Relationship between plasma risperidone concentrations and clinical features in chronic schizophrenic patients in China

BACKGROUND Prior studies have noted great variability in the plasma levels of risperidone(RIS).Plasma concentrations of RIS and its active moiety are highly variable and depend on absorption,metabolism,and other predictors of metabolic dysregulation;however,these factors are poorly understood and the association between metabolic change and change in psychopathology is uncertain.AIM To ascertain the characteristics of chronic schizophrenic patients treated with RIS,and to assess their relationship with plasma RIS levels.METHODS This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 50 patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenic psychosis treated with RIS in a psychiatric service.The plasma concentrations of RIS and its metabolite 9-hydroxyrisperidone were determined by high performance liquid chromatography.The patients’demographic and clinical characteristics,and psychopathologies were assessed,and the associations between clinical variables and plasma levels of RIS were explored.RESULTS Male patients received higher doses of RIS than female ones,but plasma concentrations of RIS and risperidone+9-hydroxyrisperidone(active moiety)were higher in female patients.Age and the mean scores of the general psychopathology subscale of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale(PANSS)were significantly positively correlated with plasma concentrations of risperidone+9-hydroxyrisperidone adjusted for weight and dose in all 50 subjects.In male subjects,we found a statistically significant positive correlation between the concentrations of risperidone+9-hydroxyrisperidone in plasma/(dose×kg)and age,mean PANSS negative subscale scores,mean PANSS general psychopathology subscale scores,and mean PANSS total scores.CONCLUSION Long-term use of RIS should be closely monitored in older patients and females to minimize the risk of high concentrations which could induce side effects.

Dynamics and genetic regulation of macronutrient concentrations during grain development in maize

Nitrogen(N), phosphorus(P), and potassium(K) are essential macronutrients that are crucial not only for maize growth and development, but also for crop yield and quality. The genetic basis of macronutrient dynamics and accumulation during grain filling in maize remains largely unknown. In this study, we evaluated grain N, P, and K concentrations in 206 recombinant inbred lines generated from a cross of DH1M and T877 at six time points after pollination. We then calculated conditional phenotypic values at different time intervals to explore the dynamic characteristics of the N, P, and K concentrations. Abundant phenotypic variations were observed in the concentrations and net changes of these nutrients. Unconditional quantitative trait locus(QTL) mapping revealed 41 non-redundant QTLs, including 17, 16, and 14 for the N, P, and K concentrations, respectively. Conditional QTL mapping uncovered 39 non-redundant QTLs related to net changes in the N, P, and K concentrations. By combining QTL, gene expression, co-expression analysis, and comparative genomic data, we identified 44, 36, and 44 candidate genes for the N, P, and K concentrations, respectively, including GRMZM2G371058 encoding a Doftype zinc finger DNA-binding family protein, which was associated with the N concentration, and GRMZM2G113967encoding a CBL-interacting protein kinase, which was related to the K concentration. The results deepen our understanding of the genetic factors controlling N, P, and K accumulation during maize grain development and provide valuable genes for the genetic improvement of nutrient concentrations in maize.

Minimum inhibitory but maximum non-hemolytic concentration of plasma-treated catheters coated with L.tridentata and O.vulgare extracts

Antibacterial extract-coated catheters are promising alternatives to their conventional counterparts,but their hemocompatibility and thermal stability must be studied.Nosocomial bacteria have developed resistance to conventional antibiotics.Herein,the minimum inhibitory but non-hemolytic concentration(MIC-NH)and the thermal stability of Larrea tridentata(L.tridentata)and Origanum vulgare(O.vulgare)extract-coated catheters were studied.Besides,plasma pretreatment was performed to enhance the extract adhesion.Briefly,the extract-coated catheters prevent Staphylococcus aureus colonization without causing hemolysis by using L.tridentata and O.vulgare extracts at MIC-NH(5000 and 2500μg ml~(-1),respectively).Moreover,it has been discovered that the extract coating and plasma treatment improved the thermal stability and the extract adhesion,respectively.Thus,this study provides evidence of alternative antibacterial but non-hemolytic extract-coated catheters.

Effect of low concentration electrolytes on the formation and corrosion resistance of PEO coatings on AM50 magnesium alloy

In this paper,the formation process,morphology,and electrochemical performance of PEO coatings on AM50 magnesium alloy prepared in low concentration phosphate,aluminate,and phosphate-aluminate electrolytes were systematically studied.The results show that the coatings prepared from the phosphate electrolytes have a higher thickness and better corrosion resistance properties compared to the other electrolytes.The coatings prepared from low concentration phosphate-aluminate mixed electrolytes have slightly thinner thickness,a similar coating structure and an order of magnitude lower value of electrochemical impedance compared with phosphate electrolyte coatings.The Coatings prepared from low concentration aluminate electrolytes have the lowest thickness and the worst corrosion resistance properties which gets close to corrosion behavior of the bare AM50 under the same test conditions.Considering application,coatings prepared from single low concentration phosphate electrolytes and low concentration phosphate-aluminate electrolytes have greater potential than single low concentration aluminate coatings.However,reducing the electrolyte concentrations of coating forming ions too much has negative influence on the coating growth rate.

Study of plasma parameters of coaxial plasma source using triple Langmuir probe and Faraday cup diagnostics

Coaxial plasma guns are a type of plasma source that produces plasma which propagates radially and axially controlled by the shape of the ground electrode, which has attracted much interest in several applications. In this work, a 120° opening angle of CPG nozzle is used as a plasma gun configuration that operates at the energy of 150 J. The ionization of polyethylene insulator between the electrodes of the gun produces a cloud of hydrogen and carbon plasma.The triple Langmuir probe and Faraday cup are used to measure plasma density and plasma temperature. These methods are used to measure the on-axis and off-axis plasma divergence of the coaxial plasma gun. The peak values of ion densities measured at a distance of 25 mm on-axis from the plasma gun are(1.6±0.5)×10^(19)m^(-3)and(2.8±0.6)×10^(19)m^(-3)for hydrogen and carbon plasma respectively and the peak temperature is 3.02±0.5 eV. The mean propagation velocity of plasma is calculated using the transit times of plasma at different distances from the plasma gun and is found to be 4.54±0.25 cm/μs and 1.81±0.18 cm/μs for hydrogen and carbon plasma respectively. The Debye radius is obtained from the measured experimental data that satisfies the thin sheath approximation. The shot-to-shot stability of plasma parameters facilitates the use of plasma guns in laboratory experiments. These types of plasma sources can be used in many applications like plasma opening switches, plasma devices, and as plasma sources.

Final results of the first phase of the PROTO-SPHERA experiment: obtainment of the full current stable screw pinch and first evidences of the jet + torus combined plasma configuration

In astrophysics, the boundary conditions for plasma phenomena are provided by nature and the astronomer faces the problem of understanding them from a variety of observations [Hester J J et al 1996 Astrophys. J. 456 225], on the other hand, in laboratory plasma experiments the electromagnetic boundary conditions become a major problem in the set-up of the machine that produces the plasma, an issue that has to be investigated step by step and to be modified and adapted with great patience, in particular in the case of an innovative plasma confinement experiment. The PROTO-SPHERA machine [Alladio F et al 2006 Nucl. Fusion 46 S613] is a magnetic confinement experiment, that emulates in the laboratory the jet + torus plasma configurations often observed in astrophysics: an inner magnetized jet of plasma centered on the(approximate) axis of symmetry and surrounded by a magnetized plasma torus orthogonal to this jet. The PROTO-SPHERA plasma is simply connected, i.e., no metal current conducting rod is linked to the plasma torus, while instead it is the inner magnetized plasma jet(in the following always called the plasma centerpost) that is linked to the torus. It is mandatory that no spurious plasma current path modifies the optimal shape of the plasma centerpost. Moreover, as the plasma torus is produced and sustained, in absence of any applied inductive electric field, by the inner plasma centerpost through magnetic reconnections [Taylor J B and Turner M F 1989 Nucl.Fusion 29 219], it is required as well that spurious current paths do not surround the torus on its outboard, in order not to lower the efficiency of the magnetic reconnections that maintain the plasma torus at the expense of the plasma centerpost. Boundary conditions have been corrected,up to the point that the first sustainment in steady state has been achieved for the combined plasma.

The multi-peak point phenomenon of broadband microwave reflection caused by inhomogeneous plasma

During spacecraft re-entry,the challenge of measuring plasma sheath parameters directly contributes to difficulties in addressing communication blackout.In this work,we have discovered a phenomenon of multiple peaks in reflection data caused by the inhomogeneous plasma.Simulation results show that the multi-peak points fade away as the characteristic frequency is approached,resembling a series of gradually decreasing peaks.The positions and quantities of these points are positively correlated with electron density,yet they show no relation to collision frequency.This phenomenon is of significant reference value for future studies on the spatial distribution of plasmas,particularly for using microwave reflection signals in diagnosing the plasma sheath.

Experimental confirmation of the linear relation between plasma current and external vertical magnetic field in EXL-50 spherical torus energetic electron plasmas

A three-fluid equilibrium plasma with bulk plasma and energetic electrons has been observed on the Xuanlong-50(EXL-50) spherical torus, where the energetic electrons play a crucial role in sustaining the plasma current and pressure. In this study, the equilibrium of a multi-fluid plasma was investigated by analyzing the relationship between the external vertical magnetic field(B_(V)),plasma current(I_(p)), the poloidal ratio(β_(p)) and the Shafranov formula. Remarkably, our research demonstrates some validity of the Shafranov formula in the presence of multi-fluid plasma in EXL-50 spherical torus. This finding holds significant importance for future reactors as it allows for differentiation between alpha particles and background plasma. The study of multi-fluid plasma provides a significant reference value for the equilibrium reconstruction of burning plasma involving alpha particles.

Effect of matrix thermal properties on laser-induced plasma

The matrix thermal properties have an important impact on laser-induced plasma,as the thermal effect dominates the interaction between ns-pulsed laser and matter,especially in metals.We used a series of pure metals and aluminum alloys to measure plasma temperature and electron density through laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy,in order to investigate the effect of matrix thermal properties on laser-induced plasma.In pure metals,a significant negative linear correlation was observed between the matrix thermal storage coefficient and plasma temperature,while a weak correlation was observed with electron density.The results indicate that metals with low thermal conductivity or specific heat capacity require less laser energy for thermal diffusion or melting and evaporation,resulting in higher ablation rates and higher plasma temperatures.However,considering ionization energy,thermal effects may be a secondary factor affecting electron density.The experiment of aluminum alloy further confirms the influence of thermal conductivity on plasma temperature and its mechanism explanation.

Tunable energy spectrum betatron x-ray sources in a plasma wakefield

X-ray sources with tunable energy spectra have a wide range of applications in different scenarios due to their different penetration depths.However,existing x-ray sources face difficulties in terms of energy regulation.In this paper,we present a scheme for tuning the energy spectrum of a betatron x-ray generated from a relativistic electron bunch oscillating in a plasma wakefield.The center energy of the x-ray source can be tuned from several keV to several hundred keV by changing the plasma density,thereby extending the control range by an order of magnitude.At different central energies,the brightness of the betatron radiation is in the range of 3.7×10^(22)to 5.5×10^(22)photons/(0.1%BW·s·mm^(2)·mrad^(2))and the photon divergence angle is about 2 mrad.This high-brightness,energy-controlled betatron source could pave the way to a wide range of applications requiring photons of specific energy,such as phase-contrast imaging in medicine,non-destructive testing and material analysis in industry,and imaging in nuclear physics.

Customized modulation on plasma uniformity by non-uniform magnetic field in capacitively coupled plasma

A two-dimensional fluid model based on COMSOL Multiphysics is developed to investigate the modulation of static magnetic field on plasma homogeneity in a capacitively coupled plasma(CCP)chamber. To generate a static magnetic field, direct current is applied to a circular coil located at the top of the chamber. By adjusting the magnetic field's configuration, which is done by altering the coil current and position, both the plasma uniformity and density can be significantly modulated. In the absence of the magnetic field, the plasma density exhibits an inhomogeneous distribution characterized by higher values at the plasma edge and lower values at the center. The introduction of a magnetic field generated by coils results in a significant increase in electron density near the coils. Furthermore, an increase in the sets of coils improves the uniformity of the plasma. By flexibly adjusting the positions of the coils and the applied current,a substantial enhancement in overall uniformity can be achieved. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of using this method for achieving uniform plasma densities in industrial applications.

Edge effect during microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition diamond-film:Multiphysics simulation and experimental verification

This study focused on the investigation of the edge effect of diamond films deposited by microwave plasma chemical vapor de-position.Substrate bulge height△h is a factor that affects the edge effect,and it was used to simulate plasma and guide the diamond-film deposition experiments.Finite-element software COMSOL Multiphysics was used to construct a multiphysics(electromagnetic,plasma,and fluid heat transfer fields)coupling model based on electron collision reaction.Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were performed to characterize the experimental growth and validate the model.The simulation results reflected the experimental trends observed.Plasma discharge at the edge of the substrate accelerated due to the increase in△h(△h=0-3 mm),and the values of electron density(n_(c)),molar concentration of H(C_(H)),and molar concentration of CH_(3)(C_(CH_(3)))doubled at the edge(for the special concave sample with△h=−1 mm,the active chemical groups exhibited a decreased molar concentration at the edge of the substrate).At=0-3 mm,a high diamond growth rate and a large diamond grain size were observed at the edge of the substrate,and their values increased with.The uniformity of film thickness decreased with.The Raman spectra of all samples revealed the first-order characteristic peak of dia-mond near 1332 cm^(−1).When△h=−1 mm,tensile stress occurred in all regions of the film.When△h=1-3 mm,all areas in the film ex-hibited compressive stress.

A research on the effect of plasma spectrum collection device on LIBS spectral intensity

Only a small amount of spectral information is collected because the collection solid angle of the optical fiber probe and lens is very limited when collecting spectral information.To overcome this limitation,this study presents a novel method for acquiring plasma spectral information from various spatial directions.A parabolic-shaped plasma spectral collection device(PSCD)is employed to effectively collect more spectral information into the spectrometer,thereby enhancing the overall spectral intensity.The research objects in this study were soil samples containing different concentrations of heavy metals Pb,Cr,and Cd.The results indicate that the PSCD significantly enhances the spectral signal,with an enhancement rate of up to 45%.Moreover,the signal-to-noise ratio also increases by as much as 36%.Simultaneously,when compared to the absence of a device,it is found that there is no significant variation in plasma temperature when the PSCD is utilized.This observation eliminates the impact of the spatial effect caused by the PSCD on the spectral intensity.Consequently,a concentrationspectral intensity relationship curve is established under the PSCD.The results revealed that the linear fitting R^(2)for Pb,Cr,and Cd increased by 0.011,0.001,and 0.054,respectively.Additionally,the limit of detection(LOD)decreased by 0.361 ppm,0.901 ppm,and 0.602 ppm,respectively.These findings indicate that the spectral enhancement rate elevates with the increase in heavy metal concentration.Hence,the PSCD can effectively enhance the spectral intensity and reduce the detection limit of heavy metals in soil.

Wave field structure and power coupling features of blue-core helicon plasma driven by various antenna geometries and frequencies

This paper deals with wave propagation and power coupling in blue-core helicon plasma driven by various antennas and frequencies.It is found that compared to non-blue-core mode,for blue-core mode,the wave can propagate in the core region,and it decays sharply outside the core.The power absorption is lower and steeper in radius for blue-core mode.Regarding the effects of antenna geometry for blue-core mode,it shows that half helix antenna yields the strongest wave field and power absorption,while loop antenna yields the lowest.Moreover,near axis,for antennas with m=+1,the wave field increases with axial distance.In the core region,the wave number approaches to a saturation value at much lower frequency for non-blue-core mode compared to blue-core mode.The total loading resistance is much lower for blue-core mode.These findings are valuable to understanding the physics of blue-core helicon discharge and optimizing the experimental performance of blue-core helicon plasma sources for applications such as space propulsion and material treatment.

Effect of coil and chamber structure on plasma radial uniformity in radio frequency inductively coupled plasma

Enhancing plasma uniformity can be achieved by modifying coil and chamber structures in radio frequency inductively coupled plasma(ICP)to meet the demand for large-area and uniformly distributed plasma in industrial manufacturing.This study utilized a two-dimensional self-consistent fluid model to investigate how different coil configurations and chamber aspect ratios affect the radial uniformity of plasma in radio frequency ICP.The findings indicate that optimizing the radial spacing of the coil enhances plasma uniformity but with a reduction in electron density.Furthermore,optimizing the coil within the ICP reactor,using the interior point method in the Interior Point Optimizer significantly enhances plasma uniformity,elevating it from 56%to 96%within the range of the model sizes.Additionally,when the chamber aspect ratio k changes from 2.8 to 4.7,the plasma distribution changes from a center-high to a saddleshaped distribution.Moreover,the plasma uniformity becomes worse.Finally,adjusting process parameters,such as increasing source power and gas pressure,can enhance plasma uniformity.These findings contribute to optimizing the etching process by improving plasma radial uniformity.

Plasma density enhancement in radio-frequency hollow electrode discharge

The plasma density enhancement outside hollow electrodes in capacitively coupled radio-frequency(RF) discharges is investigated by a two-dimensional(2D) particle-in-cell/Monte-Carlo collision(PIC/MCC) model. Results show that plasma exists inside the cavity when the sheath inside the hollow electrode hole is fully collapsed, which is an essential condition for the plasma density enhancement outside hollow electrodes. In addition, the existence of the electron density peak at the orifice is generated via the hollow cathode effect(HCE), which plays an important role in the density enhancement. It is also found that the radial width of bulk plasma at the orifice affects the magnitude of the density enhancement, and narrow radial plasma bulk width at the orifice is not beneficial to obtain high-density plasma outside hollow electrodes.Higher electron density at the orifice, combined with larger radial plasma bulk width at the orifice,causes higher electron density outside hollow electrodes. The results also imply that the HCE strength inside the cavity cannot be determined by the magnitude of the electron density outside hollow electrodes.

Non-thermal plasma enhanced catalytic conversion of methane into value added chemicals and fuels

Plasma catalysis has recently gained increased attention for its application in gas conversion,notably in processes like the dry reforming of methane aimed at transforming them into valuable chemicals and fuels.As this field is still in its early developmental stages,there is a crucial necessity to explore the synergistic mechanism between plasma and catalysts.The optimization of catalysts is imperative to improve their selectivity and conversion rates for desired products in a plasma environment.Additionally,delving into microscale investigations of plasma characteristics,such as electron temperature and the density of energetic species,is essential to enhance the stability and activity of catalysts.This review examines recent advancements in various methane conversion techniques,encompassing Dry Reforming of Methane,Steam Methane Reforming,Pa rtial Oxidation of Metha ne,and Methane Decomposition utilizing non-thermal dielectric barrier discharge(DBD)plasma.The aim is to gain a deeper understanding of plasma-catalyst interactions and to refine catalyst selection strategies for maximizing the production of desired products such as syngas,oxygenates,or higher hydrocarbons.The review delves into the catalytic mechanisms that delineate the synergistic effects between DBD plasma and catalyst in each technology,shedding light on the role of diverse catalytic properties in activating methane molecules-a pivotal step in hybrid plasma-catalytic reactions.Various approaches employed by researchers in exploring suitable catalysts and optimal reaction conditions to bolster CH_(4) conversion rates and selectivity using DBD plasma are discussed.Additionally,the review identifies gaps in the realm of plasma catalysis,underscoring the necessity for further research to fully understand the underlying principles of plasma and catalyst which are not trivial to uncover.

Genetically Predicted Plasma Levels of Amino Acids and Endometriosis:A Mendelian Randomization Study

Endometriosis(EMS)is one of the most common disorders among women of reproductive age and affects approximately 6%–10%of the world total population^([1]).Women with EMS often experience symptoms such as dysmenorrhea,infertility,or difficulties in conceiving.Recent studies focusing on amino acids(AAs)metabolism have shed light on the mechanisms underlying the development and progression of EMS^([2]).

Different concentrations of hyaluronic acid eye drops for dry eye syndrome: a systematic review and Meta-analysis

AIM:To compare high or low concentration of hyaluronic acid eye drops(HY)for dry eye syndromes(DES).METHODS:Randomized controlled trials(RCTs)comparing various concentrations of HY were searched in PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,Cochrane,SinoMed,CNKI,Wanfang Database,CQVIP,and Chinese journals databases between inception and July 2023.Pooled standardized mean differences(SMD)or weighted mean difference(WMD)with 95%confidence intervals(CI)from RCTs evaluating Schirmer’s I test(SIT),corneal fluorescein staining score(CFS),tear breakup time(TBUT),DES score(DESS),and Ocular Surface Disease Index(OSDI)were calculated.Sensitivity analysis,Egger’s test and Meta-regression analysis were performed for all indicators.RESULTS:We conducted a Meta-analysis of 10 RCTs that met the inclusion criteria,involving 1796 cases.High-concentrations group significantly improved the outcome of CFS according to random effects modelling(SMD,-3.37;95%CI,-5.25 to-1.48;P=0.0005).The rest of the results were not statistically significant,including indicators such as SIT,TBUT,DESS and OSDI.CONCLUSION:For dry eyes with positive corneal staining,a high concentration of HY is recommended,whereas in other cases,a high concentration of HY does not offer a more pronounced advantage over a low concentration of HY in the treatment of dry eyes.

Plasma membrane-anchored fluorescent tracker based on boron-dipyrromethene

The construction of a stable-membrane tracker has significant implications for the visualization of the membrane in live cells.However,most current plasma trackers are not suitable for tracking plasma membranes for a long time due to their limited retention time.Herein,Mem580-F-Sulfo is designed to target and anchor cell membranes and therefore track cell membranes for a longer time.This tracker is composed of a lipophilic boron-dipyrromethene(BODIPY)derivative and a hydrophilic zwitterion to form an amphiphilic structure,which enables its targeting ability toward cell membranes.Moreover,a reactive ester group is included to bind with proteins through covalent bonds in cell membranes nonspecifically,which extends retention time in cell membranes.Mem580-F-Sulfo shows intense brightness(94600),with a high molar absorption coefficient of up to about 100000 L·mol^(-1)·cm^(-1)and a fluorescence quantum yield of up to 0.97.It shows fast cell membrane targeting ability and long retention up to 90 min.In brief,this work has not only developed a tracker with good cell membrane targetability but also provided a new strategy for improving the targeting stability of cell membranes.