Strong yet flexible ceramic aerogel

Ceramic aerogels are highly efficient, lightweight, and chemically stable thermal insulation materials but their application is hindered by their brittleness and low strength. Flexible nanostructure-assembled compressible aerogels have been developed to overcome the brittleness but they still show low strength, leading to insufficient load-bearing capacity. Here we designed and fabricated a laminated SiC-SiOx nanowire aerogel that exhibits reversible compressibility, recoverable buckling deformation, ductile tensile deformation, and simultaneous high strength of up to an order of magnitude larger than other ceramic aerogels. The aerogel also shows good thermal stability ranging from -196 °C in liquid nitrogen to above 1200 °C in butane blow torch, and good thermal insulation performance with a thermal conductivity of 39.3 ± 0.4 mW m-1 K-1. These integrated properties make the aerogel a promising candidate for mechanically robust and highly efficient flexible thermal insulation materials.

A Remineralizing and Antibacterial Coating for Arresting Caries

Dental caries is a dynamic disease induced by the unbalance between demineralization of dental hard tissues caused by biofilm and remineralization of them; however, although various effective remineralization methods have been well documented, it is a challenge to reestablish the balance by enhancing remineralization alone while ignoring the antibacterial therapy. Therefore, the integration of remineralizing and antibacterial technologies offers a promising strategy to halt natural caries progression in clinical practice. Here, the conception of interrupting dental caries (IDC) was proposed based on the development of dual-functional coating with remineralizing and antibacterial properties. In this study, bovine serum albumin (BSA) loaded octenidine (OCT) successfully to form a BSA-OCT composite. Subsequently, through fast amyloid-like aggregation, the phase-transited BSA-OCT (PTB-OCT) coating can be covered on teeth, resin composite, or sealant surfaces in 30 min by a simple smearing process. The PTB-OCT coating showed satisfactory effects in promoting the remineralization of demineralized enamel and dentin in vitro. Moreover, this coating also exerted significant acid-resistance stability and anti-biofilm properties. Equally importantly, this coating exhibited promising abilities in reducing the microleakage between the tooth and resin composite in vitro and preventing primary and secondary caries in vivo. In conclusion, this novel dual-functional PTB-OCT coating could reestablish the balance between demineralization and remineralization in the process of caries, thereby potentially preventing or arresting caries.

[Molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of Wolbachia infection in common mosquito species in Henan Province]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the infection and genotypes of Wolbachia in common mosquito species in Henan Province, so as to provide insights into management of mosquito-borne diseases.

METHODS

Aedes, Culex and Anopheles samples were collected from cowsheds, sheepfolds and human houses in Puyang, Nanyang City and Xuchang cities of Henan Province from July to September, 2022, and the infection of Wolbachia was detected. The 16S rDNA and wsp genes of Wolbachia were amplified and sequenced. Sequence alignment was performed using the BLAST software, and the obtained 16S rDNA gene sequence was compared with the sequence of the 16S rDNA gene in GenBank database. In addition, the phylogenetic trees were created based on 16S rDNA and wsp gene sequences using the software MEGA 11.0.

RESULTS

A total 506 female adult mosquitoes were collected from three sampling sites in Nanyang, Xuchang City and Puyang cities from July to September, 2022. The overall detection of Wolbachia was 45.1% (228/506) in mosquitoes, with a higher detection rate in A. albopictus than in Cx. pipiens pallens [97.9% (143/146) vs. 50.6% (85/168); χ2 = 88.064, P < 0.01]. The detection of Wolbachia in Cx. pipiens pallens was higher in Xuchang City (96.8%, 62/64) than in Nanyang (15.6%, 7/45) and Puyang cities (27.1%, 16/59) (χ2 = 89.950, P < 0.01). The homologies of obtained Wolbachia 16S rDNA and wsp gene sequences were 95.3% to 100.0% and 81.7% to 99.8%. Phylogenetic analysis based on wsp gene sequences showed Wolbachia supergroups A and B in mosquito samples, with wAlbA and wMors strains in supergroup A and wPip and wAlbB strains in supergroup B. Wolbachia strain wAlbB infection was detected in A. albopictus in Puyang and Nanyang Cities, while Wolbachia strain wPip infection was identified in A. albopictus in Xuchang City. Wolbachia strain wAlbA infection was detected in Cx. pipiens pallens sampled from three cities, and one Cx. pipiens pallens was found to be infected with Wolbachia strain wMors in Nanyang City.

CONCLUSIONS

Wolbachia infection is commonly prevalent in Ae. albopictus and Cx. pipiens pallens from Henan Province, and Wolbachia strains wAlbB and wAlbA are predominant in Ae. albopictus, while wPip strain is predominant in Cx. pipiens pallens. This is the first report to present Wolbachia wMors strain infection in Cx. pipiens pallens in Henan Province.

Distortion of Mendelian segregation across the Angus cattle genome uncovering regions affecting reproduction

Nowadays, the availability of genotyped trios (sire-dam-offspring) in the livestock industry enables the implementation of the transmission ratio distortion (TRD) approach to discover deleterious alleles in the genome. Various biological mechanisms at different stages of the reproductive cycle such as gametogenesis, embryo development and postnatal viability can induce signals of TRD (i.e., deviation from Mendelian inheritance expectations). In this study, TRD was evaluated using both SNP-by-SNP and sliding windows of 2-, 4-, 7-, 10- and 20-SNP across 92,942 autosomal SNPs for 258,140 genotyped Angus cattle including 7,486 sires, 72,688 dams and 205,966 offspring. Transmission ratio distortion was characterized using allelic (specific- and unspecific-parent TRD) and genotypic parameterizations (additive- and dominance-TRD). Across the Angus autosomal chromosomes, 851 regions were clearly found with decisive evidence for TRD. Among these findings, 19 haplotypes with recessive patterns (potential lethality for homozygote individuals) and 52 regions with allelic patterns exhibiting complete or quasi-complete absence for homozygous individuals in addition to under-representation (potentially reduced viability) of the carrier (heterozygous) offspring were found. In addition, 64 (12) and 20 (4) regions showed significant influence on the trait heifer pregnancy at p-value < 0.05 (after chromosome-wise false discovery rate) and 0.01, respectively, reducing the pregnancy rate up to 15%, thus, supporting the biological importance of TRD phenomenon in reproduction.

Highly cross-linked carbon tube aerogels with enhanced elasticity and fatigue resistance

Carbon aerogels are elastic, mechanically robust and fatigue resistant and are known for their promising applications in the fields of soft robotics, pressure sensors etc. However, these aerogels are generally fragile and/or easily deformable, which limits their applications. Here, we report a synthesis strategy for fabricating highly compressible and fatigue-resistant aerogels by assembling interconnected carbon tubes. The carbon tube aerogels demonstrate near-zero Poisson's ratio, exhibit a maximum strength over 20 MPa and a completely recoverable strain up to 99%. They show high fatigue resistance (less than 1.5% permanent degradation after 1000 cycles at 99% strain) and are thermally stable up to 2500 °C in an Ar atmosphere. Additionally, they possess tunable conductivity and electromagnetic shielding. The combined mechanical and multi-functional properties offer an attractive material for the use in harsh environments.

Resilient and Antipuncturing Si3N4 Nanofiber Sponge

Ceramic nanofibrous nanostructure-based sponges have attracted significant attention due to ultrahigh porosity, low thermal conductivity, large specific area, and chemical stability. From the regulation of the fiber itself to the construction method of 3D networks, efforts are being made to improve the mechanical properties of ceramic sponges for practical applications. So far resilient compressibility has been realized in ceramic nanofibrous-based sponges via structural design, but they still show brittle fracture under a more complex stress state. Herein, we introduced a highly aligned and interwoven Si₃N₄ nanofiber sponge, which exhibits superflexibility, large break elongation (>80%), large-strain reversible stretch (20%), and good resistance to tensile fatigue. The ceramic sponge also displays reversible compressibility up to 60% strain, puncture resistance, high air filtration efficiency (>99.8%), and low pressure drop (38% of cotton fiber), making the ceramic sponge a high-performance wearable respirator to protect us from harm due to PM_2.5 pollution and possible microorganisms.

Dietary Total Antioxidant Capacity and Cognitive Function in Older Adults in the United States: The NHANES 2011-2014

OBJECTIVES

Oxidative stress level takes part in the development of cognitive decline. However, the association between total antioxidant capacity (TAC) from diet and cognitive function is controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between TAC and the cognitive function of older adults in the U.S.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

SETTING

National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys database.

PARTICIPANTS

2712 older adults aged over 60 years.

MEASUREMENTS

TAC was calculated from 8 antioxidative vitamins based on the reference values for vitamin C equivalent antioxidant capacity obtained from individuals' 24 h dietary recall. Four memory-related assessments were employed [Immediate Recall test (IRT), Delayed Recall test (DRT), Animal Fluency test (AFT), and Digit Symbol Substitution test (DSST)].

RESULTS

Among the 2712 participants, the median age was 68 years, and 50.4% were women. Participants in the group with higher TAC levels had relatively higher IRT, AFT and DSST scores (P=0.025, P=0.008, P<0.001, respectively). In adjusted weighted linear regression, log-transformed TAC was positively associated with AFT (β=1.10, 95%CI: 0.51, 1.70) and DSST (β=2.81, 95%CI: 1.16, 4.45). Compared with the first quartile, the participants in the second (Q2 vs. Q1, OR=0.66, 95%CI: 0.43,1.02) and fourth quartile (Q4 vs. Q1, OR=0.47, 95%CI:0.28, 0.78) of log-transformed TAC showed a decreased risk of impaired cognitive function (ICF) after adjusting for confounders. The dose-response analysis indicated a gradual descent in the risk of ICF as TAC increases. Diabetes mellitus (DM) mediated part of the effect of TAC on ICF. The relationship between TAC and ICF was more pronounced in subjects with DM (Q4 vs Q1, OR=0.36, 95%CI:0.17, 0.74).

CONCLUSION

Our findings support that higher dietary antioxidant potential was related to a decreased risk of cognitive dysfunction, particularly in the subjects with DM who may have oxidative injury. DM was one of the factors mediating the effect of TAC on ICF.

Lightweight and Strong Ceramic Network with Exceptional Damage Tolerance

Lightweight materials such as porous ceramics have attracted increasing attention for applications in energy conservation, aerospace and automobile industries. However, porous ceramics are usually weak and brittle; in particular, tiny defects could cause catastrophic failure, which affects their reliability and limits the potential use greatly. Here we report a SiC/SiO2 nanowire network constructed from numerous well-bonded SiC nanowires coated by a biphasic structure consisting of amorphous SiO2 and nanocrystal SiC. The as-obtained SiC/SiO2 nanowire network is lightweight (360 ± 10 mg cm-3), mechanically strong (compressive strength of 16 MPa), and damage-tolerant. The high strength of the network is attributed to the biphasic mixed structure of the binding coating which can restrict the deformation of nanowires upon compression. The lightweight and strong SiC/SiO2 nanowire network shows potential for engineering applications in harsh environments.

Two-Degree-of-Freedom Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting from Vortex-Induced Vibration

In recent years, vortex-induced vibration (VIV) has been widely employed to collect small-scale wind energy as a renewable energy source for microelectronics and wireless sensors. In this paper, a two-degree-of-freedom (2DOF) VIV-based piezoelectric energy harvester (VIVPEH) was designed, and its aerodynamic characteristics were thoroughly investigated. First, based on the traditional model theory and combined with the knowledge of vibration dynamics, the governing equations of the 2DOF VIVPEH were established. The dynamic responses, including the displacement and voltage output, were numerically simulated. Compared with the traditional 1DOF VIVPEH, the 2DOF VIVPEH proposed in this paper produced two lock-in regions for broadband wind energy harvesting. Furthermore, it was unveiled that the first- and second-order resonances were induced in the first and lock-in regions, respectively. Subsequently, a parametric study was conducted to investigate the influences of the circuit and mechanical parameters on the energy harvesting performance of the 2DOF VIVPEH. It was found that when the 2DOF VIVPEH was induced to vibrate in different lock-in regions, its optimal resistance became different. Moreover, by varying the masses and stiffnesses of the primary and secondary DOFs, we could adjust the lock-in regions in terms of their bandwidths, locations, and amplitudes, which provides a possibility for further customization and optimization.

Immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated new-onset primary adrenal insufficiency: a retrospective analysis using the FAERS

BACKGROUND

Our study aimed to investigate the prevalence and demographic characteristics of immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated primary adrenal insufficiency (ICI-PAI) and to explore the risk factors of its clinical outcome using data from the US FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).

METHODS

This was a retrospective study. All cases of new-onset or newly diagnosed primary adrenal insufficiency associated with FDA-approved ICIs from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2020 were identified and collected using FAERS. Data on age, sex category, body weight of the participating individuals, the reporting year and the prognosis of cases, and other accompanying endocrinopathies related to ICIs, were analysed.

RESULTS

The incidence of ICI-PAI was 1.03% (1180/114121). Of the 1180 cases of PAI, 46 were "confirmed PAI", and 1134 were "suspected PAI". Combination therapy with anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 was related to a higher risk of PAI compared with the anti-PD-1-only group (χ² = 92.88, p < 0.001). Male and elderly individuals showed a higher risk of ICI-PAI (male vs. female, 1.17% vs. 0.94%, χ² = 12.55, p < 0.001; age < 65 vs. ≥ 65, 1.20 vs. 1.41%, χ² = 6.89, p = 0.009). The co-occurrence rate of endocrinopathies other than PAI was 24.3%, which showed a higher trend in patients on nivolumab-ipilimumab treatment than in those on PD-1 inhibitors (χ² = 3.227, p = 0.072). Body weight was negatively associated with the risk of death in the study population [p = 0.033 for the regression model; B = - 0.017, OR 0.984, 95% CI (0.969-0.998), p = 0.029].

CONCLUSION

ICI-associated PAI is a rare but important irAE. Male and elderly patients have a higher risk of ICI-PAI. Awareness among clinicians is critical when patients with a lower body weight develop PAI, which indicates a higher risk of a poor clinical outcome.

Circadian nuclear receptor Rev-erbalpha is expressed by platelets and potentiates platelet activation and thrombus formation

Background

Adverse cardiovascular events have day/night patterns with peaks in the morning, potentially related to endogenous circadian clock control of platelet activation. Circadian nuclear receptor Rev-erbα is an essential and negative component of the circadian clock.

Purpose

We aim to investigate the expression profile and biological function of Rev-erbα in platelets.

Methods and results

Here we report the presence and functions of circadian nuclear receptor Rev-erbα in human and mouse platelets. Both human and mouse platelet Rev-erbα showed a circadian rhythm that positively correlated with platelet aggregation. Global Rev-erbα knockout and platelet-specific Rev-erbα knockout mice exhibited defective in hemostasis as assessed by prolonged tail-bleeding times. Rev-erbα deletion also reduced ferric chloride-induced carotid arterial occlusive thrombosis, prevented collagen/epinephrine-induced pulmonary thromboembolism, and protected against microvascular microthrombi obstruction and infarct expansion in an acute myocardial infarction model. In vitro thrombus formation assessed by CD41-labeled platelet fluorescence intensity was significantly reduced in Rev-erbα knockout mouse blood. Platelets from Rev-erbα knockout mice exhibited impaired agonist-induced aggregation responses, integrin αIIbβ3 activation and α-granule release. Consistently, pharmacological inhibition of Rev-erbα by specific antagonists decreased platelet activation markers in both mouse and human platelets. Mechanistically, mass spectrometry and co-immunoprecipitation analyses revealed that Rev-erbα potentiated platelet activation via oligophrenin-1-mediated RhoA/ERM (ezrin/radixin/moesin) pathway.

Conclusion

We provide the first evidence that circadian protein Rev-erbα is functionally expressed in platelets and potentiates platelet activation and thrombus formation. Rev-erbα may serve as a novel therapeutic target for managing thrombosis-based cardiovascular disease.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): This work was supported by grants from the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars (81625002), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81930007).

[Study on mechanisms of Th17/Treg imbalance in patients with cystic echinococcosis based on miRNA expression profiles]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the serum microRNA (miRNA) expression and examine the impact of miRNA expression profiles on T helper type 17 (Th17)/regulatory T cells (Treg) imbalance among patients with cystic echinococcosis, so as to provide insights into the illustration of the mechanisms underlying chronic Echinococcus granulosus infections, and long-term pathogenesis.

METHODS

Total RNA was extracted from the sera of cystic echinococcosis patients and healthy controls, and subjected to high-throughput sequencing with the Illumina sequencing platform. Known miRNAs were annotated and new miRNAs were predicted using the miRBase database and the miRDeep2 tool, and differentially expressed miRNAs were identified. The target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted using the software miRanda and TargetScan, and the intersection was selected for Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. Among the differentially expressed miRNAs with the 20 highest fold changes, miRNAs that targeted genes relating to key transcription factors RORC and FOXP3 that determine the production of Th17 and Treg cells or their important regulatory pathways (PI3K-Akt and mTOR pathways) were matched.

RESULTS

A total of 53 differentially expressed miRNAs were screened in sera of cystic echinococcosis patients and healthy controls, including 47 up-regulated miRNAs and 6 down-regulated miRNAs. GO enrichment analysis showed that these differentially expressed miRNA were involved DNA transcription and translation, cell components, cell morphology, neurodevelopment and metabolic decomposition, and KEGG pathway analysis showed that the differentially expressed miRNA were mainly involved in MAPK, PI3K-Akt and mTOR signaling pathways. Among the differentially expressed miRNAs with the 20 highest fold changes, there were 3 miRNAs that had a potential for target regulation of RORC, and 15 miRNAs that had a potential to target the PI3K-Akt and mTOR signaling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant changes are found in serum miRNA expression profiles among patients with E. granulosus infections, and differentially expressed miRNAs may lead to Th17/Treg imbalance through targeting the key transcription factors of Th17/Treg or PI3K-Akt and mTOR pathways, which facilitates the long-term parasitism of E. granulosus in hosts and causes a chronic disease.

First live birth in China after cryopreserved ovarian tissue transplantation to prevent premature ovarian insufficiency

OBJECTIVE

This article reports the first live birth after cryopreserved ovarian tissue transplantation to prevent premature ovarian insufficiency in China.

METHODS

A patient with myelodysplastic syndrome received ovarian tissue cryopreservation before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and six ovarian cortex strips were thawed and transplanted into her peritoneal pocket 2 years later.

RESULTS

Pregnancy occurred spontaneously 27 months after grafting, and a healthy girl was born at 38 weeks gestation. Until now, the child has developed normally without any major diseases.

CONCLUSIONS

We report the first live birth resulting from ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation in China.

Additive Manufacturing of Resilient SiC Nanowire Aerogels

Resilient ceramic aerogels are emerging as a fascinating material that features light weight, low thermal conductivity, and recoverable compressibility, promising widespread prospects in the fields of heat insulation, catalysis, filtration, and aerospace exploration. However, the construction of the resilient ceramic aerogels with rational designed multiscale architectures aiming for tunable physical and mechanical performances remains a major challenge. Here, 3D constructed resilient SiC nanowire aerogels possessing programmed geometries and engineered mechanical properties are created via additive manufacturing. The Young's modulus of the fabricated SiC nanowire aerogel lattices are tuned systematically from 0.012 MPa to 5.800 MPa spanning over 2 orders of magnitude. More importantly, the customized lightweight and resilient SiC nanowire aerogels show a low thermal conductivity (0.046 W m^-1 K^-1). The present work provides another approach to the design and rapid fabrication of resilient ceramic aerogels toward flexible thermal management devices, lightweight engineered structures, and other potential applications.

Heavy metal uptake by bryophytes and vascular plants in a manganese carbonate slag field, China

Slag produced in mining and smelting of manganese carbonate ore potentially pollutes the environment and endangers the health of humans and other living organisms. This study investigates the uptake of six heavy metals, Cu, Pb, Mn, Zn, Cr and Cd, by bryophytes and vascular plants growing on manganese carbonate slag in the Houshangou Slag Field near Zunyi City, Guizhou Province, China. Determination of heavy metal uptake in bryophytes and vascular plants may identify species suitable as biomonitors for bioremediation of polluted lands. Eight bryophyte taxa were identified in the study area; among which, Bryum argenteum and Physcomitrium eurystomum were dominant; life forms of bryophytes were predominantly short turfs. Three monocotyledons, all Poaceae, and five dicotyledons were recorded in four families. The highest heavy metal uptake in bryophytes, Mn content by B. argenteum, was more than 25,000 mg·kg^-1 . Furthermore, determination of heavy metal content in roots, leaves and fruits of six vascular plants demonstrated that each had a unique capacity for heavy metal accumulation: roots, leaves and fruits of similar plant species exhibited varying uptake capacity. Mn content in leaves was recorded in the order: B. davidii > A. tricolor > E. crus-galli > C. argentea > P. acinosa > C. album. In summary, B. argenteum, Echinochloa crus-galli and Phytolacca acinosa have strong enrichment capacity for heavy metals. These species could be used for comprehensive treatment of heavy metal pollution in electrolytic Mn slag fields, and for bioremediation of polluted areas associated with Mn mining and processing.

Highly Stretchable, Crack-Insensitive and Compressible Ceramic Aerogel

Ceramic aerogels are attractive candidates for high-temperature thermal insulation, catalysis support, and ultrafiltration materials, but their practical applications are usually limited by brittleness. Recently, reversible compressibility has been realized in flexible nanostructures-based ceramic aerogels. However, these modified aerogels still show fast and brittle fracture under tension. Herein, we demonstrate achieving reversible stretch and crack insensitivity in a highly compressible ceramic aerogel through engineering its microstructure by using curly SiC-SiO_x bicrystal nanowire as the building blocks. The aerogel exhibits large-strain reversible stretch (20%) and good resistance to high-speed tensile fatigue test. Even for a prenotched sample, a reversible stretch at 10% strain is achieved, indicating good crack resistance. The aerogel also displays reversible compressibility up to 80% strain, ultralow thermal conductivity of 28.4 mW m^-1 K^-1, and excellent thermal stability even at temperatures as high as 1200 °C in butane blow torch or as low as -196 °C in liquid nitrogen. Our findings show that the attractive tensile properties arise from the deformation, interaction, and reorientation of the curly nanowires which could reduce stress concentration and suppress crack initiation and growth during tension. This study not only expands the applicability of ceramic aerogels to conditions involving complex dynamic stress under extreme temperature conditions but also benefits the design of other highly stretchable and crack-resistant porous ceramic materials for various applications.

[Intestinal flora polymorphisms with different lesional stages in an animal model of MAFLD]

Objective: To study the intestinal flora specific differences with different lesional stages of metabolic (disorder) associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), namely simple steatosis and steatohepatitis, so as to provide a new direction for MAFLD-related intestinal flora transplantation and targeted therapy. Methods: Mice were fed with normal diet, methionine-choline deficient diet (MCD) and a high-fat high-fructose diet (HFHF) for 12 weeks to construct simple steatosis and steatohepatitis models. HE and Sirius scarlet staining was performed to observe the liver pathological changes. The qPCR method was used to evaluate inflammation and liver fibrosis factors. A fully automatic biochemical analyzer was used to detect changes in liver transaminase and blood lipids. 16S rRNA sequencing method was used to observe the intestinal flora differences in the feces of each group of mice. The comparison of means between two groups was performed by t-test, and the comparison of means between multiple groups was performed by one-way analysis of variance. Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test was used for non-normally distributed data. Results: NAFLD scores were determined with pathological sections (HE and Sirius scarlet staining) of mice liver, which showed that the inflammation and liver fibrosis scores of the MCD and HFHF groups were 2.12 ± 0.18 and 1.06 ± 0.24, and 2.22 ± 0.16 and 0.46 ± 0.10, respectively. The degree of liver inflammation and fibrosis was significantly higher in the MCD than the HFHF group (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01). Lipid deposition was higher in the HFHF than the MCD group (P < 0.001), and the scores were 2.36 ± 0.17 and 1.60 ± 0.24 respectively. Simultaneously, the inflammatory [tumor necrosis factor-A (TNF-a), chemokine factor-2 (CXCL-2)] and hepatic fibrosis indicators [vascular smooth muscle actin alpha (a-SMA) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF)] had confirmed the above-mentioned results at the transcription level. Moreover, the intestinal flora diversity was reduced (P < 0.05) in the MCD group than the HFHF group, and the Simpson and Shannon index were 0.31 ± 0.10 and 0.42 ± 0.05, and 2.03 ± 0.33 and 1.70 ± 0.28, respectively, and the differences were significant between different intestinal flora groups. The levels of Desulfovibrio, Odoribacter, and Roseburia flora were significantly increased in the HFHF than the MCD group, and the levels of Faecalibaculum, Parasutterella, Alipis, Butyricimonas_virosa, Turicibacter_sp, and Romboutsia_ilealis were significantly increased in the MCD than the HFHF group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: There are significant differences in intestinal flora diversity between simple steatosis and steatohepatitis models. Therefore, clarifying the difference between the two may provide a new direction for the stage manner treatment of MAFLD.

Plasma metabolomics in perioperative period of defect repair in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease

Background

The pathophysiological alterations in response to shunt correction in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease (CHD-PAH) is still not clear.

Purpose

To explore the dynamic plasma metabolite profiling and its relationship with clinical characteristics in patients with CHD-PAH during the perioperative period of defect repair.

Methods

Plasma samples from 13 patients with CHD-PAH were harvested at four time points: before cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) after anesthesia (Pre), immediately after CPB (T0), 24 h (T24), and 48 h (T48) after defect repair. The untargeted metabolomics strategy based on UPLC Q-TOF MS was used to detect the metabolites. Clinical measures were recorded at indicated time points.

Results

The sample distribution at four time points was well separated (Figure 1A, B). 193 metabolites were distinguished at different time points according to Variable Important in Projection (VIP) score (Figure 1C), enriched in pathways such as carnitine synthesis, phospholipid biosynthesis and oxidation of branched chain fatty acids (Figure 2A). 17 metabolites alterations were significantly correlated with gradients in mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) at T48 versus Pre, indicative of the response to defect correction (Figure 2B). Intriguingly, 4 out of the 17 (23.5%) metabolites including propionylcarnitine, butenylcarnitine, isobutyryl-L-carnitine and hexanoylcarnitine were enriched in oxidation of branched chain fatty acids. They were increased at both T24 and T48 (all P&lt;0.05 except propionylcarnitine with P&lt;0.05 at T24) (Figure 2C).

Conclusions

This is the first study to show the altered metabolic profiles of CHD-PAH patients in perioperative period of defect repair. Metabolites that respond to shunt correction could be a suitable non-invasive marker and would be of great value in disease monitoring and evaluating future therapeutic interventions.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): 13th Five-Year Plan–Precise Medicine–Key Research and Development Program–Clinical Cohort of Rare Disease; National Natural Science Foundation of China Figure 1. Overall analysis of metabolitesFigure 2. Shunt correction associated metabolites

First pregnancy in China after ovarian tissue transplantation to prevent premature ovarian insufficiency

OBJECTIVE

This article reports the first case of pregnancy after frozen-thawed ovarian tissue transplantation to prevent iatrogenic premature ovarian insufficiency in China.

METHODS

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation was performed in a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) before multi-agent chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Two years later, she showed complete remission from MDS, and six frozen-thawed ovarian tissue strips were transplanted into the peritoneal pocket.

RESULTS

The patient's ovarian activity was restored 3 months after transplantation, and pregnancy occurred spontaneously 27 months after grafting. Until now, the pregnancy has progressed for 30 weeks, and the repeated ultrasound showed normal fetal development.

CONCLUSION

This is the first pregnancy resulting from ovarian tissue cryopreservation and transplantation in China.

Prenatal exposure to solar radiation and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between prenatal exposure to solar radiation and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP).

DESIGN

A multicentre retrospective study.

SETTING

19 hospitals in the USA.

POPULATION

205 888 women with singleton gestation from the Consortium on Safe Labor (2002-2008).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia/eclampsia, and pre-eclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension.

METHODS

Medical records of the participants were linked to solar radiation obtained from the National Solar Radiation Database. Average daily solar radiation of each woman was estimated over the entire pregnancy period and over three trimesters during pregnancy according to hospital sites. Generalised estimated equation was applied to investigate the relationship between quartiles of average daily solar radiation and HDP. Restricted cubic spline was applied to assess the nonlinear associations.

RESULTS

Higher average solar radiation during the entire pregnancy was associated with reduced risks of HDP. Compared with the 1st quartile of solar radiation during the entire pregnancy, odds ratios (ORs) of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th quartiles were respectively 0.80 (95% CI 0.72-0.90), 0.63 (95% CI 0.55-0.73), 0.65 (95% CI 0.54-0.78) for gestational hypertension; 0.66 (95% CI 0.57-0.76), 0.61 (95% CI 0.51-0.73), 0.77 (95% CI 0.62-0.95) for pre-eclampsia, and 0.44 (95% CI 0.36-0.55), 0.42 (95% CI 0.35-0.49), 0.60 (95% CI 0.46-0.78) for superimposed pre-eclampsia.

CONCLUSION

Exposure to higher daily solar radiation during pregnancy is associated with a decreased risk of HDP. The protective effect was stronger for superimposed pre-eclampsia than for pre-eclampsia or gestational hypertension.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Exposure to higher daily solar radiation during pregnancy is associated with a decreased risk of HDP.

Stretchable and Compressible Si3 N4 Nanofiber Sponge with Aligned Microstructure for Highly Efficient Particulate Matter Filtration under High-Velocity Airflow

Particulate matter (PM) is one of the most severe air pollutants and poses a threat to human health. Air filters with high filtration efficiency applied to the source of PM are an effective way to reduce pollution. However, many of the present filtration materials usually fail because of their high pressure drop under high-velocity airflow and poor thermal stability at high temperatures. Herein, a highly porous Si₃ N₄ nanofiber sponge (Si₃ N₄ NFS) assembled by aligned and well-interconnected Si₃ N₄ nanofibers is designed and fabricated via chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The resulting ultralight Si₃ N₄ NFS (2.69 mg cm^-3 ) processes temperature-invariant reversible strechability (10% strain) and compressibility (50% strain), which enables its mechanical robustness under high-velocity airflow. The highly porous and aligned microstructure result in a Si₃ N₄ NFS with high filtration efficiency for PM_2.5 (99.97%) and simultaneous low pressure drop (340 Pa, only <0.33% of atmospheric pressure) even under a high gas flow velocity (8.72 m s^-1 ) at a high temperature (1000 °C). Furthermore, the Si₃ N₄ NFS air filter exhibits good long-term service ability and recyclability. Such Si₃ N₄ NFS with aligned microstructures for highly efficient gas filters provides new perspectives for the design and preparation of high-performance filtration materials.

[Immune regulatory effect of tacrolimus in patients with severe aplastic anemia and in murine model]

Objective: To investigate the immunomodulatory effect of tacrolimus in severe aplastic anemia (SAA). Methods: Patients diagnosed with SAA at the Department of Hematology, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University from June 2015 to January 2018 were enrolled. CD8⁺T cells were sorted by immunomagnetic separation from peripheral blood of SAA patients. MTT method was used to detect the proliferation of CD8⁺T cells. The SAA mouse model was established by total body irradiation (TBI) and donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI). There were 10 normal controls without pretreatment, 10 rats in TBI group, 15 rats received TBI and DLI. The expression of perforin and granzyme in CD8⁺T cells and the ratio of CD4⁺/CD8⁺cells in peripheral circulation were measured by flow cytometry. The level of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in medium supernatant of cultured CD8⁺T cells was tested with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). SAA mouse model was established to study the recovery of hemogram and survival time after treatment. Results: A total of 16 SAA patients were enrolled, and there were 10 males and 6 females, with a median age of 35 (22-49) years. Tacrolimus inhibited the proliferation of CD8⁺T cells when IL-2 concentration was 20.0,200.0 and 2 000.0 U/ml (P<0.05). The expression of perforin in CD8⁺T cells of SAA patients treated with tacrolimus was significantly lower than that in blank control group and IL-2 group [(2.25±0.76)%, (6.70±0.82)% vs (9.10±1.90)%,all P<0.05]. The level of IFN-γ in CD8⁺T cells group after applying tacrolimus was significantly lower than that in the blank control group (P<0.05). After 10 days of administration, the peripheral blood hemoglobin (Hb), white blood cell (WBC) and platelet (PLT) counts of SAA mice in tacrolimus group were all higher than those in SAA group (all P<0.05). The expression of perforin in CD8⁺T cells in tacrolimus group was significantly lower than that in SAA group [(18. 39±6.65) vs (29. 99±9.83),P<0.05]. The median survival time of SAA group was 18.6 days, and the 90 day survival rate was 0. The median survival time of tacrolimus group was 44.6 days, and the 90 day survival rate was 80%. The survival time of SAA mice in tacrolimus group was significantly longer than that in SAA group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The immunomodulatory effect of tacrolimus in SAA is similar to CsA. It has an immunosupressive effect on CD8⁺T lymphocyte.

Alternating Multilayered Si3N4/SiC Aerogels for Broadband and High-Temperature Electromagnetic Wave Absorption up to 1000 °C

Lightweight electromagnetic (EM) wave absorbers made of ceramics have sparked tremendous interest for applications in EM wave interference protection at high temperatures. However, EM wave absorption by pure ceramics still faces huge challenges due to the lack of efficient EM wave attenuation modes. Inspired by the energy dissipation mechanism during fracture of lobster shells with a soft and stiff multilayered structure, we fabricate a high-performance EM wave absorption ceramic aerogel composed of an alternating multilayered wave transparent Si₃N₄ (N) layer and wave absorption SiC (C) layer by a simple restack method. The obtained N/C aerogel shows ultralow density (∼8 mg/cm³), broad effective absorption bandwidth (8.4 GHz), strong reflection loss (-45 dB) at room temperature, and excellent EM wave absorption performance at high temperatures up to 1000 °C. The attenuation of EM wave mainly results from a "reflection-absorption-zigzag reflection" process caused by the alternating multilayered structure. The superior absorption performance, especially at high temperatures, makes the N/C aerogel promising for next-generation wave absorption devices served in high-temperature environments.

[Longitudinal surveillance of schistosomiasis in hilly regions of Sichuan Province from 2015 to 2019]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the changes in the endemic situation of schistosomiasis in national surveillance sites of Sichuan Province, so as to provide the scientific evidence for formulating the schistosomiasis elimination strategy.

METHODS

From 2015 to 2019, 63 national schistosomiasis surveillance sites were assigned in Sichuan Province, in which Schistosoma japonicum infections were monitored in humans, livestock, wild feces and snails. The monitoring data were descriptively analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 94 119 person-time local residents were serologically screened for S. japonicum infections in 63 national surveillance sites of Sichuan Province from 2015 to 2019, with sero-prevalence rates ranging from 1.28% to 3.11%, and the sero-positives were predominantly detected in local residents at ages of over 50 years and in farmers. A total of 94 119 person-time mobile populations were serologically screened for S. japonicum infections in the national surveillance sites during the 5-year period, with sero-prevalence of 1.10% to 1.59%. There were no egg-positives identified in either local residents or mobile populations. Among the 6 126 herd-time livestock detected, no egg-positives were identified, and no S. japonicum infection was detected in the 205 wild feces. Snail survey was performed covering an area of 8 484.08 hm², and 724.80 hm² snail habitats were identified, including 2.43 hm² emerging snail habitats and 63.00 hm² re-emerging snail habitats. The mean occurrence of frames with snails was 6.87% to 19.63%, and the mean density of living snails was 0.18 to 0.62 snails/0.1 m² in the national surveillance sites of Sichuan Province from 2015 to 2019; however, no S. japonicum infection was detected in snails.

CONCLUSIONS

The endemic situation of schistosomiasis has reduced to the lowest level in Sichuan Province; however, there is a rise in snail habitats, and there is still a risk of schistosomiasis resurgence. Further improvements of the surveillance system for schistosomiasis are required to achieve the goal of schistosomiasis elimination in Sichuan Province as soon as possible.

Circulating miR-374b-5p negatively regulates osteoblast differentiation in the progression of osteoporosis via targeting Wnt3 AND Runx2

Osteoporosis is defined as an aging-related skeletal disorder involving deterioration of bone mass and bone structure, and consequently, increased risk of fractures. Emerging evidence indicates the dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the progression of osteoporosis. However, whether such associated miRNAs control osteoblast differentiation or constitute therapeutic targets remains elusive. In the present study, we found elevated circulating miR-374b-5p level associated with postmenopausal osteoporosis. miR-374b-5p served as a critical suppressor of osteoblast differentiation. We further identified that miR-374b-5p directly targeted Wnt family member 3 (Wnt3) and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) through its 3'-untranslated regions (3'UTRs). Moreover, the antagonist of miR-374b-5p could promote bone formation in ovariectomy (OVX)-induced mice. Together, our results revealed that miR-374b-5p directly targeted Wnt3 and Runx2, negatively regulating osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. Collectively, circulating miR-374b-5p in the serum might serve as a potential diagnostic and therapeutic strategy for osteoporosis.

[Analysis of factors affecting health-related behaviors for schistosomiasis prevention and control among primary and secondary school students in Sichuan Province]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the influencing factors of health-related behaviors for schistosomiasis prevention and control among primary and secondary school students in Sichuan Province using a multilevel and multivariate logistic model, so as to provide the theoretical evidence for developing the schistosomiasis prevention and control strategy among primary and secondary school students in Sichuan Province.

METHODS

A multi-stage sampling was conducted among 63 schistosomiasis-endemic counties (districts) in Sichuan Province. Five endemic townships were sampled from each county (district), and 100 Grade 4 to 6 students in each primary school and 100 Grade 1 to 3 students in each secondary school were sampled from each township as the study subjects. The health-related behaviors for schistosomiasis prevention and control were investigated using a questionnaire survey, and factors affecting infested water contact behaviors were identified using univariate and multilevel logistic analyses.

RESULTS

Among the 62 200 questionnaires distributed, there were 59 134 recovered, and 56 510 were qualified. The qualified 56 510 respondents included 22 955 secondary school students and 33 555 primary school students, and 28 297 male students and 28 213 females. A higher proportion of infested water contacts was seen in male students than in females (P < 0.001), and the students living in heavily endemic areas had a higher proportion of infested water contacts than those in mildly endemic areas (P < 0.001). In addition, there was no significant difference in the proportion of infested water contacts between primary and secondary school students (P >0.05). Multilevel and multivariate logistic analyses revealed a lower proportion of infested water contacts with the increase of knowledge, belief and self-efficacy levels (P < 0.001), and there was a cluster of infested water contacts among students at a county scale (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a cluster of infested-water contact behaviors among primary and secondary school students at a county scale in Sichuan Province. Individual and environmental factors should be considered during the formulation of health education strategy and interventions for schistosomiasis among primary and secondary school students.

Non-ambulatory dogs with cervical intervertebral disc herniation: single versus multiple ventral slot decompression

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the proportion of non-ambulatory dogs with cervical intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH) in a private clinic and to compare signalment and outcome between those that underwent single or multiple ventral slot decompression (VSD).

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

After screening 43,378 medical records (January 2010-September 2016), those of 185 dogs with non-ambulatory tetraparesis or tetraplegia along with cervical IVDH that had undergone single (123) or multiple (62) VSD were included in this study. Data on signalment, preoperative neurological status, location of affected intervertebral disc(s), time to ambulation and short-term outcome were compared between single and multiple VSD groups.

RESULTS

The proportion of non-ambulatory dogs with IVDH was 35.3%. The prevalence of non-ambulation was higher in male dogs (0.56%) than in female dogs (0.26%; P < 0.001) and in neutered dogs than in unneutered dogs (0.51% and 0.27%, respectively, P < 0.001). After surgery, 96.2% of the dogs reached ambulatory status. Dogs with multiple IVDH were older than those with single IVDH. Sex, neutering status or size did not affect the outcome or ambulation status postsurgery. The Pekingese was the most commonly affected breed in both groups. There was no difference in the time to reach ambulation and the presence of neurological deficits after surgery between dogs that underwent single and multiple VSD.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort, dogs undergoing multiple VSD had a good postoperative outcome, and their short-term functional recovery was equal to that of dogs undergoing single ventral slot compression.

Hydrophobic SiC@C Nanowire Foam with Broad-Band and Mechanically Controlled Electromagnetic Wave Absorption

With the booming of modern information technology, electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption materials are playing more and more crucial roles in applications ranging from wearable smart electronics to national defense security. However, the application of present EMW absorption materials is severely hindered by their drawbacks, such as narrow absorption bandwidth and low absorption intensity. In this work, a series of highly porous and well-interconnected SiC@C nanowire foams (SCNFs) are rationally designed to exhibit modified impedance match and multiscale EMW energy dissipation mechanisms. The SCNF with a density of 108 mg cm^-3 realizes a broad absorption bandwidth covering the whole X and Ku bands with an intensity of -52.5 dB. The SCNF with a density of 36 mg cm^-3 and a thickness of 9.6 mm exhibits a mechanically controlled absorption band ranging from 2.9 to 18 GHz (covering over 93% of the entire radar band, 2-18 GHz) with a minimum intensity of -46 dB by simply applying a reversible compressive strain from 0 to 66.7%. Moreover, the special microstructure of SCNF also endows it with excellent hydrophobicity, which enables its good self-cleaning property. These encouraging achievements pave the way to the development of the continuous network microstructure of absorbents with a broad-band and tunable EMW absorption property.