Magnetic ground state of face-centered-cubic structure of iron

First principles calculations reveal that the antiferromagnetic double layer (AFMD) along the magnetization direction of 〈0 0 1〉 is the magnetic ground state of face-centered-cubic (FCC) structure of iron (Fe) due to its lowest total energy among all the studied magnetic states. This magnetic ground state of AFMD-〈0 0 1〉 is fundamentally due to a stronger chemical bonding in terms of electronic structure, and could be confirmed by its mechanical properties for the first time. Calculations also show that lattice constant has an important effect to determine the magnetic state of FCC Fe, and a transition of magnetic state between AFMD-〈0 0 1〉 and ferromagnetic happens at the critical lattice constant of 3.666 Å. The derived results are in good agreement with experimental and theoretical observations, and could clarify the controversy regarding magnetic ground state of FCC Fe in the literature.

Dietary Inflammatory Index and Leukoaraiosis in Patients with Ischemic Stroke

OBJECTIVES

Diet may change the chronic levels of systemic inflammation, which in turn influence the development of leukoaraiosis (LA). This study aimed to examine the association between dietary inflammatory index (DII) and LA in patients with ischemic stroke.

METHODS

Patients with first-ever ischemic stroke were enrolled from two centers. A semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to evaluate diet contents. The DII score of each patient was calculated based on the reported diet contents. Presence and degree of LA were evaluated with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. LA was graded according to Fazekas scale.

RESULTS

Of the 497 enrolled patients, 337 (67.8%) were detected with LA. Patients with LA had a higher DII score (0.23 vs -0.88, P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis detected that patients with highest quartile of DII score had an OR of 3.61 (95% CI: 2.05-6.36, P < 0.001) for LA compared with those with lowest quartile of DII. After adjusting for major confounders, the highest DII quartile remained as an independent predictor for LA (OR = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.41-5.00, P = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

A pro-inflammatory diet pattern, as indicated by higher DII values, appears to be associated with a higher risk of LA. This result suggested that dietary-mediated inflammation may involved in the pathogenesis of LA, which warrant further study.

[Brief analysis of the application and funding projects of National Natural Science Foundation of China in the discipline of burns and plastic surgery over the years]

Objective: To analyze application and funding projects of National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) in the discipline of burns and plastic surgery over the years, so as to provide reference for subsequent fund application and the search for new research directions in the discipline. Methods: Annual statistical reports on funding projects and Internet-based Science Information System of NSFC were used to search the application and funding situation of the science foundation projects related to the discipline of burns and plastic surgery during 1986-2018. The relevant situation was statistically analyzed during 2009-2018, including the amount of applications and grant, funding rate, and appropriation. The amount of the application and grant, funding rate, appropriation, and funding strength of multiple series (Exploration, Talent, Tools, Integration) during 2009-2018 were statistically analyzed. Main granted projects in each year during 2009-2018 were statistically analyzed. Funding situation of research direction in the discipline of burns and plastic surgery was analyzed. Results: (1) During the past 33 years, the amount of application and funding in the discipline of burns and plastic surgery were on increase trend generally. (2) During 2009-2018, the total funding rate of the science foundation was 18.63% (611/3 279), with a total appropriation of 26 167.5 ten thousand yuan. (3) During 2009-2018, the more funding projects in the discipline of burns and plastic surgery were General Program of Exploration series and Young Scientists Fund, and Fund for Less Developed Regions of Talent series in turn, their funding rates were respectively 19.11% (330/1 727), 17.72%(216/1 219), and 19.26%(47/244), with appropriations of 18 115.0, 4 450.0, and 1 780.0 ten thousand yuan and funding strength of 54.89, 20.60, and 37.87 ten thousand yuan per project respectively. In addition, the funding rate of the Key Program of Exploration series was 6.82% (3/44) with appropriation of 828.0 ten thousand yuan, and funding strength for each was 276.00 ten thousand yuan. The International (Regional) Cooperation and Exchange Programs received 15 applications, and 4 projects were funded with appropriation of 524.5 ten thousand yuan and the funding strength of 131.13 ten thousand yuan for each. National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars of Talent series received 12 applications, and 1 project was funded with appropriation of 200.0 ten thousand yuan. Tools and Integration series projects received only a few or no application, and none of the application was funded. (4) The funding amount of General Programs was the most, peaking at 50 in 2012, and was decreased slightly in the past 6 years. The funding amount of Young Scientists Fund was relatively less, but it was on increase trend year by year. The funding amount of Fund for Less Developed Regions was the least relatively, with a steady increase trend in general. (5) The amount of funding projects according to the research direction in the discipline of burns and plastic surgery in the order from more to less were H1507 wound healing and scar (219, 35.84%), H1505 burns (168, 27.50%), H1508 body tissue and organs deformity, damage and repair, and regeneration (143, 23.40%), H1509 body surface tissue organ transplantation and reconstruction (53, 8.67%), H1510 cranial and maxillofacial deformities and correction (27, 4.42%), H1506 frostbite (1, 0.16%). Conclusions: In recent years, the amount of science foundation projects in the discipline of burns and plastic surgery was on the rise, mainly including General Programs, Young Scientists Fund, and Fund for Less Developed Regions. In the process of science foundation application in the discipline of burns and plastic surgery, it is necessary to provide more ability training and policy support for young outstanding scientific and technological talents. At the same time, we should attach importance to international and regional academic exchanges, and provide a favorable platform for cooperative projects. Besides, research on new hotspots such as chronic wounds and prevention and treatment of scar or not in popular research such as frostbite should be strengthened.

Correlation of QT dispersion with serum potassium or blood sodium levels post-neonatal asphyxia

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the correlation between the corrected QT dispersion (QTcd) and serum potassium/sodium levels in order to evaluate their significance for early diagnosis of neonatal asphyxia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study included 124 neonatal asphyxia patients. These patients were divided into mild and severe asphyxia groups based on their clinical features and diagnostic indexing. Sixty healthy infants were selected as controls. QTcd, and serum cardiac troponin T (cTNT), potassium and sodium levels in the three groups were compared, and the correlation between QTcd and serum potassium/sodium was analyzed by Spearman correlation tests.

RESULTS

Both mild and severe groups developed significantly higher cTnT and QTcd (p < 0.05), but lower serum potassium and sodium compared with control group (p < 0.05). The severe group had significantly higher cTnT and QTcd (p < 0.05), but lower serum potassium and sodium when compared with mild group (p < 0.05). The serum potassium and sodium were both negatively correlated with QTcd (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum potassium and sodium can be used as indicators for neonatal asphyxia, which may markedly improve early diagnosis, prognosis and treatment efficacy.to the progression of atherosclerosis, which could be a potential target for treating atherosclerosis.

Effects of multi-walled carbon nanotubes on metal transformation and natural organic matters in riverine sediment

In this study, pragmatic prospection of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is conducted considering their impacts on Cd transformation, microbial activity and natural organic matter (NOM) in sediments. Indeed, dose-dependent of MWCNTs acceleration in Cd sedimentation and immobilization in water-sediment interface has been found. Unexpectedly, even with the reduced Cd bioavailability, high ratios of MWCNTs incorporation led to exacerbated microbial inactivation. Besides, we noted that MWCNTs significantly lowered NOM contents in sediments. Chemical characterization results also demonstrated that high ratios of MWCNTs incorporation reduced the aromaticity, hydrophobicity and humification of fulvic acid (FA) and humic acid (HA) in sediments. The Cd binding results confirmed that quantity and chemical variation of NOM affected their central ability to Cd binding, referring to significant decrease in combined Cd contents. The findings indicated that reduction in humic substances and chemical structure variation might be the important reason attributed to the MWCNTs toxicity. This study provides novel mechanisms understanding the fate of carbon nanotubes considering the balance in environmental benefit and potential risks.

Beam Energy and Centrality Dependence of Direct-Photon Emission from Ultrarelativistic Heavy-Ion Collisions

The PHENIX collaboration presents first measurements of low-momentum (0.4<p_{T}<3  GeV/c) direct-photon yields from Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=39 and 62.4 GeV. For both beam energies the direct-photon yields are substantially enhanced with respect to expectations from prompt processes, similar to the yields observed in Au+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200. Analyzing the photon yield as a function of the experimental observable dN_{ch}/dη reveals that the low-momentum (>1  GeV/c) direct-photon yield dN_{γ}^{dir}/dη is a smooth function of dN_{ch}/dη and can be well described as proportional to (dN_{ch}/dη)^{α} with α≈1.25. This scaling behavior holds for a wide range of beam energies at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider and the Large Hadron Collider, for centrality selected samples, as well as for different A+A collision systems. At a given beam energy, the scaling also holds for high p_{T} (>5  GeV/c), but when results from different collision energies are compared, an additional sqrt[s_{NN}]-dependent multiplicative factor is needed to describe the integrated-direct-photon yield.

[Effect of oral appliance treatment on age-related changes of sleep respiratory function in patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome]

Objective: The severity of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) has a tendency to increase with age. The purpose of this study was to explore whether oral appliance (OA) treatment can block this age-related change. Methods: This study was a retrospective study. Fifteen patients (12 males,3 females) of OSAHS treated with OA were selected as treatment group,with an average age of (47.44±10.00) years and initial body mass index (BMI) of (26.31±3.33) kg/m(2). The follow-up length was 54 [22, 100] months. Nineteen patients (13 males,6 females) with untreated OSAHS served as controls, with an average age of (45.00±9.26) years and initial BMI of (25.53±2.58) kg/m(2),and the follow-up length was 35 [26,63] months. There were no significant differences in terms of gender,age,initial BMI, apnea hypopnea index(AHI), and follow-up length between the two groups. Polysomnography(PSG) data for the two groups were compared to observe the sleep respiratory function changes as aging by Wilcoxon test. Results: There was no significant difference in BMI of the treatment group and the control group at the time of follow-up, with BMI of treatment group from (26.31±3.33) kg/m(2) to (25.67±3.65) kg/m(2),Z=-1.223,P=0.221; and BMI of control group from (25.53±2.58) kg/m(2) to (25.12±2.72) kg/m(2),Z=-1.193,P=0.233. There was no significant difference in the change of AHI within the treatment group, from 26.20 [11.50, 52.98]/h to 23.10 [16.00, 45.00]/h, Z=-0.284, P=0.776; AHI in the control group was higher than that at the first visit, and the AHI increased from 15.00 [10.72, 28.90]/h to 31.10 [13.00, 41.80]/h, Z=-3.481, P<0.001. The longest apnea duration was not statistically different in the treatment group, from 60.00 [56.40, 74.00] s to 63.00 [52.00, 77.00] s, Z=-0.345, P=0.730; the longest apnea duration in the control group increased from 42.00 [34.00, 56.70] s to 46.00 [37.00,62.00] s,Z=-2.274,P=0.023. There was no significant difference in the lowest blood oxygen saturation of the treatment group and the control group, with the treatment group from 72.47%±12.69% to 72.73%±17.59%, Z=-0.597, P=0.550; and the control group from 78.21%±9.30% to 76.42%±12.17%, Z=-0.153, P=0.879. Conclusion: Symptoms of sleep apnea in OSAHS patients tend to increase with age,and oral appliance treatment may have the effect of slowing down this age-related worsening effect.

Derivation of a simple clinical model to categorize the probability of acute myocardial infarction in patients with atrial fibrillation

OBJECTIVE

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is independently associated with a higher risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The occurrence of AMI in AF patients may lead to dismal prognosis. Risk assessment is a fundamental component of prevention for AMI.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

2419 consecutive patients with nonvalvular AF were enrolled in this retrospective study. A logistic regression analysis was performed on clinical variables to create a simple clinical prediction rule. The following nine variables and assigned scores (in brackets) were included in the prediction rule: age ≥65 years (1.0), heart failure (1.0), hypertension (1.0), diabetes mellitus (1.0), hyperlipidemia (0.5), history of stroke/TIA (0.5), vascular disease (1.0), current smoking (0.5), and resting heart rate >90 beats/min (1.0). Patients were considered to have a low probability if the score was ≤2.5, moderate if the score was 3.0 to 4.0, and high if the score was ≥4.5. The AMI unlikely was assigned to patients with scores <3.5 and AMI likely if the score was ≥3.5. To evaluate the score, we included an external validation cohort of 1810 nonvalvular AF patients from the Cardiology Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China.

RESULTS

The score showed a good ability in discriminating AF patients experiencing AMI both in the internal derivation cohort, with a c-index of 0.80 [95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.77-0.83, p<0.001] and in the external validation cohort (c-index 0.73, 95% CI 0.69-0.77, p<0.001). Our scoring system offered significantly better predictive performance than the CHA2DS2-VASc score (c-index 0.80 vs 0.71, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our scoring system is a simple and accurate way of predicting the risk of AMI in AF patients. Therefore, more accurate targeting of preventive therapy will be allowed.

Biochar facilitated the phytoremediation of cadmium contaminated sediments: Metal behavior, plant toxicity, and microbial activity

Cadmium (Cd) contamination in river sediments becomes increasingly serious, and phytoremediation has been used to remediate Cd contaminated sediments, but the remediation efficiency needs to be improved. In this study, tea waste derived biochar (TB) was used to facilitate the phytoremediation of Cd contaminated sediments. Results showed that TB at 100, 500 and 1000 mg kg^-1 increased Cd accumulation and translocation in ramie seedlings by changing Cd speciation in sediments and altering the subcellular distribution of Cd in plant cells. TB at low contents alleviated Cd induced toxicity in ramie seedlings by promoting plant growth and mitigating the oxidative stress. In addition, the activities of urease-, phosphatase-, and catalase-producing microbes in the Cd contaminated sediments were promoted by the application of TB. These findings demonstrated that biochar at low concentrations could improve the phytoremediation efficiency and mitigating Cd-induced toxicity to plants and microbes in Cd contaminated sediments. This study herein provides a novel technological application of waste biomass in controlling and mitigating risks of heavy metals.

The impact of isolated maternal hypothyroxinemia during the first and second trimester of gestation on pregnancy outcomes: an intervention and prospective cohort study in China

OBJECTIVES

To explore the effect of isolated maternal hypothyroxinemia (IMH) during the first and second trimester of gestation on pregnancy outcomes. To explore whether levothyroxine (L-T4) treatment of women who had IMH identified in the first trimester improves pregnancy outcomes.

METHODS

Women in the early pregnancy in the iodine-sufficient area (n = 3398) were recruited to this prospective cohort study (ChiCTR-TRC-12002326). Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) were detected. Women with IMH before 12 weeks chose to receive L-T4 or remain untreated. The L-T4 dose was adjusted to attain a normal FT4 and TSH level. Pregnancy outcomes were evaluated during follow-up.

RESULTS

IMH in the first trimester was not associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcome compared with controls. The incidence of macrosomia (p = 0.022) and gestational hypertension (p = 0.018) was significantly higher in IMH identified in the second trimester of gestation compared with controls. IMH identified in the second trimester of gestation was a risk factor for macrosomia [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.942, 95% CI 1.076-3.503, p = 0.027] and gestational hypertension (aOR 4.203, 95% CI 1.611-10.968, p < 0.01), when body mass index in the early pregnancy was < 25 kg/m².

CONCLUSIONS

IMH in the first trimester did not increase the risk of adverse outcomes irrespective of whether women received L-T4 treatment. However, IMH identified in the second trimester was associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcome. The results suggest that thyroid function follow-up during the second trimester is necessary, even if thyroid function is normal during the first trimester.

The characteristics of internet-based venue sex-seeking and mobility among money boys in Tianjin, China

OBJECTIVES

Internet-based venue sex-seeking is prevalent among money boys (MBs), as is a high degree of mobility, which is crucial for HIV transmission in key populations with high risks of HIV infection. However, correlation studies in MBs are scarce because of the secretive nature of this hard-to-reach subpopulation. We conducted this project to explore the characteristics of MBs.

METHODS

This survey was conducted from December 2014 to June 2015 in Tianjin; a total of 330 MBs were recruited by convenience sampling. Demographic and behavioural data were collected for analysis.

RESULTS

Among the investigated MBs, 38 (11.52%) were HIV positive, 147 (44.55%) reported using internet-based venues to seek sexual partners and 257 (77.88%) had travelled to two or more destinations in the past 6 months. Compared with non-internet-based venue-using MBs, internet-based venue-using MBs were more likely to have part-time employment as MBs, to have a longer duration of working in the sex trade, to engage in finger intercourse and to present a history of substance abuse and sexually transmitted infections. However, internet-based venue-using MBs were less likely to exhibit consistent condom usage and undergo HIV testing. Origin of residence data showed that most MBs were from northern China, with Tianjin, Beijing and Shanghai as the main travel destinations. Mobile MBs were characterized as a group who were fully engaged in the sex trade and frequently took part in sexual activities but had a weak sense of self-protection.

CONCLUSIONS

Internet-based venue sex-seeking and mobility are prevalent in MBs. Renewed efforts in internet-based health promotion and school-based primary health examination programmes may benefit more mobile and/or internet-based venue sex-seeking MBs.

Metallic Hyperdensity Sign on Noncontrast CT Immediately after Mechanical Thrombectomy Predicts Parenchymal Hemorrhage in Patients with Acute Large-Artery Occlusion

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Parenchymal hemorrhage is a severe complication following mechanical recanalization in patients with acute ischemic stroke with large-vessel occlusion. This study aimed to assess whether the metallic hyperdensity sign on noncontrast CT performed immediately after mechanical thrombectomy can predict parenchymal hemorrhage at 24 hours.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We included consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke with large-vessel occlusion who underwent noncontrast CT immediately after mechanical thrombectomy between January 2014 and September 2018. The metallic hyperdensity sign was defined as a nonpetechial intracerebral hyperdense lesion (diameter, ≥1 cm) in the basal ganglia and a maximum CT density of >90 HU. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the metallic hyperdensity sign in predicting parenchymal hemorrhage were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 198 patients were included. The metallic hyperdensity sign was found in 59 (29.7%) patients, and 51 (25.7%) patients had parenchymal hemorrhage at 24 hours. Patients with the metallic hyperdensity sign are more likely to have parenchymal hemorrhage than those without it (76.3% versus 4.3%, P < .001). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the metallic hyperdensity sign in predicting parenchymal hemorrhage were 88.2%, 90.5%, 76.3%, and 95.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of the metallic hyperdensity sign on noncontrast CT performed immediately after mechanical thrombectomy in patients with large-vessel occlusion could predict the occurrence of parenchymal hemorrhage at 24 hours, which might be helpful in postinterventional management within 24 hours after mechanical thrombectomy.

Enhanced North Pacific deep-ocean stratification by stronger intermediate water formation during Heinrich Stadial 1

The deglacial history of CO₂ release from the deep North Pacific remains unresolved. This is due to conflicting indications about subarctic Pacific ventilation changes based on various marine proxies, especially for Heinrich Stadial 1 (HS-1) when a rapid atmospheric CO₂ rise occurs. Here, we use a complex Earth System Model to investigate the deglacial North Pacific overturning and its control on ocean stratification. Our results show an enhanced intermediate-to-deep ocean stratification coeval with intensified North Pacific Intermediate Water (NPIW) formation during HS-1, compared to the Last Glacial Maximum. The stronger NPIW formation causes lower salinities and higher temperatures at intermediate depths. By lowering NPIW densities, this enlarges vertical density gradient and thus enhances intermediate-to-deep ocean stratification during HS-1. Physically, this process prevents the North Pacific deep waters from a better communication with the upper oceans, thus prolongs the existing isolation of glacial Pacific abyssal carbons during HS-1.

Responses of microbial carbon metabolism and function diversity induced by complex fungal enzymes in lignocellulosic waste composting

Composting is an economic and effective technology for solid waste treatment, which is an essential method to promote the biogeochemical cycle of contaminants. However, the application of this technology was limited by the bio-degradative recalcitrance of lignin and other kind of phytotoxic substances release. The combination with microorganisms and enzymes is a popular and efficient way to enhanced composting. This study, referring to metabolic mechanisms, fungal molecular and biogeochemical cycles, was performed to investigate the effects of lignin degradation, carbon metabolic diversity, as well as the related changes induced by these two kinds of complex enzymes in composting. The biological diversity is important indicator in ecosystem, which concerns the environmental applicability of one technology. The carbon metabolism diversity reflected the biogeochemical cycles of organic matter, which was also an essential input to analyze the effects of composting. The changes on the diversity characteristics of carbon are essential to comprehensively understand the deep mechanisms of this process, and extended the application of complex enzymes in the field of enhanced composting. The analysis of Biolog revealed that the utilization of pyruvic acid methyl ester, α-Cyclodextrin, d-Mannitol, d-Galacturonic, Itaconic acid and l-asparagine were deeply promoted, and that of d, l-α-Glycerol-phosphate, l-Threonine, Glycyl-l-Glutamic acid and putrescine were depressed by adding the complex enzyme in composting. Moreover, according to the data, the addition of complex enzymes improved the degradation efficiency and the metabolic capacity of carbon in composting. These findings undoubtedly contribute to the development of enzyme-based technologies and the applications of complex enzymes in composting, which is of great benefit to eliminate the limitation and extend the application of composting.

Value of BRAF V600E in High-Risk Thyroid Nodules with Benign Cytology Results

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Limitations of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration include nondiagnostic, indeterminate cytology and false-negative results. The BRAF V600E mutation is a specific biomarker for papillary thyroid carcinoma. This study aimed to investigate the additional diagnostic role of the BRAF V600E mutation in high-risk thyroid nodules with benign cytology results.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 787 high-risk nodules in 720 patients underwent ultrasound-fine-needle aspiration. A subsequent BRAF V600E mutation test was performed on thyroid nodules with benign cytology. Final pathology confirmed thyroid nodules with benign cytology that were positive for the BRAF V600E mutation. Ultrasound was performed on thyroid nodules with benign cytology results that were negative for the BRAF V600E mutation. Fine-needle aspiration was repeated on thyroid nodules with enlarged size or changed ultrasound features.

RESULTS

Among the 787 nodules, 292 thyroid nodules had benign cytology results with 256 nodules negative for the BRAF V600E mutation and 36 nodules positive for the BRAF V600E mutation. Thirty-one nodules positive for the BRAF V600E mutation were confirmed malignant, and 5 nodules were confirmed benign by pathology. Fine-needle aspiration was repeated on 11 enlarged thyroid nodules with benign cytology findings that were negative for the BRAF V600E mutation. The results of repeat fine-needle aspiration were 4 benign nodules, 2 follicular neoplasms or suspected follicular neoplasms, 3 suspected malignancies, and 2 malignant nodules. Among the 36 thyroid nodules positive for the BRAF V600E mutation, 25 (69.4%) had ≥2 suspicious ultrasound features and 11 (30.6%) nodules had 1 suspicious ultrasound feature.

CONCLUSIONS

The BRAF V600E mutation test can detect papillary thyroid carcinomas that might be missed by fine-needle aspiration. We recommend that fine-needle aspiration be routinely accompanied by the BRAF V600E mutation test in high-risk thyroid nodules with ≥2 suspicious ultrasound features.