summer, which exacerbates hypoxia. Hypoxia (1.

Ultrasound-Guided Oblique Sub-Costal Transversus Abdominis Plane Block as the Principal Anesthesia Technique in Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Implantation and Plasma Ropivacaine Concentration Evaluation in ESRD Patients: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Controlled Trial.

Background: The ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is generally used for analgesia but not for anesthesia. A TAP block has a partial analgesic effect on the parietal peritoneum in abdominal surgeries. We hypothesized that an ultrasound-guided oblique subcostal TAP block, used as the principal anesthesia technique, could provide a better anesthetic effect on peritoneum stimulation in peritoneal dialysis catheter (PDC) implantation in end-stage renal diseases (ESRD) patients than local anesthetic infiltration (LAI).

Neuroprotective effect of angiotensin-(1-7) against rotenone-induced oxidative damage in CATH.a neurons.

There is evidence to support that ROSs are increased in Parkinson's disease (PD). Our recent research showed that angiotensin II (Ang II) participated in the pathogenesis of PD by triggering oxidative stress. Angiotensin-(1-7)[Ang-(1-7)] has been shown to moderate the adverse effects of the Ang II in many diseases.

Role of α7nAChR-NMDAR in sevoflurane-induced memory deficits in the developing rat hippocampus.

Detrimental effects of volatile anaesthetics, including sevoflurane, on the structure and function of the developing brain have been reported. The internalization of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) contributes to anaesthetic neurotoxicity. Both nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and NMDAR play a critical role in the development of the nervous system.

Regulator of G protein signalling 14 attenuates cardiac remodelling through the MEK-ERK1/2 signalling pathway.

In the past 10 years, several publications have highlighted the role of the regulator of G protein signalling (RGS) family in multiple diseases, including cardiovascular diseases. As one of the multifunctional family members, RGS14 is involved in various biological processes, such as synaptic plasticity, cell division, and phagocytosis. However, the role of RGS14 in cardiovascular diseases remains unclear.

Inhibition to DRP1 translocation can mitigate p38 MAPK-signaling pathway activation in GMC induced by hyperglycemia.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a serious complication of diabetes with a poorly defined etiology and limited treatment options. Early intervention is a key to preventing the progression of DN. Dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) regulates mitochondrial morphology by promoting its fission and is involved in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases.

Novel risk score of contrast-induced nephropathy after percutaneous coronary intervention.

Aim: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a major cause of acute kidney injury. In this study, we established a comprehensive risk score model to assess risk of CIN after PCI procedure, which could be easily used in a clinical environment.

Methods: A total of 805 PCI patients, divided into analysis cohort (70%) and validation cohort (30%), were enrolled retrospectively in this study.

Glycogen synthase kinase-3β inhibition prevents remifentanil-induced postoperative hyperalgesia via regulating the expression and function of AMPA receptors.

Background: Many studies have confirmed that brief remifentanil exposure can enhance pain sensitivity. We previously reported that activation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) contributes to remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia via regulating N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor plasticity in the spinal dorsal horn. In this study, we demonstrated that GSK-3β inhibition prevented remifentanil-induced postoperative hyperalgesia via regulating α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) expression and function in the spinal dorsal horn.

Downregulation of uncoupling protein-2 by genipin exacerbates diabetes-induced kidney proximal tubular cells apoptosis.

Renal tubular epithelial cell injury is a major pathological event that contributes to the development of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2), a mitochondrial membrane protein, has been reported to participate in the regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, which contributes to tubular cell apoptosis induced by hyperglycemia. In this study, we found that genipin, a UCP2 inhibitor, dramatically boosted oxidative stress, attenuated antioxidative capacity, and exacerbated cell apoptosis accompanied with caspase-3 activation in rat renal proximal tubular cells (NRK-52E) incubated with high glucose.

Metoprolol restores expression and vasodilatation function of AT2R in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) is thought as an important regulatory target during antihypertensive treatment but its role in vasomotor regulation remains controversial. The interactional relationship between the sympathetic nervous systems and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAS) has been revealed but poorly investigated. This work was designed to explore the effect of metoprolol (MET) treatment on the RAS, especially the expression and vasomotor function of AT2R, in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).

[Effect of renal sympathetic denervation on left ventricular hypertrophy and inflammatory factors in spontaneously hypertensive rats].

Objective: To investigate the effect of renal sympathetic denervation on left ventricular hypertrophy and inflammatory factors in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Methods: Thirty six spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were divided into 3 groups with 12 animals in each group: SHR control group,operation group and sham operation group. Bilateral renal sympathectomy or sham operation were performed in operation and sham groups,respectively; another 12 WKY rats served as normal controls.

[A comparison of clinical characteristics and survival between diabetic nephropathy patients and non-diabetic nephropathy patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis].

Objective: To investigate clinical characteristics and survival of diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease on peritoneal dialysis (PD).

Methods: The clinical data were collected from the patients who initiated PD in our PD Center from Jan, 2009 through Aug, 2011. The patients were divided into diabetic group and non-diabetic group, the survival of patients and risk factors of death were analyzed and compared between the two groups by using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis.

[Blood pressure variation of hypertensive diabetic nephropathy patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis].

Objective: To investigate the variance of blood pressure of hypertensive diabetic patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).

Methods: Twenty hypertensive CAPD patients older than 40 years with diabetic nephropathy (DN-PD group) and twenty patients with chronic glomerular nephritis (CGN-PD group) were recruited. Peritoneal status and dialysis adequacy of the patients in the two groups were calculated using PD Adequest.

[Distribution characteristics of soil humus fractions stable carbon isotope natural abundance (delta 13C) in paddy field under long-term ridge culture].

A 16-year field experiment was conducted in a ridge culture paddy field in the hilly region of Sichuan Basin, aimed to investigate the distribution characteristics of stable carbon isotope natural abundance (delta 13C) in soil humus fractions. The soil organic carbon (SOC) content in the paddy field under different cultivation modes ranked in the order of wide ridge culture > ridge culture > paddy and upland rotation. In soil humus substances (HS), humin (HU) was the main composition, occupying 21% - 30% of the total SOC.

[Effects of all-trans retinoic acid on the expression of TGF-beta 1 and COL-I in rat model of peritoneal dialysis].

Objective: To investigate the effects of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on the expression of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) and collagen I (COL-I )in rat model of peritoneal dialysis, which may relate to the prevention peritoneal fibrosis.

Methods: Peritoneal dialysis model was established in rats, and then the rats were given ATRA 2 mg/kg (small dose group) or 5 mg/kg (large dose group) by the way of intraperitoneal injection once a day. All the rats were sacrificed on day 28.