Evaluation of Interferon-Gamma Release Assay Testing and Tuberculin Skin Test for Early Diagnosis of Tuberculosis in Children and Adolescents

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of interferon-γ release assay (IGRA), a sensitive microbiological diagnostic method, in children and adolescents with suspected tuberculosis in a country with a high burden of tuberculosis. Method: This study included 581 children and adolescents aged 4 - 19 years who were suspected of having tuberculosis, were latently infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and had received at least one dose of BCG vaccine between April 17, 2019, and February 24, 2021. The study evaluated the TST results of 106 patients who had a positive Quantiferon test and were suspected of having tuberculosis. Results: The study included 581 patients aged between 4 and 19 years. Of these, 106 patients tested positive for the Quantiferon test, while 19 were indeterminate and 456 were negative. The Quantiferon test positivity rate was 18.24%. Among the 106 QFT-Plus-positive cases, 23 patients also tested positive for TST. The difference in distribution was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: The QFT-Plus test is considered an alternative to TST and other microbiological diagnostic methods for early tuberculosis diagnosis, particularly in children and adolescents.

Interferon-gamma release assays as a tool for differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal tuberculosis

In this editorial,we comment on an article published in a recent issue of the World Journal of Clinical Cases.There is a pressing need for reliable tools for diagnosing tuberculosis(TB)of the gastrointestinal tract.Despite advancements in the diagnosis and treatment,TB remains a global health challenge.Ali et al demon-strated that TB may mimic gastrointestinal conditions,such as gastric outlet obstruction,causing a delay in the diagnosis.Furthermore,the latter complication is frequently observed during infections,including Helicobacter pylori,and rarely is related to TB,as in the presented case.In line with this,we think that laboratory tests based on interferon-gamma release assays can be a helpful tool for diagnosing latent TB paced in the gastrointestinal tract.Innovative strategies and approaches for diagnosing latent/active extra pulmonary TB are crucial for establishing the diagnosis early and enhancing treatment strategies to mitigate the global burden of TB.

Cytokine release syndrome triggered by programmed death 1 blockade(sintilimab)therapy in a psoriasis patient:A case report

BACKGROUND In recent years,immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)have demonstrated remarkable efficacy across diverse malignancies.Notably,in patients with advanced gastric cancer,the use of programmed death 1(PD-1)blockade has significantly prolonged overall survival,marking a pivotal advancement comparable to the impact of Herceptin over the past two decades.While the therapeutic benefits of ICIs are evident,the increasing use of immunotherapy has led to an increase in immune-related adverse events.CASE SUMMARY This article presents the case of a patient with advanced gastric cancer and chronic plaque psoriasis.Following sintilimab therapy,the patient developed severe rashes accompanied by cytokine release syndrome(CRS).Fortunately,effective management was achieved through the administration of glucocorticoid,tocilizumab,and acitretin,which resulted in favorable outcomes.CONCLUSION Glucocorticoid and tocilizumab therapy was effective in managing CRS after PD-1 blockade therapy for gastric cancer in a patient with chronic plaque psoriasis.

Use of an immunocapture device to detect cytokine release in discrete brain regions

Production of proinflammatory cytokines in the central nervous system is a key process in the neuroinflammatory response to trauma,infection,and neurodegenerative diseases(Kumar,2019).These intercellular signaling molecules play multiple roles in the immune response in the central nervous system including the orchestration of the sickness response to innate immune perturbations in the brain(Dantzer et al.,2008).

Effects of the kinetic pattern of dietary glucose release on nitrogen utilization, the portal amino acid profile, and nutrient transporter expression in intestinal enterocytes in piglets

Background Promoting the synchronization of glucose and amino acid release in the digestive tract of pigs could effectively improve dietary nitrogen utilization.The rational allocation of dietary starch sources and the exploration of appropriate dietary glucose release kinetics may promote the dynamic balance of dietary glucose and amino acid supplies.However,research on the effects of diets with different glucose release kinetic profiles on amino acid absorption and portal amino acid appearance in piglets is limited.This study aimed to investigate the effects of the kinetic pattern of dietary glucose release on nitrogen utilization,the portal amino acid profile,and nutrient transporter expression in intestinal enterocytes in piglets.Methods Sixty-four barrows(15.00±1.12 kg)were randomly allotted to 4 groups and fed diets formulated with starch from corn,corn/barley,corn/sorghum,or corn/cassava combinations(diets were coded A,B,C,or D respectively).Protein retention,the concentrations of portal amino acid and glucose,and the relative expression of amino acid and glucose transporter m RNAs were investigated.In vitro digestion was used to compare the dietary glucose release profiles.Results Four piglet diets with different glucose release kinetics were constructed by adjusting starch sources.The in vivo appearance dynamics of portal glucose were consistent with those of in vitro dietary glucose release kinetics.Total nitrogen excretion was reduced in the piglets in group B,while apparent nitrogen digestibility and nitrogen retention increased(P<0.05).Regardless of the time(2 h or 4 h after morning feeding),the portal total free amino acids content and contents of some individual amino acids(Thr,Glu,Gly,Ala,and Ile)of the piglets in group B were significantly higher than those in groups A,C,and D(P<0.05).Cluster analysis showed that different glucose release kinetic patterns resulted in different portal amino acid patterns in piglets,which decreased gradually with the extension of feeding time.The portal His/Phe,Pro/Glu,Leu/Val,Lys/Met,Tyr/Ile and Ala/Gly appeared higher similarity among the diet treatments.In the anterior jejunum,the glucose transporter SGLT1 was significantly positively correlated with the amino acid transporters B0AT1,EAAC1,and CAT1.Conclusions Rational allocation of starch resources could regulate dietary glucose release kinetics.In the present study,group B(corn/barley)diet exhibited a better glucose release kinetic pattern than the other groups,which could affect the portal amino acid contents and patterns by regulating the expression of amino acid transporters in the small intestine,thereby promoting nitrogen deposition in the body,and improving the utilization efficiency of dietary nitrogen.

Assessing the energy release characteristics during the middle detonation reaction stage of aluminized explosives

Afterburning behind the detonation front of an aluminized explosive releases energy on the millisecond timescale,which prolong the release of detonation energy and the energy release at different stages also shows significant differences.However,at present,there are few effective methods for evaluating the energy release characteristics of the middle reaction stage of such explosives,which can have a duration of tens to hundreds of microseconds.The present work demonstrates an approach to assessing the midstage of an aluminized explosive detonation based on a water push test employing a high degree of confinement.In this method,the explosive is contained in a steel cylinder having one end closed that is installed at the bottom of a transparent water tank.Upon detonation,the gaseous products expand in one direction while forcing water ahead of them.The resulting underwater shock wave and the interface between the gas phase products and the water are tracked using an ultra-high-speed framing and streak camera.The shock wave velocity in water and the expansion work performed by the gaseous detonation products were calculated to assess the energy release characteristics of aluminized explosives such as CL-20 and RDX in the middle stage of the detonation reaction.During the middle stage of the detonation process of these aluminized explosives,the aluminum reaction reduced the attenuation of shock waves and increased the work performed by gas phase products.A higher aluminum content increased the energy output while the presence of oxidants slowed the energy release rate.This work demonstrates an effective means of evaluating the performance of aluminized explosives.

The effect of Ti and Zr content on the structure,mechanics and energy-release characteristics of Ti—Zr—Ta alloys

Energetic structural materials(ESMs)are a new type of structural materials with bearing and damage characteristics.In this work the microstructure,mechanical properties and energy release characteristics of multi-element Ti-Zr-Ta alloys with good casting performance were studied.The microstructure of the Ti_(x)ZrTa alloys gradually change from BCC+HCP to single BCC structure with the increase of Ti.While the Ti_(2)Zr_(y)Ta alloys was still uniform and single BCC structure with the increase of Zr.The evolution of microstructure and composition then greatly affect the mechanical properties and energy-release characteristics of Ti-Zr-Ta alloys.The synergistic effect of dual phase structure increases the fracture strain of Ti_(x)ZrTa(x=0.2,0.5)with the Ti content decreases,while the fracture strain of Ti_(x)ZrTa(x=2.0,3.0,4.0)gradually increase with the Ti content increases caused by the annihilation of the obstacles for dislocation movement.And as Zr content increases,the fracture strain of Ti_(2)Zr_(y)Ta alloys decrease,then the oxidation reaction rate and fragmentation degree gradually increase.The higher oxidation rate and the lager exposed oxidation area jointly leads the higher releasing energy efficiency of Ti_(x)ZrTa alloys with low Ti content and Ti_(2)Zr_(y)Ta alloys with high Zr content.

Parent-offspring relationship recognition based on SSR and mtDNA confirmed resource supplement effect of Fenneropenaeus chinensis release

The resource of Fenneropenaeus chinensis has declined sharply due to excessive fishing intensity,ecological changes and diseases.In order to supplement the fishing yield and restore resources of F.chinensis,the relevant authorities have carried out the activities of stock enhancement and releasing.It can increase biomass and recover resources.However,compared with increasing biomass,there were still few reports on its effect on the recovery of resources.Resource recovery is a process related to whether the released individuals can form a reproductive population.Up to now,there has been a lack of evidence whether the released F.chinensis can complete the entire life history,and form reproduction population.In this study,gravid female shrimp after spawning migration were captured from coastal waters of Haiyang,Qingdao,and Yellow Sea.After identifying parentage relationships using simple sequence repeat(SSR)and mtDNA haplotype,it was finally confirmed that there were eight released individuals in the recapture samples.It was confirmed for the first time that at least part of the released F.chinensis can complete overwintering and reproductive migration,and maintain the migration habits as their wild counterparts.Therefore,we infered that the released shrimp can reproduce under natural conditions,these F.chinensis can form reproductive populations theoretically if without human intervention.These results indicated that enhancenment and release activities have a positive effect on resource recovery.

ISO releases a standard for a Chinese medicinal material

Rehmannia glutinosa root is one of the most commonly used herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. It has a long history in East and Southeast Asian countries for relieving heat and cooling the blood, nourishing yin and body fluid.

Controlled release of dexamethasone from fibrin sealant for intratympanic administration in inner ear therapy

The aim of the present work was to show the sustainability of fibrin sealant in releasing dexamethasone and adjust the protocol for clinical application of the novel method in the treatment of Meniere’s disease (MD) and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL).Gelation occurred shortly after mixing dexamethasone-containing fibrinogen with thrombin.Dexamethasone was constantly released for at least 16 d at a stable level after 7d in protocol 1 (low-dose),while it was robustly released within 4 d and slowed afterward until 10 d in protocol 2(high-dose).There were significant differences among the time points in Protocol 2 (p<0.01,ANOVA),and the exponential model with the formula y=15.299*e~(-0.483*t) fits the association.The estimated concentration of dexamethasone released on 7 d in protocol 2 was slightly lower than that observed in protocol 1.The fibrin sealant is capable of constantly releasing dexamethasone with adjustable dynamics.Targeted and minimally invasive administration of the material can be achieved in the clinic by sequential injections of the fluids using a soft-tipped catheter.

Energy release characteristics of PTFE/Al/TiH_2 reactive jet with different TiH_2 content

Titanium hydride(TiH_(2)), a promising high-energy additive, is doped into PTFE/Al to optimize the energy output structure of the reactive jet and strive for better aftereffect damage ability to the target. Six types of PTFE/Al/TiH_(2) reactive liners with different TiH_(2) content are prepared by the molding and sintering method. The energy release characteristics of PTFE/Al/TiH_(2) reactive jet are tested by the transient explosion energy test, and are characterized from pressure and temperature. The reaction delay time,pressure history, and temperature history of the energy release process are obtained, then the actual value of released energy and reaction efficiency of the reactive jet are calculated. The results show that the peak pressure and temperature of the PTFE/Al/TiH_(2) jet initially increase and then decrease with increasing TiH_(2) content. When the TiH_(2) content is 10%, the actual value of released energy and reaction efficiency increased by 24% and 6.4%, respectively, compared to the PTFE/Al jet. The reaction duration of the reactive material is significantly prolonged as the TiH_(2) content increased from 0% to 30%. Finally,combined with the energy release behaviors of PAT material and the dynamic deformation process of liner, the enhancement mechanism of TiH_(2) on energy release of the reactive jet is expounded.

Translocation of telomerase reverse transcriptase coincided with ATP release in postnatal cochlear supporting cells

The spontaneous bursts of electrical activity in the developing auditory system are derived from the periodic release of adenosine triphosphate(ATP)by supporting cells in the Kölliker’s organ.However,the mechanisms responsible for initiating spontaneous ATP release have not been determined.Our previous study revealed that telomerase reverse transcriptase(TERT)is expressed in the basilar membrane during the first postnatal week.Its role in cochlear development remains unclear.In this study,we investigated the expression and role of TERT in postnatal cochlea supporting cells.Our results revealed that in postnatal cochlear Kölliker’s organ supporting cells,TERT shifts from the nucleus into the cytoplasm over time.We found that the TERT translocation tendency in postnatal cochlear supporting cells in vitro coincided with that observed in vivo.Further analysis showed that TERT in the cytoplasm was mainly located in mitochondria in the absence of oxidative stress or apoptosis,suggesting that TERT in mitochondria plays roles other than antioxidant or anti-apoptotic functions.We observed increased ATP synthesis,release and activation of purine signaling systems in supporting cells during the first 10 postnatal days.The phenomenon that TERT translocation coincided with changes in ATP synthesis,release and activation of the purine signaling system in postnatal cochlear supporting cells suggested that TERT may be involved in regulating ATP release and activation of the purine signaling system.Our study provides a new research direction for exploring the spontaneous electrical activity of the cochlea during the early postnatal period.

Talent Retention Index Released

BEIJING Institute of Talent Development Strategy and Peking University’s Guanghua School of Management have released the 2024 edition of the Global City Talent Retention Index in cooperation with Nature Research Intelligence.

WDTA releases two standards for LLM security

The 27th Session of United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development(CSTD)was held on April 15-19.The side event“Shaping the Future of AI”on April 16 was hosted by the World Digital Technology Academy(WDTA),an NGO that promotes digital technologies and global cooperation,where breakthrough results including two standards were released.

A brand new green coating technology for realizing the regulation of spherical propellant energy release process

To achieve the controllable release of energy of nitrocellulose-based propellants,this paper combines the cellulose-based nanocomposites aqueous coating(Surelease®-NC)with fluidized bed coating equipment to successfully prepare the coated spherical propellant for the first time.The effects of fluidized bed coating temperature,air velocity,flow speed and atomization pressure on the adhesion rate,coating integrity and coating uniformity of the coated spherical propellant were investigated,and the preparation of coated spherical propellant with homogeneous size and structural integrity was achieved for the first time.The microscopic morphology,chemical structure,water vapor adsorption behavior,combustion performance,and ageing resistance property of the coated spherical propellant were systematically investigated by,Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy(FTIR),Micro confocal raman spectrometer,field scanning electron microscopy(SEM),dynamic vapor adsorption techniques,and closed bomb test,confirming the surface core-shell structure and the tightly bonded interfacial structure of coated spherical propellant.Meanwhile,the coated spherical propellant has good hygroscopic,excellent progressive burning and long storage stability.

Quantitative method for calculating spatial release region for laser-guided bomb

The laser-guided bomb(LGB)is an air-to-ground pre-cision-guided weapon that offers high hit rates,great power,and ease of use.LGBs are guided by semi-active laser ground-seek-ing technology,which means that atmospheric conditions can affect their accuracy.The spatial release region(SRR)of LGBs is difficult to calculate precisely,especially when there is a poor field of view.This can result in a lower real hit probability.To increase the hit probability of LGBs in tough atmospheric situa-tions,a novel method for calculating the SRR has been pro-posed.This method is based on the transmittance model of the 1.06μm laser in atmospheric species and the laser diffuse reflection model of the target surface to determine the capture target time of the laser seeker.Then,it calculates the boundary ballistic space starting position by ballistic model and gets the spatial scope of the spatial release region.This method can determine the release region of LGBs based on flight test data such as instantaneous velocity,altitude,off-axis angle,and atmospheric visibility.By more effectively employing aircraft release conditions,atmospheric visibility and other factors,the SRR calculation method can improve LGB hit probabi-lity by 9.2%.

A matrix metalloproteinase-responsive hydrogel system controls angiogenic peptide release for repair of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

Vascular endothelial growth factor and its mimic peptide KLTWQELYQLKYKGI(QK)are widely used as the most potent angiogenic factors for the treatment of multiple ischemic diseases.However,conventional topical drug delivery often results in a burst release of the drug,leading to transient retention(inefficacy)and undesirable diffusion(toxicity)in vivo.Therefore,a drug delivery system that responds to changes in the microenvironment of tissue regeneration and controls vascular endothelial growth factor release is crucial to improve the treatment of ischemic stroke.Matrix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2)is gradually upregulated after cerebral ischemia.Herein,vascular endothelial growth factor mimic peptide QK was self-assembled with MMP-2-cleaved peptide PLGLAG(TIMP)and customizable peptide amphiphilic(PA)molecules to construct nanofiber hydrogel PA-TIMP-QK.PA-TIMP-QK was found to control the delivery of QK by MMP-2 upregulation after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion and had a similar biological activity with vascular endothelial growth factor in vitro.The results indicated that PA-TIMP-QK promoted neuronal survival,restored local blood circulation,reduced blood-brain barrier permeability,and restored motor function.These findings suggest that the self-assembling nanofiber hydrogel PA-TIMP-QK may provide an intelligent drug delivery system that responds to the microenvironment and promotes regeneration and repair after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Amphibian pore-forming proteinβγ-CAT drives metabolite release from small extracellular vesicles through channel formation

DEAR EDITOR,Pore-forming proteins(PFPs)are widely distributed among all kingdoms of life and can oligomerize to form pores/channels in membrane systems.Extracellular vesicles(EVs)circulate in all biological fluids and can trigger biological responses at a distance,thus emerging as an additional means of intercellular communication through the release of cellular cargo,such as lipids,nucleic acids,metabolites,and proteins.To date,however,the mechanism by which EV contents are released into extracellular space remains unclear.In our previous study on toads(Bombina maxima),we identified a PFP and trefoil factor complexβγ-CAT(βγ-crystallin fused aerolysin-like protein(α-subunit)and trefoil factor(β-subunit)complex,hence namedβγ-CAT),which assembled under strict regulation in response to environmental cues.Here,we observed that the PFPβγ-CAT colocalized with EVs in the skin of B.maxima in vivo.Using small EVs(sEVs)isolated from B.maxima dermal fibroblast cells and murine fibroblast cells,we found thatβγ-CAT could specifically target and oligomerize on purified EVs,rather than disrupt membrane integrity,and promote the release of different metabolites.Our analysis revealed that a secretory PFP drove metabolite release from EVs through channel formation,providing novel clues for the delivery of EV content into extracellular space.

Influence of quick release valve on braking performance and coupler force of heavy haul train

We establish a simulation model based on the theory of air flow to analyze the accelerated release effect of the quick release valve inside the air brake control valve.In addition, the combined simulation system of train air brake system and longitudinal train dynamics is used to analyze how the parameters of the quick release valve in the 120/120–1 brake control valve affect the propagation characteristics of the train brake pipe pressure wave, the release action range of the accelerated brake, and the longitudinal coupler force for a 20,000-ton heavy haul train on the section of the Datong–Qinhuangdao Railway. The results show that the quick release valve can effectively accelerate the rising speed of the train brake pipe pressure during the initial release, as the accelerated release effect is evident before the train brake pipe pressure reaches582 k Pa. The quick release valve can effectively accelerate the release of the rear cars, reducing the longitudinal coupler force impact due to time delay of the release process. The quick release valve can effectively reduce the tensile coupler force in the train by as much as 20% in certain cases.

Experimental and theoretical study on the dynamic effective stress of loaded gassy coal during gas release

In the process of mining coalbed methane(CBM),an unsteady state often arises due to the rapid extraction,release and pressure relief of CBM.In this case,the effective stress of coal changes dynamically,affecting the stability of the gassy coal seam.In this paper,gas release tests of gassy coal under conventional triaxial compression were performed,and the dynamic effective stress(DES)during gas release was obtained indirectly based on a constitutive equation and deformation of coal.The results show that the maximum increases in DES caused by the release of free gas and adsorbed gas under the stress of 1.1 MPa were 0.811 and 5.418 MPa,respectively,which seriously affected the stress state of the coal.During the gas release,the free gas pressure and the adsorbed gas volume were the parameters that directly affected the DES and showed a positive linear relationship with the DES with an intercept of zero.The DES of the coal sample increased exponentially with time,which was determined by the contents of free and adsorbed gas.Based on the experimental results and theoretical analysis,an effective stress model was obtained for loaded gassy coal during gas release.The results of verification indicated accuracy greater than 99%.