Hippocampal volume mediates the association of arterial stiffness with cognitive impairment in adult population.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association of arterial stiffness with brain perfusion, brain tissue volume and cognitive impairment in the general adult population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study included 1488 adult participants (age range: 22.8-83.9 years) from the Kailuan study. All participants underwent brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurement, brain MRI, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The association of PWV with cerebral blood flow (CBF), brain tissue volume and MoCA score was investigated. Mediation analysis was used to determine whether CBF and brain tissue volume changes mediated the associations between PWV and MoCA score. RESULTS: A 1 standard deviation (SD) increase in PWV was associated with lower total brain CBF [ß (95% CI) -0.67 (-1.2 to -0.14)], total gray matter CBF [ß (95% CI) -0.7 [-1.27 to -0.13)], frontal lobe CBF [ß (95% CI) -0.59 (-1.17 to -0.01)], parietal lobe CBF [ß (95% CI) -0.8 (-1.43 to -0.18)], and temporal lobe CBF [ß (95% CI) -0.68 (-1.24 to -0.12)]. Negative associations were found for PWV and total brain volume [ß (95% CI) -4.8 (-7.61 to -1.99)] and hippocampus volume [ß (95% CI) -0.08 (-0.13 to -0.04)]. A 1 SD increase PWV was significantly associated with elevated odds of developing cognitive impairment [odds ratio (95% CI) 1.21 (1.01-1.45)]. Mediation analysis showed that hippocampal volume partially mediated the negative association between PWV and MoCA scores (proportion: 14.173%). CONCLUSION: High arterial stiffness was associated with decreased total and regional CBF, brain tissue volume, and cognitive impairment. Hippocampal volume partially mediated the effects of arterial stiffness on cognitive impairment.

Association between Body Mass Index and Brain Health in Adults: A 16-Year Population-Based Cohort and Mendelian Randomization Study.

Background: The cumulative effect of body mass index (BMI) on brain health remains ill-defined. The effects of overweight on brain health across different age groups need clarification. We analyzed the effect of cumulative BMI on neuroimaging features of brain health in adults of different ages. Methods: This study was based on a multicenter, community-based cohort study. We modeled the trajectories of BMI over 16 years to evaluate cumulative exposure. Multimodality neuroimaging data were collected once for volumetric measurements of the brain macrostructure, white matter hyperintensity (WMH), and brain microstructure. We used a generalized linear model to evaluate the association between cumulative BMI and neuroimaging features. Two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was performed using summary level of BMI genetic data from 681,275 individuals and neuroimaging genetic data from 33,224 individuals to analyze the causal relationships. Results: Clinical and neuroimaging data were obtained from 1,074 adults (25 to 83 years). For adults aged under 45 years, brain volume differences in participants with a cumulative BMI of >26.2 kg/m2 corresponded to 12.0 years [95% confidence interval (CI), 3.0 to 20.0] of brain aging. Differences in WMH were statistically substantial for participants aged over 60 years, with a 6.0-ml (95% CI, 1.5 to 10.5) larger volume. Genetic analysis indicated causal relationships between high BMI and smaller gray matter and higher fractional anisotropy in projection fibers. Conclusion: High cumulative BMI is associated with smaller brain volume, larger volume of white matter lesions, and abnormal microstructural integrity. Adults younger than 45 years are suggested to maintain their BMI below 26.2 kg/m2 for better brain health. Trial Registration: This study was registered on clinicaltrials.gov (Clinical Indicators and Brain Image Data: A Cohort Study Based on Kailuan Cohort; No. NCT05453877; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05453877).

Ocular biomarkers of cognitive decline based on deep-learning retinal vessel segmentation.

BACKGROUND: The current literature shows a strong relationship between retinal neuronal and vascular alterations in dementia. The purpose of the study was to use NFN+ deep learning models to analyze retinal vessel characteristics for cognitive impairment (CI) recognition. METHODS: We included 908 participants from a community-based cohort followed for over 15 years (the prospective KaiLuan Study) who underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fundus photography between 2021 and 2022. The cohort consisted of both cognitively healthy individuals (N = 417) and those with cognitive impairment (N = 491). We employed the NFN+ deep learning framework for retinal vessel segmentation and measurement. Associations between Retinal microvascular parameters (RMPs: central retinal arteriolar / venular equivalents, arteriole to venular ratio, fractal dimension) and CI were assessed by Pearson correlation. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The correlation between the CI and RMPs were explored, then the correlation coefficients between CI and RMPs were analyzed. Random Forest nonlinear classification model was used to predict whether one having cognitive decline or not. The assessment criterion was the AUC value derived from the working characteristic curve. RESULTS: The fractal dimension (FD) and global vein width were significantly correlated with the CI (P < 0.05). Age (0.193), BMI (0.154), global vein width (0.106), retinal vessel FD (0.099), and CRAE (0.098) were the variables in this model that were ranked in order of feature importance. The AUC values of the model were 0.799. CONCLUSIONS: Establishment of a predictive model based on the extraction of vascular features from fundus images has a high recognizability and predictive power for cognitive function and can be used as a screening method for CI.

The association of global vessel width with cognitive decline and cerebral small vessel disease burden in the KaiLuan study.

Background: As the retinal microvasculature shares similarities with the cerebral microvasculature, numerous studies have shown that retinal vascular is associated with cognitive decline. In addition, several population-based studies have confirmed the association between retinal vascular and cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) burden. However, the association of retinal vascular with CSVD burden as well as cognitive function has not been explored simultaneously. This study investigated the relations of retinal microvascular parameters (RMPs) with CSVD burden and cognitive function. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of participants in the KaiLuan study. Data were collected from subjects aged ≥18 years old who could complete retinal photography and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between December 2020 to October 2021 in the Kailuan community of Tangshan. RMPs were evaluated using a deep learning system. The cognitive function was measured using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). We conducted logistic regression models, and mediation analysis to evaluate the associations of RMPs with CSVD burden and cognitive decline. Results: Of the 905 subjects (mean age: 55.42±12.02 years, 54.5% female), 488 (53.9%) were classified with cognitive decline. The fractal dimension (FD) [odds ratio (OR), 0.098, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.015-0.639, P=0.015] and global vein width (OR: 1.010, 95% CI: 1.005-1.015, P<0.001) were independent risk factors for cognitive decline after adjustment for potential confounding factors. The global artery width was significantly associated with severe CSVD burden (OR: 0.985, 95% CI: 0.974-0.997, P=0.013). The global vein width was sightly associated with severe CSVD burden (OR: 1.005, 95% CI: 1.000-1.010, P=0.050) after adjusting for potential confounders. The multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) in highest tertile versus lowest tertile of global vein width were 1.290 (0.901-1.847) for cognitive decline and 1.546 (1.004-2.290) for severe CSVD burden, respectively. Moreover, CSVD burden played a partial mediating role in the association between global vein width and cognitive function (mediating effect 6.59%). Conclusions: RMPs are associated with cognitive decline and the development of CSVD. A proportion of the association between global vein width and cognitive decline may be attributed to the presence of CSVD burden.

Comparative study of the sensitivity of ultra-high-resolution CT and high-resolution CT in the diagnosis of isolated fenestral otosclerosis.

PURPOSE: To compare the diagnostic sensitivity of ultra-high-resolution computed tomography (U-HRCT) and HRCT in isolated fenestral otosclerosis (IFO). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 85 patients (85 ears) diagnosed with IFO between October 2020 and November 2022. U-HRCT (0.1 mm thickness) was performed for 20 ears, HRCT (0.67 mm thickness) for 45 ears, and both for 20 ears. The images were evaluated by general radiologists and neuroradiologists who were blinded to the diagnosis and surgical information. The diagnostic sensitivity of U-HRCT and HRCT for detecting IFO was compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Excellent inter-observer agreement existed between the two neuroradiologists (Cohen's κ coefficient 0.806, 95% CI 0.692-0.920), with good agreement between the general radiologists (Cohen's κ coefficient 0.680, 95% CI 0.417-0.943). U-HRCT had a sensitivity of 100% (40/40 ears) for neuroradiologists and 87.5% (35/40 ears) for general radiologists, significantly higher than HRCT (89.2% [58/65 ears] for neuroradiologists; 41.5% [27/65 ears] for general radiologists) (p = 0.042, p' < 0.000). General radiologists' sensitivity with HRCT was significantly lower compared to neuroradiologists (p < 0.000), but no significant difference was observed when general radiologists switched to U-HRCT (p = 0.152). Among the 20 ears that underwent both examinations, U-HRCT detected lesions smaller than 1 mm in 5 ears, whereas HRCT's sensitivity for neuroradiologists was 40% (2/5 ears), significantly lower than for lesions larger than 1 mm (93.3%, 14/15 ears, p = 0.032). CONCLUSION: U-HRCT exhibits higher sensitivity than HRCT in diagnosing IFO, suggesting its potential as a screening tool for suspected otosclerosis patients. CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Ultra-high-resolution computed tomography has the potential to become a screening tool in patients with suspected otosclerosis and to bridge the diagnostic accuracy gap between general radiologists and neuroradiologists. KEY POINTS: • U-HRCT exhibits higher sensitivity than HRCT in the diagnosis of IFO. • U-HRCT has a significant advantage in the detection of less than 1 mm IFO. • U-HRCT has the potential to be used for screening of patients with suspected otosclerosis.

Role of insula and its subregions in progression from recent onset to chronic idiopathic tinnitus.

We determined the structural and functional alterations in the insula and its subregions in patients with idiopathic tinnitus in order to identify the neural changes involved in the progression from recent onset to chronic tinnitus. We recruited 24 recent-onset tinnitus patients, 32 chronic tinnitus patients and 36 healthy controls. We measured the grey matter volume and fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation of the insula and its subregions and the functional connectivity within the insula and between the insula and the rest of the brain. Relationships between MRI and clinical characteristics were estimated using partial correlation analysis. Both recent-onset and chronic tinnitus patients showed decreased fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation in the insula and its subregions, but only chronic tinnitus patients showed bilateral grey matter atrophy in the ventral anterior insula. Abnormal functional connectivity was detected in recent-onset and chronic tinnitus patients relative to the healthy controls, but functional connectivity differences between recent-onset and chronic tinnitus patients were found in only the auditory-related cortex, frontal cortex and limbic system. Functional alterations (fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation and functional connectivity of the left ventral anterior insula), but not structural changes, were correlated with clinical severity. Bilateral grey matter atrophy in the ventral anterior insula decreased regional activities in the left ventral anterior insula and left posterior insula, and abnormal functional connectivity of the insula subregions with auditory and non-auditory areas were implicated in the progression from recent onset to chronic tinnitus. This suggests that tinnitus generation and development occur in a dynamic manner and involve aberrant multi-structural and functional (regional brain activity and abnormal functional connectivity) reorganization of the insula.

Analyzing the Energy and Damage Constitutive of Cemented Backfill with Different Water Content under Dynamic Load.

The dynamic characteristics of the filling body are the key parameters for designing the filling ratio and evaluating the stability of an underground stope. The different environment (water-bearing state) of the filling body in the underground stope exerts a complex impact on the mechanical behavior of the filling body. Therefore, six groups of cemented filling body specimens with different states were formed and subjected to dynamic uniaxial impact tests. The effects of water content on the mechanical properties, fractal dimension, and deformation damage characteristics of the cemented backfill under dynamic load were analyzed in depth, and a dynamic damage constitutive model that considers water damage and the compaction stage was established. The results indicate the following: (1) Due to the change of the specimen from the dry state to the water saturation state, the dynamic compressive strength of the cemented filling body decreases from 5.03 Mpa to 1.79 Mpa; however, the ductility of the specimen generally increases, and the filling body specimens with different water contents mainly exhibit tensile failure. (2) There is a significant nonlinear relationship between the water content and the fractal dimension Db of the cemented backfill specimen, and the growth rate of the fractal dimension Db tends to slow down with the increase in the water content. (3) From the energy evolution perspective, the water content of the specimen exerts a significant effect on the elastic deformation and failure stage of the stress-strain curve, and the slope of the dissipated energy-strain curve decreases with the increase in water content. (4) Based on the Weibull distribution and damage theory, a statistical damage constitutive model of cemented backfill was established, and it was compared with the experimental curve to verify the rationality of the model. Therefore, the relationship between stress and damage and the strain curves is discussed, and it is inferred that the damage evolution curve of cemented backfill is a typical S-shaped curve that exhibits a stable development-rapid increase-tending to be gentle. This study can provide a theoretical reference for further understanding the dynamic behavior and stability of backfill under different water conditions.

Enlarged Perivascular Spaces in Relation to Cumulative Blood Pressure Exposure and Cognitive Impairment.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension and enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS) are thought to be associated with cognitive impairment. However, the correlations among hypertension, EPVS, and cognitive impairment have not been studied yet. We aimed to investigate the relationships between cumulative blood pressure (cBP) exposure with EPVS and cognitive impairment and whether EPVS may mediate the relationship between cBP and cognitive impairment. METHODS: A total of 1507 subjects from the Kailuan prospective cohort study were enrolled. cBP was calculated from 2006 to 2022. The effects of cBP, EPVS scores, and cognitive impairment were evaluated using a logistic regression model. The relationships among cBP, EPVS score, and cognitive impairment were analyzed using a mediation model. RESULTS: An increase in cBP was positively correlated with an increase in EPVS score. For every SD increase in cBP, the odds ratios (95% CI) of increased EPVS score of the centrum semiovale were 1.67 (1.43-1.95), 1.63 (1.4-1.9), and 1.35 (1.17-1.56), respectively; the odds ratios (95% CI) of increased EPVS score of the basal ganglia were 1.83 (1.56-2.15), 2.01 (1.7-2.36), and 1.31 (1.13-1.52), respectively; and the odds ratios (95% CI) of developing cognitive impairment were 1.28 (1.06-1.53), 1.13 (0.95-1.34), and 1.28 (1.07-1.5), respectively. Basal ganglia-EPVS score accounted for 10.46% to 18.32% of the mediating effects on the relationships of cBP/SD with cognitive impairment. CONCLUSIONS: High cBP exposure was an independent risk factor for EPVS, and basal ganglia-EPVS score mediated the effects of cBP on cognitive impairment. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov; Unique identifier: ChiCTR-TNRC-11001489.

Recyclable Cholesteric Phase Liquid Crystal Device for Detecting Storage Temperature Failure.

The planar state of a cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) often exhibits oily streak defects, which negatively impact the characteristics of precision optics, including transmission and selective reflection. In this paper, we introduced polymerizable monomers into liquid crystals and examined the effects of monomer concentration, polymerization light intensity, and chiral dopant concentration on oily streak defects in CLC. With the proposed method of heating cholesteric liquid crystals to the isotropic phase followed by rapid cooling, the oil streak defects presented in the liquid crystal can be successfully eliminated. Furthermore, a stable focal conic state can be obtained by a slow cooling process. Two stable states with different optical properties can be obtained based on the cholesteric liquid crystal at different cooling rates, which makes it possible to detect whether the stored procedure of temperature-sensitive material is qualified. These findings have widespread applications in devices that require a planar state without oily streak defects and temperature-sensitive detection devices.

Multimodal quantitative magnetic resonance imaging of the thalamus in tinnitus patients with different outcomes after sound therapy.

AIMS: This study systematically investigated structural and functional alterations in the thalamus and its subregions using multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and examined its clinical relevance in tinnitus patients with different outcomes after sound therapy (narrowband noise). METHODS: In total, 60 patients with persistent tinnitus and 57 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited. Based on treatment efficacy, 28 patients were categorized into the effective group and 32 into the ineffective group. Five MRI measurements of the thalamus and its seven subregions, including gray matter volume, fractional anisotropy, fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation, and functional connectivity (FC), were obtained for each participant and compared between the groups. RESULTS: Patients in both the groups exhibited widespread functional and diffusion abnormalities in the whole thalamus and several subregions, with more obvious changes observed in the effective group. All tinnitus patients had abnormal FC compared with the HCs; FC differences between the two patient groups were only observed in the striatal network, auditory-related cortex, and the core area of the limbic system. We combined the multimodal quantitative thalamic alterations and used it as an imaging indicator to evaluate prognosis before sound therapy and achieved a sensitivity of 71.9% and a specificity of 85.7%. CONCLUSION: Similar patterns of thalamic alterations were identified in tinnitus patients with different outcomes, with more obvious changes observed in the effective group. Our findings support the tinnitus generation hypothesis of frontostriatal gating system dysfunction. A combination of multimodal quantitative thalamic properties may be used as indicators to predict tinnitus prognosis before sound therapy.

Stress-induced changes in CARF expression serve as a quantitative predictive measure of cell proliferation fate.

Discovery of CARF (Collaborator of ARF)/CDKN2AIP as an ARF-interacting protein that promotes ARF-p53-p21WAF1 signaling and cellular senescence, initially established its role in genomic stress. Multiple reports further unraveled its role in regulation of senescence, growth arrest, apoptosis, or malignant transformation of cells in response to a variety of stress conditions in cultured human cells. It has been established as an essential protein. Whereas CARF-compromised cells undergo apoptosis, its enrichment has been recorded in a variety of cancer cells and has been associated with malignant transformation. We earlier demonstrated its role in stress-induced cell phenotypes that ranged from growth arrest, apoptosis, or malignant transformation. In the present study, we assessed the molecular mechanism of quantitative impact of change in CARF expression level on these cell fates. Stress-induced changes in CARF expression were assessed quantitatively with proteins involved in proteotoxicity, oxidative, genotoxic, and cytotoxic stress. These comparative quantitative analyses confirmed that (i) CARF responds to diverse stresses in a quantitative manner, (ii) its expression level serves as a reliable predictive measure of cell fates (iii) it correlates more with the DNA damage and MDA levels than the oxidative and proteotoxic signatures and (iv) CARF-expression based quantitative assay may be recruited for stress diagnostic applications.

Association of blood pressure with brain perfusion and structure: A population-based prospective study.

PURPOSE: To explore the association of blood pressure (BP) measurements with cerebral blood flow (CBF) and brain structure in general population. METHOD: This prospective study included 902 participants from Kailuan community. All participants underwent brain MRI and BP measurements. The association of BP indicators with CBF, brain tissue volume and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume were investigated. In addition, mediation analysis was used to determine whether significantly changed brain tissue volume explained associations between BP and CBF. RESULTS: Elevated diastolic BP (DBP), but not systolic BP (SBP), was associated with lower CBF in the total brain (ß [95 % CI]: -0.62 [-1.14, -0.10]), total gray matter (ß [95 % CI]: -0.71 [-1.27, -0.14]), hippocampus (ß [95 % CI]: -0.59 [-1.13, -0.05]), frontal (ß [95 % CI]: -0.72 [-1.31, -0.13]), parietal (ß [95 % CI]: -0.92 [-1.54, -0.3]), temporal (ß [95 % CI]: -0.63 [-1.18, -0.08]), and occipital lobe (ß [95 % CI]: -0.69 [-1.37, -0.01]). Higher SBP and DBP were associated with reduced total and regional brain tissue volume (all p < 0.05). Increased SBP and PP were associated with higher total and periventricular WMH volume (all p < 0.05). In addition, mediation analysis identified that significantly decreased brain volume did not mediate the associations of BP measurements and lower CBF in corresponding region (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated BP level was associated with decreased total and regional CBF and brain tissue volume and increased WMH burden.

Platelet-Derived Microparticles and Autoimmune Diseases.

Extracellular microparticles provide a means of cell-to-cell communication and can promote information exchanges between adjacent or distant cells. Platelets are cell fragments that are derived from megakaryocytes. Their main functions are to stop bleeding, regulate inflammation, and maintain the integrity of blood vessels. When platelets are activated, they can perform related tasks by secreting platelet-derived microparticles that contain lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and even organelles. There are differences in the circulating platelet levels in many autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, and Sjogren's syndrome. In this paper, the latest findings in the research field of platelet-derived microparticles are reviewed, including the potential pathogenesis of platelet-derived microparticles in various types of immune diseases, their potential as related markers, and for monitoring the progress and prognosis of disease treatment are expounded.

A Textual Backdoor Defense Method Based on Deep Feature Classification.

Natural language processing (NLP) models based on deep neural networks (DNNs) are vulnerable to backdoor attacks. Existing backdoor defense methods have limited effectiveness and coverage scenarios. We propose a textual backdoor defense method based on deep feature classification. The method includes deep feature extraction and classifier construction. The method exploits the distinguishability of deep features of poisoned data and benign data. Backdoor defense is implemented in both offline and online scenarios. We conducted defense experiments on two datasets and two models for a variety of backdoor attacks. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of this defense approach and outperform the baseline defense method.

Protocol for Multi-modality MEdical imaging sTudy bAsed on KaiLuan Study (META-KLS): rationale, design and database building.

INTRODUCTION: Multi-modality medical imaging study, especially brain MRI, greatly facilitates the research on subclinical brain disease. However, there is still a lack of such studies with a wider age span of participants. The Multi-modality MEdical imaging sTudy bAsed on KaiLuan Study (META-KLS) was designed to address this issue with a large sample size population. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We aim to enrol at least 1000 subjects in META-KLS. All the participants without contraindications will perform multi-modality medical imaging, including brain MRI, retinal fundus photograph, fundus optical coherence tomography (OCT) and ultrasonography of the internal carotid artery (ICA) every 2-4 years. The acquired medical imaging will be further processed with a standardised and validated workflow. The clinical data at baseline and follow-up will be collected from the KaiLuan Study. The associations between multiple risk factors and subclinical brain disease are able to be fully investigated. Researches based on META-KLS will provide a series of state-of-the-art evidence for the prevention of neurological diseases and common chronic diseases. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The Kailuan Study and META-KLS have been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Kailuan General Hospital (IRB number: 2008 No. 1 and 2021002, respectively). Written informed consent will be acquired from each participant. Results are expected to be published in professional peer-reviewed journals beginning in 2023. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05453877.

Altered cerebral blood flow and white matter during wakeful rest in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: a population-based retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To explore changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF) and white matter during wakeful rest in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). METHODS: The subjects comprised OSA patients and age- and sex-matched non-sleep apnea (NSA) subjects from December 2020 to December 2021. All subjects underwent structural and arterial spin labeling MRI examinations using a 3.0 T MRI scanner. Intergroup differences in regional and global CBF and white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) were analyzed. RESULTS: In this study, 100 (74 males) of 750 (439 males) subjects were diagnosed with OSA, so the prevalence of OSA in the general population was 13.3% (100/750), with 16.9% (74/439) in males and 8.4% (26/311) in females. Excluding four patients with incomplete imaging data, 96 OSA patients and 103 age- and sex-matched NSA subjects were included. At global level, OSA patients showed significantly decreased CBF values in gray matter and whole brain compared to NSA subjects (gray matter: p = 0.010; whole brain: p = 0.021). No significant difference in CBF values was found in WM between the two groups (p = 0.250). At regional level, compared with NSA subjects, patients with OSA exhibited significantly decreased regional CBF values mainly in right parietal lobe and right temporal lobe. Moreover, OSA patients had significantly higher WMHs burden than NSA subjects (p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: OSA patients exhibit decreased global and regional CBF values and increased WMHs burden. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: These findings provide a basis for exploring neuropathological changes of OSA and for early and appropriate treatment.

Colorable Light-Scattering Device Based on Polymer-Stabilized Ion-Doped Cholesteric Liquid Crystal and an Electrochromatic Layer.

Bistable polymer-stabilized cholesteric liquid crystal (LC) devices have been extensively researched due to their energy-saving benefits. Compared to devices with merely transparent and light-scattering states, LC devices with controlled light absorption or changeable color functions are unquestionably more intriguing. In this paper, a polymer-stabilized ion-doped cholesteric LC and an electrochromic layer are used to fabricate a colorable device which can show four operating states: transparent, light-scattering, colored transparent, and colored light-scattering. The working principle and fabrication strategy are explained in detail. Based on the dielectric response of LC, the electrohydrodynamic effect of ion-doped LC, and the redox reaction of electrochromic materials, the transparent or light-scattering state and the colored or colorless state of the device can be regulated by controlling the alternating frequency and the direction of the electric field. The display performance related to the monomer, chiral dopant, and electrochromic layer is investigated. The content of monomer and chiral dopant affects the polymer network and pitch of cholesteric LC, which then affects the driving voltages and contrast ratio. The thickness of the electrochromic layer has a significant impact on the transmittance of the device's coloring and fading states. The sample with excellent operating states is obtained by optimizing the material and the construction, which can be widely applied in smart windows and energy-saving display devices.

CT evaluation of unilateral pulsatile tinnitus with jugular bulb wall dehiscence.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the imaging features of unilateral pulsatile tinnitus (PT) with jugular bulb wall dehiscence (JBWD). METHODS: Computerized tomography angiography images of unilateral PT patients were reviewed between 2019 and 2021. Thirty-one symptomatic JBWD patients without sigmoid sinus wall dehiscence (SSWD) were included. Thirty-eight patients with SSWD were used as the control group. The prevalence of JBWD was calculated. The area and height of the jugular bulb, the extent of dehiscence, the presence of jugular bulb diverticulum, posterior condylar emissary vein (PCEV), oblique occipital sinus (OOS), venous outflow laterality (VOL), the degree of transverse sinus stenosis (TSS), and the pituitary height to sella turcica ratio were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The prevalence of JBWD was 12.1%, and JBWD was established as a causative diagnosis in 5.0% of unilateral PT patients. There were no statistical differences in the gender, symptomatic side, or VOL between the two groups. The area of the jugular bulb was larger and the height was higher (parea < 0.001, pheight = 0.005). The prevalence of jugular bulb diverticulum was higher in the JBWD group (p = 0.002). The degree of symptomatic TSS was less severe (p < 0.001), and the prevalence of bilateral TSS was lower in the JBWD group (p < 0.001). The pituitary height to sella turcica ratio was greater (p = 0.004), the prevalence of PCEV (p = 0.014) was lower, and OOS (p = 0.015) was greater in the JBWD group. CONCLUSIONS: The correlating factors of PT with JBWD and PT with SSWD are significantly different. These findings can further facilitate early and efficient PT treatment. KEY POINTS: • The incidence of jugular bulb dehiscence (JBWD) accounted for approximately 12.1% in pulsatile tinnitus (PT) patients, and JBWD was established as a causative diagnosis in 5.0% of PT patients. • PT required large blood flows and abnormal flow patterns, whether in JBWD or sigmoid sinus wall dehiscence groups. • JBWD causing PT has some unique characteristic findings on CT.

Anti-passivation ability of sulfidated microscale zero valent iron and its application for 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane degradation.

The performance of sulfidated zero valent iron (ZVI) for the degradation of chlorinated hydrocarbons under aerobic conditions remains unclear. In this study, sulfidated microscale ZVI (S-mZVI) was prepared for 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane (TeCA) degradation under aerobic conditions. Compared with mZVI, S-mZVI showed excellent passivation resistance during the degradation of TeCA and its hydrolysis/reduction products. This was probably because the existence of FeSx shell (FeS/FeS2/FeSn) protected the internal ZVI core from passivation. Though the outer layer of FeSx shell could be oxidized to FeSn and Fe2(SO4)3 as the reaction proceeded, the inner layer remained stable, which maintained the fast electron transfer capability of S-mZVI. The high temperature could enhance the degradation of TeCA, without compromising the anti-passivation and reusability of S-mZVI. Even after the fifth cycle, S-mZVI could still efficiently degrade 90% of TeCA within 24 h. Furthermore, it was found that the degradation of TeCA and its reduction products (e.g., dichloroethylene (DCE)) by S-mZVI relied on direct electron transfer and hydrogen radical (H•), respectively, which might explain the lower levels of toxic DCE in the S-mZVI system. This study provides valuable information for the practical application of S-mZVI in the treatment of wastewater containing halogenated hydrocarbons under ambient conditions.

A new method for assessing transverse sinus stenosis with CT venography based on the venous trans-stenotic pressure gradient.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of the transverse sinus stenosis (TSS) is essential for TSS-related diseases. OBJECTIVE: To investigate a new method for the quantitative assessment of TSS based on the correlation between TSS and trans-stenotic pressure gradient (TPG). METHODS: Patients with unilateral pulsatile tinnitus with or without idiopathic intracranial hypertension were retrospectively included. All patients underwent CT venography and venous manometry and were confirmed to have TSS. The cross-sectional diameter/area of TSS, the poststenotic and prestenotic segments, and the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) were measured. The degree of TSS was calculated by dividing the diameter/area of TSS by the diameter/area of the poststenotic segment (M1/M2), prestenotic segment (M3/M4), and SSS (M5/M6). Partial correlation analysis (controlling for the effect of age, sex, outflow laterality, and contralateral stenosis) was performed to evaluate the correlation between M1-M6 and the TPG. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of M1-M6 for diagnosing a significant TPG (≥8 mm Hg) was performed. RESULTS: Ninety-nine patients met the inclusion criteria. The partial correlation coefficients between M1-M6 and the TPG were 0.60, 0.61, 0.43, 0.48, 0.39, and 0.54, respectively. The areas under the curve (AUCs) of M1-M6 for diagnosing a significant TPG were 0.81, 0.86, 0.68, 0.69, 0.64, and 0.72, respectively. The AUC of M2 was significantly larger than that of M3 (P=0.002), M4 (P<0.001), M5 (P=0.001), and M6 (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Quantitatively assessing TSS by taking the ratio of the cross-sectional area of TSS to that of the poststenotic segment might be a more efficient method for predicting the TPG.