[Comparison of the composition of DJ tube encrustation and original stone and analysis of its causes]

Objective: To compare the composition of DJ tube encrustation and original stone, and to discuss the causes and prevention of encrustations. Methods: Twenty-five patients with DJ tube encrustation (1 case of INLAY OPTIMA(®) tube, Bard Medical, 16 cases of Universa(®) Firm tube, Cook Medical, 8 cases of Polaris™ Loop tube, Boston Scientific) in our institution from Januarry 2018 to April 2019 wereretrospective analyzed. Stones and encrustations were analyzed using the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis system to compare the differences in composition. Results: 76% (19/25) patients had the exact same DJ tube encrustations composition as the original stone component; 24% (6/25) patients had DJ tube encrustation and original stone composition inconsistent (5 cases of calcium oxalate stone, 1 case of apatite carbonate.) It maybe related to the control of urinary tract infection after ureteral obstruction. The earliest DJ tube with encrustation was a pre-expansion tube before flexible-ureteroscopy, and the indwelling time was only 18 days. Conclusions: DJ tubes of different brands and models have the risk of formation of encrustation. Most of the encrustation has the same composition as the original stone. The prevention of DJ tube scorpion can be started from: (1) removing the DJ tube within 6 weeks or replace it regularly when necessary; (2) selecting the appropriate tube including diameter and model; (3) actively controlling urinary tract infection; (4) treating the metabolic diseases, such as hypercalcemia, hyperuricemia, et al, and providing personalized guidance for each patient.

Sizable Band Gap in Epitaxial Bilayer Graphene Induced by Silicene Intercalation

Opening a band gap in bilayer graphene (BLG) is of significance for potential applications in graphene-based electronic and photonic devices. Here, we report the generation of a sizable band gap in BLG by intercalating silicene between BLG and Ru substrate. We first grow high-quality Bernal-stacked BLG on Ru(0001) and then intercalate silicene to the interface between the BLG and Ru, which is confirmed by low-energy electron diffraction and scanning tunneling microscopy. Raman spectroscopy shows that the G and 2D peaks of the intercalated BLG are restored to the freestanding-BLG features. Angle-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy measurements show that a band gap of about 0.2 eV opens in the BLG. Density functional theory calculations indicate that the large-gap opening results from a cooperative contribution of the doping and rippling/strain in the BLG. This work provides insightful understanding on the mechanism of band gap opening in BLG and enhances the potential of graphene-based device development.

[The clinical decision-making value of prostate specific antigen and its derived indicators in prostate imaging reporting and data system version 2 3 lesions]

Objective: To explore the decision-making value of clinical data in prostate imaging reporting and data system version 2 (PI-RADS V2) 3 lesions, and to compare the diagnostic value of related data for prostate cancer (PCa) and clinically PCa(csPCa). Methods: From March 2016 to October 2018,a subset of 121 men with 121 PI-RADS 3 index lesions were retrospectively analyzed. There were 31 PCa lesions and 14 csPCa lesions, aged from 46 to 91 years with a mean age of (71±9) years. The clinical data of the age, prostate specific antigen (PSA), free PSA (fPSA), f/tPSA, PSA density (PSAD) and prostate volume (PV) were compared between PCa group and non-PCa group, csPCa group and non-csPCa group using univariate analysis, respectively.The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the efficiency of statistically data in detecting PCa and csPCa in men with PI-RADS 3 index lesions. Results: The differences of PSA, f/tPSA and PSAD were all statistically significant (Z=-2.004, -2.527, -2.623, all P<0.05) between PCa group and non-PCa group, and they were all also statistically significant(Z=-2.415, -2.158, -2.870, all P<0.05) between csPCa group and non-csPCa group. Both PSAD had the best diagnostic efficiency, the ROC curve of detecting PCa and csPCa was 0.658 and 0.736, respectively. If used PSAD>0.20 μg·L(-1)·ml(-1) as the biopsy threshold, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of csPCa were 78.6%, 58.9%, 20.0%, 95.4%, and 54.5% (66/121) of the enrolled men can avoid biopsy, resulting only 3 cases of csPCa missed. Conclusion: PSA, f/tPSA, PSAD, especially PSAD can improve the detection efficiency of PCa,especially csPCa in PI-RADS 3 lesions, assisting clinical decision-making.

Effects of bamboo leaf extract on growth performance, meat quality, and meat oxidative stability in broiler chickens

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary bamboo leaf extract (BLE) on growth performance, meat quality, oxidative stability, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) related gene expression of breast meat in broilers. A total of 576 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were divided into 6 groups. The control group (CTR) was fed basal diet, while BLE1, BLE2, BLE3, BLE4, and BLE5 were fed basal diet supplemented with 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0 g BLE per kg feed, respectively. Compared with the CTR group, BLE2 and BLE5 increased average daily feed intake from 1 to 21 D and 22 to 42 D (P < 0.05), BLE1 and BLE2 improved average daily gain (ADG) and feed to gain ratio from 22 to 42 D (P < 0.05). Throughout the trial period, the highest body weight and favorable ADG and feed to gain ratio were observed in the BLE2 group. The drip loss at 24 h and pH at 45 min postmortem of breast meat were linearly improved by BLE supplementation (P < 0.05). Shear force was significantly lower in BLE2 and BLE3 than that in CTR group. Increasing supplementation of BLE linearly improved free radical scavenging capacity and decreased malondialdehyde content of breast meat during 12 D of storage (P < 0.05). Total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase activity were linearly increased by BLE supplementation (P < 0.05). Compared with the CTR group, the mRNA expression of Nrf2 and glutathione peroxidase in BLE3, BLE4, and BLE5 groups was significantly promoted, and glutathione S-transferase gene expression was increased in BLE2, BLE4, and BLE5 (P < 0.05). The highest (P < 0.05) heme oxygennase-1 gene expression was observed in BLE5. In conclusion, broiler supplemented with BLE improved growth performance and meat quality, BLE supplementation might activate Nrf2 pathway to alleviate lipid oxidation and increase antioxidant capacity of breast meat. The dosage of 2.0 to 3.0 g/kg BLE in broiler diet was recommanded.

[Value of contrast - enhanced ultrasonography and acoustic radiation force impulse elastography in identification of boundary range and viability of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the biologic viability and boundary range of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) by the contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) and acoustic radiation force impulse elastography (ARFI).

METHODS

Totally 27 HAE patients confirmed by pathology underwent CEUS and ARFI examinations.

RESULTS

Gray scale sonography of HAE showed unclear boundary, inhomogeneous, and middle hyperechoic nodules, and the maximum area was (6.08 ± 4.47) cm² in 27 lesions. CEUS of HAE showed non-enhancement in three phases and black hole sign. Circumferential enhancement on the pe riphery of the lesion was synchronized with the liver parenchyma and showed "fast in and slow out". The maximum area was (8.87 ± 4.83) cm². The area of ECUS was larger than gray scale sonography in HAE (t = 2.20, P = 0.03). The mean shear wave velocities (SWVs) of the interior, the boundary range, and the surrounding liver tissues of HAE were statistically different by ARFI (F = 84.538, P < 0.001), and the interior had the highest values.

CONCLUSIONS

CEUS and ARFI examinations can detect the biologic viability and boundary range of migrating zone around HAE, which is valuable for guiding treatment, judging curative effect, and predicting prognosis.

Direct Visualization of Hydrogen-Transfer Intermediate States by Scanning Tunneling Microscopy

Hydrogen atoms bonded within molecular cavities often undergo tunneling or thermal-transfer processes that play major roles in diverse physical phenomena. Such transfers may or may not entail intermediate states. The existence of such fleeting states is typically determined by indirect means, while their direct visualization has not been achieved, largely because their concentrations under equilibrium conditions are negligible. Here we use density-functional-theory calculations and scanning-tunneling-microscopy (STM) image simulations to predict that, under specially designed nonequilibrium conditions of voltage-enhanced high transfer rates, the cis-intermediate of the two-hydrogen transfer process in metal-free naphthalocyanine molecules adsorbed on Ag(111) surfaces would be visualizable in a composite image of double-C morphology. As guided by the theoretical predictions, at adjusted scanning temperature and bias, STM experiments achieve a direct visualization of the cis-intermediate. This work demonstrates a practical way to directly visualize elusive intermediates, which enhances understanding of the quantum dynamics of hydrogen atoms.

Correction: A facile strategy to realize a single/double photon excitation-dependent photosensitizer for imaging-guided phototherapy against HeLa cancer cells at separate irradiation channels

Correction for 'A facile strategy to realize a single/double photon excitation-dependent photosensitizer for imaging-guided phototherapy against HeLa cancer cells at separate irradiation channels' by Lin Kong et al., Chem. Commun., 2020, 56, 571-574.

Visualizing Anisotropic Oxygen Diffusion in Ceria under Activated Conditions

Oxygen reactivity plays a key role in the performance of ceria-based catalysts. Aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy and molecular dynamics simulations were used to study the oxygen atom diffusion in ceria under activated conditions. Reactive oxygen atom and its real-time diffusion were visualized. The interplay between cerium and oxygen atoms originating from a Coulomb interaction was revealed by the out-of-plane buckling of cerium atoms associated with oxygen transport. Anisotropic oxygen atom diffusion that depends on crystal orientations was discovered, demonstrating a preferential [001] crystallographic diffusion pathway. These findings reveal prospects for applications of anisotropic orientation-relevant fluorite-structured oxides.

[Effects of fertilizer application on yield and fertilizer utilization of Coffea arabica in southwest dry-hot region of China under different shading levels]

The fertilizer and shading management of Coffea arabica in dry-hot area is extensive, resulting in lower yield and fertilizer utilization efficiency. A field experiment was carried out to find the coupling mode of shading and fertilizer for fertilizer-saving and high yield of C. arabica in dry-hot region. Four shading levels (100% NR, 75% NR, 60% NR, 45% NR, NR was natural radiation) and four fertilizer levels (No fertilization and 666.67, 1000, 1333.33 kg·hm^-2) were set to examine the effects of different radiations and fertilizer treatments on canopy structure, yield, ferti-lizer use efficiency, soil nutrient content and microbial biomass carbon of C. arabica. The results showed that canopy structure, yield, fertilizer use efficiency, soil nutrient content and microbial biomass carbon were significantly affected by shading and fertilizer treatments. Soil nutrient content and microbial biomass carbon decreased with the increases of shading levels. Soil nutrient content increased with the increases of fertilizer application, while microbial biomass carbon increased first and then decreased, with a peak at the rate of 1000 kg·hm^-2(200.30 mg·kg^-1). Shading and fertilizer had significant effects on the canopy structure including leaf area index and openness. There were significant negative correlations of leaf area index with openness, gap fraction, total fixed-point factor and total radiation under canopy. Results of response surface analysis and spatial analysis showed that the combination of shading level and fertilizer application were 80% NR and 666.67 kg·hm^-2, 79% NR and 1286.81 kg·hm^-2, 79% NR and 967.74 kg·hm^-2, 82% NR and 1075.27 kg·hm^-2, respectively, when partial fertilizer productivity, yield, fertilizer agronomic efficiency and yield increase of fertilizer reached the maximum. The ranges of shading and fertilizer were 68%-77% NR and 946.24-1178.79 kg·hm^-2 when the yield, agronomic efficiency and yield increasing rate by fertilizer reached 80% of the maximum value. In this experiment, the optimum combination of shading level and fertilizer application was 75% NR and 1000 kg·hm^-2.

A facile strategy to realize a single/double photon excitation-dependent photosensitizer for imaging-guided phototherapy against HeLa cancer cells at separate irradiation channels

A facile strategy has been proposed to realize two-photon phototherapy against HeLa cancer cells with simultaneous one-photon fluorescence imaging modality at separate irradiation channels.

Orbital design of topological insulators from two-dimensional semiconductors

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have attracted much attention because they exhibit various intrinsic properties, which are, however, usually not interchangeable. Here we propose a generic approach to convert 2D semiconductors to 2D topological insulators (TIs) via atomic adsorption. The approach is underlined by an orbital design principle that involves introducing an extrinsic s-orbital state of the adsorbate into the intrinsic sp-bands of a 2D semiconductor, so as to induce s-p band inversion for a TI phase, as demonstrated by tight-binding model analyses. Based on first-principles calculations, we successfully apply this approach to convert CuS, CuSe and CuTe into TIs by adsorbing one adatom per unit cell of Na, Na_0.5K_0.5 and K as well as Rb and Cs. Moreover, if the chalcogens in the 2D semiconductor have a decreasing ability of accepting electrons, the adsorbates should have an increasing ability of donating electrons. Our findings open a new door to discovering TIs by predictive material design beyond finding preexisting TIs.

Capture Deformation Twinning in Mg during Shock Compression with Ultrafast Synchrotron X-Ray Diffraction

Deformation twinning plays a vital role in accommodating plastic deformation of hexagonal-close-packed (hcp) metals, but its mechanisms are still unsettled under high strain rate shock compression. Here we investigate deformation twinning in shock-compressed Mg as a typical hcp metal with in situ, ultrafast synchrotron x-ray diffraction. Extension twinning occurs upon shock compression along ⟨112[over ¯]0⟩ and ⟨101[over ¯]0⟩, but only upon release for loading along ⟨0001⟩. Such deformation mechanisms are a result of the polarity of deformation twinning, which depends on directionality and relative magnitude of resolved shear stress and may be common for Mg and its alloys in a wide range of strain rates.

Nearly quantized conductance plateau of vortex zero mode in an iron-based superconductor

Majorana zero modes (MZMs) are spatially localized, zero-energy fractional quasiparticles with non-Abelian braiding statistics that hold promise for topological quantum computing. Owing to the particle-antiparticle equivalence, MZMs exhibit quantized conductance at low temperature. By using variable-tunnel-coupled scanning tunneling spectroscopy, we studied tunneling conductance of vortex bound states on FeTe_0.55Se_0.45 superconductors. We report observations of conductance plateaus as a function of tunnel coupling for zero-energy vortex bound states with values close to or even reaching the 2e ²/h quantum conductance (where e is the electron charge and h is Planck's constant). By contrast, no plateaus were observed on either finite energy vortex bound states or in the continuum of electronic states outside the superconducting gap. This behavior of the zero-mode conductance supports the existence of MZMs in FeTe_0.55Se_0.45.

Growth performance, carcass traits and digestive function of broiler chickens fed diets with graded levels of corn resistant starch

1. This study was conducted to assess the effects of graded levels of dietary corn resistant starch (RS) on growth performance, carcass traits, nutrient retention, digestive organ index, intestinal morphology, digestive enzyme activities, and mRNA expression of certain nutrient transporters in broiler chickens.2. A total of 320, 1-d-old Arbor Acres broiler chickens were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments, with eight replicates of eight birds in each. These treatments included one corn-soybean control diet, a corn-soybean based diet containing 20% corn starch, and three diets supplemented with 4%, 8% and 12% RS by replacing corn starch with 6.67%, 13.33% and 20% of Hi-Maize 260® (identified as control, RS1, RS2, RS3 and RS4, respectively). The feeding period lasted 42 days.3. Performance parameters including feed consumption, feed conversion, body weight gain and percentage of abdominal fat at d 42 of age, nutrient retention (including dry matter, fat, total starch and nitrogen free extract), and apparent metabolisable energy was measured from d 18 to 20 and d 39 to 41 and showed negative linear responses to increasing dietary RS level (P < 0.05). Birds fed the RS3 and RS4 diets showed higher relative weight of duodenum, jejunum and ileum, as well as lower villus height and villus height/crypt depth compared to the control (P < 0.05). The activity of pancreatic trypsin of birds at d 21 and 42 of age decreased linearly in response to the increase of dietary RS level (P < 0.01). There were linear changes in up-regulated mRNA expression of SGLT-1 and down-regulated mRNA expression of GLUT-2 with increasing proportion of RS at d 21 and 42 of age (P < 0.05), respectively.4. It was concluded that feeding broilers with diets containing higher concentrations of RS impaired the development of small intestine, which resulted in lower apparent total tract retention of nutrients and poorer body weight gain, feed efficiency and carcass traits of broiler chickens.

[Follow-up study on natural course changes of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome among young and middle aged patients]

Objective: To explore the natural course of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and its associated factors in young and middle-aged patients with OSAHS. Methods: A total of 52 young and middle-aged OSAHS patients were recruited in this study from West China Hospital of Sichuan University. All patients were performed twice overnight polysomnography (PSG) examinations. At the baseline, patients underwent the first PSG and clinical evaluation from September 2009 to September 2017 and the patients received the second PSG from January 2017 to January 2019. During the follow-up period, these patients had no treatment. All patients were categorized into two groups including mild-to-moderate [5/h≤ apnea-hypopnea index (AHI)<30/h] group and severe (AHI ≥ 30/h) group according to the baseline AHI value. Differences in the clinical characteristics and PSG variables between baseline and follow-up were compared in two groups separately using t-tests or Mann-Whitney U test. The general linear correlation analysis was used to explore the factors related to the severity of OSAHS including AHI, the mean oxyhemoglobin saturation and the minimal oxyhemoglobin saturation during the follow-up period. Results: This study recruited 28 OSAHS patients in mild-to-moderate group [mean age, (39.7±10.2) y] and 24 patients in severe group [mean age, (41.0±7.1) y]. Compared to the baseline, there was a significant increase in AHI value [(45.0±25.3) vs (33.6±27.3)/h, P<0.001] in all OSAHS patients. Notably, the increase of AHI was more significant in the mild-to-moderate OSAHS group [(32.1±22.2) vs (13.6±8.7)/h, P<0.05] but not in severe OSAHS patients [(60.7±19.5) vs (58.0±21.5)/h, P>0.05]. A person correlation analysis revealed that the AHI value was positively related to the age (r=0.531, P=0.004) in mild-to-moderate OSAHS patients. Conclusion: The severity of OSAHS is increased with the age in young and middle-aged patients with mild-to-moderate OSAHS, but not in those with severe OSAHS.

Extraction of the ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu Antineutrino Spectra at Daya Bay

This Letter reports the first extraction of individual antineutrino spectra from ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu fission and an improved measurement of the prompt energy spectrum of reactor antineutrinos at Daya Bay. The analysis uses 3.5×10^{6} inverse beta-decay candidates in four near antineutrino detectors in 1958 days. The individual antineutrino spectra of the two dominant isotopes, ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu, are extracted using the evolution of the prompt spectrum as a function of the isotope fission fractions. In the energy window of 4-6 MeV, a 7% (9%) excess of events is observed for the ^{235}U (^{239}Pu) spectrum compared with the normalized Huber-Mueller model prediction. The significance of discrepancy is 4.0σ for ^{235}U spectral shape compared with the Huber-Mueller model prediction. The shape of the measured inverse beta-decay prompt energy spectrum disagrees with the prediction of the Huber-Mueller model at 5.3σ. In the energy range of 4-6 MeV, a maximal local discrepancy of 6.3σ is observed.

Protective effects of a novel water-soluble biphenyl compound WLP-S-14 against acute-on-chronic liver failure in rats

This study investigated the therapeutic effects of a water-soluble biphenyl compound, WLP-S-14, in acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). Wistar rats were injected intraperitoneally with porcine serum twice a week for 8 weeks prior to administration of 600 mg/kg D-galactosamine and 50 μg/kg lipopolysaccharide to induce ACLF. Study groups were treated intravenously with saline or with 100 or 200 mg/kg WLP-S-14. WLP-S-14 ameliorated ACLF with significant reductions in the mortality rate and transaminase levels, indicating improved liver function. The mechanism underlying these effects may involve decreased levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6, with associated inhibition of apoptotic pathways.

TNF-α Suppresses Autophagic Flux in Acinar Cells in IgG4-Related Sialadenitis

IgG4-related sialadenitis (IgG4-RS) is a newly recognized immune-mediated systemic fibroinflammatory disease that affects salivary glands and leads to hyposalivation. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is a critical proinflammatory cytokine involved in several salivary gland disorders, but its role and mechanism regarding acinar cell injury in IgG4-RS are unknown. Here, we found that TNF-α level was significantly increased in serum and submandibular gland (SMG) of patients and that serum TNF-α level was negatively correlated with saliva flow rate. Ultrastructural observations of IgG4-RS SMGs revealed accumulation of large autophagic vacuoles, as well as dense fibrous bundles, decreased secretory granules, widened intercellular spaces, swollen mitochondria, and expanded endoplasmic reticulum. Expression levels of LC3 and p62 were both increased in patients' SMGs. TNF-α treatment led to elevated levels of LC3II and p62 in both SMG-C6 cells and cultured human SMG tissues but did not further increase their levels when combined with bafilomycin A1 treatment. Moreover, transfection of Ad-mCherry-GFP-LC3B in SMG-C6 cells confirmed the suppression of autophagic flux after TNF-α treatment. Immunofluorescence imaging revealed that costaining of LC3 and the lysosomal marker LAMP2 was significantly decreased in patients, TNF-α-treated SMG-C6 cells, and cultured human SMGs, indicating a reduction in autophagosome-lysosome fusion. Furthermore, the ratio of pro/mature cathepsin D was elevated in vivo, ex vivo, and in vitro. TNF-α also appeared to induce abnormal acidification of lysosomes in acinar cells, as assessed by lysosomal pH and LysoTracker DND-26 fluorescence intensity. In addition, TNF-α treatment induced transcription factor EB (TFEB) redistribution in SMG-C6 cells, which was consistent with the changes observed in IgG4-RS patients. TNF-α increased the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, and inhibition of ERK1/2 by U0126 reversed TNF-α-induced TFEB redistribution, lysosomal dysfunction, and autophagic flux suppression. These findings suggest that TNF-α is a key cytokine related to acinar cell injury in IgG4-RS through ERK1/2-mediated autophagic flux suppression.

[Comparative analysis of clinical characteristics and prognosis between bacterial necrotizing pneumonia and Mycoplasma pneumoniae necrotizing pneumonia in children]

Objective: To compare the characteristics of Mycoplasma pneumoniae necrotizing pneumonia (MPNP) and bacterial necrotizing pneumonia (BNP), and explore the biomarkers for differentiation of MPNP from BNP. Methods: A retrospective, observational study of 52 necrotizing pneumonia (NP) cases who were hospitalized in our hospital from January 2008 to December 2017 was conducted. According to the pathogen causing NP, patients were divided into two groups, BNP and MPNP, and the clinical manifestations, laboratory data, imaging findings, hospital course and prognosis between these groups were analyzed. Results: This study enrolled 19 boys and 33 girls, and the median ages of patients were 4.4 (0.1-13.8) years old. Of the totally of 52 NP patients, 19 were in the BNP group (9 boys and 10 girls), 33 were in the MPNP group (10 boys and 23 girls). The mean age of MPNP patients was much older than that of BNP patients (5.2 (2.3-13.2) years vs. 1.8 (0.1-13.8) years, Z=-0.128, P<0.01). The number of patients with tachypnea and pleural effusion septation were significantly higher in BNP patients than those in MPNP patients (15 cases vs. 4 cases, χ(2)=23.222, P<0.01; 14 cases vs. 1 case, χ(2)=29.326, P<0.01), which more needed to oxygentherapy (18 cases vs. 12 cases, χ(2)=16.833, P<0.01) and undergo chest drainage (9 cases vs. 4 cases, χ(2)=5.829, P=0.022); while the number of patients required bronchoalveolar lavage was higher in MPNP patients than that in BNP patients (5 cases vs. 32 cases, χ(2)=29.326, P<0.01). The values of white blood cell (WBC) (23.2 (5.2-67.1)×10(9)/L vs. 9.7 (6.3-18.7)×10(9)/L, Z=-4.855, P<0.01), procalcitonin (PCT) (3.69 (0.23-90.15) mg/L vs. 0.28 (0.02-1.44) mg/L, Z=-3.207, P=0.001), C reactive protein (CRP) (160 (94-220) mg/L vs. 90 (5-134) mg/L, Z=-4.337, P<0.01), interleukin (IL)-10 (11.7 (4.2-401.5) ng/L vs. 4.8 (2.0-23.4) ng/L, Z=-2.278, P=0.023), pleural fluid cell count (5 200 (120-50 000)×10(6)/L vs. 790 (68-6 920)×10(6)/L, Z=-3.125, P=0.002), pleural fluid lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) (3 990 (589-29 382) U/L vs. 2 211 (673-3 993) U/L, Z=-2.488, P=0.013) in BNP group were significantly higher than those in MPNP group; while the values of pleural fluid glucose(0.43 (0.03-18.00) mmol/L vs. 5.95 (4.27-7.87) mmol/L, Z=-2.795, P=0.005), serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (2.3 (1.0-2.8) ng/L vs. 2.6 (1.3-109.2) ng/L, Z=-2.113, P=0.035) and interferon (IFN)-γ (4.8 (2.6-7.7) ng/L vs. 11.9 (2.9-154.6) ng/L, Z=-2.455, P=0.014) were lower in BNP group than those in MPNP group. Meanwhile, the mean time from the onset of symptoms to the discovery of necrotic lesions was longer in MPNP group than that in BNP group ((20.6±6.4) days vs. (14.6±6.2) days, t=3.029, P=0.004). After treatments, all patients were discharged without death, WBC and PCT recovered more quickly in MPNP group than those in BNP group (12 (0-24) days vs. 0 (0-23) days, Z=-4.484, P<0.01; 10 (5-15) days vs. 0 (0-23) days, Z=-3.244, P=0.001). As to prognosis, 34 cases were followed up, and the results showed that patients recovered without surgical intervention, and chest lesions were resolved within 3.0 (1.0-8.0) months, and the time to necrosis disappearance was similar in the BNP group and MPNP greup (3.0 (1.0-8.0) months vs. 3.0 (1.0-8.0) months, Z=-0.128, P=0.001). In receiver operator characteristic curve analysis, the cut-off values for the age, WBC, CRP, PCT, pleural fluid cell count and pleural fluid glucose were set at 2.4 years of age, 17.2×10(9)/L, 157 mg/L, 1.505 mg/L, 2 630×10(6)/L and 3.73 mmol/L, respectively. Conclusions: NP is found to be severe and prolonged, yet, reversible through proper therapy, such as rational antibiotics application. The age, WBC, CRP, PCT, pleural fluid cell count and pleural fluid glucose could be used as biomarkers to differentiate MPNP from BNP in children.

Spontaneous Formation of 1D Pattern in Monolayer VSe2 with Dispersive Adsorption of Pt Atoms for HER Catalysis

Creation of functional patterns in two-dimensional (2D) materials provides opportunities to extend their potential for applications. Transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) are suitable 2D materials for pattern generation because of properties including alterable polymorphic phases, easy chalcogen-vacancy formation, metal-atom insertion, and alloying. Such patterning can be used for selective functionalization. Here we report the spontaneous formation of long-range, well-ordered 1D patterns in monolayer vanadium diselenide (VSe₂) by a single annealing stage during growth. Atomic-resolution images in real space combined with density-functional-theory (DFT) calculations reveal the 1D features of patterned VSe₂. Further experimental characterization of the intermediate states in the growth process confirm the spontaneous formation of the 1D pattern by annealing-induced Se-deficient linear defects. The 1D pattern can be reversibly transformed to homogenous VSe₂ monolayer by reintroducing Se atoms. Moreover, additional experiments demonstrate that a dispersive deposition of Pt atoms along the 1D structures of patterned VSe₂ is achieved, while DFT calculations find that their catalytic activity for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is as good as that of Pt surfaces. The formation of long-range, well-ordered 1D patterns not only demonstrates an effective way of dimension modulation in 2D materials but also enriches the potential of intrinsically patterned 2D materials for promising catalytic activities.

[Current practice of implant-based breast reconstruction: results from China national practice questionnaire survey]

Objective: To explore the current clinical practice of implant-based breast reconstruction (IBBR) in China. Methods: The current survey was sponsored by Chinese Anti-Cancer Association, Committee of Breast Cancer Society and Chinese Society of Breast Surgeons. A survey was mailed to 110 hospitals in China, which have more than 200 breast cancer operations performed in 2017. The survey mainly included questions on the clinical practice of IBBR, sociodemographic and geographical factors associated with IBBR practice, reasons and concerns for selecting IBBR, type and timing of breast reconstruction, and the complications of IBBR. Data were analyzed using χ(2) test, Fisher's exact test or Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test. Results: IBBR was available in 86.4% (95/110) included hospitals. It was predominantly performed breast reconstruction surgery, the proportion of IBBR in all the breast reconstruction was 65.75% (4 296/6 534). However, the rate of IBBR in all the patients received mastectomy was only 7.06% (4 296/60 877). Among all the included hospitals, the number of implant reconstructions performed in 2017 was 24 (57.5) cases (M(Q(R)), range: 2-565 cases). Factors associated with the performance of IBBR including regional per capita gross domestic product (H=10.47, P=0.005) and annual surgery volume (H=8.30, P=0.016). The main reasons for choosing IBBR were relatively simple surgical procedure, short learning curve and short operation time. The effects of adjuvant radiotherapy on prosthesis, postoperative complications and patient satisfaction were the main concerns for implant reconstruction. Compared with delay reconstruction, a higher proportion of IBBR was observed in immediate reconstruction (83.1% vs. 62.0%, χ(2)=12.522, P=0.000). In all, 10.5% (10/95) hospitals reported more than 10% grade Ⅲ to Ⅳ capsular contracture. The incidence of infections need surgical intervention was reported between 10% and 20% by 4.2% (4/95) hospitals. Hospitals with 6% to 10% implant rupture and 6% to 15% implant removal were 1.1% (1/95) and 4.2% (4/95) respectively. Conclusions: IBBR was the most common used surgery in breast reconstruction after mastectomy. However, the proportion of IBBR in patients after mastectomy was still low. Reginal economy, surgery volume of hospitals, lack of specialty training program and the concern about complications and patient's satisfaction were the factors affecting the development of IBBR.