Orbital-Selective Kondo Entanglement and Antiferromagnetic Order in USb_{2}

In heavy-fermion compounds, the dual character of f electrons underlies their rich and often exotic properties like fragile heavy quasiparticles, a variety of magnetic orders and unconventional superconductivity. 5f-electron actinide materials provide a rich setting to elucidate the larger and outstanding issue of the competition between magnetic order and Kondo entanglement and, more generally, the interplay among different channels of interactions in correlated electron systems. Here, by using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we present the detailed electronic structure of USb_{2} and observe two different kinds of nearly flat bands in the antiferromagnetic state of USb_{2}. Polarization-dependent measurements show that these electronic states are derived from 5f orbitals with different characters; in addition, further temperature-dependent measurements reveal that one of them is driven by the Kondo correlations between the 5f electrons and conduction electrons, while the other reflects the dominant role of the magnetic order. Our results on the low-energy electronic excitations of USb_{2} implicate orbital selectivity as an important new ingredient for the competition between Kondo correlations and magnetic order and, by extension, in the rich landscape of quantum phases for strongly correlated f electron systems.

[Signaling pathway of M2-type polarization induced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific peptide E7 in monocyte-macrophages]

Objective: To explore the signal pathway of M2-type polarization induced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB)-specific peptide E7. Methods: Monocyte-macrophages were divided into blank control group, M1 positive stimulus group [co-stimulated with lipopolysaccharide and gamma interferon (IFN-γ)], M2 positive group(co-stimulated with IL-4 and IL-13), and E7 experimental group (with MTB-specificity polypeptide E7 stimulated). The expression of M1 type markers CD(16), IL-6, TNF-α and M2 type markers CD(163), CD(206), IL-10 were detected at 12, 18, 24 and 36 h. Furthermore, peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors-γ (PPAR-γ) blocker was used in the blank control group, M2-positive stimulus group and E7 experimental stimulus group. T test was used to compare the expression of PPAR-γ and CD(163) before and after the addition of blockers. Results: Compared with the positive control group and the blank control group, the expression of TNF-α in the E7 experimental group gradually reached the peak when macrophages were stimulated for 18 h(the relative expression was 20.02), and then the expression of TNF-α gradually decreased and the expression of CD(163) increased. The expression of CD(163) peaked at 24 h (the relative expression was 2.44). After adding the inhibitor, the expression of PPAR-γ in E7 stimulation group was lower than before blocking (before blocking 0.94±0.06, after blocking 0.69±0.09, P=0.028). CD(163) expression level was significantly lower than that before blocking (before blocking 3.95±0.61, after blocking 2.87±0.20, P=0.047). Conclusion: The MTB-specific peptide E7 induced differentiation of macrophages into M2 type, a process that may be involving PPAR-γ in just another kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway.

Health concerns of cancer survivors after primary anti-cancer treatment

PURPOSE

Cancer survivors experience significant health concerns compared to the general population. Sydney Survivorship Clinic (SSC) is a multi-disciplinary clinic aiming to help survivors treated with curative intent manage side effects, and establish a healthy lifestyle. Here, we determine the health concerns of survivors post-primary treatment.

METHODS

Survivors completed questionnaires assessing symptoms, quality of life (QOL), distress, diet, and exercise before attending SSC, and a satisfaction survey after. Body mass index (BMI), clinical findings and recommendations were reviewed. Descriptive statistical methods were used.

RESULTS

Overall, 410 new patients attended SSC between September 2013 and April 2018, with 385 survivors included in analysis: median age 57 years (range 18-86); 69% female; 43% breast, 31% colorectal and 19% haematological cancers. Median time from diagnosis, 12 months. Common symptoms of at least moderate severity: fatigue (45%), insomnia (37%), pain (34%), anxiety (31%) and with 56% having > 5 moderate-severe symptoms. Overall, 45% scored distress ≥ 4/10 and 62% were rated by clinical psychologist as having 'fear of cancer recurrence'. Compared to population mean of 50, mean global QOL T-score was 47.2, with physical and emotional well-being domains most affected. Average BMI was 28.2 kg/m² (range 17.0-59.1); 61% overweight/obese. Only 31% met aerobic exercise guidelines. Overall, 98% 'agreed'/'completely agreed' attending the SSC was worthwhile, and 99% would recommend it to others.

CONCLUSION

Distress, fear of cancer recurrence, fatigue, obesity and sedentary lifestyle are common in cancer survivors attending SSC and may best be addressed in a multi-disciplinary Survivorship Clinic to minimise longer-term effects. This model is well-rated by survivors.

Nuts and Cardiovascular Disease Prevention

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We review recent epidemiological and clinical studies investigating the consumption of tree nuts and peanuts and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality as well as CVD risk factors.

RECENT FINDINGS

A greater consumption of tree nuts and peanuts is associated with a reduced risk of CVD mortality, as well as lower CVD events. Furthermore, risk factors associated with the development of CVD such as dyslipidemia, impaired vascular function, and hypertension are improved with regular tree nut and peanut consumption through a range of mechanism associated with their nutrient-rich profiles. There is weak inconsistent evidence for an effect of nut consumption on inflammation. There is emerging evidence that consuming tree nuts reduces the incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and promotes diversity of gut microbiota, which in turn may improve CVD outcomes. Evidence for CVD prevention is strong for some varieties of tree nuts, particularly walnuts, and length of supplementation and dose are important factors for consideration with recommendations.

Association of clinicopathological features of melanoma with total naevus count and a history of dysplastic naevi: a cross-sectional retrospective study within an academic centre

BACKGROUND

High naevus count (HNC) (≥ 50 naevi) and presence of dysplastic naevi (DN) are risk factors for malignant melanoma (MM); however, MMs also occur in patients with low naevus count (LNC) (< 50 naevi) and in patients without DN. Little is known about differences between MMs in these groups.

AIM

To characterize the clinicopathological differences between MMs in patients with HNC and those in patients with LNC, with or without biopsy-proven DN.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional retrospective chart review of 281 patients with MM seen between April 2013 and March 2014 at an academic pigmented lesion clinic (Boston, MA, USA).

RESULTS

Patients with LNC MMs were diagnosed at an older age (51 vs. 41 years, P < 0.001, OR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.93-0.97), with more aggressive MM features, including greater Breslow thickness (1.1 vs. 0.8 mm, P = 0.01), more mitoses (2 vs. 1 mitoses/mm² , P < 0.001), lower rate of superficial spreading subtype (58 vs. 78%, P < 0.01, OR = 2.57, 95% CI 1.31-5.03) and higher MM stage (P < 0.001), compared to patients with HNC. Patients with DN had similar trends as those in patients with HNC described above, and in addition, were more likely to have a truncal MM (55 vs. 39%, P < 0.01, OR = 1.97, 95% CI 1.22-3.18) with less ulceration (13 vs. 29%, P < 0.01, OR = 0.36, 95% CI 0.19-0.71). Patients without DN were more likely to have a history of a non-MM skin cancer (32 vs. 19%, P = 0.01, OR = 0.49, 95% CI 0.28-0.85) and an amelanotic MM (33 vs 21%, P = 0.03, OR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.31-0.96).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with LNC may develop MMs with more aggressive features at an older age than patients with HNC. A history of biopsy-proven DN reveals distinct MM differences compared to patients without DN.

Band Dependent Interlayer f-Electron Hybridization in CeRhIn_{5}

A key issue in heavy fermion research is how subtle changes in the hybridization between the 4f (5f) and conduction electrons can result in fundamentally different ground states. CeRhIn_{5} stands out as a particularly notable example: when replacing Rh with either Co or Ir, antiferromagnetism gives way to superconductivity. In this photoemission study of CeRhIn_{5}, we demonstrate that the use of resonant angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy with polarized light allows us to extract detailed information on the 4f crystal field states and details on the 4f and conduction electron hybridization, which together determine the ground state. We directly observe weakly dispersive Kondo resonances of f electrons and identify two of the three Ce 4f_{5/2}^{1} crystal-electric-field levels and band-dependent hybridization, which signals that the hybridization occurs primarily between the Ce 4f states in the CeIn_{3} layer and two more three-dimensional bands composed of the Rh 4d and In 5p orbitals in the RhIn_{2} layer. Our results allow us to connect the properties observed at elevated temperatures with the unusual low-temperature properties of this enigmatic heavy fermion compound.

[Clinical features of neurosyphilis with optic neuritis as an initial finding]

Objective: To study the characteristics of neurosyphilis with optic neuritis as an initial finding. Methods: Retrospective analysis of clinical data and laboratory testing results of 16 cases (27 eyes) with optic neuritis as an initial finding of neurosyphilis from October 2010 to March 2015 in General Hospital of People's Liberation Army was made. Results: Six-teen patients (12 males, 4 females) were collected, the median age of patients was 47 (range 33 to 65) years ,the mean age was (49.63±9.05) years. Treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay (TPPA) analysis was positive in all of the patients and rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test was positive in 14 patients (2 patients did not test). Lumbar puncture was requested and performed for all patients. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) TPPA analysis was positive in 16 patients and RPR test was positive in 12 patients. The CSF white blood cell counting increased in 9 (56.3%) patients and 10(62.5%)patients presented with increased CSF protein level. Both eyes were involved in 11 patients (68.8%). Relative afferent papillary defect was positive in 11 patients. Twenty-seven eyes were affected in 16 patients, and among them 7 eyes' pupil diameter were 2.5 mm or less. Incipient visual acuity was less than 0.1 in 22 eyes. The slit lamp examination showed vitreous opacity in 12 eyes and visible cells in 6 eyes among 27 eyes. Fundus examination found that 6 eyes had papillary edema and 15 eyes had pallordisc among 27eyes. Electro-retinogram (ERG) was tested in 24 eyes, and 18 eyes were abnormal. Visual evoked potential (VEP) were performed in 26 eyes (flash VEP in 22 eyes, pattern VEP in 4 eyes), and all were abnormal. Fourteen eyes were tested by 30-2 perimetry, and 6 eyes had diffuse visual field defect, 2 eyes had peripheral visual field defect, 4 eyes had quadrant defect and 2 eyes had center scotoma. Fundus fluorescence angiography was done in 16 eyes and choroidal hyper-fluorescent dots were found in posterior pole in 4 eyes. All patients were treated with antibiotic medicines, among them 10 cases in the General Hospital, and 6 cases in the other hospitals. During 15 months follow-up after discharge, visual acuity of 17 eyes recovered to 0.5 and above. Conclusion: Syphilitic optic neuritis is a condition that manifests with severe visual loss and tends to involve both eyes, Some patients have a smaller pupil diameter. Due to the particular infective routes of the disease, patients often conceal their sexual history. The manifestations of ocular syphilis are complicated and easy to misdiagnose or undiagnose. Clinical manifestations combining with the detailed history taking, serum and cerebrospinal fluid examination can guide to an accurate diagnosis and prevent from permanent vision loss. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2016, 52: 898-904).

Prevalence of falls among community-dwelling elderly and its associated factors: A cross-sectional study in Perak, Malaysia

INTRODUCTION

Fall is a major cause of injuries and can increase the risk of early mortality among elderly. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of falls among community-dwelling elderly in rural Malaysia and its associated factors.

METHODS

Data were obtained from a cross-sectional survey in five randomly selected districts in the state of Perak, Malaysia. A total of 250 households were randomly selected. A total of 811 individuals aged 60 years or more were recruited and interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Information about socio-demographic, history of falls in the past 1 year, medical history, drug history and physical activity level were enquired.

RESULTS

The prevalence of falls in the past 1 year among community-dwelling elderly was reported to be 4.07%. Indigenous elderly (Adjusted odd ratio, AOR = 6.06, 95% CI = 1.10-33.55, p = 0.039) and living alone (AOR = 2.60, 95% CI = 1.04-6.50, p = 0.042) were shown to be factors associated with falls. Physical activity level, number of co-morbidities and number of medications used were not associated with falls.

CONCLUSION

Elderly of indigenous ethnicity and living alone are the main factors associated with falls in this population. Indigenous people may be at higher risk, which warrant further investigation with a larger sample to improve the precision of estimates.

Effects of Surface Electron Doping and Substrate on the Superconductivity of Epitaxial FeSe Films

Superconductivity in FeSe is greatly enhanced in films grown on SrTiO3 substrates, although the mechanism behind remains unclear. Recently, surface potassium (K) doping has also proven able to enhance the superconductivity of FeSe. Here, by using scanning tunneling microscopy, we compare the K doping dependence of the superconductivity in FeSe films grown on two substrates: SrTiO3 (001) and graphitized SiC (0001). For thick films (20 unit cells (UC)), the optimized superconducting (SC) gaps are of similar size (∼9 meV) regardless of the substrate. However, when the thickness is reduced to a few UC, the optimized SC gap is increased up to ∼15 meV for films on SrTiO3, whereas it remains unchanged for films on SiC. This clearly indicates that the FeSe/SrTiO3 interface can further enhance the superconductivity, beyond merely doping electrons. Intriguingly, we found that this interface enhancement decays exponentially as the thickness increases, with a decay length of 2.4 UC, which is much shorter than the length scale for relaxation of the lattice strain, pointing to interfacial electron-phonon coupling as the likely origin.

Characteristics associated with the consumption of malted drinks among Malaysian primary school children: findings from the MyBreakfast study

BACKGROUND

The consumption of beverages contributes to diet quality and overall nutrition. Studies on malted drinks, one of the widely consumed beverage choices among children in Asia, however, have received limited attention. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of malted drink consumption and explored associations of sociodemographic characteristics, nutrient intakes, weight status and physical activity levels with malted drink consumption among primary school children in Malaysia.

METHODS

Data for this analysis were from the MyBreakfast Study, a national cross-sectional study conducted from April to October 2013 throughout all regions in Malaysia. A total of 2065 primary school children aged 6 to 12 years were included in the present analysis. Data on two days 24-h dietary recall or record, anthropometry, physical activity and screen time were recorded. Associations between malted drink consumption and related factors were examined using binary logistic regression, adjusting for region, area, gender, ethnicity and household income.

RESULTS

Among children aged 6 to 12 years, 73.5% reported consuming malted drinks for at least once per week. Consumption of malted drinks was significantly associated with region (χ(2) = 45.64, p < 0.001), gender (χ(2) = 4.41, p = 0.036) and ethnicity (χ(2) = 13.74, p = 0.008). Malted drink consumers had similar total energy intake but higher micronutrient intakes compared to non-consumers. High physical activity level (OR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.06, 2.99) and lower screen time during weekends (OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.86, 0.99) were independently associated with malted drink consumption among 6 to 9 year-old children, but not among 10 to 12 year-old children. No association was observed between malted drink consumption and weight status.

CONCLUSIONS

Malted drink consumption is prevalent among Malaysian primary school children, particularly higher among boys, indigenous children and those who lived in the East Coast region of Malaysia. Consuming malted drinks is associated with higher micronutrient intakes and higher levels of physical activity, but not with body weight status.

Photoemission study of the electronic structure and charge density waves of Na2Ti2Sb2O

The electronic structure of Na₂Ti₂Sb₂O single crystal is studied by photon energy and polarization dependent angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). The obtained band structure and Fermi surface agree well with the band structure calculation of Na₂Ti₂Sb₂O in the non-magnetic state, which indicates that there is no magnetic order in Na₂Ti₂Sb₂O and the electronic correlation is weak. Polarization dependent ARPES results suggest the multi-band and multi-orbital nature of Na₂Ti₂Sb₂O. Photon energy dependent ARPES results suggest that the electronic structure of Na₂Ti₂Sb₂O is rather two-dimensional. Moreover, we find a density wave energy gap forms below the transition temperature and reaches 65 meV at 7 K, indicating that Na₂Ti₂Sb₂O is likely a weakly correlated CDW material in the strong electron-phonon interaction regime.

A multicentre retrospective comparison of central nervous system prophylaxis strategies among patients with high-risk diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Background:

Central nervous system (CNS) relapse in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a devastating complication; the optimal prophylactic strategy remains unclear.

Methods:

We performed a multicentre, retrospective analysis of patients with DLBCL with high risk for CNS relapse as defined by two or more of: multiple extranodal sites, elevated serum LDH and B symptoms or involvement of specific high-risk anatomical sites. We compared three different strategies of CNS-directed therapy: intrathecal (IT) methotrexate (MTX) with (R)-CHOP ‘group 1' R-CHOP with IT MTX and two cycles of high-dose intravenous (IV) MTX ‘group 2' dose-intensive systemic antimetabolite-containing chemotherapy (Hyper-CVAD or CODOXM/IVAC) with IT/IV MTX ‘group 3'.

Results:

Overall, 217 patients were identified (49, 125 and 43 in groups 1–3, respectively). With median follow-up of 3.4 (range 0.2–18.6) years, 23 CNS relapses occurred (12, 10 and 1 in groups 1–3 respectively). The 3-year actuarial rates (95% CI) of CNS relapse were 18.4% (9.5–33.1%), 6.9% (3.5–13.4%) and 2.3% (0.4–15.4%) in groups 1–3, respectively (P=0.009).

Conclusions:

The addition of high-dose IV MTX and/or cytarabine was associated with lower incidence of CNS relapse compared with IT chemotherapy alone. However, these data are limited by their retrospective nature and warrant confirmation in prospective randomised studies.

Observation of possible topological in-gap surface states in the Kondo insulator SmB6 by photoemission

SmB₆, a well-known Kondo insulator, exhibits a transport anomaly at low temperature. This anomaly is usually attributed to states within the hybridization gap. Recent theoretical work and transport measurements suggest that these in-gap states could be ascribed to topological surface states, which would make SmB₆ the first realization of topological Kondo insulator. Here by performing angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy experiments, we directly observe several dispersive states within the hybridization gap of SmB₆. These states show negligible k_z dependence, which indicates their surface origin. Furthermore, we perform photoemission circular dichroism experiments, which suggest that the in-gap states possess chirality of the orbital angular momentum. These states vanish simultaneously with the hybridization gap at around 150 K. Together, these observations suggest the possible topological origin of the in-gap states.

The Kondo insulator samarium hexaboride exhibits low-temperature transport anomalies, which might be due to topological surface states. Here Jiang et al. perform angle-resolved photoemission and its circular dichroism measurements, which suggest that the anomalies might be of topological origin.

Measurement of an enhanced superconducting phase and a pronounced anisotropy of the energy gap of a strained FeSe single layer in FeSe/Nb:SrTiO3/KTaO3 heterostructures using photoemission spectroscopy

Single-layer FeSe films with an extremely expanded in-plane lattice constant of 3.99±0.02  Å are fabricated by epitaxially growing FeSe/Nb:SrTiO3/KTaO3 heterostructures and studied by in situ angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. Two elliptical electron pockets at the Brillouin zone corner are resolved with negligible hybridization between them, indicating that the symmetry of the low-energy electronic structure remains intact as a freestanding single-layer FeSe, although it is on a substrate. The superconducting gap closes at a record high temperature of 70 K for the iron-based superconductors. Intriguingly, the superconducting gap distribution is anisotropic but nodeless around the electron pockets, with minima at the crossings of the two pockets. Our results place strong constraints on current theories.

Bilineal T lymphoblastic and myeloid blast transformation in chronic myeloid leukemia with TP53 mutation-an uncommon presentation in adults

Bilineal blast transformation of myeloid and T lymphoid type is a rare event in chronic myeloid leukemia. Here, we report a case in which an adult presented with high white cell counts and lymphadenopathy. Bone marrow studies confirmed the presence of 9 and 22 chromosomal translocation, and a diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase was made. Examination of a lymph node showed both myeloid and T lymphoblastoid blast crisis. Molecular studies demonstrated the presence of BCR-ABL fusion transcripts in both the myeloid and the T lymphoblastic component, indicating that the myeloid and T lymphoid blast crisis components shared common progenitors. TP53 deletion was demonstrated by fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Appetitive, dietary and health effects of almonds consumed with meals or as snacks: a randomized, controlled trial

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Snacks contribute toward a significant proportion of human total daily energy intake. This study investigated the effects of almonds, a satiating and nutrient-rich, common snack, on postprandial glycemia, appetite, short-term body weight and fasting blood parameters when consumed with meals or alone as a snack.

METHODS

This was a 4-week randomized, parallel-arm study that entailed consuming almonds (43 g/day) with breakfast (BF) or lunch (LN), alone as a morning (MS) or afternoon (AS) snack or no almonds (CL). Participants (N=137) with increased risk for type 2 diabetes completed an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and acute-feeding session at baseline, followed by almond consumption for 4 weeks before repeating the OGTT and acute-feeding trials. Anthropometric, biochemical and appetite responses were assessed.

RESULTS

Almonds lowered serum glucose responses postprandially. Effects were most prominent in the snack groups. Almonds, consumed as snacks, also reduced hunger and desire to eat during the acute-feeding session. After 4 weeks, anthropometric measurements and fasting blood biochemistries did not differ from the control group or across intervention groups. Without specific guidance, daily energy intake was reduced to compensate for energy from the provided almonds. Dietary monounsaturated fat and α-tocopherol intakes were significantly increased in all almond groups.

CONCLUSION

Almonds provide post-ingestive metabolic and appetitive benefits and did not increase the risk for weight gain. This suggests that almonds may be a healthful snack option.