HR-MRI-based nomogram network calculator to predict stroke recurrence in high-risk non-disabling ischemic cerebrovascular events patients.

Background and objective: To investigate the use of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) to identify the characteristics of culprit plaques in intracranial arteries, and to evaluate the predictive value of the characteristics of culprit plaques combined with the modified Essen score for the recurrence risk of high-risk non-disabling ischemic cerebrovascular events (HR-NICE) patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 180 patients with HR-NICE at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, including 128 patients with no recurrence (non-recurrence group) and 52 patients with recurrence (recurrence group). A total of 65 patients with HR-NICE were collected from the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai Jiaotong University as a validation group, and their modified Essen scores, high-resolution magnetic resonance vessel wall images, and clinical data were collected. The culprit plaques were analyzed using VesselExplorer2 software. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent risk factors for recurrence, and a nomogram was constructed using R software to evaluate the discrimination of the model. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to evaluate the model performance. Calibration curves and Decision Curve Analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the model efficacy. Results: Intra-plaque hemorrhage (OR = 3.592, 95% CI = 1.474-9.104, p = 0.006), homocysteine (OR = 1.098, 95% CI = 1.025-1.179, p = 0.007), and normalized wall index (OR = 1.114, 95% CI = 1.027-1.222, p = 0.015) were significantly higher in the recurrent stroke group than in the non-recurrent stroke group, and were independent risk factors for recurrent stroke. The performance of the nomogram model (AUC = 0.830, 95% CI: 0.769-0.891; PR-AUC = 0.628) was better than that of the modified Essen scoring model (AUC = 0.660, 95% CI: 0.583-0.738) and the independent risk factor combination model (AUC = 0.827, 95% CI: 0.765-0.889). The nomogram model still had good model performance in the validation group (AUC = 0.785, 95% CI: 0.671-0.899), with a well-fitting calibration curve and a DCA curve indicating good net benefit efficacy for patients. Conclusion: High-resolution vessel wall imaging combined with a modified Essen score can effectively assess the recurrence risk of HR-NICE patients, and the nomogram model can provide a reference for identifying high-risk populations with good clinical application prospects.

An integrative analysis of single-cell and bulk transcriptome and bidirectional mendelian randomization analysis identified C1Q as a novel stimulated risk gene for Atherosclerosis.

Background: The role of complement component 1q (C1Q) related genes on human atherosclerotic plaques (HAP) is less known. Our aim is to establish C1Q associated hub genes using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and bulk RNA analysis to diagnose and predict HAP patients more effectively and investigate the association between C1Q and HAP (ischemic stroke) using bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Methods: HAP scRNA-seq and bulk-RNA data were download from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The C1Q-related hub genes was screened using the GBM, LASSO and XGBoost algorithms. We built machine learning models to diagnose and distinguish between types of atherosclerosis using generalized linear models and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analyses. Further, we scored the HALLMARK_COMPLEMENT signaling pathway using ssGSEA and confirmed hub gene expression through qRT-PCR in RAW264.7 macrophages and apoE-/- mice. Furthermore, the risk association between C1Q and HAP was assessed through bidirectional MR analysis, with C1Q as exposure and ischemic stroke (IS, large artery atherosclerosis) as outcomes. Inverse variance weighting (IVW) was used as the main method. Results: We utilized scRNA-seq dataset (GSE159677) to identify 24 cell clusters and 12 cell types, and revealed seven C1Q associated DEGs in both the scRNA-seq and GEO datasets. We then used GBM, LASSO and XGBoost to select C1QA and C1QC from the seven DEGs. Our findings indicated that both training and validation cohorts had satisfactory diagnostic accuracy for identifying patients with HPAs. Additionally, we confirmed SPI1 as a potential TF responsible for regulating the two hub genes in HAP. Our analysis further revealed that the HALLMARK_COMPLEMENT signaling pathway was correlated and activated with C1QA and C1QC. We confirmed high expression levels of C1QA, C1QC and SPI1 in ox-LDL-treated RAW264.7 macrophages and apoE-/- mice using qPCR. The results of MR indicated that there was a positive association between the genetic risk of C1Q and IS, as evidenced by an odds ratio (OR) of 1.118 (95%CI: 1.013-1.234, P = 0.027). Conclusion: The authors have effectively developed and validated a novel diagnostic signature comprising two genes for HAP, while MR analysis has provided evidence supporting a favorable association of C1Q on IS.

Role of the Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Early Brain Edema Score in the Management of Decompressive Craniectomy for Poor-Grade Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: The Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Early Brain Edema Score (SEBES) is a radiographic marker for early brain injury after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). We evaluated the role of the SEBES in performing decompressive craniectomy (DC) for poor-grade aSAH. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed all cases of poor-grade (World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies [WFNS] grade IV and V) aSAH in adults who underwent microsurgery at our center between April 2017 and March 2021. Patient demographics, clinical presentation, imaging findings, and surgical data were obtained. The study endpoints of DC rate, complications, and functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score >3) were compared between the traditional surgery and SEBES-informed groups. A survival analysis was performed to estimate 180-day survival and hazard ratios for death. RESULTS: The study included 116 patients (mean age, 60.8 ± 9.5 years, DCs [n = 63, 54.3%]). In the univariate analysis, age, intracranial pressure, midline shift, pupil changes, SEBES grade III-IV, traditional group, and WFNS grade Ⅴ were associated with DC. DC (46.4% vs. 67.4%) and in-hospital mortality rates (9.6% vs. 25.6%) were significantly lower in the SEBES-informed group. At day 180 after admission, modified Rankin Scale scores did not significantly differ between the 2 groups, but 180-day survival was significantly higher in the SEBES-informed group (78.1% vs. 53.5%). In the multivariable analysis, age, pupil changes, being in the traditional group, and delayed cerebral ischemia were independently associated with 180-day postadmission mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The SEBES provides good imaging support for preoperative and intraoperative intracranial pressure management in poor-grade aSAH, allowing for improved DC-related decision-making and better 180-day survival.

First-Principle Calculation on Inelastic Electron Scattering in Diamond and Graphite.

In this work, we consider the inelastic scattering of incident electrons as a key process for analyzing the significant differences in secondary electron (SE) emission between diamond and graphite. Dielectric functions and energy- and momentum-dependent energy loss functions were obtained by first-principle calculations. These were then used to calculate the inelastic mean free path (IMFP) and stopping power in different directions. The results show that the properties of diamond are very close in different directions, and its IMFP is lower than that of graphite when the electron energy is higher than 30 eV. In graphite, the incident electrons may exhibit directional preferences in their motion. These results indicate that, in graphite, SEs are excited in deeper positions than in diamond, and more SEs move in a horizontal direction than in a vertical direction, which leads to the difference in secondary electron yield (SEY).

Crystal Structure of Inorganic Pyrophosphatase From Schistosoma japonicum Reveals the Mechanism of Chemicals and Substrate Inhibition.

Soluble inorganic pyrophosphatases (PPases) are essential for facilitating the growth and development of organisms, making them attractive functional proteins. To provide insight into the molecular basis of PPases in Schistosoma japonicum (SjPPase), we expressed the recombinant SjPPase, analyzed the hydrolysis mechanism of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi), and measured its activity. Moreover, we solved the crystal structure of SjPPase in complex with orthophosphate (Pi) and performed PPi and methylene diphosphonic acid (MDP) docking into the active site. Our results suggest that the SjPPase possesses PPi hydrolysis activity, and the activity declines with increased MDP or NaF concentration. However, the enzyme shows unexpected substrate inhibition properties. Through PPi metabolic pathway analysis, the physiological action of substrate inhibition might be energy saving, adaptably cytoprotective, and biosynthetic rate regulating. Furthermore, the structure of apo-SjPPase and SjPPase with Pi has been solved at 2.6 and 2.3 Å, respectively. The docking of PPi into the active site of the SjPPase-Pi complex revealed that substrate inhibition might result from blocking Pi exit due to excess PPi in the SjPPase-Pi complex of the catalytic cycle. Our results revealed the structural features of apo-SjPPase and the SjPPase-Pi complex by X-ray crystallography, providing novel insights into the physiological functions of PPase in S. japonicum without the PPi transporter and the mechanism of its substrate inhibition.

Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activities and Mechanism of Action of Chelerythrine Against Carbapenem-Resistant Serratia marcescens In Vitro.

Aim: To evaluate the antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects of chelerythrine (CHE) against carbapenem-resistant Serratia marcescens (CRSM). Materials and Methods: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of CHE against CRSM was determined using the agar dilution method. Changes in intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentration, intracellular pH, cell membrane potential, and cell membrane integrity were investigated to assess the influence of CHE on the cell membrane. The effects of CHE on cell morphology were observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy. The antibiofilm formation of CHE was measured by crystal violet staining and visualized with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and FESEM. The influence of CHE on biofilm components was further investigated using CLSM specific combined with double-dyeing methods. Results: Our results showed that CHE had an MIC at 125 µg/mL against CRSM was capable of inhibiting the growth of CRSM and destroying its cell membrane integrity, as well as obviously changing the cell morphology. Sub-MIC CHE displayed robust inhibitory effects against CRSM biofilm formation by mediating the production of biofilm components. In addition, CLSM- and FESEM-mediated evaluation of the damage of biofilm cells and biofilm persistence revealed that at high concentrations, CHE could compromise the cells within biofilms and remove preformed biofilms. Conclusion: CHE shows promise as a natural antimicrobial substance against biofilm-positive CRSM, with the potential to serve as an alternative therapeutic agent.

Molecular characteristics of a novel duck circovirus subtype 1d emerging in Anhui, China.

The frequency of infection of duck circovirus (DuCV) in Anhui province, China is not well-characterized. Therefore, in this study, we collected 69 samples from sick ducks and tested them for the presence of DuCV by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. The complete viral genomes of five DuCV strains from five different cities were randomly selected, amplified via PCR, sequenced, and subjected to recombination analysis. The five DuCV genomes were named as AHAU9, AHAU25, AHAU28, AHAU37, and AHAUHQ. We found that 36.2 % of the ducks were infected with DuCV. The five DuCV strains had genome lengths ranging from 1987 to 1995 nucleotides, with a sequence similarity of 81.8-98.2 %. Among them, AHAU28, AHAU37, and AHAUHQ were closely related to the reference strain YF180403, GX1105 strain, and wd2015028 of DuCV, respectively. AHAU9 and AHAU25 were found to belong to a new DuCV subtype, DuCV-1d. Moreover, recombination analysis showed that the DuCV-1d subtype strains had the same recombination pattern. These results improve the understanding of the frequency of DuCV infection in Anhui province. Our findings may be useful for preventing and controlling the spread of DuCV.

Detection and molecular characterization of novel porcine parvovirus 7 in Anhui province from Central-Eastern China.

Porcine parvovirus 7 (PPV7), a new serotype of the porcine parvovirus, was discovered in swine of the USA in 2016. Recently, PPV7 was detected in Anhui province, China. Twenty-four of the 120 lung samples were PPV7-positive. Three PPV7 strains were sequenced and named PPV7/China/AHbz, PPV7/China/AHhf, and PPV7/China/AHmas, respectively. The complete genome and NS1 gene nucleotides of the three PPV7 strains showed 80.0%-98.4% and 94.4%-98.7% sequence identity, respectively, to the other PPV7 strains obtained from NCBI. The three PPV7 strains from Anhui share a common origin with a PPV7 GX49 strain isolated in Guangxi. These results help to understand the molecular epidemiology of PPV7.

Percutaneous vertebroplasty in the treatment of malignant vertebral compression fractures with epidural involvement.

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and the clinical efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) in treating malignant spinal tumors and malignant vertebral compression fractures with epidural involvement. Materials and methods: 43 patients with spinal metastatic tumors and malignant vertebral compression fractures with epidural involvement were treated using PVP. American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale results at presentation were used to divide patients into 2 groups. Patients in group A had no symptoms of neurological compression (n = 25); and patients in group B had symptoms of neurological compression (n = 28). A 13G bone puncture needle was placed across the pedicle of the fractured vertebra, and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) was injected into the fractured vertebral body under fluoroscopic control. Patients were seen in follow-up at 1, 3, and 6 months after the procedure and every six months thereafter. Results: PVP was technically successful and well-tolerated in all patients. Clinical assessment at the final follow-up found complete pain relief (n = 19) or good pain relief (n = 14) in 33 patients (62.3%, 95% CI: 49%, 76%). ASIA impairment scale assessment at the final follow-up demonstrated symptoms of neurologic compression in 31 patients and no symptoms of neurologic compression in 22 patients. Symptoms of neurologic compression were found in five group A patients and eight group B patients. Conclusions: PVP was a safe and moderately effective procedure in the treatment of malignant vertebral compression fractures with epidural involvement.

Outflow angle measurement: a simple approach for the differential diagnosis of intracranial protrusion with a branch artery arising from its top.

PURPOSE: Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is an important diagnosis method for the detection of intracranial aneurysms (IAs), but it is not useful for differentiating between IA and infundibular dilatation (ID) in patients in whom imaging shows an intracranial protrusion with a branch artery at its top. The objective of this study was to introduce a new approach-measurement of the outflow angle (OA)-for differentiating between IA and ID in such cases. METHODS: The study included 7 patients with a total of 9 protrusions. The protrusions were separately reviewed on MRA and DSA images. We first diagnosed the protrusions using OA approach. An OA ≥90° was considered indicative of an IA and an OA <90° was considered indicative of an ID. The diagnosis by the OA method was compared with diagnosis by the gold standard-DSA. RESULTS: Among the 9 intracranial protrusions, 5 were IAs and 4 were IDs. The OAs of 5 IAs were all ≥90°; the average OA of the 5 IAs was 115.20°. The OAs of the 4 IDs were all <90°; the average OA of the 4 IDs was 59.50°. The diagnosis results by the OA method were in agreement with DSA diagnosis in all cases. CONCLUSION: The OA method can discriminate between IA and ID in patients in whom imaging shows an intracranial protrusion with a branch artery at its top. The method is simple and convenient, and can be easily applied in clinical practice. It can be especially useful for novice neuroradiologists.

Percutaneous vertebroplasty and interventional tumor removal for malignant vertebral compression fractures and/or spinal metastatic tumor with epidural involvement: a prospective pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) and interventional tumor removal (ITR), with PVP alone for malignant vertebral compression fractures and/or spinal metastatic tumor with epidural involvement. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 124 patients were selected for PVP and ITR (n = 71, group A) and PVP alone (n = 53, group B). A 14 G needle and guide wire were inserted into the vertebral body, followed by sequential dilatation of the tract until the last cannula reached the anterior portion of the pedicle. Tumors were then ablated with a radiofrequency probe. ITR was performed with marrow nucleus rongeurs, and then cement was injected into the extirpated vertebra. Outcomes were collected preoperatively and at 1, 3 and 6 months and every subsequent 6 months. RESULTS: The rates of pain relief and increased mobility at the last follow-up were higher in group A than those in group B (P < 0.05). There were significant differences in visual analog scale (VAS) score and Oswestry disability index (ODI) score at 1, 3 and 6 months, 1 year and >1 year in group A than in group B (P < 0.05). The rates of paraplegia recovery and vertebral stability in group A were higher than those in group B (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: PVP and ITR proved to be an effective approach for patients with malignant vertebral compression fractures and/or spinal metastatic tumor and provided distinct advantages in pain relief, function recovery and vertebral stability that are comparable to that obtained with PVP alone.

Intermediate analysis of magnesium alloy covered stent for a lateral aneurysm model in the rabbit common carotid artery.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the outcomes of a magnesium alloy covered stent (MACS) for a lateral aneurysm model in common carotid artery (CCA). METHODS: In 32 rabbits, a MACS (group A, n = 17) or a Willis covered stent (WCS; group B, n = 15) was inserted and the rabbits were sacrificed 1, 3, 6, or 12 months after stenting. Angiography and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) were performed at 3, 6, and 12 months. Scanning electron microscopy was performed for six stents in each group at 1, 3, and 6 months, and histopathology and histomorphology were conducted at 3 (n = 4), 6 (n = 4), and 12 (n = 12) months. RESULTS: Final angiography showed complete occlusion of the aneurysms in 12 cases. IVUS at 6 and 12 months revealed a significant increase in mean lumen area of the stented CCA in group A and also showed greater mean lumen area in group A than in group B. The endothelialization process was quicker in group A than in group B. CONCLUSION: MACS is effective for occlusion of lateral aneurysms and is superior to WCS in growth of the stented CCA and endothelialization. Further work is needed to make this device available for human use. KEY POINTS: • The MACS is an effective approach for occlusion of a lateral aneurysm. • IVUS showed that the CCA could grow following degradation of the MACS. • The lumen area of the stented CCA was excellent in MACS. • HE staining displayed the degradation of the magnesium alloy stent. • Combination of IVUS and DSA were applied in this study.

Sidewall cerebral aneurysms: effect of an outflow angle-assisted approach on diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: The ability to diagnose sidewall cerebral aneurysms (SCAs) on an angle measurement basis may be useful in clinical practice. A study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of an outflow angle (OA)-assisted approach. METHODS: MR angiography (MRA) images of 438 patients with suspected SCAs and other cerebrovascular diseases were separately evaluated using the subjective approach and the OA approach. The approaches were then exchanged for confirmation of unclear cases. An OA of ≥90° was considered to represent SCA positivity. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the OA-assisted approach were determined using patient-based, aneurysm-based, and size-based evaluations. RESULTS: Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) detected 301 SCAs in 267 patients and no SCAs in 171. An OA of ≥90° was observed for 271 aneurysms in 244 patients (true positives); the OA approach misinterpreted OA as <90° for 29 aneurysms in 29 patients (false negatives) and missed one aneurysm. The subjective approach detected 309 SCAs in 273 patients. This approach misdiagnosed 10 patients (false positives) and missed two aneurysms in two patients (false negatives). The OA-assisted approach detected 300 SCAs in 267 patients and no SCAs in 171, overlooking one aneurysm. Patient-based evaluation yielded high accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for the OA-assisted approach. CONCLUSIONS: The OA-assisted approach for SCA diagnosis effectively reduced the false-positive rate obtained with the subjective approach with high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity, suggesting that MRA based on this approach can be a reliable alternative to DSA in SCA screening and diagnosis.

Aneurysm outflow angle at MRA as discriminant for accurate diagnosis and differentiation between small sidewall cerebral aneurysms and infundibula.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the aneurysm outflow angle (OA) at MR angiography (MRA) might serve as discriminant for accurate diagnosis of, and differentiation between, small sidewall cerebral aneurysms (SCAs) and infundibula. METHODS: Between June 2007 and July 2015, 426 consecutive patients with SCAs completed both an MRA and DSA examination. Of these, 156 patients with small SCAs and 52 patients with infundibula were included in this study. A patient with an OA ≥90° was defined as having a SCA, while those with OA <90° were defined as having an infundibulum. RESULTS: DSA identified 172 SCAs in 156 patients and 55 infundibula in 52 patients. The average OA on MRA was 102.96°±13.36° (range 60°-151°) in 172 SCAs of 156 patients. An OA of ≥90° was seen for 159 (92.4%) small SCAs in 147 patients, while an OA of <90° was observed for 13 SCAs. The average OA on MRA was 69.05°±14.26° (range 35-107°) in 55 infundibula of 52 patients. An OA of ≥90° was seen in one patient with one infundibulum; while an OA of <90° was observed for 54 infundibula (98.2%) in 51 patients. The average OA in SCAs (n=172) was greater than the average OA in infundibula (n=55; 102.96° vs 69.05°, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The OA at MRA could serve as discriminant for accurate diagnosis of, and differentiation between, small SCAs and infundibula.

Magnesium alloy covered stent for treatment of a lateral aneurysm model in rabbit common carotid artery: An in vivo study.

Magnesium alloy covered stents have rarely been used in the common carotid artery (CCA). We evaluated the long-term efficacy of magnesium alloy covered stents in a lateral aneurysm model in rabbit CCA. Magnesium alloy covered stents (group A, n = 7) or Willis covered stents (group B, n = 5) were inserted in 12 New Zealand White rabbits and they were followed up for 12 months. The long-term feasibility for aneurysm occlusion was studied through angiograms; the changes in vessel area and lumen area were assessed with IVUS. Complete aneurysmal occlusion was achieved in all aneurysms. Angiography showed that the diameter of the stented CCA in group A at 6 and 12 months was significantly greater than the diameter immediately after stent placement. On intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) examination, the mean lumen area of the stented CCA in group A was significantly greater at 6 and 12 months than that immediately after stent placement; the mean lumen area was also significantly greater in group A than in group B at the same time points. The magnesium alloy covered stents proved to be an effective approach for occlusion of lateral aneurysm in the rabbit CCA; it provides distinct advantages that are comparable to that obtained with the Willis covered stent.

Reconstruction of the Internal Carotid Artery After Treatment of Complex Traumatic Direct Carotid-Cavernous Fistulas With the Willis Covered Stent: A Retrospective Study With Long-Term Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular treatment of complex traumatic direct carotid-cavernous fistulas (TDCCFs) is a challenge. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term efficacy of the Willis covered stent in endovascular treatment of complex TDCCFs, focusing on reconstruction and preservation of the internal carotid artery. METHODS: During the past 8 years, 25 patients with 27 TDCCFs who previously had unsuccessful treatment of fistulas with detachable balloons received endovascular treatment with Willis covered stents. The efficacy, complications, in-stent stenosis, angiographic, and clinical follow-up results were evaluated retrospectively between 6 and 88 months (mean, 43.8 months) after the stent placement. RESULTS: The technical success rate of stenting placement was 100%. Forty-four Willis covered stents were implanted into the target artery of 27 TDCCFs. Complete exclusion was achieved in 16 patients with 17 TDCCFs immediately after the stent placement, with transient endoleaks in 10 TDCCFs. Redilation was performed in 6 TDCCFs, and additional stents were implanted in the other 4 TDCCFs for endoleak exclusion. The initial angiographic results showed complete exclusion of fistulas with preservation of the internal carotid artery in 24 patients with 26 TDCCFs. One patient in whom complete occlusion initially was achieved subsequently experienced a delayed endoleak, which required placement of an additional stent. The angiographic follow-up results (mean, 30.3 months) demonstrated complete exclusion in all 27 TDCCFs, with patency of internal carotid artery in 23 patients. The clinical follow-up demonstrated a full recovery in 23 patients and improvement in 2 patients. CONCLUSION: The use of Willis covered stents was confirmed to be effective, safe, and a curative approach for endovascular treatment of complex TDCCFs and internal carotid artery reconstruction. ABBREVIATIONS: DB, detachable balloonEVT, endovascular treatmentICA, internal carotid arteryn-BCA, N-butyl cyanoacrylateTDCCF, traumatic direct carotid-cavernous fistula.

Discovery of molluscicidal and cercaricidal activities of 3-substituted quinazolinone derivatives by a scaffold hopping approach using a pseudo-ring based on the intramolecular hydrogen bond formation.

Discovery of novel topological agents against Oncomelania hupensis snails and cercariae remains a significant challenge in current Schistosomiasis control. A pseudo-ring formed from salicylanilide by an intramolecular hydrogen bond led to the discovery of 3-substituted quinazolinone derivatives which showed a potent molluscicidal and cercaricidal activities.

Effects of coupled interfacial imperfections on SH wave propagation in a layered multiferroic cylinder.

Although SH-wave propagation in layered multiferroic composites with imperfect interfaces has been widely investigated, the effects of interfacial imperfection couplings still remain as an un-tackled problem deserving studying. The present paper considered the SH-wave propagation in a bi-layered multiferroic cylinder that has inter-coupled magnetic, electric and mechanical imperfections on the interface. The dispersion equations of SH waves are derived and numerically solved. Parametric studies are conducted on the numerical results to reveal the effects of interfacial imperfections and their inter-couplings on phase velocity. Discussion here yields four main conclusions, which can serve as guidelines for the optimal design of multiferroic composites and the related smart devices.

Comparison of Percutaneous Cementoplasty with and Without Interventional Internal Fixation for Impending Malignant Pathological Fracture of the Proximal Femur.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of percutaneous cementoplasty (PCP) with and without interventional internal fixation (IIF) on malignant impending pathological fracture of proximal femur. METHODS: A total of 40 patients with malignant impending pathological fracture of proximal femur were selected for PCP and IIF (n = 19, group A) or PCP alone (n = 21, group B) in this non-randomized prospective study. Bone puncture needles were inserted into the proximal femur, followed by sequential installation of the modified trocar inner needles through the puncture needle sheath. Then, 15-45 ml cement was injected into the femur lesion. RESULTS: The overall excellent and good pain relief rate during follow-ups were significantly higher in group A than that in group B (89 vs. 57 %, P = 0.034). The average change of VAS, ODI, KPS, and EFES in group A were significantly higher than those in group B at 1-, 3-, 6-month, 1-year (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, The stability of the treated femur was significantly higher in group A than that in group B (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: PCP and IIF were not only a safe and effective procedure, but resulted in greater pain relief, bone consolidation, and also reduced the risk of fracture than the currently recommended approach of PCP done on malignant proximal femoral tumor.

Placement of a duodenal stents bridge the duodenal papilla may predispose to acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To retrospective evaluate the incidence, predictive factors, and management of acute pancreatitis after placement of duodenal stent in patients with malignant gastroduodenal obstruction. METHODOLOGY: Among 242 patients with symptomatic malignant gastroduodenal obstruction successfully treated with duodenal stent placement, acute pancreatitis occurred in 10 (4.1%) of the patients 1-7 days after stent placement. The variables were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate factors predictive of acute pancreatitis. Management of acute pancreatitis also was evaluated. RESULTS: All patients with acute pancreatitis were presented with abdominal pain and distention with vomiting 1-7 days after stent placement, in which 7 patients developed acute janudice. Four patients were cured by fasting and intravenous nutrition, and the remaining 6 cases were managed with percutaneous cholangiography and drain placement (PTCD). Univariate analysis showed acute pancreatitis was associated with location in the descending duodenum (p = 0.001) and stent bridge the duodenal papilla (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis exhibited that the presence of stent bridged the duodenal papilla (odds ratio (OR), 18.48; 95% CI, 2.298-148.48; p = 0.006) was independent predictors of acute pancreatitis. CONCLUSIONS: Acute pancreatitis is an uncommon early complication of placement of duodenal stents in patients with malignant gastroduodenal obstruction. Acute pancreatitis occurred most commonly in descending duodenum, and in patients with stent bridged the duodenal papilla. Stent bridged the duodenal papilla may be the most important predictors for acute pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis can be managed conservatively or by PTCD when developed to acute jaundice.