Underweight and specific nutrient deficiencies are frequent in adult patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).In addition,a significant number of children with IBD,especially Crohn's disease(CD) have impaired...Underweight and specific nutrient deficiencies are frequent in adult patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).In addition,a significant number of children with IBD,especially Crohn's disease(CD) have impaired linear growth.Nutrition has an important role in the management of IBD.In adults with CD,enteral nutrition(EN) is effective in inducing clinical remission of IBD,although it is less efficient than corticosteroids.Exclusive EN is an established primary therapy for pediatric CD.Limited data suggests that EN is as efficient as corticosteroids for induction of remission.Additional advantages of nutritional therapy are control of inflammation,mucosal healing,positive benefits to growth and overall nutritional status with minimal adverse effects.The available evidence suggests that supplementary EN may be effective also for maintenance of remission in CD.More studies are needed to confirm these findings.However,EN supplementation could be considered as an alternative or as an adjunct to maintenance drug therapy in CD.EN does not have a primary therapeutic role in ulcerative colitis.Specific compositions of enteral dietselemental diets or diets containing specific components-were not shown to have any advantage over standard polymeric diets and their place in the treatment of CD or UC need further evaluation.Recent theories suggest that diet may be implicated in the etiology of IBD,however there are no proven dietary approaches to reduce the risk of developing IBD.展开更多
Let there be light-to change the world we want to be!Over the past several decades,and ever since the birth of the first laser,mankind has witnessed the development of the science of light,as light-based technologies ...Let there be light-to change the world we want to be!Over the past several decades,and ever since the birth of the first laser,mankind has witnessed the development of the science of light,as light-based technologies have revolutionarily changed our lives.Needless to say,photonics has now penetrated into many aspects of science and technology,turning into an important and dynamically changing field of increasing interdisciplinary interest.In this inaugural issue of eLight,we highlight a few emerging trends in photonics that we think are likely to have major impact at least in the upcoming decade,spanning from integrated quantum photonics and quantum computing,through topological/non-Hermitian photonics and topological insulator lasers,to AI-empowered nanophotonics and photonic machine learning.This Perspective is by no means an attempt to summarize all the latest advances in photonics,yet we wish our subjective vision could fuel inspiration and foster excitement in scientific research especially for young researchers who love the science of light.展开更多
AIM: To determine whether adding vitamin D, a potent immunomodulator, improves the hepatitis C virus (HCV) response to antiviral therapy. METHODS: Seventy-two consecutive patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 were rand...AIM: To determine whether adding vitamin D, a potent immunomodulator, improves the hepatitis C virus (HCV) response to antiviral therapy. METHODS: Seventy-two consecutive patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 were randomized into two groups: the treatment group (n = 36, 50% male, mean age 47 ± 11 years) received Peg-α-2b interferon (1.5 μg/kg per week) plus ribavirin (1000-1200 mg/d) together with vitamin D3 (2000 IU/d, target serum level > 32 ng/mL), and the control group (n = 36, 60% male, mean age 49 ± 7 years) received identical therapy without vitamin D. HCV-RNA was assessed by realtime polymerase chain reaction (sensitivity, 10 IU/mL). The sustained virologic response (SVR) was defined as undetectable HCV-RNA at 24 wk post-treatment. RESULTS: Clinical characteristics were similar in both groups. The treatment group had a higher mean bodymass index (27 ± 4 kg/m2 vs 24 ± 3 kg/m2, P < 0.01), viral load (50% vs 42%, P < 0.01), and fibrosis score (> F2: 42% vs 19%, P < 0.001) than the controls. At week 4, 16 (44%) treated patients and 6 (17%) controls were HCV-RNA negative (P < 0.001). At week 12, 34 (94%) treated patients and 17 (48%) controls were HCV-RNA negative (P < 0.001). At 24 wk post-treatment (SVR), 31 (86%) treated patients and 15 (42%) controls were HCV-RNA negative (P < 0.001). Viral load, advanced fibrosis and vitamin D supplementation were strongly and independently associated with SVR (multivariate analysis). Adverse events were mild and typical of Peg-α-2b/ribavirin. CONCLUSION: Adding vitamin D to conventional Peg-α-2b/ribavirin therapy for treatment-na■ve patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection significantly improves the viral response.展开更多
AIM: To examine whether vitamin D improved viral response and predicted treatment outcome in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 2-3. METHODS: Fifty patients with chronic HCV genotype 2-3 were randomized co...AIM: To examine whether vitamin D improved viral response and predicted treatment outcome in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 2-3. METHODS: Fifty patients with chronic HCV genotype 2-3 were randomized consecutively into two groups: Treatment group [20 subjects, age 48 ± 14 years, body mass index (BMI) 30 ± 6, 65% male], who received 180 μg pegylated α-interferon-2a plus oral ribavirin 800 mg/d (Peg/RBV), together with oral vitamin D3 (Vitamidyne D drops; 2000 IU/d, 10 drops/d, normal serum level > 32 ng/mL) for 24 wk; and control group (30 subjects, age 45 ± 10 years, BMI 26 ± 3, 60% male), who received identical therapy without vitamin D. HCV RNA was assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Undetectable HCV RNA at 4, 12 and 24 wk after treatment was considered as rapid virological response, complete early virological response, and sustained virological response (SVR), respectively. Biomarkers of in? ammation were measured. RESULTS: The treatment group with vitamin D hadhigher BMI (30 ± 6 vs 26 ± 3, P < 0.02), and high viral load (> 400 000 IU/mL, 65% vs 40%, P < 0.01) than controls. Ninety-fi ve percent of treated patients were HCV RNA negative at week 4 and 12. At 24 wk after treatment (SVR), 19/20 (95%) treated patients and 23/30 (77%) controls were HCV RNA negative (P < 0.001). Baseline serum vitamin D levels were lower at baseline (20 ± 8 ng/mL) and increased after 12 wk vitamin D treatment, to a mean level of (34 ± 11 ng/ mL). Logistic regression analysis identifi ed vitamin D supplement [odds ratio (OR) 3.0, 95% CI 2.0-4.9, P < 0.001], serum vitamin D levels (< 15 or > 15 ng/mL, OR 2.2, P < 0.01), and BMI (< 30 or > 30, OR 2.6, P < 0.01) as independent predictors of viral response. Adverse events were mild and typical of Peg/RBV. CONCLUSION: Low vitamin D levels predicts negative treatment outcome, and adding vitamin D to conventional Peg/RBV therapy for patients with HCV genotype 2-3 signifi cantly improves viral response.展开更多
AIM： To evaluate the effect of various methods of small bowel preparation on the transit time and the quality of visualization of the entire small bowel mucosa. METHODS： Ninety-five patients underwent capsule endosc...AIM： To evaluate the effect of various methods of small bowel preparation on the transit time and the quality of visualization of the entire small bowel mucosa. METHODS： Ninety-five patients underwent capsule endoscopy （CE） by easily swallowing the capsule. They were divided into three study groups according to the preparation used： group A （n = 26） by polyethylene glycol （PEG） liter or with sodium phosphate （SP） 12 h prior to the CE study; group B （n = 29） by erythromycin 1 h prior to the CE study; and group C （n = 40） without any preparation. Visualization ranged from good to satisfactory to poor. RESULTS： The gastric emptying time in the group prepared with erythromycin was shorter but without statistical significance and the small bowel transit time was unaffected. In elderly subjects prepared by PEG or SP, the gastric emptying time was significantly longer （163.7 rain, P = 0.05）. The transit times of the three sub-groups were not affected by gender or pathology. The grade of cleaning of the entire study group was 3.27±1.1. The erythromycin group presented significantly the worst quality of images （P = 0.05） compared to the other sub-groups. Age, gender, and pathology had no effect on the quality of the cleaning of the small bowel in the sub-groups. One （1.05%） case had no natural excretion. CONCLUSION： Erythromycin markedly reduces gastric emptying time, but has a negative effect on the quality of the image in the small bowel. The preparation of elderly subjects with PEG or SP has a negative effect on the small bowel transit time.展开更多
The clinical implications of non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases(NAFLD)derive from their potential to progress to fibrosis and cirrhosis.Inappropriate dietary fat intake,excessive intake of soft drinks,insulin resistan...The clinical implications of non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases(NAFLD)derive from their potential to progress to fibrosis and cirrhosis.Inappropriate dietary fat intake,excessive intake of soft drinks,insulin resistance and increased oxidative stress results in increased free fatty acid delivery to the liver and increased hepatic triglyceride(TG)accumulation.An olive oil-rich diet decreases accumulation of TGs in the liver,improves postprandial TGs,glucose and glucagonlike peptide-1 responses in insulin-resistant subjects, and upregulates glucose transporter-2 expression in the liver.The principal mechanisms include:decreased nuclear factor-kappaB activation,decreased lowdensity lipoprotein oxidation,and improved insulin resistance by reduced production of inflammatory cytokines(tumor necrosis factor,interleukin-6)and improvement of jun N-terminal kinase-mediated phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1.The beneficial effect of the Mediterranean diet is derived from monounsaturated fatty acids,mainly from olive oil.In this review,we describe the dietary sources of the monounsaturated fatty acids,the composition of olive oil,dietary fats and their relationship to insulin resistance and postprandial lipid and glucose responses in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis,clinical and experimental studies that assess the relationship between olive oil and NAFLD,and the mechanism by which olive oil ameliorates fatty liver,and we discuss future perspectives.展开更多
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) is a common clinical condition which is associated with metabolic syndrome in 70% of cases.Inappropriate dietary fat intake,excessive intake of soft drinks,insulin resistance an...Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) is a common clinical condition which is associated with metabolic syndrome in 70% of cases.Inappropriate dietary fat intake,excessive intake of soft drinks,insulin resistance and increased oxidative stress combine to increase free fatty acid delivery to the liver,and increased hepatic triglyceride accumulation contributes to fatty liver.Regular soft drinks have high fructose corn syrup which contains basic sugar building blocks,fructose 55% and glucose 45%.Soft drinks are the leading source of added sugar worldwide,and have been linked to obesity,diabetes,and metabolic syndrome.The consumption of soft drinks can increase the prevalence of NAFLD independently of metabolic syndrome.During regular soft drinks consumption,fat accumulates in the liver by the primary effect of fructose which increases lipogenesis,and in the case of diet soft drinks,by the additional contribution of aspartame sweetener and caramel colorant which are rich in advanced glycation end products that potentially increase insulin resistance and inflammation.This review emphasizes some hard facts about soft drinks,reviews fructose metabolism,and explains how fructose contributes to the development of obesity,diabetes,metabolic syndrome,and NAFLD.展开更多
Vitamin D is known to be a key regulator of bone metabolism and is associated with muscle strength.Vitamin D deficiency is widely prevalent worldwide.In adults,vitamin D deficiency has been implicated in numerous heal...Vitamin D is known to be a key regulator of bone metabolism and is associated with muscle strength.Vitamin D deficiency is widely prevalent worldwide.In adults,vitamin D deficiency has been implicated in numerous health conditions including osteoporosis,cancer,diabetes,and autoimmune diseases.Considerable changes have occurred in lifestyles and childhood activities in the past years.Studies have shown that the children population is at high risks of vitamin D deficiency.The objective of this study was to learn about the extent of vitamin D deficiency in children worldwide and especially in sunny country like Israel.In this article we reviewed the extent and severity of vitamin D deficiency worldwide and especially in Israel,through a very comprehensive review of previous reports and research studies done during the last years.We found reports on vitamin D deficiency in children,which was associated with metabolic syndromes and obesity.It was more prevalent in children who spend less time on outdoor activities,in obese children,and in cases when there was imbalance between nutritional intakes and requirements.Vitamin D deficiency is common even in children living in sunny places like Israel.Health professionals should be aware of the fact that although vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in the elderly population,it is also common in children,and can be associated with different illnesses.We encourage supplementation of vitamin D to special populations(pregnant and lactating women,infants,and high risk groups).We also encourage implementation of international food fortification programs.展开更多
AIM： To assess whether treatment with insulinsensitizing agents （ISAs） in combination with ezetimibe and valsartan have greater effect on hepatic fat content and lipid peroxidation compared to monotherapy in the me...AIM： To assess whether treatment with insulinsensitizing agents （ISAs） in combination with ezetimibe and valsartan have greater effect on hepatic fat content and lipid peroxidation compared to monotherapy in the methionine choline-deficient diet （MCDD） rat model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease （NAFLD）. METHODS： Rats （n = 6 per group） were treated with different drugs, including MCDD only, MCDD diet with either metformin （200 mg/kg）, rosiglitazone （3 mg/kg）, metformin plus rosiglitazone （M＋R）, ezetimibe （2 mg/ kg）, valsartan （2 mg/kg）, or combination of all drugs for a total of 15 wk. Liver histology, lipids, parameters of oxidative stress and TNF-alpha were measured. RESULTS： Fatty liver （FL） rats demonstrated severe hepatic fatty infiltration （〉 91% fat）, with an increase in hepatic TG （＋1263%, P 〈 0.001）, hepatic cholesterol （＋245%, P 〈 0.03）, hepatic MDA levels （＋225%, P 〈 0.001）, serum TNF-alpha （17.8 ＋ 10 vs 7.8 ＋ 0.0, P 〈 0.001）, but a decrease in hepatic alpha tocopherol （-74%, P 〈 0.001） as compared to the control rats. Combination therapy with all drugs produced a significant decrease in liver steatosis （-54%）, hepatic TG （-64%）, hepatic cholesterol （-31%） and hepatic MDA （-70%）, but increased hepatic alpha tocopherol （＋443%） as compared to FL rats. Combination therapy with ISA alone produced a smaller decrease in liver steatosis （-32% vs -54%, P 〈 0.001） and in hepatic MDA levels （-55% vs -70%, P 〈 0.01）, but a similar decrease in hepatic lipids when compared with the all drugs combination. TNF-alpha levels decreased significantly in all treatment groups except in ISA group. CONCLUSION： Combination therapies have a greater effect on liver fat content as compared to monotherapy. Rosiglitazone appears to improve hepatic steatosis to a greater extent than metformin.展开更多
Women have been increasingly delaying the start of motherhood in recent decades. The same trend is seen also for men. The influence of maternal age on fertility, chromosomal anomalies, pregnancy complications, and imp...Women have been increasingly delaying the start of motherhood in recent decades. The same trend is seen also for men. The influence of maternal age on fertility, chromosomal anomalies, pregnancy complications, and impaired perinatal and post-natal outcome of offspring, has been thoroughly investigated, and these aspectsare clinically applied during fertility and pregestational counseling. Male aging and reproductive outcome has gained relatively less attention. The purpose of this review is to evaluate updated and relevant literature on the effect of paternal age on reproductive outcome.展开更多
Nickel-,cobalt-,and iron-based(oxy)hydroxides comprise the most-commonly studied electrocatalysts for the oxygen-evolution reaction(OER)in alkaline solution.A fundamental understanding of composition-structure-activit...Nickel-,cobalt-,and iron-based(oxy)hydroxides comprise the most-commonly studied electrocatalysts for the oxygen-evolution reaction(OER)in alkaline solution.A fundamental understanding of composition-structure-activity relationships for mixed-metal Ni-Co and Ni-Co-Fe(oxy)hydroxides is important to guide the design of advanced OER catalysts.Here we use cyclic voltammetry,chronopotentiometry,inductively-coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy,and in situ electrical conductivity measurements to characterize the properties and activity of various compositions of Ni-Co-Fe(oxy)hydroxides prepared by cathodic co-electrodeposition.Consistent with previous studies,we find Fe is essential for the mixed-metal(oxy)hydroxides to achieve high OER activity.In the rigorous absence of Fe(achieved by using specially cleaned electrolytes),the most-active Ni-Co(oxy)hydroxide composition has an OER turn-over frequency only twice that ofpure Co(oxy)hydroxide,suggesting minimal synergism between the two metals.The addition of Co to Ni-Fe(oxy)hydroxides shifts the onset of electrical conductivity to lower potentials,but has little effect on the intrinsic OER activity,with the most-active Ni-Co-Fe(oxy)hydroxide having an OER turn-over frequency only -1.5 times that of the Ni-Fe(oxy)hydroxides.The magnitudes of the electrical conductivities are similar for all the compositions measured.Density-functional-theory-calculated projected density of states show a significant contribution of all chemical elements at the valence band edge of the mixed-metal oxyhydroxide electronic structure,demonstrating significant electronic hybridization between the elements.The calculations suggest the involvement of all the elements in modulating the electronic structure at putative Fe-based active sites that are probably located at edges or defects in the two-dimensional oxyhydroxide sheets.展开更多
Purpose:There is a common opinion that spinal fractures usually reflect the substantial impact of injuries and therefore may be used as a marker of significant associated injuries,specifically for intra-abdominal inju...Purpose:There is a common opinion that spinal fractures usually reflect the substantial impact of injuries and therefore may be used as a marker of significant associated injuries,specifically for intra-abdominal injury(IAI).The impact of concomitant spinal cord injury(SCI)with the risk of associated IAI has not been well clarified.The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and severity of IAIs in patients suffering from spinal fractures with or without SCI.Methods:A retrospective cohort study using the Israeli National Trauma Registry was conducted.Patients with thoracic,lumbar and thoracolumbar fractures resulting from blunt mechanisms of injury from January 1,1997 to December 31,2018 were examined,comparing the incidence,severity and mortality of IAIs in patients with or without SCI.The collected variables included age,gender,mechanism of injury,incidence and severity of the concomitant IAIs and pelvic fractures,abbreviated injury scale,injury severity score,and mortality.Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad InStat?Version 3.10,with Chi-square test for independence and two sided Fisher’s exact probability test.Results:Review of the Israeli National Trauma Database revealed a total of 16,878 patients with spinal fractures.Combined thoracic and lumbar fractures were observed in 1272 patients(7.5%),isolated thoracic fractures in 4967 patients(29.4%)and isolated lumbar fractures in 10,639 patients(63.0%).The incidence of concomitant SCI was found in 4.95%(63/1272),7.65%(380/4967)and 2.50%(266/10639)of these patients,respectively.The overall mortality was 2.5%,proving higher among isolated thoracic fracture patient than among isolated lumbar fracture counterparts(11.3%vs.4.6%,p<0.001).Isolated thoracic fractures with SCI were significantly more likely to die than non-SCI counterparts(8.2%vs.3.1%,p<0.001).There were no differences in the incidence of IAIs between patients with or without SCI following thoracolumbar fractures overall or in isolated thoracic fractures;although isolated lumbar f展开更多
The ~ 5 nm degradable carbon dots (CDs) were synthesized directly from carbon rod by a one-step electrochemical method at room temperature.The as-prepared CDs can effectively enhance the ribulose bisphosphate carboxyl...The ~ 5 nm degradable carbon dots (CDs) were synthesized directly from carbon rod by a one-step electrochemical method at room temperature.The as-prepared CDs can effectively enhance the ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase oxygenase (RuBisCO) activity,and then promote the dicotyledons growth (soybean,tomato,eggplant and so on) and finally increase their yields.Here,we used Arabidopsis thaliana and Trifolium repens L.as model plants to systematically study the beneficial effects of CDs on plant growth.These include:(i) accelerating seed germination;(ii) enlarging root elongation;(iii) increasing metal ions absorption and delivery;(iv) improving enzymes activity;(v) enhancing the carbohydrate content;(vi) degradation into plant hormone analogues and CO2;and finally (vii) enhancing the grain production by about 20%.展开更多
Due to the widespread clinical use of imaging modalities such as ultrasonography,computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),previously unsuspected liver masses are increasingly being found in asymptomati...Due to the widespread clinical use of imaging modalities such as ultrasonography,computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),previously unsuspected liver masses are increasingly being found in asymptomatic patients.This review discusses the various characteristics of the most common solid liver lesions and recommends a practical approach for diagnostic workup.Likely diagnoses include hepatocellular carcinoma (the most likely;a solid liver lesion in a cirrhotic liver) and hemangioma (generally presenting as a mass in a non-cirrhotic liver).Focal nodular hyperplasia and hepatic adenoma should be ruled out in young women.In 70% of cases,MRI with gadolinium differentiates between these lesions.Fine needle core biopsy or aspiration,or both,might be required in doubtful cases.If uncertainty persists as to the nature of the lesion,surgical resection is recommended.If the patient is known to have a primary malignancy and the lesion was found at tumor staging or follow up,histology is required only when the nature of the liver lesion is doubtful.展开更多
Photothermal carbon dioxide(CO_(2))methanation has attracted increasing interest in solar fuel synthesis,which employs the advantages of photocatalytic H_(2)O splitting as a hydrogen source and photothermal catalytic ...Photothermal carbon dioxide(CO_(2))methanation has attracted increasing interest in solar fuel synthesis,which employs the advantages of photocatalytic H_(2)O splitting as a hydrogen source and photothermal catalytic CO_(2) reduction.This work prepared three-dimensional(3D)honeycomb N-doped carbon(NC)loaded with core–shell NiO@Ni nanoparticles generated in situ at 500℃(NiO@Ni/NC-500).Under the photothermal catalysis(200℃,1.5 W/cm^(2)),the CH_(4) evolution rate of NiO@Ni/NC-500 reached 5.5 mmol/(g·h),which is much higher than that of the photocatalysis(0.8 mmol/(g·h))and the thermal catalysis(3.7 mmol/(g·h)).It is found that the generated localized surface plasmon resonance enhances the injection of hot electrons from Ni to NiO,while thermal heating accelerates the thermal motion of radicals,thus generating a strong photo-thermal synergistic effect on the reaction.The CO_(2) reduction to CH_(4) follows the*OCH pathway.This work demonstrates the synergistic effect of NiO@Ni and NC can enhance the catalytic performance of photothermal CO_(2) reduction reaction coupled with water splitting reaction.展开更多
Background:Acute bronchiolitis in infancy is considered a risk factor for recurrent wheezing episodes in childhood.The present study assessed prevalence,clinical manifestaffons and risk factors for recurrent wheezing ...Background:Acute bronchiolitis in infancy is considered a risk factor for recurrent wheezing episodes in childhood.The present study assessed prevalence,clinical manifestaffons and risk factors for recurrent wheezing events during the first 3 years of life and persistent wheezing events beyond this age in children hospitalized as young infants with acute bronchioliffs.展开更多
Creation of stable intrinsically anisotropic self-bound states with embedded vorticity is a challenging issue.Previously,no such states in Bose−Einstein condensates(BECs)or other physical settings were known.Dipolar B...Creation of stable intrinsically anisotropic self-bound states with embedded vorticity is a challenging issue.Previously,no such states in Bose−Einstein condensates(BECs)or other physical settings were known.Dipolar BEC suggests a unique possibility to predict stable two dimensional anisotropic vortex quantum droplets(2D-AVQDs).We demonstrate that they can be created with the vortex axis oriented perpendicular to the polarization of dipoles.The stability area and characteristics of the 2D-AVQDs in the parameter space are revealed by means of analytical and numerical methods.Further,the rotation of the polarizing magnetic field is considered,and the largest angular velocities,up to which spinning 2D-AVQDs can follow the rotation in clockwise and anti-clockwise directions,are found.Collisions between moving 2D-AVQDs are studied too,demonstrating formation of bound states with a vortex−antivortex−vortex structure.A stability domain for such stationary bound states is identified.Unstable dipolar states,that can be readily implemented by means of phase imprinting,quickly transform into robust 2D-AVQDs,which suggests a straightforward possibility for the creation of these states in the experiment.展开更多
Purpose： Early diagnosis of traumatic brain injury （TBI） is important for improving survival and neurologic outcome in trauma victims. The purpose of this study was to assess whether Glasgow Coma Scale （GCS） of 1...Purpose： Early diagnosis of traumatic brain injury （TBI） is important for improving survival and neurologic outcome in trauma victims. The purpose of this study was to assess whether Glasgow Coma Scale （GCS） of 12 or less can predict the presence of TBl and the severity of associated injuries in blunt trauma patients. Methods： A retrospective cohort study including 303,435 blunt trauma patients who were transferred from the scene to hospital from 1998 to 2013. The data was obtained from the records of the National Trauma Registry maintained by Israel＇s National Center for Trauma and Emergency Medicine Research, in the Gertner Institute for Epidemiology and Health Policy Research. All blunt trauma patients with GCS 12 or less were included in this study. Data collected in the registry include age, gender, mechanism of injury, GCS, initial blood pressure, presence of TBI and incidence of associated injuries. Patients younger than 14 years old and trauma victims with GCS 13-15 were excluded from the study. Statistical analysis was performed by using Statistical Analysis Software Version 9.2. Statistical tests performed included Chi-square tests. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results： There were 303,435 blunt trauma patients, 8731 （2.9%） of them with GCS of 3-12 that including 6351 （72%） patients with GCS of 3-8 and 2380 （28%） patient with GCS of 9--12. In these 8731 patients with GCS of 3-12, 5372 （61.5%） patients had TBI. There were total 1404 unstable patients in all the blunt trauma patients with GCS of 3-12,1256 （89%） patients with GCS 3-8, 148 （11%） patients with GCS 9-12. In the 5095 stable blunt trauma patients with GCS 3-8, 32.4% of them had no TB1. The rate in the 2232 stable blunt trauma patients with GCS 9-12 was 50.1%. In the unstable patients with GCS 3-8, 60.5% of them had TBI, and in subgroup of patients with GCS 9-12, only 37.2% suffered from TBI. Conclusion： The utility of a GCS 12 and less is limited in prediction of bra展开更多
AIM： To determine whether new cut-off values for aianine aminotransferase （ALT） and baseline hepatitis B virus （HBV） DNA levels better differentiate HBeAg（-） chronic hepatitis B （CriB） patients from inactive ...AIM： To determine whether new cut-off values for aianine aminotransferase （ALT） and baseline hepatitis B virus （HBV） DNA levels better differentiate HBeAg（-） chronic hepatitis B （CriB） patients from inactive chronic carriers. METHODS： Ninety-one patients [32 HBeAg（＋） CriB, 19 inactive carriers and 40 HBeAg（-） CriB] were followed up for 2 years and were tested for HBV DNA levels by a PCR-based assay. ALT was tested twice during the last 6 mo using new cut-off values： ULN （upper limit of normal） 30 IU/L for males, 19 IU/L for females. Diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated by discriminant analysis. RESULTS： When using the revised ALT cut-off values, the lowest optimal HBV DNA level that differentiated HBeAg（-） CHB patients from inactive carriers was 50000 copies/mL. The diagnostic accuracy of HBV DNA to determine inactive carriers with a cut-off of 50000 copies/mL was similar to the previously recommended cut-off of 100000 copies/mL （91%）. HBV DNA levels were lower than the cut-off value in 95% of inactive carriers and in 28% of HBeAg（-） CHB patients. With ALT 〈 30 IU/L in men and 〈 19 IU/L in women and HBV DNA levels 〈 100000 copies/mL, the risk of CHB is 5%. On the other hand, if ALT values were 〉 30 IU in men and 〉 19 IU in women and baseline HBV DNA levels were 〉 100000 copies/mL, the risk is 86%. CONCLUSION： New cut-off values for ALT together with HBV DNA levels proposed by AASLD （American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases） and NIH （National Institute of Health） consensus seem appropriate to characterize inactive carriers.展开更多
文摘Underweight and specific nutrient deficiencies are frequent in adult patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).In addition,a significant number of children with IBD,especially Crohn's disease(CD) have impaired linear growth.Nutrition has an important role in the management of IBD.In adults with CD,enteral nutrition(EN) is effective in inducing clinical remission of IBD,although it is less efficient than corticosteroids.Exclusive EN is an established primary therapy for pediatric CD.Limited data suggests that EN is as efficient as corticosteroids for induction of remission.Additional advantages of nutritional therapy are control of inflammation,mucosal healing,positive benefits to growth and overall nutritional status with minimal adverse effects.The available evidence suggests that supplementary EN may be effective also for maintenance of remission in CD.More studies are needed to confirm these findings.However,EN supplementation could be considered as an alternative or as an adjunct to maintenance drug therapy in CD.EN does not have a primary therapeutic role in ulcerative colitis.Specific compositions of enteral dietselemental diets or diets containing specific components-were not shown to have any advantage over standard polymeric diets and their place in the treatment of CD or UC need further evaluation.Recent theories suggest that diet may be implicated in the etiology of IBD,however there are no proven dietary approaches to reduce the risk of developing IBD.
基金support from the National Key R&D Program of China under Grant(No.2017YFA0303800).MS acknowledges support from the Israel Science Foundation.
文摘Let there be light-to change the world we want to be!Over the past several decades,and ever since the birth of the first laser,mankind has witnessed the development of the science of light,as light-based technologies have revolutionarily changed our lives.Needless to say,photonics has now penetrated into many aspects of science and technology,turning into an important and dynamically changing field of increasing interdisciplinary interest.In this inaugural issue of eLight,we highlight a few emerging trends in photonics that we think are likely to have major impact at least in the upcoming decade,spanning from integrated quantum photonics and quantum computing,through topological/non-Hermitian photonics and topological insulator lasers,to AI-empowered nanophotonics and photonic machine learning.This Perspective is by no means an attempt to summarize all the latest advances in photonics,yet we wish our subjective vision could fuel inspiration and foster excitement in scientific research especially for young researchers who love the science of light.
文摘AIM: To determine whether adding vitamin D, a potent immunomodulator, improves the hepatitis C virus (HCV) response to antiviral therapy. METHODS: Seventy-two consecutive patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 were randomized into two groups: the treatment group (n = 36, 50% male, mean age 47 ± 11 years) received Peg-α-2b interferon (1.5 μg/kg per week) plus ribavirin (1000-1200 mg/d) together with vitamin D3 (2000 IU/d, target serum level > 32 ng/mL), and the control group (n = 36, 60% male, mean age 49 ± 7 years) received identical therapy without vitamin D. HCV-RNA was assessed by realtime polymerase chain reaction (sensitivity, 10 IU/mL). The sustained virologic response (SVR) was defined as undetectable HCV-RNA at 24 wk post-treatment. RESULTS: Clinical characteristics were similar in both groups. The treatment group had a higher mean bodymass index (27 ± 4 kg/m2 vs 24 ± 3 kg/m2, P < 0.01), viral load (50% vs 42%, P < 0.01), and fibrosis score (> F2: 42% vs 19%, P < 0.001) than the controls. At week 4, 16 (44%) treated patients and 6 (17%) controls were HCV-RNA negative (P < 0.001). At week 12, 34 (94%) treated patients and 17 (48%) controls were HCV-RNA negative (P < 0.001). At 24 wk post-treatment (SVR), 31 (86%) treated patients and 15 (42%) controls were HCV-RNA negative (P < 0.001). Viral load, advanced fibrosis and vitamin D supplementation were strongly and independently associated with SVR (multivariate analysis). Adverse events were mild and typical of Peg-α-2b/ribavirin. CONCLUSION: Adding vitamin D to conventional Peg-α-2b/ribavirin therapy for treatment-na■ve patients with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection significantly improves the viral response.
文摘AIM: To examine whether vitamin D improved viral response and predicted treatment outcome in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 2-3. METHODS: Fifty patients with chronic HCV genotype 2-3 were randomized consecutively into two groups: Treatment group [20 subjects, age 48 ± 14 years, body mass index (BMI) 30 ± 6, 65% male], who received 180 μg pegylated α-interferon-2a plus oral ribavirin 800 mg/d (Peg/RBV), together with oral vitamin D3 (Vitamidyne D drops; 2000 IU/d, 10 drops/d, normal serum level > 32 ng/mL) for 24 wk; and control group (30 subjects, age 45 ± 10 years, BMI 26 ± 3, 60% male), who received identical therapy without vitamin D. HCV RNA was assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Undetectable HCV RNA at 4, 12 and 24 wk after treatment was considered as rapid virological response, complete early virological response, and sustained virological response (SVR), respectively. Biomarkers of in? ammation were measured. RESULTS: The treatment group with vitamin D hadhigher BMI (30 ± 6 vs 26 ± 3, P < 0.02), and high viral load (> 400 000 IU/mL, 65% vs 40%, P < 0.01) than controls. Ninety-fi ve percent of treated patients were HCV RNA negative at week 4 and 12. At 24 wk after treatment (SVR), 19/20 (95%) treated patients and 23/30 (77%) controls were HCV RNA negative (P < 0.001). Baseline serum vitamin D levels were lower at baseline (20 ± 8 ng/mL) and increased after 12 wk vitamin D treatment, to a mean level of (34 ± 11 ng/ mL). Logistic regression analysis identifi ed vitamin D supplement [odds ratio (OR) 3.0, 95% CI 2.0-4.9, P < 0.001], serum vitamin D levels (< 15 or > 15 ng/mL, OR 2.2, P < 0.01), and BMI (< 30 or > 30, OR 2.6, P < 0.01) as independent predictors of viral response. Adverse events were mild and typical of Peg/RBV. CONCLUSION: Low vitamin D levels predicts negative treatment outcome, and adding vitamin D to conventional Peg/RBV therapy for patients with HCV genotype 2-3 signifi cantly improves viral response.
文摘AIM： To evaluate the effect of various methods of small bowel preparation on the transit time and the quality of visualization of the entire small bowel mucosa. METHODS： Ninety-five patients underwent capsule endoscopy （CE） by easily swallowing the capsule. They were divided into three study groups according to the preparation used： group A （n = 26） by polyethylene glycol （PEG） liter or with sodium phosphate （SP） 12 h prior to the CE study; group B （n = 29） by erythromycin 1 h prior to the CE study; and group C （n = 40） without any preparation. Visualization ranged from good to satisfactory to poor. RESULTS： The gastric emptying time in the group prepared with erythromycin was shorter but without statistical significance and the small bowel transit time was unaffected. In elderly subjects prepared by PEG or SP, the gastric emptying time was significantly longer （163.7 rain, P = 0.05）. The transit times of the three sub-groups were not affected by gender or pathology. The grade of cleaning of the entire study group was 3.27±1.1. The erythromycin group presented significantly the worst quality of images （P = 0.05） compared to the other sub-groups. Age, gender, and pathology had no effect on the quality of the cleaning of the small bowel in the sub-groups. One （1.05%） case had no natural excretion. CONCLUSION： Erythromycin markedly reduces gastric emptying time, but has a negative effect on the quality of the image in the small bowel. The preparation of elderly subjects with PEG or SP has a negative effect on the small bowel transit time.
文摘The clinical implications of non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases(NAFLD)derive from their potential to progress to fibrosis and cirrhosis.Inappropriate dietary fat intake,excessive intake of soft drinks,insulin resistance and increased oxidative stress results in increased free fatty acid delivery to the liver and increased hepatic triglyceride(TG)accumulation.An olive oil-rich diet decreases accumulation of TGs in the liver,improves postprandial TGs,glucose and glucagonlike peptide-1 responses in insulin-resistant subjects, and upregulates glucose transporter-2 expression in the liver.The principal mechanisms include:decreased nuclear factor-kappaB activation,decreased lowdensity lipoprotein oxidation,and improved insulin resistance by reduced production of inflammatory cytokines(tumor necrosis factor,interleukin-6)and improvement of jun N-terminal kinase-mediated phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1.The beneficial effect of the Mediterranean diet is derived from monounsaturated fatty acids,mainly from olive oil.In this review,we describe the dietary sources of the monounsaturated fatty acids,the composition of olive oil,dietary fats and their relationship to insulin resistance and postprandial lipid and glucose responses in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis,clinical and experimental studies that assess the relationship between olive oil and NAFLD,and the mechanism by which olive oil ameliorates fatty liver,and we discuss future perspectives.
文摘Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) is a common clinical condition which is associated with metabolic syndrome in 70% of cases.Inappropriate dietary fat intake,excessive intake of soft drinks,insulin resistance and increased oxidative stress combine to increase free fatty acid delivery to the liver,and increased hepatic triglyceride accumulation contributes to fatty liver.Regular soft drinks have high fructose corn syrup which contains basic sugar building blocks,fructose 55% and glucose 45%.Soft drinks are the leading source of added sugar worldwide,and have been linked to obesity,diabetes,and metabolic syndrome.The consumption of soft drinks can increase the prevalence of NAFLD independently of metabolic syndrome.During regular soft drinks consumption,fat accumulates in the liver by the primary effect of fructose which increases lipogenesis,and in the case of diet soft drinks,by the additional contribution of aspartame sweetener and caramel colorant which are rich in advanced glycation end products that potentially increase insulin resistance and inflammation.This review emphasizes some hard facts about soft drinks,reviews fructose metabolism,and explains how fructose contributes to the development of obesity,diabetes,metabolic syndrome,and NAFLD.
文摘Vitamin D is known to be a key regulator of bone metabolism and is associated with muscle strength.Vitamin D deficiency is widely prevalent worldwide.In adults,vitamin D deficiency has been implicated in numerous health conditions including osteoporosis,cancer,diabetes,and autoimmune diseases.Considerable changes have occurred in lifestyles and childhood activities in the past years.Studies have shown that the children population is at high risks of vitamin D deficiency.The objective of this study was to learn about the extent of vitamin D deficiency in children worldwide and especially in sunny country like Israel.In this article we reviewed the extent and severity of vitamin D deficiency worldwide and especially in Israel,through a very comprehensive review of previous reports and research studies done during the last years.We found reports on vitamin D deficiency in children,which was associated with metabolic syndromes and obesity.It was more prevalent in children who spend less time on outdoor activities,in obese children,and in cases when there was imbalance between nutritional intakes and requirements.Vitamin D deficiency is common even in children living in sunny places like Israel.Health professionals should be aware of the fact that although vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in the elderly population,it is also common in children,and can be associated with different illnesses.We encourage supplementation of vitamin D to special populations(pregnant and lactating women,infants,and high risk groups).We also encourage implementation of international food fortification programs.
文摘AIM： To assess whether treatment with insulinsensitizing agents （ISAs） in combination with ezetimibe and valsartan have greater effect on hepatic fat content and lipid peroxidation compared to monotherapy in the methionine choline-deficient diet （MCDD） rat model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease （NAFLD）. METHODS： Rats （n = 6 per group） were treated with different drugs, including MCDD only, MCDD diet with either metformin （200 mg/kg）, rosiglitazone （3 mg/kg）, metformin plus rosiglitazone （M＋R）, ezetimibe （2 mg/ kg）, valsartan （2 mg/kg）, or combination of all drugs for a total of 15 wk. Liver histology, lipids, parameters of oxidative stress and TNF-alpha were measured. RESULTS： Fatty liver （FL） rats demonstrated severe hepatic fatty infiltration （〉 91% fat）, with an increase in hepatic TG （＋1263%, P 〈 0.001）, hepatic cholesterol （＋245%, P 〈 0.03）, hepatic MDA levels （＋225%, P 〈 0.001）, serum TNF-alpha （17.8 ＋ 10 vs 7.8 ＋ 0.0, P 〈 0.001）, but a decrease in hepatic alpha tocopherol （-74%, P 〈 0.001） as compared to the control rats. Combination therapy with all drugs produced a significant decrease in liver steatosis （-54%）, hepatic TG （-64%）, hepatic cholesterol （-31%） and hepatic MDA （-70%）, but increased hepatic alpha tocopherol （＋443%） as compared to FL rats. Combination therapy with ISA alone produced a smaller decrease in liver steatosis （-32% vs -54%, P 〈 0.001） and in hepatic MDA levels （-55% vs -70%, P 〈 0.01）, but a similar decrease in hepatic lipids when compared with the all drugs combination. TNF-alpha levels decreased significantly in all treatment groups except in ISA group. CONCLUSION： Combination therapies have a greater effect on liver fat content as compared to monotherapy. Rosiglitazone appears to improve hepatic steatosis to a greater extent than metformin.
文摘Women have been increasingly delaying the start of motherhood in recent decades. The same trend is seen also for men. The influence of maternal age on fertility, chromosomal anomalies, pregnancy complications, and impaired perinatal and post-natal outcome of offspring, has been thoroughly investigated, and these aspectsare clinically applied during fertility and pregestational counseling. Male aging and reproductive outcome has gained relatively less attention. The purpose of this review is to evaluate updated and relevant literature on the effect of paternal age on reproductive outcome.
基金This work was primarily supported by the National Science Foundation Chemical Catalysis program under Grant CHE-1566348The computational work was supported by the Nancy and Stephen Grand Technion Energy Program(GTEP)and a grant from the Ministry of Science and Technology(MOST),Israel.The project made use of CAMCOR facilities supported by grants from the W M.Keck Foundation,the M.J.Murdock Charitable Trust,ONAMI,the Air Force Research Laboratory(No.FA8650-05-1-5041),the National Science Foundation(Nos.0923577 and 0421086)the University of Oregon.ICP-OES was performed at the W M.Keck Collaboratory for Plasma Spectrometry at Oregon State University and we acknowledge Andy Ungerer for help with data acquisition and interpretation.S.W B.further acknowledges support from the Sloan and Dreyfus Foundations.The students of the UO 2015 CH399 MResearch Immersion”course are acknowledged for preliminary data collection.The authors thank Adam Batchellor for insightful discussion.
文摘Nickel-,cobalt-,and iron-based(oxy)hydroxides comprise the most-commonly studied electrocatalysts for the oxygen-evolution reaction(OER)in alkaline solution.A fundamental understanding of composition-structure-activity relationships for mixed-metal Ni-Co and Ni-Co-Fe(oxy)hydroxides is important to guide the design of advanced OER catalysts.Here we use cyclic voltammetry,chronopotentiometry,inductively-coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy,and in situ electrical conductivity measurements to characterize the properties and activity of various compositions of Ni-Co-Fe(oxy)hydroxides prepared by cathodic co-electrodeposition.Consistent with previous studies,we find Fe is essential for the mixed-metal(oxy)hydroxides to achieve high OER activity.In the rigorous absence of Fe(achieved by using specially cleaned electrolytes),the most-active Ni-Co(oxy)hydroxide composition has an OER turn-over frequency only twice that ofpure Co(oxy)hydroxide,suggesting minimal synergism between the two metals.The addition of Co to Ni-Fe(oxy)hydroxides shifts the onset of electrical conductivity to lower potentials,but has little effect on the intrinsic OER activity,with the most-active Ni-Co-Fe(oxy)hydroxide having an OER turn-over frequency only -1.5 times that of the Ni-Fe(oxy)hydroxides.The magnitudes of the electrical conductivities are similar for all the compositions measured.Density-functional-theory-calculated projected density of states show a significant contribution of all chemical elements at the valence band edge of the mixed-metal oxyhydroxide electronic structure,demonstrating significant electronic hybridization between the elements.The calculations suggest the involvement of all the elements in modulating the electronic structure at putative Fe-based active sites that are probably located at edges or defects in the two-dimensional oxyhydroxide sheets.
基金The study was approved by Gertner Institute IRB committee(protocol#5138-19,ethical approval number 20187640).
文摘Purpose:There is a common opinion that spinal fractures usually reflect the substantial impact of injuries and therefore may be used as a marker of significant associated injuries,specifically for intra-abdominal injury(IAI).The impact of concomitant spinal cord injury(SCI)with the risk of associated IAI has not been well clarified.The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence and severity of IAIs in patients suffering from spinal fractures with or without SCI.Methods:A retrospective cohort study using the Israeli National Trauma Registry was conducted.Patients with thoracic,lumbar and thoracolumbar fractures resulting from blunt mechanisms of injury from January 1,1997 to December 31,2018 were examined,comparing the incidence,severity and mortality of IAIs in patients with or without SCI.The collected variables included age,gender,mechanism of injury,incidence and severity of the concomitant IAIs and pelvic fractures,abbreviated injury scale,injury severity score,and mortality.Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad InStat?Version 3.10,with Chi-square test for independence and two sided Fisher’s exact probability test.Results:Review of the Israeli National Trauma Database revealed a total of 16,878 patients with spinal fractures.Combined thoracic and lumbar fractures were observed in 1272 patients(7.5%),isolated thoracic fractures in 4967 patients(29.4%)and isolated lumbar fractures in 10,639 patients(63.0%).The incidence of concomitant SCI was found in 4.95%(63/1272),7.65%(380/4967)and 2.50%(266/10639)of these patients,respectively.The overall mortality was 2.5%,proving higher among isolated thoracic fracture patient than among isolated lumbar fracture counterparts(11.3%vs.4.6%,p<0.001).Isolated thoracic fractures with SCI were significantly more likely to die than non-SCI counterparts(8.2%vs.3.1%,p<0.001).There were no differences in the incidence of IAIs between patients with or without SCI following thoracolumbar fractures overall or in isolated thoracic fractures;although isolated lumbar f
基金supported by the National MCF Energy R&D Program (No.2018YFE0306105)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos.51725204,51572179,21771132,and 21471106)+2 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (No.BK20161216)Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science & Technology the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions (PAPD)the 111 Project.
文摘The ~ 5 nm degradable carbon dots (CDs) were synthesized directly from carbon rod by a one-step electrochemical method at room temperature.The as-prepared CDs can effectively enhance the ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase oxygenase (RuBisCO) activity,and then promote the dicotyledons growth (soybean,tomato,eggplant and so on) and finally increase their yields.Here,we used Arabidopsis thaliana and Trifolium repens L.as model plants to systematically study the beneficial effects of CDs on plant growth.These include:(i) accelerating seed germination;(ii) enlarging root elongation;(iii) increasing metal ions absorption and delivery;(iv) improving enzymes activity;(v) enhancing the carbohydrate content;(vi) degradation into plant hormone analogues and CO2;and finally (vii) enhancing the grain production by about 20%.
文摘Due to the widespread clinical use of imaging modalities such as ultrasonography,computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),previously unsuspected liver masses are increasingly being found in asymptomatic patients.This review discusses the various characteristics of the most common solid liver lesions and recommends a practical approach for diagnostic workup.Likely diagnoses include hepatocellular carcinoma (the most likely;a solid liver lesion in a cirrhotic liver) and hemangioma (generally presenting as a mass in a non-cirrhotic liver).Focal nodular hyperplasia and hepatic adenoma should be ruled out in young women.In 70% of cases,MRI with gadolinium differentiates between these lesions.Fine needle core biopsy or aspiration,or both,might be required in doubtful cases.If uncertainty persists as to the nature of the lesion,surgical resection is recommended.If the patient is known to have a primary malignancy and the lesion was found at tumor staging or follow up,histology is required only when the nature of the liver lesion is doubtful.
基金funded by the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2022YFE0208100)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.22278405,52222005,and 22278006).
文摘Photothermal carbon dioxide(CO_(2))methanation has attracted increasing interest in solar fuel synthesis,which employs the advantages of photocatalytic H_(2)O splitting as a hydrogen source and photothermal catalytic CO_(2) reduction.This work prepared three-dimensional(3D)honeycomb N-doped carbon(NC)loaded with core–shell NiO@Ni nanoparticles generated in situ at 500℃(NiO@Ni/NC-500).Under the photothermal catalysis(200℃,1.5 W/cm^(2)),the CH_(4) evolution rate of NiO@Ni/NC-500 reached 5.5 mmol/(g·h),which is much higher than that of the photocatalysis(0.8 mmol/(g·h))and the thermal catalysis(3.7 mmol/(g·h)).It is found that the generated localized surface plasmon resonance enhances the injection of hot electrons from Ni to NiO,while thermal heating accelerates the thermal motion of radicals,thus generating a strong photo-thermal synergistic effect on the reaction.The CO_(2) reduction to CH_(4) follows the*OCH pathway.This work demonstrates the synergistic effect of NiO@Ni and NC can enhance the catalytic performance of photothermal CO_(2) reduction reaction coupled with water splitting reaction.
文摘Background:Acute bronchiolitis in infancy is considered a risk factor for recurrent wheezing episodes in childhood.The present study assessed prevalence,clinical manifestaffons and risk factors for recurrent wheezing events during the first 3 years of life and persistent wheezing events beyond this age in children hospitalized as young infants with acute bronchioliffs.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC)through Grant Nos.12274077,11874112,12305013,and 11905032the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province through Grant Nos.2021A1515010214 and 2021A1515111015+2 种基金the Key Research Projects of General Colleges in Guangdong Province through Grant No.2019KZDXM001the Research Fund of Guangdong−Hong Kong−Macao Joint Laboratory for Intelligent Micro−Nano Optoelectronic Technology through Grant No.2020B1212030010The work of B.A.M.was supported,in part,by the Israel Science Foundation through Grant No.1695/22.
文摘Creation of stable intrinsically anisotropic self-bound states with embedded vorticity is a challenging issue.Previously,no such states in Bose−Einstein condensates(BECs)or other physical settings were known.Dipolar BEC suggests a unique possibility to predict stable two dimensional anisotropic vortex quantum droplets(2D-AVQDs).We demonstrate that they can be created with the vortex axis oriented perpendicular to the polarization of dipoles.The stability area and characteristics of the 2D-AVQDs in the parameter space are revealed by means of analytical and numerical methods.Further,the rotation of the polarizing magnetic field is considered,and the largest angular velocities,up to which spinning 2D-AVQDs can follow the rotation in clockwise and anti-clockwise directions,are found.Collisions between moving 2D-AVQDs are studied too,demonstrating formation of bound states with a vortex−antivortex−vortex structure.A stability domain for such stationary bound states is identified.Unstable dipolar states,that can be readily implemented by means of phase imprinting,quickly transform into robust 2D-AVQDs,which suggests a straightforward possibility for the creation of these states in the experiment.
文摘Purpose： Early diagnosis of traumatic brain injury （TBI） is important for improving survival and neurologic outcome in trauma victims. The purpose of this study was to assess whether Glasgow Coma Scale （GCS） of 12 or less can predict the presence of TBl and the severity of associated injuries in blunt trauma patients. Methods： A retrospective cohort study including 303,435 blunt trauma patients who were transferred from the scene to hospital from 1998 to 2013. The data was obtained from the records of the National Trauma Registry maintained by Israel＇s National Center for Trauma and Emergency Medicine Research, in the Gertner Institute for Epidemiology and Health Policy Research. All blunt trauma patients with GCS 12 or less were included in this study. Data collected in the registry include age, gender, mechanism of injury, GCS, initial blood pressure, presence of TBI and incidence of associated injuries. Patients younger than 14 years old and trauma victims with GCS 13-15 were excluded from the study. Statistical analysis was performed by using Statistical Analysis Software Version 9.2. Statistical tests performed included Chi-square tests. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results： There were 303,435 blunt trauma patients, 8731 （2.9%） of them with GCS of 3-12 that including 6351 （72%） patients with GCS of 3-8 and 2380 （28%） patient with GCS of 9--12. In these 8731 patients with GCS of 3-12, 5372 （61.5%） patients had TBI. There were total 1404 unstable patients in all the blunt trauma patients with GCS of 3-12,1256 （89%） patients with GCS 3-8, 148 （11%） patients with GCS 9-12. In the 5095 stable blunt trauma patients with GCS 3-8, 32.4% of them had no TB1. The rate in the 2232 stable blunt trauma patients with GCS 9-12 was 50.1%. In the unstable patients with GCS 3-8, 60.5% of them had TBI, and in subgroup of patients with GCS 9-12, only 37.2% suffered from TBI. Conclusion： The utility of a GCS 12 and less is limited in prediction of bra
文摘AIM： To determine whether new cut-off values for aianine aminotransferase （ALT） and baseline hepatitis B virus （HBV） DNA levels better differentiate HBeAg（-） chronic hepatitis B （CriB） patients from inactive chronic carriers. METHODS： Ninety-one patients [32 HBeAg（＋） CriB, 19 inactive carriers and 40 HBeAg（-） CriB] were followed up for 2 years and were tested for HBV DNA levels by a PCR-based assay. ALT was tested twice during the last 6 mo using new cut-off values： ULN （upper limit of normal） 30 IU/L for males, 19 IU/L for females. Diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated by discriminant analysis. RESULTS： When using the revised ALT cut-off values, the lowest optimal HBV DNA level that differentiated HBeAg（-） CHB patients from inactive carriers was 50000 copies/mL. The diagnostic accuracy of HBV DNA to determine inactive carriers with a cut-off of 50000 copies/mL was similar to the previously recommended cut-off of 100000 copies/mL （91%）. HBV DNA levels were lower than the cut-off value in 95% of inactive carriers and in 28% of HBeAg（-） CHB patients. With ALT 〈 30 IU/L in men and 〈 19 IU/L in women and HBV DNA levels 〈 100000 copies/mL, the risk of CHB is 5%. On the other hand, if ALT values were 〉 30 IU in men and 〉 19 IU in women and baseline HBV DNA levels were 〉 100000 copies/mL, the risk is 86%. CONCLUSION： New cut-off values for ALT together with HBV DNA levels proposed by AASLD （American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases） and NIH （National Institute of Health） consensus seem appropriate to characterize inactive carriers.
