Quantitative assessment and correlational analysis of subjective and objective indicators in patients with allergic rhinitis.

Background: The diagnosis of allergic rhinitis is mainly based on the typical medical history, clinical manifestations, and corresponding allergen test results of the patients. However, there are often clinical inconsistencies among the 3. Objective: To study the clinical characteristics of patients with allergic rhinitis from both subjective and objective aspects to determine the correlations between the quantitative assessment outcomes of subjective and objective indicators. Methods: A total of 111 patients with allergic rhinitis who visited our outpatient clinic from June 2022 to December 2022 were selected. The 22-item sino-nasal outcome test (SNOT-22) and the visual analog scale (VAS) for the severity of the disease were used to score the subjective indicators of allergic rhinitis. The objective indicators of allergic rhinitis were evaluated by serum inhalant allergens immunoglobulin E test, nasal endoscopy modified Lund-Kennedy (MLK) scoring method, and acoustic rhinometry. Results: SNOT-22 score, total VAS score for symptoms, and the VAS score for nasal itching were positively correlated with the number of positive allergens (r = 0.266, P = 0.005, r = 0.576, P < 0.001, and r = 0.271, P = 0.004, respectively). No differences were found in all subjective indicators scores between the total immunoglobulin E positive and negative groups (P > 0.05). SNOT-22 score, total VAS score for symptoms, and the VAS score for nasal congestion were positively correlated with MLK total score of nasal endoscopy (r = 0.343, P < 0.001, r = 0.438, P < 0.001, and r = 0.225, P = 0.018, respectively). Parameters of acoustic rhinometry were not correlated with the subjective indicators scores of allergic rhinitis (P > 0.05). Conclusion: A multifaceted quantitative assessment of allergic rhinitis using a combination of subjective and objective methods can help physicians make an accurate diagnosis and create reasonable treatment plans.

Exogenous AMPA downregulates gamma-frequency network oscillation in CA3 of rat hippocampal slices.

Pharmacologically-induced persistent hippocampal γ oscillation in area CA3 requires activation of α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate receptors (AMPARs). However, we demonstrated that exogenous AMPA dose-dependently inhibited carbachol (CCH)-induced γ oscillation in the CA3 area of rat hippocampal slices, but the underlying mechanism is not clear. Application of AMPARs antagonist NBQX (1 µM) did not affect γ oscillation power (γ power), nor AMPA-mediated γ power reduction. At 3 µM, NBQX had no effect on γ power but largely blocked AMPA-mediated γ power reduction. Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptor (CP-AMPAR) antagonist IEM1460 or CaMKK inhibitor STO-609 but not CaMKIIα inhibitor KN93 enhanced γ power, indicating that activation of CP-AMPAR or CaMKK negatively modulated CCH-induced γ oscillation. Either CP-AMPAR antagonist or CaMKK inhibitor alone did not affected AMPA-mediated γ power reduction, but co-administration of IEM1460 and NBQX (1 µM) largely prevented AMPA-mediated downregulation of γ suggesting that CP-AMPARs and CI-AMPARs are involved in AMPA downregulation of γ oscillation. The recurrent excitation recorded at CA3 stratum pyramidale was significantly reduced by AMPA application. Our results indicate that AMPA downregulation of γ oscillation may be related to the reduced recurrent excitation within CA3 local neuronal network due to rapid CI-AMPAR and CP-AMPAR activation.

ARIH1 inhibits influenza A virus replication and facilitates RIG-I dependent immune signaling by interacting with SQSTM1/p62.

BACKGROUND: Multiple host factors are involved in modulating type I interferon expression induced by viruses; however, the mechanism is not fully elucidated. Influenza A virus infection causes severe respiratory symptoms and triggers a series of signaling cascades and host innate immune responses, including interferon production. The co-IP/MS technology was used to screen several antiviral factors in the early stage. Among these factors, ariadne-1 homolog (ARIH1) caught our attention. METHODS: Western blot assay was performed to detect the level of proteins and software ImageJ was used to analyze the band intensities. Polymerase activity assay was conducted to evaluate the polymerase activity of influenza A virus. Tissue culture infective dose (TCID50) assay was performed to measure influenza A virus titers, and quantitative RT-PCR assay was applied to test the mRNA level of IFN-ß, ISG56, and CXCL10. Luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the target of ARIH1 in RIG-I signaling. Immunoprecipitation assay was performed to detect the interaction and the ubiquitination of the proteins. All data were analyzed by biostatistical methods and presented as means ± standard deviation from three independent experiments. Statistical significance was determined using two-tailed student's t test. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant, and a P value of less than 0.01 was considered highly significant (ns, P ≥ 0.05; *, P < 0.05; and **, P < 0.01). RESULTS: We found that ARIH1, a member of E3 ubiquitin ligases, enhanced cellular antiviral responses. Subsequent study showed that ARIH1 was up-regulated during influenza A virus infection. Further analysis showed that ARIH1 enhanced IFN-ß and downstream gene expression by affecting the degradation of RIG-I through the SQSTM1/p62 signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: This newly revealed mechanism shows that cellular response increases of ARIH1 and promotes IFN-ß expression to boost host survival during viral infection.

Modification of Activated Carbon and Its Application in Selective Hydrogenation of Naphthalene.

The MoS2/ACx catalyst for hydrogenation of naphthalene to tetralin was prepared with untreated and modified activated carbon (ACx) as support and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, scanning electron microscopy, temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scaning transmission electron microscopy. The results show that the modification of activated carbon by HNO3 changes the physical and chemical properties of activated carbon (AC), which mainly increases the micropore surface area of AC from 1091 to 1209 m2/g, increases the micropore volume of AC from 0.444 to 0.487 cm3/g, increases the oxygen-containing functional groups of AC from 5.46 to 7.52, and increases the acidity of catalysts from 365.7 to 559.2 mmol/g. The modified catalyst showed good catalytic performance, and the appropriate HNO3 concentration is very important for the modified of activated carbon. Among all the catalysts used in this study, the MoS2/AC3 catalyst could achieve the highest yield of tetralin. It can be attributed to the moderate acidity of the catalyst, reducing the cracking of hydrogenation products. Also, the proper hydrogenation activity of MoS2 and the appropriate increase of oxygen-containing functional groups on the surface of modified activated carbon are beneficial to the dispersion of active components on the support, increasing the yield of tetralin. The catalytic performance of MoS2/AC3 is better than that of MoS2/Al2O3 catalyst, and the two catalysts show different hydrogenation paths of naphthalene.

Activation of Dopamine 4 Receptor Subtype Enhances Gamma Oscillations in Hippocampal Slices of Aged Mice.

Aim: Neural network oscillation at gamma frequency band (γ oscillation, 30-80 Hz) is synchronized synaptic potentials important for higher brain processes and altered in normal aging. Recent studies indicate that activation of dopamine 4 receptor (DR4) enhanced hippocampal γ oscillation of young mice and fully recovered the impaired hippocampal synaptic plasticity of aged mice, we determined whether this receptor is involved in aging-related modulation of hippocampal γ oscillation. Methods: We recorded γ oscillations in the hippocampal CA3 region from young and aged C57bl6 mice and investigated the effects of dopamine and the selective dopamine receptor (DR) agonists on γ oscillation. Results: We first found that γ oscillation power (γ power) was reduced in aged mice compared to young mice, which was restored by exogenous application of dopamine (DA). Second, the selective agonists for different D1- and D2-type dopamine receptors increased γ power in young mice but had little or small effect in aged mice. Third, the D4 receptor (D4R) agonist PD168077 caused a large increase of γ power in aged mice but a small increase in young mice, and its effect is blocked by the highly specific D4R antagonist L-745,870 or largely reduced by a NMDAR antagonist. Fourth, D3R agonist had no effect on γ power of either young or aged mice. Conclusion: This study reveals DR subtype-mediated hippocampal γ oscillations is aging-related and DR4 activation restores the impaired γ oscillations in aged brain, and suggests that D4R is the potential target for the improvement of cognitive deficits related to the aging and aging-related diseases.

Revisiting the Pig IGHC Gene Locus in Different Breeds Uncovers Nine Distinct IGHG Genes.

IgG subclass diversification is common in placental mammals. It has been well documented in humans and mice that different IgG subclasses, with diversified functions, synergistically regulate humoral immunity. However, our knowledge on the genomic and functional diversification of IgG subclasses in the pig, a mammalian species with high agricultural and biomedical importance, is incomplete. Using bacterial artificial chromosome sequencing and newly assembled genomes generated by the PacBio sequencing approach, we characterized and mapped the IgH C region gene locus in three indigenous Chinese breeds (Erhualian, Xiang, and Luchuan) and compared them to that of Duroc. Our data revealed that IGHG genes in Chinese pigs differ from the Duroc, whereas the IGHM, IGHD, IGHA, and IGHE genes were all single copy and highly conserved in the pig breeds examined. Most striking were differences in numbers of IGHG genes: there are seven genes in Erhualian pigs, six in the Duroc, but only five in Xiang pigs. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that all reported porcine IGHG genes could be classified into nine subclasses: IGHG1, IGHG2a, IGHG2b, IGHG2c, IGHG3, IGHG4, IGHG5a, IGHG5b, and IGHG5c. Using sequence information, we developed a mouse mAb specific for IgG3. This study offers a starting point to investigate the structure-function relationship of IgG subclasses in pigs.

Long non­coding RNA H19 is involved in sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma by upregulating miR­675.

Sorafenib is the first­line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Since many HCC patients experience drug resistance, there is an urgent need to discover more effective therapeutic strategies to overcome drug resistance. Long non­coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in tumor drug resistance. However, research on the role of lncRNA H19 in sorafenib resistance in HCC is quite limited. In the present study, CCK­8 assay, RT­qPCR, EdU staining, immunofluorescence staining, and western blot analysis were used to detect the effect of lncRNA H19 on sorafenib resistance of HCC cells. H19 expression was found to be negatively related to sorafenib sensitivity in HCC cells. Knockdown of lncRNA H19 elevated sorafenib sensitivity by suppressing epithelial­mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HCC cells. H19 upregulated miR­675 expression. miR­675 inhibitor decreased the cell viability in sorafenib­treated HCC cells, while miR­675 overexpression had the opposite effect on the treated cells. When the cells were pretreated with miR­675 mimic, H19 siRNA did not alter the effect of miR­675 on sorafenib sensitivity. In conclusion, our study provides new clues for further clinical treatment of sorafenib­resistant liver cancer patients.

Probing the Coexistence of Ferroelectric and Relaxor States in Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-Based Ceramics for Enhanced Piezoelectric Performance.

To tackle the global restriction on the use of lead-based materials, a feasible strategy of developing a piezoelectric ceramic with a ferroelectric- and relaxor-coexisted hybrid state is proposed in order to reduce the energy barrier as well as to assist polarization rotation. A significantly enhanced piezoelectric coefficient, d33, of 173 pC/N along with a broadened high-temperature stability above 300 °C has been obtained. Further probing via piezoresponse force microscopy unveils the grain boundary-governed domain structures with complicated configurations, suggesting close correlations with the coexistence of ferroelectric and relaxor states. This work demonstrates a recipe for establishing a novel grain-based ferroelectric-relaxor hybrid state with improved piezoelectric performance, which can further be beneficial for realistic applications.

Genetic removal of the CH1 exon leads to the production of hypofunctional heavy chain-only IgG2a in rats.

Despite great values in many applications, heavy chain-only antibodies (HcAbs) are naturally only produced in camelids and sharks, which are not easy to access and handle. Production of the type of antibodies in small laboratory animals would remarkably facilitate their applications. We previously reported a mouse line in which the CH1 exon of mouse γ1 was deleted that could express heavy chain-only IgG1 antibodies. However, these mice showed an extremely weak IgG1 response to specific antigens when immunized, and we could only achieve single VH domains with low affinity to antigens using these mice. One possibility is that the mouse germline VH repertoire was not sufficient to support the expression of functional heavy chain-only antibodies. In this study, we report the generation of a rat line in which the CH1 exon of the γ2a gene was removed and the γ1 and γ2b genes were silenced. Although the genetically modified rats expressed heavy chain-only IgG2a, they also exhibited a very weak IgG2a response to antigen immunization. Panning of a phage library constructed using IgG2a VH segments amplified from immunized rats identified antigen-specific single VH antibodies, which also exhibited much lower affinity than that of commercial mAbs. Together with our previous report, this study suggests that the simple genetic removal of the CH1 exon does not guarantee the successful expression of functional heavy chain-only antibodies.

MicroRNA-9 enhances sensitivity to cetuximab in epithelial phenotype hepatocellular carcinoma cells through regulation of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A-2.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most widespread malignant human tumors worldwide. Treatment options include radiotherapy, surgical intervention and chemotherapy; however, drug resistance is an ongoing treatment concern. In the present study, the effects of a microRNA (miR/miRNA), miR-9, on the sensitivity of HCC cell lines to the epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor, cetuximab, were examined. miR-9 has been proposed to serve a role in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. In the present study, bioinformatics analyses identified the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A2 (eIF-5A-2) as a target of miR-9. The expression levels of miR-9 and eIF-5A-2 were examined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and HCC cell lines were transfected with miR-9 mimics and inhibitors to determine the effects of the miRNA on cell proliferation and viability. The miR-9 mimic was revealed to significantly increase the sensitivity of epithelial phenotype HCC cells (Hep3B and Huh7) to cetuximab, while the miR-9 inhibitor triggered the opposite effect. There were no significant differences in sensitivity to cetuximab observed in mesenchymal phenotype HCC cells (SNU387 and SNU449). Cells lines displaying high expression levels of eIF-5A-2 were more resistant to cetuximab. Transfection of cells with a miR-9 mimic resulted in downregulation of the expression of eIF-5A-2 mRNA, while an miR-9 inhibitor increased expression. When expression of eIF-5A-2 was knocked down with siRNA, the effects of miR-9 on cetuximab sensitivity were no longer observed. Taken together, these data support a role for miR-9 in enhancing the sensitivity of epithelial phenotype HCC cells to cetuximab through regulation of eIF-5A-2.

Microarray Expression Profile of Circular RNAs in Plasma from Primary Biliary Cholangitis Patients.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a crucial role in the occurrence of several diseases, including autoimmune diseases. However, their role in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) remains unclear. Here, we aimed to determine the circRNA expression profile in plasma from PBC patients and further explore the value of circRNA in diagnosing PBC. METHODS: CircRNA microarrays were used to determine circRNA expression profiles in plasma samples from 6 PBC patients and 6 healthy controls. Statistical analyses identified differentially expressed circRNAs, and these circRNAs were verified by qRT-PCR in 29 PBC patients and 30 healthy controls. MicroRNA (miRNA) target prediction software identified putative miRNA response elements (MREs), which were used to construct a map of circRNA-miRNA interactions for the differentially expressed circRNAs. RESULTS: Our results indicated that there were 18 up-regulated and 4 down-regulated circular RNAs in the plasma from PBC patients compared with that from healthy individuals. Among the differentially expressed circRNAs, hsa_circ_402458 (P=0.0033), hsa_circ_087631 and hsa_circ_406329 (P=0.0185) were up-regulated, and hsa_circ_407176 (P=0.0066) and hsa_circ_082319 were down-regulated in the PBC group versus the healthy group as demonstrated by qRT-PCR. In particular, hsa_circ_402458 was significantly higher in PBC patients not receiving UDCA treatment than in PBC patients receiving UDCA treatment (P=0.0338). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for hsa_circ_402458 for diagnosing PBC was 0.710 (P=0.005). For hsa_circ_402458, two putative miRNA targets, hsa-miR-522-3p and hsa-miR-943, were predicted. CONCLUSIONS: circRNA dysregulation may play a role in PBC pathogenesis, and hsa_circ_402458 shows promise as a candidate biomarker for PBC.

Evaluation of hemoglobin A1c measurement from filter paper using high-performance liquid chromatography and immunoturbidimetric assay.

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) measurement from whole blood (WB) samples is inconvenient for epidemic surveillance and self-monitoring of glycemic level. We evaluated HbA1c measurement from WB blotted on filter paper (FP), which can be easily transported to central laboratories, with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and immunoturbidimetric assay (ITA). WB was applied to Whatman filter paper. By using HPLC and WB samples as reference methods, these FP samples were evaluated on HPLC and ITA. Inter- and intra-assay variation, WB vs. FP agreement and sample stability at 20-25 °C and -70 °C were assessed by statistical analysis. Results showed that the coefficient of variation (CV, %) of FP samples for HPLC and ITA were 0.44-1.02% and 1.47-2.72%, respectively (intra-assay); 2.13-3.56% and 3.21-4.82%, respectively (inter-assay). The correlation of WB HPLC with FP analyzed using HPLC and ITA are both significant (p < 0.001). Sample stability showed that FP method up to 5 days at 20-25 °C and 5 weeks at -70 °C is accurate and reproducible. In conclusion, FP samples analyzed by HPLC and ITA can both provide an alternative to WB for HbA1c measurement, supporting the use of FP method in epidemic surveillance and healthcare units.

A comprehensive analysis of the germline and expressed TCR repertoire in White Peking duck.

Recently, many immune-related genes have been extensively studied in ducks, but relatively little is known about their TCR genes. Here, we determined the germline and expressed repertoire of TCR genes in White Peking duck. The genomic organization of the duck TCRα/δ, TCRγ and unconventional TCRδ2 loci are highly conserved with their counterparts in mammals or chickens. By contrast, the duck TCRß locus is organized in an unusual pattern, (Vß)n-Dß-(Jß)2-Cß1-(Jß)4-Cß2, which differs from the tandem-aligned clusters in mammals or the translocon organization in some teleosts. Excluding the first exon encoding the immunoglobulin domain, the subsequent exons of the two Cß show significant diversity in nucleotide sequence and exon structure. Based on the nucleotide sequence identity, 49 Vα, 30 Vδ, 13 Vß and 15 Vγ unique gene segments are classified into 3 Vα, 5 Vδ, 4 Vß and 6 Vγ subgroups, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that most duck V subgroups, excluding Vß1, Vγ5 and Vγ6, have closely related orthologues in chicken. The coding joints of all cDNA clones demonstrate conserved mechanisms that are used to increase junctional diversity. Collectively, these data provide insight into the evolution of TCRs in vertebrates and improve our understanding of the avian immune system.

Low Serum Total Bilirubin Concentration was Associated with Increased High Sensitive C Reactive Protein Level in Patients with Impaired Glucose Tolerance and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Subjects.

BACKGROUND: Serum total bilirubin (TB) has been recognized as a potent endogenous antioxidant under physiological conditions, and serum high sensitive C reactive protein (hs-CRP) is the most commonly used marker which reflects activation of systemic inflammation in the body. The study investigated the association between these two indicators and further evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of bilirubin and its clinical significance in impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) individuals. METHODS: A group of 94 patients with T2DM, 68 persons with IGT, and 62 age and gender matched healthy control subjects were recruited. The serum TB, hs-CRP concentrations, carotid artery intima-media thickness (C-IMT), and other biochemical indicators were measured. The association between serum TB, hs-CRP concentrations, and C-IMT were investigated using Spearman's correlation test. The influence of analyzed parameters including the age, gender, serum TB, and hs-CRP, etc. in IGT and T2DM was assessed by binary logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: The serum TB level decreased significantly in patients of IGT and T2DM (p < 0.01) and serum hs-CRP concentrations were significantly increased in IGT and T2DM (p < 0.01) compared with healthy controls. Meanwhile, the serum TB levels was negatively correlated with serum hs-CRP (P < 0.05) and C-IMT (P < 0.05) in IGT and T2DM. Logistic regression analysis showed that the serum TB was a protective factor (OR = 0.852, P = 0.045) and serum hs-CRP was a risk factor (OR = 2.010, P = 0.006) for IGT and T2DM. CONCLUSIONS: Lower serum TB is associated with enhancement of the inflammatory response in IGT and T2DM. The serum TB may play a crucial role in inflammatory by contributing to inhibit the inflammation effect.

Piezoelectric activity in Perovskite ferroelectric crystals.

Perovskite ferroelectrics (PFs) have been the dominant piezoelectric materials for various electromechanical applications, such as ultrasonic transducers, sensors, and actuators, to name a few. In this review article, the development of PF crystals is introduced, focusing on the crystal growth and piezoelectric activity. The critical factors responsible for the high piezoelectric activity of PFs (i.e., phase transition, monoclinic phase, domain size, relaxor component, dopants, and piezoelectric anisotropy) are surveyed and discussed. A general picture of the present understanding on the high piezoelectricity of PFs is described. At the end of this review, potential approaches to further improve the piezoelectricity of PFs are proposed.

Identification of M protein from filter paper using serum protein and immunofixation electrophoresis.

Serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) and immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) are standard methods for detection and monitoring of monoclonal (M) proteins. However, these tests are rarely available in the remote areas, especially in developing countries. Transportation of fresh serum (FS) samples is also usually inconvenient. This study investigated M-protein identification using serum blot on filter paper (FP). SPE and IFE were performed on FS and FP specimens using the Sebia Hydrasys automated electrophoresis system. Statistical analyses were conducted to assess sample stability and agreement of FS vs FP. The FP method showed good agreement with the FS method. The r values for correlation of albumin levels-α(1), α(2), ß, and γ (%)-between FP and FS samples in SPE were all more than 0.95 (P < .01). IFE displayed no significant difference between those 2 methods in the identification of M protein. The FP method demonstrated an accurate and reproducible alternative to FS for identification of M protein using SPE and IFE.

Establishment of reference intervals of 24 chemistries in apparently healthy adult Han population of Northern China.

BACKGROUND: The availability of reference intervals is essential for physicians to interpret laboratory results. Most of our laboratory reference intervals are derived from data on the foreign population. We have studied the reference intervals of 24 common laboratory biochemical tests in an apparently healthy adult Han population of Northern China. METHODS: 1364 healthy individuals between 20 and 79 years old were recruited. 24 different chemical analytes were tested by the Roche Modular P 800 analyzer. We stratified the populations by gender and age through applying exclusion criteria, and the reference intervals were obtained by statistical analysis. RESULTS: Reference intervals for 24 common analytes in a gender and age appropriate adult Han population of Northern China are reported. CONCLUSION: Our study provides adequate laboratory data on reference intervals. The results emphasize the significance of establishing population-based reference intervals for a clinical laboratory.

Domain size engineering in tetragonal Pb(In(1∕2)Nb(1∕2))O(3)-Pb(Mg(1∕3)Nb(2∕3))O(3)-PbTiO(3) crystals.

The effect of domain size on the dielectric and piezoelectric properties of [111]-oriented tetragonal Pb(In(1∕2)Nb(1∕2))O(3)-Pb(Mg(1∕3)Nb(2∕3))O(3)-PbTiO(3) crystals was investigated. The dielectric permittivity (ɛ(33 ) (T)∕ɛ(0)) and piezoelectric coefficient (d(33)) were found to be on the order of 13 800 and 1630 pC∕N, respectively, for samples with domain size of ∼500 nm, a 3-fold increase to crystals with domain size of ∼50 µm. Rayleigh analysis revealed that the extrinsic contribution to the piezoelectric response increased from ∼8% to 30% with decreasing domain size, due to the increased domain wall density and associated irreversible domain wall motion. The enhanced properties were thought to relate to the fine domain structures, however, showing a poor electric field and temperature stabilities with domain size of 500 nm. Of particular significance is that samples with domain size being on the order of 5 µm exhibit field and temperature stabilities, with yet high piezoelectric properties, make it potential for transducer applications.

Influence of Domain Size on the Scaling Effects in Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3 Ferroelectric Crystals.

The property degradation observed in thin Pb(Mg(1/3)Nb(2/3))O(3)-PbTiO(3) (PMN-PT) crystals is believed to relate to large domains and subsequent clamping induced by surface-boundary. In this work, the properties were investigated as function of domain size, using controlled poling. The degraded piezoelectric and dielectric properties of thin PMN-PT were found to increase significantly, by decreasing domain size. Furthermore, the fine domain structure was found to be stable at 3kV/cm after 7.0×10(5) negative-pulse cycles, hence, enabling PMN-PT crystals for high-frequency (>20 MHz) ultrasound-transducers.

Predictive value of the serum level of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in left ventricular remodeling after acute myocardial infarction.

This study was designed to measure the correlation between left ventricular (LV) remodeling 3 months after successful reperfusion therapy, and the levels of serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) at 3 days after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and to determine the predictive levels of NT-proBNP and hs-CRP for LV remodeling. A total of 106 patients with first AMI were included in this study. Each patient was examined by echocardiography (ECG) on the third day and third month after AMI, and LV remodeling was determined by the difference in the LEV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) between the third day and the third month. Serum NT-proBNP and hs-CRP level were measured 3 days after AMI. Then the correlation between the 3-months change in LVEDV and the levels of serum NT-proBNP or hs-CRP was determined. In addition, sensitivity and specificity were calculated with a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to identify correspondence with LV remodeling (defined as the change rate of LVEDV >20%). Our results showed that the correlation coefficients with the change of LVEDV were 0.706 for serum NT-pro BNP (P<0.001) and 0.596 for hs-CRP (P<0.05). With a cutoff value of 0.2, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.894 for NT-proBNP and 0.825 for hs-CRP. Although the AUC did not statistically differ between NT-proBNP and hs-CRP, NT-proBNP is more effective than serum hs-CRP as a marker to predict LV remodeling.