Superwavelength self-healing of spoof surface sonic Airy-Talbot waves.

Self-imaging phenomena for nonperiodic waves along a parabolic trajectory encompass both the Talbot effect and the accelerating Airy beams. Beyond the ability to guide waves along a bent trajectory, the self-imaging component offers invaluable advantages to lensless imaging comprising periodic repetition of planar field distributions. In order to circumvent thermoviscous and diffraction effects, we structure subwavelength resonators in an acoustically impenetrable surface supporting spoof surface acoustic waves (SSAWs) to provide highly confined Airy-Talbot effect, extending Talbot distances along the propagation path and compressing subwavelength lobes in the perpendicular direction. From a linear array of loudspeakers, we judiciously control the amplitude and phase of the SSAWs above the structured surface and quantitatively evaluate the self-healing performance of the Airy-Talbot effect by demonstrating how the distinctive scattering patterns remain largely unaffected against superwavelength obstacles. Furthermore, we introduce a new mechanism utilizing subwavelength Airy beam as a coding/decoding degree of freedom for acoustic communication with high information density comprising robust transport of encoded signals.

Correlation between monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and insulin resistance in male patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus combined with metabolic-related fatty liver disease / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective　To explore the correlation between monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) and insulin resistance (IR) in male patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) combined with metabolic-related fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Methods A total of 454 male patients with T2DM combined with MAFLD in National Metabolic Management Center (MMC) of the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University from May 2018 to July 2020 were enrolled. The general clinical data of subjects were collected, blood routine and biochemical indexes were tested, homeostasis model insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was calculated, visceral fat area (VFA) and subcutaneous fat area (SFA) were measured. Accordingtothe MHR quartile, patients were divided into group Q1 (MHR≤0.38), group Q2 (0.38<MHR≤0.48), group Q3 (0.48<MHR≤0.64) and group Q4 (MHR>0.64) to compare the differences in measured indicators above. In addition, patients were divided into two groups according to HOMA-IR, HOMA-IR<2.5 and HOMA-IR≥2.5, and the differences in MHR were compared. Results The patients were divided into four groups according to MHR:group Q1 (n=115), group Q2 (n=110), group Q3 (n=120) and group Q4 (n=109). Fasting insulin (FINS) were respectively 6.17(4.20,9.76), 7.73(4.94,10.66), 8.92(5.32,11.33) and 9.13(5.25,12.27) mU/L, 2-hour postprandial insulin were 22.75(12.87,39.59), 27.55(16.44,39.77), 30.98(17.46,43.11) and 31.28(18.54,45.92) U/L. HOMA-IR were 3.12(1.63,4.25), 3.72(2.26,4.66), 3.87(2.48,5.44) and 3.95(2.42,5.31). Neutrophil (Neu) were 3.10(2.60,3.70), 3.20(2.50,3.93), 3.60(2.80,4.28), 4.20(3.30,5.00)×109/L. Subcutaneous fat area (SFA) were (181.27±53.60), (192.64±62.41), (199.53±61.40) and (203.69±71.51) cm2. They all increased gradually. However, the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) [1.18(1.06,1.35), 1.02(0.86,1.17), 0.96(0.80,1.03) and 0.80(0.69,0.92) mmol/L] and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) [(3.00±0.79), (2.76±0.83), (2.67±0.85) and (2.59±0.92) mmol/L] decreased gradually. Pearson's or Spearman's correlation analysis showed that MHR was positively correlated with FINS, 2-hour postprandial insulin (2hINS), HOMA-IR, VFA and SFA (r=0.190, 0.153, 0.184, 0.114, 0.127, P<0.05). The coronary heart disease history, systolic blood pressure,diastolic blood pressure,fasting plasmaglucose (FPG), FINS, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood uric acid (Ur), body mass index (BMI), VFA, SFA and MHR of patients in group HOMA-IR≥2.5 were higher than group HOMA-IR<2.5 (P<0.05). Conclusion　MHR is positively correlated with IR in male patients with T2DM combined with MAFLD, and as MHR increases, the degree of IR is higher.

Serum Tsukushi levels are elevated in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients.

AIMS: Tsukushi, a newly identified hepatokine, has been recently characterized as a potent modifier in lipid metabolism and energy homeostasis, but the role of Tsukushi in diabetes remains almost unknown. We detected for the first time the serum Tsukushi levels in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes, exploring the relationship between Tsukushi and various metabolic parameters. METHODS: A total of 172 participants were recruited, including 86 patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes and 86 subjects with normal glucose tolerance according to oral glucose tolerance test. Serum Tsukushi was measured by ELISA. The insulin resistance, pancreas ß-cell function and insulin sensitivity were determined by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR, HOMA-ß), Stumvoll insulin sensitivity index (ISIstumvoll) and Stumvoll metabolic clearance rate (MCRstumvoll). RESULTS: Serum Tsukushi was significantly higher in type 2 diabetes than in normal glucose tolerance [1.22(0.86,1.74) vs 0.8(0.5,1.38) ng/mL; P < 0.001]. Multiple regression analysis showed that BMI, 2-h post-OGTT glucose and TC were independently related factors influencing Tsukushi. Logistic regression analyses demonstrated that Tsukushi was associated with higher risk of type 2 diabetes independently. CONCLUSIONS: Circulating Tsukushi levels significantly increase in patients with type 2 diabetes, which suggest that Tsukushi may play a role in type 2 diabetes pathogenesis.

Correction to: A combination of omega-3 and plant sterols regulate glucose and lipid metabolism in individuals with impaired glucose regulation: a randomized and controlled clinical trial.

Following publication of the original article [1], the Authors' Contributions statement need to be changed.

Ultrathin Acoustic Parity-Time Symmetric Metasurface Cloak.

Invisibility or unhearability cloaks have been made possible by using metamaterials enabling light or sound to flow around obstacle without the trace of reflections or shadows. Metamaterials are known for being flexible building units that can mimic a host of unusual and extreme material responses, which are essential when engineering artificial material properties to realize a coordinate transforming cloak. Bending and stretching the coordinate grid in space require stringent material parameters; therefore, small inaccuracies and inevitable material losses become sources for unwanted scattering that are decremental to the desired effect. These obstacles further limit the possibility of achieving a robust concealment of sizeable objects from either radar or sonar detection. By using an elaborate arrangement of gain and lossy acoustic media respecting parity-time symmetry, we built a one-way unhearability cloak able to hide objects seven times larger than the acoustic wavelength. Generally speaking, our approach has no limits in terms of working frequency, shape, or size, specifically though we demonstrate how, in principle, an object of the size of a human can be hidden from audible sound.

A combination of omega-3 and plant sterols regulate glucose and lipid metabolism in individuals with impaired glucose regulation: a randomized and controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Lipid metabolism imbalance has been recognized as one of the major drivers of impaired glucose metabolism in the context of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the rates of which are steadily increasing worldwide. Impaired glucose regulation (IGR) plays a vital role in the prevention and treatment of T2DM. The goal of this study was to further clarify whether the combination of plant sterols (PS) and omega-3 fatty acids yields any synergistic effect that enhances the prevention and treatment of IGR. METHODS: A total of 200 participants were randomized to receive PS and omega-3 fatty acids (n = 50), PS alone (n = 50), omega-3 fatty acids alone (n = 50), or placebo soy bean powder plus placebo capsules (n = 50) for 12 weeks. Patient characteristics including body composition, blood pressure, glucose metabolism (Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin (FINS), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR)), lipid metabolism (TG, TC, HDL-C, LDL-C) and inflammatory factors (Hs-CRP, IL-6) were all monitored in these IGR individuals. RESULTS: Compared to the placebo group, the group receiving the combined intervention exhibited significantly decreased TG, HDL-C, FBG, HOMA-IR and HbA1c. Omega-3 fatty acids alone were associated with significant reductions in waistline, TG, FBG, HOMA-IR and Hs-CRP. PS alone was only associated with decreased TG and Hs-CRP. No interventions produced significant changes in body weight, BMI, blood pressure, FINS, body fat percentage, visceral fat rating, TC, LDL-C or IL-6. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, this study has demonstrated for the first time that PS, omega-3 fatty acids or the combination thereof significantly improved inflammation, insulin resistance, as well as glucose and lipid metabolism in IGR individuals. These findings may provide a scientific basis for the development of nutritional products incorporating PS and omega-3 fatty acids, and also for the development of nutritional supplement strategies aimed at preventing the development of disease in the IGR population.