Abstract Mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes (MSCs-exosomes) reportedly possess cardioprotective effects. This study investigated the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of MSCs-exosomes on heart failure (HF). H9c2 cells were used to establish a cardiomyocyte hypertrophy model by angiotensin II (Ang II) treatment. Isolated MSCs-exosomes were identified by transmission electron microscope and CD63 detection. Apoptosis rate was measured by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) assay. Levels of inflammatory factors [interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α] and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were determined by ELISA. Expression of apoptosis-related proteins [Bax, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and caspase 3] and Hippo-Yes-associated protein (YAP) pathway-related proteins [YAP, phosphor (p)-YAP, and tafazzin (TAZ)] was detected by western blotting. Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy of H9c2 cells induced by Ang II was ameliorated by MSCs-exosomes treatment. MSCs-exosomes downregulated Bax and caspase 3 levels and upregulated Bcl-2 level in Ang II-induced H9c2 cells. MSCs-exosomes also reduced the levels of BNP, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, and TNF-α in Ang II-induced H9c2 cells. Meanwhile, p-YAP was downregulated and TAZ was upregulated after MSCs-exosomes administration. In conclusion, MSCs-exosomes alleviate the apoptosis and inflammatory response of cardiomyocyte via deactivating Hippo-YAP pathway in HF.

Abstract Objectives: Although miR-653-5p has been validated to participate in the progression of multiple types of cancer, the functional role of exosomal miR-653-5p derived from Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) in Laryngeal Papilloma (LP) has still remained elusive. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the role of MSCs-derived exosomal miR-653-5p in LP. Methods: LP tissues (n = 15) and adjacent normal tissues (n = 10) were collected to examine the expression level of miR-653-5p. The expression level of miR-653-5p in LP cells and normal cells was also detected. Then, miR-653-5p was overexpressed or silenced to explore its effects on the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of LP cells. Thereafter, the effects of exosomal miR-653-5p derived from MSCs on LP cell progression and the potential regulatory mechanism of miR-653-5p were assessed. Results: It was revealed that the expression level of miR-653-5p was downregulated in LP tissues and cells. In addition, miR-653-5p suppressed the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of LP cells. Exosomes derived from MSCs played a suppressive role in LP development and mediated the transmission of miR-653-5p to LP cells. Further exploration identified Basic leucine Zipper and W2 domains 2 (BZW2) as the target of miR-653-5p. More importantly, the rescue experiments revealed that MSCs-secreted exosomal miR-653-5p efficiently inhibited the aggressive phenotypes of LP cells, which could be significantly reversed by BZW2 overexpression in LP cells. Conclusion: MSCs-derived exosomal miR-653-5p exerted inhibitory effects on LP progression through targeting BZW2, which provided a novel idea for the therapy of LP. Clinical Trial registration number: chictr-ior-17011021.

SUMMARY: Biomechanical factors are important factors in inducing intervertebral disc degeneration, in this paper, the nonlinear viscoelastic mechanical properties of degenerated intervertebral discs were analyzed experimentally. Firstly, the loading and unloading curves of intervertebral discs before and after degeneration at different strain rates were compared to analyze the changes of their apparent viscoelastic mechanical properties; The internal stress/strain distribution of the disc before and after degeneration was then tested by combining digital image technology and fiber grating technology. The results show that the intervertebral disc is strain-rate- dependent whether before or after degeneration; The modulus of elasticity and peak stress of the degenerated disc are significantly reduced, with the modulus of elasticity dropping to 50 % of the normal value and the peak stress decreasing by about 55 %; Degeneration will not change the distribution of the overall internal displacement of the intervertebral disc, but has a greater impact on the superficial and middle AF; The stress in the center of the nucleus pulposus decreases, and the stress in the outer AF increases after degeneration. Degeneration has a great impact on the nonlinear viscoelastic mechanical properties of intervertebral disc, which has reference value for the mechanism, treatment and prevention of clinical degenerative diseases.

RESUMEN: Los factores biomecánicos son importantes en la inducción de la degeneración del disco intervertebral. En este estudio se analizaron experimentalmente las propiedades mecánicas viscoelásticas no lineales de los discos intervertebrales degenerados. En primer lugar se compararon las curvas de carga y descarga de los discos intervertebrales, antes y después de la degeneración, a diferentes velocidades de deformación para analizar los cambios aparentes de sus propiedades mecánicas viscoelásticas. La distribución interna de tensión/deformación del disco antes y después de la degeneración se probó luego combinando tecnología de imagen digital y tecnología de rejilla de fibra. Los resultados mostraron que el disco intervertebral depende de la velocidad de deformación antes o después de la degeneración; El módulo de elasticidad y la tensión máxima del disco degenerado se reducen significativamente, cayendo el módulo de elasticidad al 50 % del valor normal y la tensión máxima disminuyendo en aproximadamente un 55 %; La degeneración no cambiará la distribución del desplazamiento interno general del disco intervertebral, pero tiene un mayor impacto en la FA superficial y media; El estrés en el centro del núcleo pulposo disminuye y el estrés en el FA externo aumenta después de la degeneración. La degeneración tiene un gran impacto en las propiedades mecánicas viscoelásticas no lineales del disco intervertebral, que tiene valor de referencia para el mecanismo, tratamiento y prevención de enfermedades clínicas degenerativas.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To determine independent predictors of inguinal lymph node (ILN) metastasis in patients with penile cancer. Patients and methods: We retrospectively analyzed all patients with penile cancer who underwent surgery at our medical center in the last ten years (n=157). Using univariate and multivariate logistic-regression models, we assessed associations with age, medical-history, phimosis, onset-time, number and maximum diameter of involved ILNs measured by imaging, pathological T stage, degree of tumor differentiation and/or cornification, lymphatic vascular infiltration (LVI), nerve infiltration, and ILN metastases. Interaction and stratified analyses were used to assess age, phimosis, onset time, number of ILNs, cornification, and nerve infiltration. Results: A total of 110 patients were included in the study. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the following factors were significantly correlated with ILN metastasis: maximum diameter of enlarged ILNs, T stage, pathological differentiation, and LVI. Among patients with a maximum ILN diameter ≥1.5cm, 50% had lymph node metastasis whereas 30.6% patients with a maximum ILN diameter <1.5cm showed LNM. Among 44 patients with stage Ta/T1, 10 showed ILN metastases, while 47.0% patients with stage T2 showed ILN metastases. Among 40 patients with highly differentiated penile-cancer, eight showed ILN metastasis, while 47.1% patients with low-to-middle differentiation showed ILN metastases. The rate of LNM was 33.3% in the LVI-free group and 64.3% in the LVI group. Conclusion: Our single-center results suggested that maximum ILN diameter, pathological T stage, pathological differentiation, and LVI were independent risk factors for ILN metastases.

RESUMO A extração de componentes eficazes da Pueraria lobata tem importante valor para a qualidade músculoesquelética e para a expressão genética. O efeito da melhoria do tradicional treinamento intervalado de alta intensidade na estrutura músculoesquelética não tem sido óbvio, e é difícil garantir as propriedades de alguns voláteis. Com base nisso, este estudo analisa o efeito do treinamento intervalado de alta intensidade na qualidade músculoesquelética e na expressão genética na Pueraria lobata. Com base num breve resumo da extração da Pueraria lobata, resumiu-se o andamento das pesquisas sobre os componentes farmacêuticos da Pueraria lobata. Diferentes amostras de Pueraria lobata foram selecionadas como objeto de pesquisa, e formulou-se o processo do treinamento intervalado de alta intensidade. O treinamento intervalado de alta intensidade, a extração de solventes e a extração de solventes à base de água foram combinadas para conceber o sistema de extração contínua de leito fixo. De acordo com a influência da Pueraria lobata na qualidade músculoesquelética, analisou-se a influência do treino intervalado na qualidade músculoesquelética. Os resultados da extração mostraram que a Pueraria lobata, combinada com treino intervalado de alta intensidade, pode melhorar, de maneira eficaz, o teor músculoesquelético e garantir a expressão eficaz da expressão genética do músculoesquelético.

ABSTRACT Extraction of effective components from Pueraria lobata has important value for skeletal muscle quality and gene expression. The improvement effect of traditional high-intensity intermittent training on skeletal muscle has not been obvious, and it is difficult to guarantee the properties of some volatiles. Based on this, this paper analyzes the effect of high-intensity intermittent training on skeletal muscle quality and gene expression in Pueraria lobata. Based on a brief summary of extraction of Pueraria lobata, status of research on the pharmaceutical components of Pueraria lobata was summarized. Different specimens of Pueraria lobata were selected as research objects, and the process of high-intensity intermittent training was designed. High-intensity intermittent training, solvent extraction and water solvent extraction were combined together to design the fixed-bed continuous extraction scheme. According to the influence of Pueraria lobata on skeletal muscle quality, the influence of intermittent training on skeletal muscle quality was analyzed. The extraction results showed that Pueraria lobata combined with high-intensity intermittent training can effectively improve the content of skeletal muscle and ensure the effective expression of skeletal muscle gene.

RESUMEN La extracción de componentes eficaces de la Pueraria lobata tiene un importante valor para la calidad músculoesquelética y para la expresión genética. El efecto de la mejora del tradicional entrenamiento intercalado de alta intensidad en la estructura músculoesquelética no ha sido obvio, y es difícil garantizar las propriedades de algunos volátiles. Basándose en eso, este estudio analiza el efecto del entrenamiento intercalado de alta intensidad en la calidad músculoesquelética y en la expresión genética en la Pueraria lobata. Basándose en un breve resumen de la extracción de la Pueraria lobata, se resumió el andamiento de las investigaciones sobre los componentes farmacéuticos de la Pueraria lobata. Diferentes muestras de Pueraria lobata fueron seleccionadas como objeto de investigación, y se formuló el proceso del entrenamiento intercalado de alta intensidad. El entrenamiento intercalado de alta intensidad, la extracción de solventes y la extracción de solventes a base de agua fueron combinadas para concebir el sistema de extracción continua de lecho fijo. De acuerdo con la influencia de la Pueraria lobata en la calidad músculoesquelética, se analizó la influencia del entrenamiento intercalado en la calidad músculoesquelética. Los resultados de la extracción mostraron que la Pueraria lobata, combinada con entrenamiento intercalado de alta intensidad, puede mejorar, de manera eficaz, el tenor músculoesquelético y garantizar la expresión eficaz de la expresión genética del músculoesquelético.

ABSTRACT We propose a segmentation algorithm for raisin extraction. The proposed approach consists of the following aspects. Deep learning is used to predict the number of raisins in each connected region, and the shape features such as the roundness, area, X-axis value for the centroid, Y-axis value for the centroid, axis length and perimeter of each region will be used to establish the prediction model. Morphological analysis, based on edge parameters including the polar axis, polar angle and angular velocity, is applied to search for the suitable break points that are useful for identifying the dividing lines between two adjacent raisins. To make our segmentation more accurate, some machine-learning algorithms such as the random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM) and deep learning (deep neural network, DNN) are applied to predict the number of raisins and to decide whether the raisins need more segmentation. The performance of the three models is compared, and the DNN is the most accurate.

Abstract Background: The previous studies have demonstrated the reduction of thiamine diphosphate is specific to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and causal factor of brain glucose hypometabolism, which is considered as a neurodegenerative index of AD and closely correlates with the degree of cognitive impairment. The reduction of thiamine diphosphate may contribute to the dysfunction of synapses and neural circuits, finally leading to cognitive decline. Results: To demonstrate this hypothesis, we established abnormalities in the glucose metabolism utilizing thiamine deficiency in vitro and in vivo, and we found dramatically reduced dendrite spine density. We further detected lowered excitatory neurotransmission and impaired hippocampal long-term potentiation, which are induced by TPK RNAi in vitro. Importantly, via treatment with benfotiamine, Aβ induced spines density decrease was considerably ameliorated. Conclusions: These results revealed that thiamine deficiency contributed to synaptic dysfunction which strongly related to AD pathogenesis. Our results provide new insights into pathogenesis of synaptic and neuronal dysfunction in AD.

ABSTRACT In this study, a high salt-tolerant and glyphosate-degrading strain named BZ8 was isolated from activated sludge. According to 16S rDNA sequencing methods, morphological, physiological and biochemical analysis, strain BZ8 was identified as Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The growth and glyphosate-degrading capability of A. tumefaciens BZ8 were investigated and the results showed that the optimum conditions for glyphosate degradation under 6% of NaCl concentration were found as follows: inoculation size of 10% (v/v), incubation temperature 37℃ and initial pH of 5.0. Salt tolerance test showed that A. tumefaciens BZ8 grew well and could thoroughly degrade 2000 mg/L glyphosate in 36 h if the concentration of NaCl was lower than 6%, while the degradation rate decreased gradually with increasing NaCl concentration. But the glyphosate degradation rate could still reach 62% when the salt concentration was 8%. In addition, the kinetic parameters for A. tumefaciens BZ8 grown on 100-2800 mg/L glyphosate according to Haldane’s model could predict the cell growth tendency successfully. These results showed that A. tumefaciens BZ8 could be used to control glyphosate wastewater with high salt content. Therefore, it has potential application.

The Mn2+ and Mg2+ (or Zn2+) co-doped Li2Fe0.8-xMn0.2MxSiO4 (x = 0.05 and 0.1) are synthesized by a solid-state reaction route. Compared with the single doped Li2Fe0.8Mn0.2SiO4, the co-doped samples show improved cycling performance. The capacity retention can stay above 50% after 50 cycles, which is significantly higher than 30.4% for Li2Fe0.8Mn0.2SiO4. This phenomenon could be attributed to the increased structural stability caused by the incorporation of the electrochemically inactive M2+ ions. However, except for Li2Fe0.75Mn0.2Mg0.05SiO4, the other samples show decreased capacities, especially in the case of the Mn/Zn co-doping. Further tests indicate that the promotion of Li+ diffusivity may be a key reason for the improved rate and cycling performances. By contrast, the incorporation of Zn2+ impaired the cell performances such as increased internal polarization, hindered charge transfer, decreased Li+ diffusivity. In this work, the Mg2+ with smaller radius seems to be a better choice as the co-doping element at Fe sites than Zn2+.

Background and aims: Seroclearance or seroconversion of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is generally considered as a clinical endpoint. The purpose of the present meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of combined therapy with pegylated interferon alpha (PEG-IFNα) with or without lamivudine (LAM) or adefovir (ADV) on HBsAg seroclearance or seroconversion in subjects with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Methods: Randomized controlled trials performed through May 30th 2015 in adults with CHB receiving PEG-IFNα and LAM or ADV combination therapy or monotherapy for 48-52 weeks were included. The Review Manager Software 5.2.0 was used for the meta-analysis. Results: No statistical differences in HBsAg seroclearance (9.9% vs. 7.1%, OR = 1.47, 95% CI: 0.75, 2.90; p = 0.26) or HBsAg seroconversion (4.2% vs. 3.7%, OR = 1.17, 95% CI: 0.57, 2.37; p = 0.67) rates were noticed between PEG-IFNα + LAM and PEG-IFN α + placebo during post-treatment follow-up for 24-26-weeks in subjects with hepatitis Be antigen (HBeAg)-positive CHB. No statistical differences in HBsAg clearance (10.5% vs. 6.4%, OR = 1.68, 95% CI: 0.75, 3.76; p = 0.21) were seen, but statistical differences in HBsAg seroconversion (6.3% vs. 0%, OR = 7.22, 95% CI: 1.23, 42.40; p = 0.03) were observed, between PEG-IFNα + ADV and PEG-IFNα for 48-52 weeks of treatment in subjects with HBeAg-positive CHB. A systematic evaluation showed no differences in HBsAg disappearance and seroconversion rates between PEG-IFNα + placebo and PEG-IFNα + LAM for 48-52 weeks in subjects with HBeAg-positive CHB. A systematic assessment found no differences in HBsAg disappearance and seroconversion rates between PEG-IFNα + placebo and PEG-IFNα + LAM during 24 weeks' to 3 years' follow-up after treatment in subjects with HBeAg-negative CHB. Conclusion: Combined therapy with PEG-IFNα and LAM or ADV was not superior to monotherapy with PEG-IFNα in terms of HBsAg seroclearance or seroconversion.

摘要 目的 旨在确定上海地区肺结核病患者的超额死亡率。 方法 参与者是曾于2004 年 1 月 1 日至 2008 年 12 月 31 日在四家肺结核病诊所其中一家登记过的、上海市 4 个区（共 19 个区）的当地居民。我们收集了最近的肺结核病诊断的基线数据，并对 2014 年 3 月至 5 月的死亡率进行了评估。我们计算出所有参与者和子组的标准化死亡率和病死率，并采用单变量和多变量 Cox 回归模型量化各种原因与肺结核导致的共病症与死亡率之间的关联。 结果 我们登记了病患中 4569 名受试者。总体而言，各种原因导致的死亡患者的标准化死亡率为 5.2 （95% 置信区间：4.8-5.6）。男性的标准化死亡率高于女性 (6.1 比 3.0)。调整年龄和性别后，以前接受过治疗的患者（风险比：1.26，95% 置信区间：1.08-1.49）和痰涂片试验呈阳性的患者（风险比：1.55，95% 置信区间：1.35-1.78）中各种原因导致的死亡风险比明显更高。以前接受过治疗的患者（风险比率：1.88，95% 置信区间：1.24-2.86）和痰涂片试验呈阳性的患者（风险比率：3.16，95% 置信区间：2.06-4.87）中肺结核导致的死亡风险也明显更高。 结论 上海地区肺结核病患者的死亡率风险增加。及早的诊断和更加警觉的随访诊查可能有助于降低肺结核患者的死亡率。

Résumé Objectif Déterminer la surmortalité dans une cohorte de personnes atteintes de tuberculose à Shanghai. Méthodes Les participants étaient des habitants de 4 districts (sur 19) de Shanghai, enregistrés dans une des quatre cliniques de la tuberculose entre le 1er janvier 2004 et le 31 décembre 2008. Des données de référence ont été recueillies lors du diagnostic le plus récent de tuberculose et la mortalité a été évaluée entre mars et mai 2014. Nous avons calculé les rapports standardisés de mortalité (RSM) et les taux de létalité pour tous les participants ainsi que pour des sous-groupes. Des modèles de régression univariée et multivariée de Cox ont été utilisés pour quantifier les associations entre les comorbidités et la mortalité, toutes causes confondues et due à la tuberculose. Résultats Nous avons enregistré 4569 sujets dans la cohorte. Globalement, la cohorte avait un RSM pour les décès toutes causes confondues de 5,2 (intervalle de confiance (IC) de 95%: 4,8-5,6). Les hommes affichaient un RSM plus élevé que les femmes (6,1 contre 3,0). Après ajustement en fonction de l'âge et du sexe, les ratios de risque (RR) de décès toutes causes confondues étaient nettement plus élevés chez les personnes ayant précédemment reçu un traitement (RR: 1,26; IC 95%: 1,08-1,49) et les personnes à frottis d'expectoration positif (RR: 1,55; IC 95%: 1,35-1,78). Le risque de décès dû à la tuberculose était également beaucoup plus important pour les personnes ayant précédemment reçu un traitement (RR: 1,88; IC 95%: 1,24-2,86) et les personnes à frottis positif (RR: 3,16; IC 95%: 2,06-4,87). Conclusion Les personnes atteintes de tuberculose à Shanghai présentent un risque accru de mortalité. Un diagnostic plus précoce et un suivi plus attentif pourraient permettre de réduire la mortalité dans ce groupe.

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Abstract Objective To determine excess mortality in a cohort of people with tuberculosis in Shanghai. Methods Participants were local residents in 4 (of 19) districts in Shanghai, registered in one of four tuberculosis clinics between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2008. Baseline data were collected at the most recent diagnosis of tuberculosis and mortality was assessed between March and May of 2014. We calculated standardized mortality ratios (SMR) and case-fatality rates for all participants and for subgroups. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used to quantify associations between co-morbidities and mortality from all causes and from tuberculosis. Findings We registered 4569 subjects in the cohort. Overall, the cohort had an SMR for deaths from all causes of 5.2 (95% confidence interval, CI: 4.8-5.6). Males had a higher SMR than females (6.1 versus 3.0). After adjustment for age and sex, hazard ratios (HR) for deaths from all causes were significantly greater in previously treated people (HR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.08-1.49) and sputum smear-test positive people (HR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.35-1.78). The risk of death from tuberculosis was also significantly greater for previously treated people (HR: 1.88; 95% CI: 1.24-2.86) and smear positive people (HR: 3.16; 95% CI: 2.06-4.87). Conclusion People with tuberculosis in Shanghai have an increased risk of mortality. Earlier diagnosis and more vigilant follow-up may help to reduce mortality in this group.

ملخص الغرض تحديد الزيادة في حالات الوفاة في مجموعة من المصابين بالسل في شانغهاي. الطريقة كان المشاركون من السكان المحليين في 4 أحياء (من بين 19 حيًا) في شنغهاي، وقد تم تسجيلهم في واحدة من أربع عيادات لعلاج السل في الفترة بين 1 يناير/كانون الثاني 2004 و31 ديسمبر/كانون الأول 2008. وقد تم جمع البيانات الأساسية على مستوى أحدث الحالات التي تم تشخيصها كحالات الإصابة بالسل، كما تم تقدير الوفيات في الفترة بين شهري مارس/آذار ومايو/أيار 2014. وحسبنا نسب الوفيات القياسية (SMR) ومعدلات الوفيات بين الحالات المصابة بالنظر إلى جميع المشاركين والمجموعات الفرعية.وتم استخدام نماذج انحدار كوكس ذات المتغير الأحادي والمتعددة المتغيرات لقياس مدى الارتباط بين الإصابة بأكثر من مرض في نفس الوقت وحالات الوفاة الناتجة عن جميع الأسباب والناتجة عن مرض السل. النتائج سجلنا 4569 من الحالات محل الدراسة في المجموعة المشار إليها.وبوجه عام، بلغت نسبة الوفيات القياسية الناتجة عن جميع الأسباب في هذه المجموعة 5.2 (بنسبة أرجحية مقدارها 95%: 4.8-5.6). وارتفعت نسبة الوفيات القياسية بين الرجال مقارنةً بالنساء (6.1 مقابل 3.0).وبعد تعديل عامل العمر والجنس، كانت نسب خطورة (HR) التعرض للوفاة الناتجة عن جميع الأسباب أكثر ارتفاعًا بشكل ملحوظ لدى الأشخاص الذين سبقت معالجتهم (نسبة خطورة: 1.26؛ بنسبة أرجحية مقدارها 95%: 1.08- 1.49) ولدى الأشخاص الذين كانت نتائج اختبار مسحة البلغم الخاصة بهم إيجابية (HR: 1.55؛ بنسبة أرجحية مقدارها 95%: 1.35-1.78). وكان خطر الوفاة الناتجة عن السل أكثر ارتفاعًا أيضًا بشكل ملحوظ لدى الأشخاص الذين سبقت معالجتهم (نسبة خطورة: 1.88؛ بنسبة أرجحية مقدارها 95%: 1.24- 2.86) ولدى الأشخاص الذين كانت نتائج المسحة الخاصة بهم إيجابية (نسبة خطورة: 3.16؛ بنسبة أرجحية مقدارها 95%: 2.06-4.87). الاستنتاج يعاني المصابون بالسل في شانغهاي من زيادة خطر التعرض للوفاة. وقد يساعد التشخيص المبكر للمرض والمزيد من المتابعة الطبية الدقيقة في تقليل معدل الوفيات في هذه المجموعة.

Resumen Objetivo Determinar el exceso de mortalidad en una cohorte de personas con tuberculosis en Shanghái. Métodos Los participantes eran residentes locales de 4 (de 19) distritos de Shanghái, registrados en uno de los cuatro consultorios antituberculosos entre el 1 de enero de 2004 y el 31 de diciembre de 2008. Se recogieron datos de referencia de los diagnósticos de tuberculosis más recientes y se evaluó la mortalidad entre marzo y mayo de 2014. Se calcularon las tasas de mortalidad estandarizadas (SMR) y la tasa de letalidad de todos los participantes y por subgrupos. Se utilizaron modelos de regresión de Cox univariables y multivariables para cuantificar las asociaciones entre la comorbilidad y la mortalidad de todas las causas de tuberculosis. Resultados Se registraron 4.569 sujetos en la cohorte. En general, la cohorte tenía una SMR para muertes de todas las causas de 5,2 (intervalo de confianza del 95%, IC: 4,8-5,6). Los hombres tenían una SMR mayor que las mujeres (6,1 frente a 3,0). Tras ajustarlos de acuerdo a edad y sexo, los cocientes de riesgo (HR) para las muertes de todas las causas eran significantemente mayores en personas tratadas con anterioridad (HR: 1,26 (IC del 95%: 1,08-1,49) y personas con pruebas de esputo positivas (HR: 1,55 (IC del 95%: 1,35-1,78). El riesgo de muerte por tuberculosis también era significativamente mayor en personas tratadas con anterioridad (HR: 1,88 (IC del 95%: 1,24-2,86) y personas con pruebas de esputo positivas (HR: 3,16 (IC del 95%: 2,06-4,87). Conclusión Las personas con tuberculosis en Shanghái tienen un mayor riesgo de mortalidad. Unos diagnósticos más tempranos y un seguimiento más atento podrían ayudar a reducir la mortalidad de este grupo.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the natural prevalence of variants of tyrosine-methionine-aspartic acid-aspartic acid (YMDD) motif in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), and to explore its relation with demographic and clinical features, hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes, and HBV DNA levels. METHODS: A total of 1,042 antiviral treatment naïve CHB patients (including with lamivudine [LAM]) in the past year were recruited from outpatient and inpatient departments of six centers from December 2008 to June 2010. YMDD variants were analyzed using the HBV drug resistance line probe assay (Inno-Lipa HBV-DR). HBV genotypes were detected with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) microcosmic nucleic acid cross-ELISA, and HBV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was quantitated with real-time PCR. All serum samples underwent tests for HBV, HCV, and HDV with ELISA. RESULTS: YMDD variants were detected in 23.3% (243/1042) of CHB patients. YMDD mutation was accompanied by L180M mutation in 154 (76.9%) patients. Both wild-type HBV and YMDD variant HBV were present in 231 of 243 patients. Interestingly, 12 patients had only YIDD and/or YVDD variants without wild YMDD motif. In addition, 27.2% (98/359) of HbeAg-positive patients had YMDD mutations, which was higher than that in HbeAg-negative patients (21.2%, 145/683). The incidence of YMDD varied among patients with different HBV genotypes, but the difference was not significant. Moreover, the incidence of YMDD in patients with high HBV DNA level was significantly higher than that in those with low HBV DNA level. CONCLUSION: Mutation of YMDD motif was detectable at a high rate in CHB patients in this study. The incidence of YMDD may be correlated with HBeAg and HBV DNA level.

Nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (CNx)/carbon nanotube intramolecular junctions were prepared by a simple continuous chemical vapour deposition (CVD) method at 650 °C. The catalyst was obtained by calcination of a layered double hydroxide precursor containing Fe and Mg. By switching between hexane and ethylenediamine repeatedly in the CVD process, multiple intramolecular junctions composed of CNx with a bamboo-like structure and empty hollow carbon nanotubes were observed, and such different structures at both sides of the junctions indicated some interesting properties and offered potential applications for future nanodevices.

Nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (CNx) were synthesized by the catalytic chemical vapour deposition of ethylenediamine with layered double hydroxides (LDHs) containing iron, cobalt or nickel as catalyst precursors at 650 °C. The catalytically active metal particles were obtained by calcination of LDHs followed by reduction. X-ray diffraction was used to characterize the structures of the precursors and their calcined products. Transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy were used to characterize the grown CNx. The results show that the CNx grown with Mg2 Fe-LDH as catalyst precursor have abamboo-like morphology and large diameter, while hollow tubes are obtained with CoMgAl- and NiMgAl-LDH as catalyst precursors. The CNx grown with CoMgAl-LDH have the highest N-doped content and the CNx grown with NiMgAl-LDH have the highest degree of graphitization among these three products.