Audiovisual integration and the P2 component in adult Asperger’s syndrome: An ERP-study

BackgroundA widened temporal window of integration (TWI) in audiovisual processing has been detected for children with autism spectrum disorder. However, research indicates a narrowing of this TWI and an associated change in audiovisual integration in the course of development.MethodsTo further elucidate audiovisual integration processes in adulthood, we compared adult participants with Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) to healthy controls (HC) by using the sound-induced double flash illusion. For a better understanding of underlying neural mechanisms, event-related potentials were measured via electroencephalography (EEG).ResultsThe number of reported sound-induced flash illusions indicated audiovisual integration. A similar TWI size for both, participants with AS and HC, was found. Additionally, enhanced P2 amplitudes were detected for participants with AS compared to HC.ConclusionResults indicate an involvement of attentional processes in audiovisual perception in participants with AS.     

双针刺疗法联合米索前列醇在118例孕足月产妇催产中的应用及对产妇宫颈成熟的影响＊

目的 研究118例孕足月产妇催产中采用双针刺疗法联合米索前列醇的效果对其宫颈成熟的影响。方法 选取2019年6月-2020年6月在我院就诊的足月催产患者118例，按照随机数字分配法分为米索前列醇治疗组和联合治疗组，各59例。米索前列醇治疗组给予米索前列醇片进行治疗，联合治疗组在米索前列醇治疗组的基础上给予双针刺疗法针刺双侧合谷、三阴交穴位。统计两组患者宫颈成熟、子宫活动力、宫口扩张速度、出血量、产程、分娩方式、新生儿情况及催产效率。结果 联合治疗组宫颈口扩张、宫颈管消退、先露位置、宫颈硬度、宫口位置指标均大于米索前列醇治疗组，有统计学差异（P < 0.05）。联合治疗组子宫活动力、宫口扩张速度均大于米索前列醇治疗组，产时出血量、产后2 h出血量均低于米索前列醇治疗组，有统计学差异（P < 0.05）。联合治疗组第一产程、第二产程、第三产程、总产程均小于米索前列醇治疗组，有统计学差异（P < 0.05）。联合治疗组阴道分娩患者例数多于米索前列醇治疗组，剖宫产患者例数少于米索前列醇治疗组，有统计学差异（P < 0.05）。联合治疗组催产效率高于米索前列醇治疗组，有统计学差异（P < 0.05）。结论 双针刺疗法联合米索前列醇在足月产妇催产中应用能促进患者宫颈成熟，减少产后出血量，缩短产程，促进阴道分娩，催产效率高。     

Role of site-directed mutagenesis and adjuvants in the stability and potency of anthrax protective antigen

Anthrax is a zoonotic infection caused by the gram-positive, aerobic, spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Depending on the origin of the infection, serious health problems or mortality is possible. The virulence of B. anthracis is reliant on three pathogenic factors, which are secreted upon infection: protective antigen (PA), lethal factor (LF), and edema factor (EF). Systemic illness results from LF and EF entering cells through the formation of a complex with the heptameric form of PA, bound to the membrane of infected cells through its receptor. The currently available anthrax vaccines have multiple drawbacks, and recombinant PA is considered a promising second-generation vaccine candidate. However, the inherent chemical instability of PA through Asn deamidation at multiple sites prevents its use after long-term storage owing to loss of potency. Moreover, there is a distinct possibility of B. anthracis being used as a bioweapon; thus, the developed vaccine should remain efficacious and stable over the long-term. Second-generation anthrax vaccines with appropriate adjuvant formulations for enhanced immunogenicity and safety are desired. In this article, using protein engineering approaches, we have reviewed the stabilization of anthrax vaccine candidates that are currently licensed or under preclinical and clinical trials. We have also proposed a formulation to enhance recombinant PA vaccine potency via adjuvant formulation.     

改良眶隔法和传统睑板法切开重睑术的术后重睑形态、瘢痕发生率、角膜暴露率比较研究

目的 比较改良眶隔法和传统睑板法切开重睑术中的应用效果及对术后重睑形态、瘢痕发生率、角膜暴露率的影响。方法 选取2020年3月-2021年3月首都医疗爱育华医院收治的80例单睑患者，采用随机数字表法将其分对照组和观察组，各40例。对照组接受传统睑板法切开重睑术，观察组接受改良眶隔法切开重睑术，比较两组术后重睑形态、瘢痕发生率、角膜暴露率、并发症发生率。结果 观察组总有效率高于对照组，差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）；观察组GAIS评分高于对照组，VAS评分低于对照组，差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）；观察组右侧角膜暴露率增加值、左侧角膜暴露率增加值高于对照组，差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）；观察组并发症发生率为5.00%，低于对照组的22.50%，差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。结论 相比于传统睑板法切开重睑术，改良眶隔法切开重睑术不会过度增加术后角膜暴露率，术后瘢痕发生率更低，重睑形态更理想，患者接受度更高。     

Enhancing adherence and management in patients with hypertension: Impact of form and frequency of knowledge intervention

BackgroundThe alarming rise in prevalence of hypertension warrants psychosocial methods supplementing pharmacotherapy for better management and prevention of cardiac emergencies. The objective of the study was to assess the differential impact of the form and frequency of knowledge intervention on management of primary hypertension.Materials and methodThe study was conducted on 256 hypertensive patients recruited through purposive sampling at health centers in Hyderabad, India. Pretest post-test control group quasi-experimental design was adopted for the study. There were two forms of the knowledge intervention, namely ‘Direct Interaction’ and ‘Audio-Visual’. Each form was presented in two frequencies namely ‘single exposure’ and ‘double exposure’. The four groups were labelled as Direct Intervention Single (DIS), Direct Intervention Double (DID), Audio-Visual Single (AVS) and Audio-Visual Double (AVD). Adherence and management of hypertension were assessed at baseline and six weeks post experiment. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was applied using IBM SPSS Statistics version 20.ResultsANCOVA followed by Bonferroni Multiple Group Comparison Test revealed significant differences between the four intervention groups and control group on adherence (p< .001). In case of hypertension management significant differences were observed between Control group and DIS, DID (p < .001), Control and AVS (p < .01). Control group did not differ from AVD.ConclusionThere was a positive impact of Knowledge Intervention on adherence and management of hypertension. Double exposure in audio visual form was counterproductive in hypertension management.     

Prenatal Sonography in Suspected Proximal Gastrointestinal Obstructions: Diagnostic Accuracy and Neonatal Outcomes

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to assess diagnostic accuracy and neonatal outcomes in fetuses with a suspected proximal gastrointestinal obstruction (GIO).MethodsAfter IRB approval, a retrospective chart review was conducted on prenatally suspected and/or postnatally confirmed cases of proximal GIO at a tertiary care facility (2012–2022). Maternal-fetal records were queried for presence of a double bubble ± polyhydramnios, and neonatal outcomes were assessed to calculate the diagnostic accuracy of fetal sonography.ResultsAmong 56 confirmed cases, the median birthweight and gestational age at birth were 2550 g [interquartile range (IQR) 2028–3012] and 37 weeks (IQR 34–38), respectively. There was one (2%) false-positive and three (6%) false-negatives by ultrasound. Double bubble had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for proximal GIO of 85%, 98%, 98%, and 83%, respectively. Pathologies included 49 (88%) with duodenal obstruction/annular pancreas, three (5%) with malrotation, and three (5%) with jejunal atresia. The median postoperative length of stay was 27 days (IQR 19–42). Cardiac anomalies were associated with significantly higher complications (45% vs 17%, p = 0.030).ConclusionsIn this contemporary series, fetal sonography has high diagnostic accuracy for detecting proximal gastrointestinal obstruction. These data are informative for pediatric surgeons in prenatal counseling and preoperative discussions with families.Level of EvidenceDiagnostic Study, Level III.     

“双一流”背景下高校理工类中文综合性期刊的发展定位与策略

【目的】 研究高校主办的理工类综合性中文学报在建设“双一流”高校和培育世界一流科技期刊双重背景下的发展定位与策略。【方法】 利用中国知网数据库,统计42所“一流大学”建设高校主办的中文理工类综合性学报近10年(2009—2018年)发文特征与学校建设的“一流学科”之间的相关性。【结果】 “一流大学”建设高校的理工类综合性中文学报学术影响力整体较强,但在“双一流”建设背景下,学报与“双一流”建设的相关性差异较大;针对“一流大学”建设高校的学科优势,提出高校理工类综合性中文学报应该采取增大发文量、调整发文方向和转型为专业刊3种策略。【结论】 培育世界一流科技期刊对高校中文理工类综合性学报提出更高要求,未来高校中文理工类综合性学报的发展定位是培养科研新人、培育新兴学科与交叉学科和服务国家重大发展战略。