Spatially Confined π-Complexation within Pore-Space-Partitioned Metal-Organic Frameworks for Enhanced Light Hydrocarbon Separation and Purification

Ultramicroporous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are demonstrated to be advantageous for the separation and purification of light hydrocarbons such as C2H2, C2H4, and CH4. The introduction of transition metal sites with strong π-complexation affinity into MOFs is more effective than other adsorption sites for the selective adsorption of π-electron-rich unsaturated hydrocarbon gases from their mixtures. However, lower coordination numbers make it challenging to produce robust MOFs directly utilizing metal ions with π-coordination activity, such as Cu+, Ag+, and Pd2+. Herein, a series of novel π-complexing MOFs (SNNU-33s) with a pore size of 4.6 Å are precisely constructed by cleverly introducing symmetrically matched C3-type [Cu(pyz)3] (pyz = pyrazine) coordinated fragments into 1D hexagonal channels of MIL-88 prototype frameworks. Benifit from the spatial confinement combined with π-complex-active Cu+ of [Cu(pyz)3], pore-space-partitioned SNNU-33 MOFs all present excellent C2H2/CH4, C2H4/CH4, and CO2/CH4 separation ability. Notably, the optimized SNNU-33b adsorbent demonstrates top-level IAST selectivity values for C2H2/CH4 (597.4) and C2H4/CH4 (69.8), as well as excellent breakthrough performance. Theoretical calculations further reveal that such benchmark light hydrocarbon separation and purification ability is mainly ascribed to the extra-strong binding affinity between Cu+ and π-electron donor molecules via a spatially confined π-complexation process.

[Comparison of the microbiota diversity between autogenous and anautogenous Culex pipiens pallens]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the microbiota composition and diversity between autogenous and anautogenous Culex pipiens pallens, so as to provide insights into unraveling the pathogenesis of autogeny in Cx. pipiens pallens.

METHODS

Autogenous and anautogenous adult Cx. pipiens pallens samples were collected at 25 ℃, and the hypervariable regions of the microbial 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene was sequenced on the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 sequencing platform. The microbiota abundance and diversity were evaluated using the alpha diversity index, and the difference in the microbiota structure was examined using the beta diversity index. The microbiota with significant differences in the abundance between autogenous and anautogenous adult Cx. pipiens pallens samples was identified using the linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe).

RESULTS

The microbiota in autogenous and anautogenous Cx. pipiens pallens samples belonged to 18 phyla, 28 classes, 70 orders, 113 families, and 170 genera, and the dominant phyla included Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and so on. At the genus level, Wolbachia was a common dominant genus, and the relative abundance was (77.6 ± 11.3)% in autogenous Cx. pipiens pallens samples and (47.5 ± 8.5)% in anautogenous mosquito samples, while Faecalibaculum (0.4% ± 0.1%), Dubosiella (0.5% ± 0.0%) and Massilia (0.5% ± 0.1%) were specific species in autogenous Cx. pipiens pallens samples. Alpha diversity analysis showed that higher Chao1 index and ACE index in autogenous Cx. pipiens pallens samples than in anautogenous samples (both P values > 0.05), and lower Shannon index (P > 0.05) and Simpson index (P < 0.05) in autogenous Cx. pipiens pallens samples than in anautogenous samples. LEfSe analysis showed a total of 48 significantly different taxa between autogenous and anautogenous Cx. pipiens pallens samples (all P values < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a significant difference in the microbiota diversity between autogenous and anautogenous Cx. pipiens pallens.

The impact of air pollutants on spontaneous abortion: a case-control study in Tongchuan City

OBJECTIVES

Studies related to air pollutants and spontaneous abortion in urban northwestern China are scarce, and the main exposure windows of pollutants acting on pregnant women are unclear.

STUDY DESIGN

Case-control study.

METHODS

Data were collected from pregnant women in Tongchuan City from 2018 to 2019. A total of 289 cases of spontaneous abortion and 1156 cases of full-term labor were included and analyzed using a case-control study. Logistic regression models were developed to explore the relationship between air pollutants and spontaneous abortion after Chi square analysis and Air pollutant description.

RESULTS

O3 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.028) is a risk factor for spontaneous abortion throughout pregnancy. PM2.5 (OR = 1.015), PM10 (OR = 1.010), SO2 (OR = 1.026), and NO2 (OR = 1.028) are risk factors for spontaneous abortion in the 30 days before the last menstrual period. PM2.5 (OR = 1.015), PM10 (OR = 1.013), SO2 (OR = 1.036), and NO2 (OR = 1.033) are risk factors for spontaneous abortion in the 30-60 days before the last menstrual period. PM2.5 (OR = 1.028), PM10 (OR = 1.013), SO2 (OR = 1.035), and NO2 (OR = 1.059) are risk factors for spontaneous abortion in the 60-90 days before the last menstrual period.

CONCLUSION

Exposure to high levels of air pollutants may be a cause of increased risk of spontaneous abortion, especially in the first trimester of the last menstrual period.

The "5Ts" screening tool: Enhancements and threshold values for effective TMD identification

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to enhance the quintessential "five temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms" (5Ts) screener by incorporating frequency options and distinguishing between TMJ and muscle pain. The diagnostic accuracy along with cut-off points for the effective identification of TMDs was also established.

METHODS

Participants, aged ≥18 years, were recruited from a university-based hospital. After completing surveys encompassing demographic data and the enhanced 5Ts (with frequency options [5Ts-F] and differentiation of TMJ/muscle pain [6Ts-F]), protocolized interviews and clinical examinations were performed following DC/TMD. The diagnostic accuracy and best cut-off points were determined with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs).

RESULTS

324 participants were recruited (mean age 30.0 ± 11.4 years). Among these, 86.4% had TMDs. 5Ts exhibited high diagnostic accuracy for detecting all TMDs (AUC = 0.92) with sensitivity/specificity values of 83.9%/88.6%. Both 5Ts-F and 6Ts-F had slightly better accuracy (AUCs = 0.95/0.96), comparable sensitivity, and superior specificity (97.7%) compared to 5Ts. The best cut-off points were 1.5 for 5Ts and 2.5 for 5Ts-F/6Ts-F.

CONCLUSIONS

Although all three TMD screeners presented high diagnostic accuracy, 5Ts-F/6Ts-F had notably improved specificity. 5Ts scores of >1.5 and 5Ts-F/6Ts-F scores of >2.5 are to be applied for screening the presence of TMDs.

METTL4-mediated N6-methyladenine DNA modification regulates thermotolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana

DNA N6-methyladenine (6 mA) is an evolutionarily conserved DNA modification in procaryotes and eukaryotes. The DNA 6 mA methylation is tightly controlled by 6 mA regulatory proteins. DNA N6-adenine methyltransferase 1 (DAMT-1) has been identified as a DNA 6 mA methyltransferase in animals. In plants, DNA 6 mA methylation has been found, however, the DNA 6 mA methyltransferases and their function in plants are largely unknown. In our study, we find METTL4 is a DNA 6 mA methyltransferase in Arabidopsis thaliana. Both in vitro and in vivo evidences support the DNA 6 mA methyltransferase activity of METTL4. mettl4 mutant is hypersensitive to heat stress, suggesting DNA 6 mA methylation plays important role in heat stress adaption. RNA-seq and 6 mA IP-qPCR analysis show that METTL4 participates in heat stress tolerance by regulating expression of heat responsive genes. Our study find METTL4 is a plant DNA 6 mA methyltransferase and illustrates its function in regulating heat stress response.

Trace Sample Proteome Quantification by Data-Dependent Acquisition without Dynamic Exclusion

Despite continuous technological improvements in sample preparation, mass-spectrometry-based proteomics for trace samples faces the challenges of sensitivity, quantification accuracy, and reproducibility. Herein, we explored the applicability of turboDDA (a method that uses data-dependent acquisition without dynamic exclusion) for quantitative proteomics of trace samples. After systematic optimization of acquisition parameters, we compared the performance of turboDDA with that of data-dependent acquisition with dynamic exclusion (DEDDA). By benchmarking the analysis of trace unlabeled human cell digests, turboDDA showed substantially better sensitivity in comparison with DEDDA, whether for unfractionated or high pH fractionated samples. Furthermore, through designing an iTRAQ-labeled three-proteome model (i.e., tryptic digest of protein lysates from yeast, human, and E. coli) to document the interference effect, we evaluated the quantification interference, accuracy, reproducibility of iTRAQ labeled trace samples, and the impact of PIF (precursor intensity fraction) cutoff for different approaches (turboDDA and DEDDA). The results showed that improved quantification accuracy and reproducibility could be achieved by turboDDA, while a more stringent PIF cutoff resulted in more accurate quantification but less peptide identification for both approaches. Finally, the turboDDA strategy was applied to the differential analysis of limited amounts of human lung cancer cell samples, showing great promise in trace proteomics sample analysis.

Protective effect of soy isolate protein against streptozotocin induced gestational diabetes mellitus via TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a serious complication of pregnancy that is characterized by high blood sugar levels that occur due to insulin resistance and dysfunction in glucose metabolism during pregnancy. It usually develops in the second or third trimester of pregnancy and affects about 7 % of all pregnancies worldwide. In this experimental study, we scrutinized the GDM protective effect of soy isolate protein against streptozotocin (STZ) induced GDM in rats and explore the underlying mechanism.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were used in this experimental study. A 55 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) was administered to induce diabetes in female rats, followed by oral administration of soy isolate protein for 18 days. Body weight, glucose levels, and insulin were measured at different time intervals (0, 9, and 18 days). Lipid profiles, antioxidant levels, inflammatory cytokines, apoptosis parameters, and mRNA expression were also assessed. Pancreatic and liver tissues were collected for histopathological examination during the experimental study.

RESULTS

Soy isolate protein significantly (P < 0.001) reduced the glucose level and enhanced the insulin level and body weight. Soy isolate protein remarkably decreased the placental weight and increased the fetal weight. Soy isolate protein significantly (P < 0.001) decreased the HbA1c, hepatic glycogen, serum C-peptide and increased the level of free fatty acid. Soy isolate protein significantly (P < 0.001) altered the level of lipid, antioxidant and inflammatory cytokines. Soy isolate protein significantly (P < 0.001) improved the level of adiponectin, visfatin and suppressed the level of leptin and ICAM-1. Soy isolate protein significantly (P < 0.001) altered the mRNA expression and also restored the alteration of histopathology.

CONCLUSION

Based on the result, soy isolate protein exhibited the GDM protective effect against the STZ induced GDM in rats via alteration of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

A multifunctional bio-patch crosslinked with glutaraldehyde for enhanced mechanical performance, anti-coagulation properties, and anti-calcification properties

Bio-patches for the treatment of valvular disease have been evaluated in clinical trials. It has been shown that failure of these devices, occurring within a few years of implantation, may be due to cytotoxicity, immune response, calcification and thrombosis. Some of these effects may be due to the glutaraldehyde crosslinking process used in the preparation of the materials. A number of studies have focused on strategies to control calcification, while others have concentrated on the prevention of micro-thrombus formation. In the present work, we have introduced amino-terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (NH2-PEG-NH2) as an intermolecular bridge, which not only eliminates free aldehyde groups to prevent calcification, but also introduces sites for the attachment of anticoagulant molecules. Furthermore, PEG, itself a hydrophilic polymer with good biocompatibility, may effectively prevent protein adsorption in the early stages of blood contact leading to thrombus formation. After further covalent attachment of heparin, modified bovine pericardium (BP) showed strong anti-calcification (calcium content: 39.3 ± 3.1 μg mg-1) and anti-coagulation properties (partial thromboplastin time: >300 s). The biocompatibility and mechanical properties, important for clinical use, were also improved by modification. The strategy used in this work includes new ideas and technologies for the improvement of valve products used in the clinic.

Regulating cell behavior via regional patterned distribution of heparin-like polymers

Molecular patterning on biomaterial surfaces is an effective strategy to regulate biomaterial properties. Among the specific molecules, due to their biological functions, such as regulating cell behavior, heparin-like polymers (HLPs) have attracted much attention. In this study, HLP-distributed regional patterned surfaces (300 μm diameter circular array) were prepared by the combination of visible light-induced graft polymerization, transfer imprinting, and self-assembly to regulate the behavior of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human umbilical vein smooth muscle cells (HUVSMCs). The introduction of the regional pattern on HLP-modified surfaces enhanced the promotion effect of sulfonate-containing polymer (pSS) and sulfonate-, and glyco-containing copolymer (pS-co-pM), and slightly weakened the inhibition effect of glyco-containing polymer (pMAG) on the growth of HUVECs and HUVSMCs. Compared with flat surfaces, it was found that the unmodified regional patterned surfaces inhibit the spreading of HUVECs and HUVSMCs, while significantly promoting the spreading of HUVECs and HUVSMCs on all the HLP-distributed regional patterned surfaces. The patterned surface modified with pS-co-pM had the highest average spread area of HUVECs (∼10,554 μm2), which was 193 % higher than that of the unmodified flat surface. This trend was somewhat related to surface VEGF adsorption. The combination of regional divisive patterns and different HLP distributions enriched the potential of further exploring the influences of HLP chemical distributions and complex surface environments on cell-material interactions.

Development of a Mixed Multinuclear Cluster Strategy in Metal-Organic Frameworks for Methane Purification and Storage

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted extensive attention in methane (CH4) purification and storage. Specially, multinuclear cluster-based MOFs usually have prominent performance because of large cluster size and abundant open metal sites. However, compared to diverse combinations of organic linkers, one MOF with two or more multinuclear clusters is difficult to achieve. In this paper, we demonstrate a mixed multinuclear cluster strategy, which successfully led to three new heterometallic MOFs (SNNU-328-330) with the same common H3TATB [2,4,6-tris(4-carboxyphenyl)-1,3,5-triazine] tritopic linker and six types of multinuclear clusters ([YCd(COO)4(μ2-H2O)], [YCd2(COO)8], [In3(COO)6(μ3-OH)], [In3Eu2(COO)9(μ3-OH)3(μ4-O)], [Y9(COO)12(μ3-OH)14] and [Y2Cd8(COO)16(μ2-H2O)4(μ3-OH)8]). Three MOF adsorbents all show great potentials to remove the impurities (CO2 and C2-hydrocarbons) in natural gas and show prominent high-pressure methane storage capacity. Among them, the ideal adsorbed solution theory separation ratios of equimolar C2H2/CH4, C2H4/CH4, C2H6/CH4, and CO2/CH4 at 298 K for SNNU-328 reach to 29.7-16.0, 19.1-8.2, 33.2-10.3, and 74.3-8.5, which have surpassed many famous MOF adsorbents. Dynamic breakthrough experiments conducted at 273 and 298 K showed that SNNU-330 can separate CH4 from C2H2/CH4, C2H4/CH4, C2H6/CH4, and CO2/CH4 mixtures with the breakthrough interval times of about 48.2, 17.9, 37.2, and 17.1 min g-1 (273 K, 1 bar, v/v = 50/50, 2 mL min-1), respectively. Remarkably, SNNU-329 exhibits extremely high methane storage performance at 298 K with the total uptake and working capacity of 192 cm3 cm-3 (95 bar) and 171 cm3 cm-3 (65 bar) due to the synergistic effects of high surface area, suitable pore sizes, and multiple open metal sites.

Effect of Structural Elements of Heparin-Mimicking Polymers on Vascular Cell Distribution and Functions: Chemically Homogeneous or Heterogeneous?

Heparin-mimicking polymers (HMPs) are artificially synthesized alternatives to heparin with comparable regulatory effects on protein adsorption and cell behavior. By introducing two major structural elements of HMPs (sulfonate- and glyco-containing units) to different areas of material surfaces, heterogeneous surfaces patterned with different HMPs and homogeneous surfaces patterned with the same HMPs can be obtained. In this work, heterogeneous HMP-patterned poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) surfaces with sulfonate-containing polySS (pS) and glyco-containing polyMAG (pM) distributed in circular patterns (with a diameter of 300 μm) were prepared (S-M and M-S). Specifically, pS and pM were distributed inside and outside the circles on S-M, respectively, and exchanged their distribution on M-S. Homogeneous HMP-patterned silicone surfaces (SM-SM) where sulfonate- and glyco-containing poly(SS-co-MAG) (pSM) were distributed uniformly were prepared. Vascular cells showed interestingly different behaviors between chemically homogeneous and heterogeneous surfaces. They tended to grow in the sulfonate-modified area on S-M and M-S and were distributed uniformly on SM-SM. Compared with M-S, S-M showed a better promoting effect on the growth of vascular cells. Among all the samples, SM-SM exhibited the highest proliferation density and an optimum spreading state of vascular cells, as well as the highest human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) viability (∼99%) and relatively low human umbilical vein smooth muscle cell (HUVSMC) viability (∼72%). By heterogeneous or homogeneous patterning with different structural elements of HMPs, the modified silicone surfaces spatially guided vascular cell distribution and functions. This strategy provides a new surface engineering approach to the study of cell-HMP interactions.

A Phase III Clinical Trial Evaluating the Efficacy of Yinghua Tablet in the Treatment of Sequelae of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Yinghua tablet in treating sequelae of pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID) that manifest as the syndrome of dampness-heat stasis.

Methods

The experimental group enrolled 360 cases, while the control group enrolled 120 cases. The experimental group took Yinghua tablets three times a day, three tablets each time, and the control group took Fuyankang tablets three times a day, three tablets each time. The treatment course was six weeks. Before treatment, at three weeks and six weeks of treatment, the patients were scored for TCM syndrome, clinical symptoms and, signs, and adverse events during treatment were recorded.

Results

The experimental group included 340 cases, and the control group finally included 114 cases. After six weeks of treatment, statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in the treatment effect, recovery rate, markedly effective rate, and total effective rate (P < .05). The two groups had no significant difference in the effective rate of local signs (P > .05). However, the two groups had a significant difference in the total effective rate (P < .05). Before and after treatment, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptoms score, symptom sign score, and local sign score were statistically significant (P < .05). The incidence of adverse events (AEs) after taking Yinghua Tablets was 3.61% (13 times), of which the incidence of adverse events related to study drugs was 0.28% (1 case). The AEs of Fuyankang Tablets were 1.67% (2 times), of which the incidence of adverse events related to study drugs was 1.67% (2 cases). There was no significant difference in the incidence of AEs between the two groups as compared to Fisher (P = .3767), indicating that no serious AEs occurred in either group.

Conclusions

Yinghua tablet was effective and safe in treating sequelae of pelvic inflammatory diseases.

Auricularia auricular Adsorbs Aflatoxin B1 and Ameliorates Aflatoxin B1-Induced Liver Damage in Sprague Dawley Rats

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), as a class I carcinogen, poses a substantial health risk to individuals. Contamination of food sources, particularly grains and nuts, with Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) contributes to the prevalence of AFB1. The impact of global warming has spurred research into the development of AFB1 prevention technologies. While edible fungi have shown potential in detoxifying AFB1, there is a scarcity of literature on the application of Auricularia auricular (A. auricular) in this context. This study aimed to investigate the ability and underlying mechanism of A. auricular mycelia to adsorb aflatoxin B1, as well as evaluate its protective effects on the AFB1-induced liver damage in SD rats. Additionally, the effects of temperature, time, pH, and reaction ratio on the adsorption rate were examined. Combining thermodynamic and kinetic data, the adsorption process was characterized as a complex mechanism primarily driven by chemical adsorption. In SD rats, the A. auricular mycelia exhibited alleviation of AFB1-induced liver damage. The protective effects on the liver attributed to A. auricular mycelia may involve a reduction in AFB1 adsorption in the intestine, mitigation of oxidative stress, and augmentation of second-phase detoxification enzyme activity. The adsorption method for AFB1 not only ensures safety and non-toxicity, but also represents a dietary regulation strategy for achieving effective defense against AFB1.

PERK/ATF3-Reduced ER Stress on high potassium environment in the suppression of tumor ferroptosis

Potassium (K⁺) is a vital intracellular cation. In the human body, it regulates membrane potential, electrical excitation, protein synthesis, and cell death. Recent studies revealed that dying cancer cells release potassium into the tumor microenvironment (TME), thereby influencing cell survival-related events. Several investigations reported that potassium channels and high potassium levels influence apoptosis. Increasing extracellular potassium and inhibiting K⁺ efflux channels significantly block the apoptotic machinery. However, it is unknown whether a high-potassium environment also affects other types of cell death such as ferroptosis. In the present study, cell counting kit (CCK-8), colony formation ability, and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays demonstrated that a high-potassium environment reverses erastin-induced ferroptosis. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and gene ontology (GO) analyses indicated that high potassium levels attenuated the unfolded protein response that is characteristic of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. The ER transmembrane proteins PRKR-like ER kinase (PERK), inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α), and activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) are recognized as ER stress sensors. Here, the PERK blocker GSK2606414 significantly rescued ferroptosis. The present work also disclosed that the ER-related gene activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) played a vital role in regulating ferroptosis in a high-potassium environment. The foregoing results revealed the roles of potassium and the TME in cancer cell ferroptosis and provided a potential clinical therapeutic strategy for cancer.

Detection of haemodynamic obstruction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy using the sub-aortic complex: a cardiac MRI and Doppler study

AIM

To investigate the "sub-aortic complex (SAC)", a new cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI)-derived parameter, for the evaluation of left ventricular (LV) outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), compared with conventional CMRI parameters and Doppler echocardiography.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 157 consecutive patients with HCM were recruited retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups, 87 with LVOT obstruction and 70 without obstruction. The SAC was defined as a specific anatomical SAC affecting the LVOT, which were measured on the LV three-chamber steady-state free precession (SSFP) cine image at the end-systolic phase. The relations between the existence and severity of obstruction and SAC index (SACi) were evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficient, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and logistic regression.

RESULTS

The SACs were significantly different between the obstructive and non-obstructive groups. The ROC curves indicated that the SACi was able to discriminate obstructive and non-obstructive patients with the best predictive accuracy (AUC = 0.949, p<0.001). The SACi was an independent predictor of LVOT obstruction and there was a significant negative correlation between resting LVOT pressure gradient and SACi (r=0.72 p<0.001). In the subgroup of patients with or without severe basal septal hypertrophy, the SACi was still able to predict LVOT obstruction with excellent diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.944 and 0.948, p<0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The SAC is a reliable and straightforward CMRI marker for assessing LVOT obstruction. It is more effective than CMRI two-dimensional flow in diagnosing the severity of obstruction in patients with HCM.

High-Performance Turn-On Fluorescent Metal-Organic Framework for Detecting Trace Water in Organic Solvents Based on the Excited-State Intramolecular Proton Transfer Mechanism

Simple, fast, and sensitive detection of trace water in organic solvents is an urgent requirement for chemical industries. Herein, combining the unusual excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) mechanism with the effective strategy of pore space partition, for the first time, we construct a powerful fluorescent metal-organic framework (SNNU-301) probe with excellent water stability. The SNNU-301 probe shows a remarkable performance for turn-on ESIPT-based fluorescence response to water in nine common organic solvents, exhibiting wide linear ranges, low limit of detection values, and ultrafast response, especially in dimethyl sulfoxide (0-5.2%; 0.011%, v/v; 110 s). The typical ESIPT-sensitive linker 2,5-dihydroxyterephthalate (DHBDC) imparts it with discriminative detection properties via enol-keto tautomerism, and light-responsive triangular tri(pyridin-4-yl)-amine (TPA) realizes pore space partition. The theoretical calculation gives an in-depth explanation about the proton transfer mechanism. Comparative experiments and GCMC simulation provide evidence that the synergy of the ESIPT process and TPA of the framework further boosts its performance effectively. Definitely, this work not only offers a promising candidate with fast detection speed, high sensitivity, excellent universality, and visual observation for the determination of water in organic solvents but also provides valuable guidance for the design of high-performance fluorescent probes.

Inhibiting Hh Signaling in Gli1+ Osteogenic Progenitors Alleviates TMJOA

The increased prevalence of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) in children and adolescents has drawn considerable attention as it may interfere with mandibular condyle growth, resulting in dento-maxillofacial deformities. However, treatments for osteoarthritis have been ineffective at restoring the damaged bone and cartilage structures due to poor understanding of the underlying degenerative mechanism. In this study, we demonstrate that Gli1+ cells residing in the subchondral bone contribute to bone formation and homeostasis in the mandibular condyle, identifying them as osteogenic progenitors in vivo. Furthermore, we show that, in a TMJOA mouse model, derivatives of Gli1+ cells undergo excessive expansion along with increased but uneven distribution of osteogenic differentiation in the subchondral bone, which leads to abnormal subchondral bone remodeling via Hedgehog (Hh) signaling activation and to the development of TMJOA. The selective pharmacological inhibition and specific genetic inhibition of Hh signaling in Gli1+ osteogenic progenitors result in improved subchondral bone microstructure, attenuated local immune inflammatory response in the subchondral bone, and reduced degeneration of the articular cartilage, providing in vivo functional evidence that targeting Hh signaling in Gli1+ osteogenic progenitors can modulate bone homeostasis in osteoarthritis and provide a potential approach for treating TMJOA.

Vascular cell behavior on glycocalyx-mimetic surfaces: Simultaneous mimicking of the chemical composition and topographical structure of the vascular endothelial glycocalyx

The endothelial glycocalyx is a carbohydrate-rich layer overlying the outermost surface of endothelial cells. It mediates intercellular interactions by specific chemical compositions (e.g., proteoglycans containing glycosaminoglycan (GAG) side chains) and micro/nanotopography. Inspired by the endothelial glycocalyx, we fabricated a series of glycocalyx-mimetic surfaces with tunable chemical compositions (GAG-like polymers with different functional units) and topographical structures (micro/nanopatterns with pillars different in size). The combination of micro/nanopatterns and GAG-like polymers was flexibly and precisely controlled by replica molding using silicon templates (Si templates) and visible light-initiated polymerization. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human umbilical vein smooth muscle cells (HUVSMCs) were suppressed on surfaces modified with polymers of 2-methacrylamido glucopyranose (MAG) but promoted on surfaces modified with polymers of sodium 4-vinyl-benzenesulfonate (SS) and copolymers of SS and MAG. Surface micro/nanopatterns showed highly complicated effects on surfaces grafted with different GAG-like polymers. Moreover, the spread of HUVSMCs was highly promoted on all flat/patterned surfaces containing sulfonate units, and the elongation effect was stronger on surfaces with smaller pillars. On all the flat/patterned surfaces modified with GAG-like polymers, the adsorption of human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and human basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was improved, and the amount of VEGF and bFGF absorbed on patterned surfaces containing sulfonate units decreased with pattern dimensions. The decreasing trend of VEGF and bFGF adsorption was in accordance with HUVEC density, suggesting that glycocalyx-mimetic surfaces influence the adsorption of VEGF and bFGF and further influence the growth behavior of vascular cells.

[Clinical effects of in situ perforation of preserved split scar matrix in combination with scalp transplantation and vacuum sealing drainage in the treatment of hypertrophic scar in non-functional sites after burns]

Objective: To investigate the clinical effects of in situ perforation of preserved split scar matrix in combination with scalp transplantation and vacuum sealing drainage in the treatment of hypertrophic scar in non-functional sites after burns. Methods: A retrospective observational study was used. From June 2017 to June 2019, 33 patients (24 males and 9 females, aged 8-50 years) who met the inclusion criteria with hypertrophic scars in non-functional sites outside the face after burns were treated in General Hospital of TISCO (the Sixth Hospital of Shanxi Medical University). All patients underwent scalp transplantation after perforation of retained split scar matrix in situ (with scar thinning area of 90-500 cm2), and then the vacuum sealing drainage was performed. The hematoma and infection of wounds were observed on the 7th day after operation. At the same time, the survival rate of skin grafting was observed and calculated. The flatness and thickness of the scar in the operative area were observed in 12 months after operation, and the itching and pain of the patients were recorded. Vancouver Scar Scale was used to score the scar of patients before operation and at 3, 6 and 12 months after operation. The healing time and hair growth of donor site were observed. Data were statistically analyzed with repeated analysis of variance, paired sample t test and bonferroni correction. Results: On the 7th day after operation, local subcutaneous hematoma appeared in the wound of 2 patients, which healed after dressing change; no infection occurred. On the 7th day after operation, the survival rate of skin grafting of patients was 94.6%-99.0%(96.8±1.2)%. Scar flatness was well, the thickness of scar was not significantly higher than that of normal skin in 12 months after operation, and the symptoms of itching pain of patients disappeared or significantly relieved. Vancouver Scar Scale scores of patients before operation and at 3, 6, and 12 months after operation were 12.1±2.8, 8.5±1.5, 7.6±1.6, 6.7±1.3, respectively, and the scores of 3, 6, and 12 months after operation were all significantly lower than that before operation (with t values of 4.48, 4.06, and 3.97, respectively, P<0.01). All the donor sites of the head healed well in 4-7 days after operation. By 3-6 months after operation, all patients had good hair growth in the donor site and achieved no scar healing. Conclusions: The treatment of hypertrophic scar in non-functional sites outside the face after burns by in situ perforation of preserved split scar matrix in combination with scalp transplantation and vacuum sealing drainage can effectively improve the appearance of hypertrophic scar in non-functional areas after burn and reduce its degree of hyperplasia, with scar-free donor site healing.

[Analysis of molecular and clinical characteristics of carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae in the intensive care unit]

To investigate the carbapenemases distribution of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) in the intensive care unit, and the clinical characteristics between carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-hvKP) and carbapenem-resistant non-hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-non-hvKP) were compared. A total of 53 non-repetitive CRKP strains isolated from 49 patients in the intensive care unit of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from May 2020 to March 2021 were retrospectively studied. The carbapenemase inhibitor enhancement test was used for screening carbapenemase-producing strains, and the string test was carried out to screen the hypermucoviscosity phenotype. Using PCR to detect five main carbapenemase genes (bla_KPC-2, bla_NDM, bla_IMP , bla_VIM and bla_OXA-48-like), common serotype (K1 and K2) and virulence gene (rmpA and iutA). Treated the strains with both rmpA and iutA genes as hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumonia (hvKP), and the whole genome sequencing of CR-hvKP was completed. At the same time, the clinical data of 49 patients were sorted out, and the differences in clinical characteristics of CR-hvKP and CR-non-hvKP infected patients were compared using the independent sample t test, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test or Fisher's exact probability test. CRKP isolated from the intensive care unit were extensively drug resistance and still had a good sensitivity to polymyxin B and tigecycline. Producing carbapenemases were the main resistance mechanism of CRKP (52/53, 98.1%). Of the 53 CRKP strains, except for 1strain that did not detect carbapenemase, at least one carbapenemase resistance gene was detected in the remaining 52 CRKP strains, of which 45 strains carried an enzyme, including 36 bla_KPC-2 (36/53, 67.9%), 8 bla_NDM (8/53, 15.1%), 1 bla_IMP (1/53, 1.9%), and 7 strains carried with both bla_KPC-2 and bla_NDM (7/53, 13.2%). String test and virulence gene showed that 7 CR-hvKP strains (13.2%) were detected in 53 CRKP strains, and two of which were hypermucoviscosity phenotype. Sequencing results revealed that CR-hvKP were mainly ST11 type. Almost all patients with CR-hvKP infection were over 60 years old (7/7), with invasive treatment (7/7), pulmonary infection with hypermucoviscosity phenotype (2/7) and high mortality (5/7); and the percentage of neutrophils in patients with CR-hvKP infection (86.44±4.70) % was higher than those patients with CR-non-hvKP infection (78.90±19.15) %, the difference was statistically significant (t=-2.225, P=0.032). The CR-hvKP strains in the intensive care unit mainly produced KPC-2 enzyme, with K2 capsular serotype and ST11 type. It is necessary to strengthen the monitoring and control of the CR-hvKP strain to prevent the co-evolution of drug-resistant and hypervirulent strains.

Modulating fluorescence sensing properties of excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT)-based metal organic frameworks (MOFs) by metal polarization

MIL-53-Al/Ga/In fluorescent probes are constructed by adjusting the influence of metal centers on the ESIPT process in MOFs and experimental results indicate that the weaker the metal polarization, the stronger the sensor sensitivity.

Lysophosphatidic acid receptor 6 regulated by miR-27a-3p attenuates tumor proliferation in breast cancer

Purpose

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive molecule which participates in many physical and pathological processes. Although LPA receptor 6 (LPAR6), the last identified LPA receptor, has been reported to have diverse effects in multiple cancers, including breast cancer, its effects and functioning mechanisms are not fully known.

Methods

Multiple public databases were used to investigate the mRNA expression of LPAR6, its prognostic value, and potential mechanisms in breast cancer. Western blotting was performed to validate the differential expression of LPAR6 in breast cancer tissues and their adjacent tissues. Furthermore, in vitro experiments were used to explore the effects of LPAR6 on breast cancer. Additionally, TargetScan and miRWalk were used to identify potential upstream regulating miRNAs and validated the relationship between miR-27a-3p and LPAR6 via real-time polymerase chain reaction and an in vitro rescue assay.

Results

LPAR6 was significantly downregulated in breast cancer at transcriptional and translational levels. Decreased LPAR6 expression in breast cancer is significantly correlated with poor overall survival, disease-free survival, and distal metastasis-free survival, particularly for hormone receptor-positive patients, regardless of lymph node metastatic status. In vitro gain and loss-of-function assays indicated that LPAR6 attenuated breast cancer cell proliferation. The analyses of TCGA and METABRIC datasets revealed that LPAR6 may regulate the cell cycle signal pathway. Furthermore, the expression of LPAR6 could be positively regulated by miR-27a-3p. The knockdown of miR-27a-3p increased cell proliferation, and ectopic expression of LPAR6 could partly rescue this phenotype.

Conclusion

LPAR6 acts as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer and is positively regulated by miR-27a-3p.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12094-021-02704-8.

Early Clinical Outcomes of Short versus Long Proximal Femoral Nail Anti-rotation (PFNA) in the Treatment of Intertrochanteric Fractures

INTRODUCTION

Both short and long PFNA are employed to treat intertrochanteric fractures. Controversy exists in the choice between the two nails as each implant has specific characteristics and theoretical advantages. This retrospective study seeks to examine the operative complication rates and clinical outcomes of short versus long (Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation) PFNA in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between July 2011 and February 2015, 155 patients underwent PFNA insertion. The decision on whether to use a short or long PFNA nail, locked or unlocked, was determined by the attending operating surgeon. Visual Analogue Pain Score (VAS) Harris Hip Scores (HHS), Short-form 36 Health Questionnaire (SF-36) and Parker Mobility Scores (PMS) were collected at six weeks, six months and one year post-operatively.

RESULTS

A total of 137 (88.4%) patients were successfully followed-up. Forty-two (30.7%) patients received a short PFNA. The patients were similar in baseline characteristics of age, gender, and comorbidities. Operative time was significantly longer in the short PFNA group (62 ±17 mins) versus the long PFNA group (56±17). While the patients in both groups achieved improvement in all outcome measures, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of HHS (61.0 ±16.0 vs 63.0 ±16.8, p=0.443), PMS (2.3±1.5 vs 2.7±2.1, p=0.545) and VAS (1.7±2.9 vs 1.8 ±2.2 p=0.454). There were 3 (7.1%) and 7 (7.4%) complications in the short versus long PFNA group, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Both short and long PFNA had similar clinical outcomes and complication rates in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures in an Asian population.

A New Molecular Recognition Concept: Multiple Hydrogen Bonds and Their Optically Triggered Proton Transfer in Confined Metal-Organic Frameworks for Superior Sensing Element

We report a new sensing mechanism based on an indium-dihydroxyterephthalic acid metal-organic framework (MOF, SNNU-153), in which the spatially fitted analyte-MOF hydrogen-bond (H-bond) formation provides selective recognition while the analyte-H-bond assisted excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) and the resulting ratiometric emission act as a superior signal transducer with ultrafast response. The synergy of ESIPT signal transduction and confined MOF pore enables the SNNU-153 sensor selectively sensing hydrazine even among nitrogen-containing hydride analogs such as NH₃, NH₂OH, and (Me)₂NNH₂. The key of H-bond and associated ESIPT was further counter evidenced by an indium-2,5-dimethoxyterephthalic acid MOF (SNNU-152), where the hydroxyl protons were removed by methylation, showing near inertness to N₂H₄. The new molecular recognition concept thus makes SNNU-153 a powerful N₂H₄ sensor, which should be far-reaching to other sensing elements.

[Construction and effect evaluation of tuberculosis information platform in Ningxia]

Objective: To explore the value of information technology in management of tuberculosis patients. Methods: The data comes from the case reports of Ningxia tuberculosis patients in the national tuberculosis special report system from March to December 2019 and the data of Ningxia tuberculosis information management platform. Using the computer Information and communication technologies and the Internet platform, unified data collection and data interface standards,Hospital Information System(HIS) of 18 (90%)TB specific Hospitals in Ningxia 22 counties are linked together, forming a closed loop management System, to realize Information interconnection, compare the patients' diagnostic rate before and after the application, and standardize treatment differences. Results: The system automatically collected and uploaded valid data for 2 918 times, and the consistency rate of uploaded data was 94.8%.The clinical diagnostic rate was 18.23% (1 154/6 332) before and 39.1% (914/2 335) after using the AI imaging screening subsystem (χ²=235.56, P<0.001).The regular medication rate of patients after system use was 86.89% (510/587), which was higher than that before [73.72% (544/738)] (χ²=3.94, P<0.05).The cure rate of etiologically positive tuberculosis patients (2019) was 86.03% (788/916), which was higher than that of 83.45% (1 008/1 208) before the use of the system (2018) (χ²=435.43, P<0.001). Conclusion: The tuberculosis information management platform in Ningxia has achieved tuberculosis information interconnection, significantly improving the standard diagnosis, treatment and management level of tuberculosis.

[Three-dimensional quantitative evaluation of condylar bone remodeling of temporomandibular joint based on cone-beam CT imaging]

Objective: To establish a three-dimensional （3D） quantitative measurement and evaluate the condylar bone remodeling of temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Methods: Pre-and post-treatment cone-beam CT (CBCT) data were obtained from 41 patients ［10 males, 31 females, mean age of (19.7±4.4) years (12-30 years old)］, who visited the Center for TMD and Orofacial Pain, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from November 2014 to August 2019, and diagnosed with acute disc displacement without reduction or disc displacement with reduction, with intermittent locking and treated by manual disc reduction followed by anterior repositioning splint. First, condylar bone remodeling was evaluated according to the number of "double contour image" and qualitatively classified as no remodeling (no double contour image), partial remodeling (1-4 double contour images) and remarkable remodeling (5-6 double contour images). Then, condylar bone remodeling was quantitatively evaluated by CBCT based 3D measurement: segmenting condylar images using a semi-automatic method of the manually preliminary mark combined with watershed algorithm, reconstructing the surface models, superimposing the pre-and post-treatment condylar images and finally calculating the volumetric differences of condyle and condylar head, respectively. Results: The Kappa values of two-dimensional (2D) qualitative evaluation were 0.66-0.87, and 3D quantitative measurements of condyle and condylar head volume were also reliable, with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values of intra-observer 0.998/0.941 and inter-observer 0.999/0.942 respectively. The volumetric increment of the condyle and condylar head after treatment was (41.7±90.2) mm³ and (62.8±70.9) mm³, respectively. Eighty-two condyles were divided into three sub-groups: no remodeling (21), partial remodeling (20) and remarkable remodeling (41). Ranking of the volumetric increment of the condyle and condylar head after treatment was as follows: remarkable remodeling group>partial remodeling group>no remodeling group (P<0.05). Conclusions: The 3D quantitative measurement for evaluating condylar bone remodeling had excellent consistency and reliability, which was consistent with the qualitative classification for condylar bone remodeling. The condylar head as a region of interest was more sensitive to the volumetric changes.

[Reflections on the orientation of public health physicians]

Public health physician is one of the four statutory types of physicians in China, but there is no consensus on their connotation. The main problems are that public health physician is confused with those who perform public health tasks, the relationship between public health physician and clinician and the connotation of prescription right is not clear, and there is limitation in public health education and relevant laws and regulations. Public health physician is positioned as professionals who monitor, investigate, evaluate, and intervene in population health-related issues. It is suggested to retain the practicing qualification of public health physicians and highlight the attribute of public health physicians' prescribing the prescriptions for community health. Encourage public health physicians to obtain qualification for clinicians to individual prescription, Encourage clinicians to access to public health physician qualification. Improve public health school education, take the pilot of public health physician standardization training, cultivate "prevention and treatment combined" physician.

Cerebral Damage after Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: A Longitudinal Diffusional Kurtosis Imaging Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Previous DTI cross-sectional studies have showed the cerebral damage feature was different in the three clinical stages after carbon monoxide poisoning. Diffusional kurtosis imaging (DKI) is an advanced diffusion imaging model and considered to better provide microstructural contrast in comparison with DTI parameters. The primary aim of this study was to assess microstructural changes in gray and white matter with diffusional kurtosis imaging in the acute, delayed neuropsychiatric, and chronic phases after acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. The secondary aim was to relate diffusional kurtosis imaging measures to neuropsychiatric outcomes of acute carbon monoxide poisoning.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In all, 17 patients with acute carbon monoxide poisoning and 30 sex- and age-matched healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. Patients were scanned within 1 week, 3-8 weeks, and 6 months after acute carbon monoxide poisoning. Diffusional kurtosis imaging metrics including mean kurtosis, mean diffusivity, fractional anisotropy, and kurtosis fractional anisotropy were measured in 11 ROIs and then further correlated with neuropsychiatric scores.

RESULTS

In WM, mean kurtosis tended to increase from the acute-to-delayed neuropsychiatric phases and then decrease in the chronic phase, while in GM mean kurtosis showed a constant decline. Contrary to mean kurtosis, mean diffusivity first decreased then tended to increase in WM, while in GM, from the acute to chronic phases, mean diffusivity showed a constant increase. In both WM and GM, the fractional anisotropy and kurtosis fractional anisotropy values progressively declined with time. Kurtosis fractional anisotropy showed the best diagnostic efficiency with an area under the curve of 0.812 (P = .000). Along with neuropsychiatric scores, kurtosis fractional anisotropy of the centrum semiovale and Digit Span Backward were most relevant (r = 0.476, P = .000).

CONCLUSIONS

Longitudinally, microstructural changes were inconsistent in WM and GM with time after acute carbon monoxide poisoning. Diffusional kurtosis imaging metrics provided important complementary information to quantify the damage to cognitive impairment.

Fast exact conformalization of the lasso using piecewise linear homotopy

Conformal prediction is a general method that converts almost any point predictor to a prediction set. The resulting set retains the good statistical properties of the original estimator under standard assumptions, and guarantees valid average coverage even when the model is mis-specified. A main challenge in applying conformal prediction in modern applications is efficient computation, as it generally requires an exhaustive search over the entire output space. In this paper we develop an exact and computationally efficient conformalization of the lasso and elastic net. The method makes use of a novel piecewise linear homotopy of the lasso solution under perturbation of a single input sample point. As a by-product, we provide a simpler and better-justified online lasso algorithm, which may be of independent interest. Our derivation also reveals an interesting accuracy-stability trade-off in conformal inference, which is analogous to the bias-variance trade-off in traditional parameter estimation. The practical performance of the new algorithm is demonstrated in both synthetic and real data examples.

Association between hypoplastic condyles and temporomandibular joint disc displacements: a cone beam computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging metrical analysis

This study investigated the association between hypoplastic condyles and disc displacements without reduction (DDw/oR). Consecutive patients with non-syndromic unilateral condylar hypoplasia were recruited and clinical, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were acquired. Linear measurements including condylar head width, depth, height and condyle length were determined with CBCT while MRI was used to assess disc position, morphology and displacement. A total of 43 patients were enrolled of which 93.02% had a history of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and 83.72% presented with TMD signs and symptoms. Depth and height of the condylar head along with condyle length of hypoplastic joints (6.68±1.67mm, 4.97±1.25mm and 14.49±3.02mm, respectively) were significantly lesser than normal joints (7.77±1.26mm, 6.35±1.45mm and 18.20±3.18mm) (P<0.001). The prevalence of DDw/oR was significantly higher in hypoplastic joints (79.07% versus 13.95%) (P<0.001). Joints with hypoplastic condyles had shorter disc lengths (6.99 ± 2.16 mm vs, 8.45 ± 2.26 mm) (P=0.007). Furthermore, disc displacements were significantly more advanced (8.52 ± 2.84 mm) and severe (76.74% with severe translations) when compared to the contralateral side (4.77 ± 2.97 mm and 32.56%) (P<0.05). A significant association was observed between condylar hypoplasia and temporomandibular joint DDw/oR with hypoplastic joints exhibiting more severely displaced and deformed discs. DDw/oR coupled with repaired degenerative joint disease may mimic condylar hypoplasia radiographically.

[Characteristics of MRI and associated pathological features of the condylar cyst like lesions in temporomandibular joint]

Objective: To analyze the MRI characteristics and pathological features of the condylar cyst like lesions in temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Methods: The study was conducted retrospectively on TMJ images from 14 patients (2 males, 12 females, aged 10-71) who underwent MRI examinations, from January 2015 to December 2017 at Center for TMD and Orofacial Pain, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology including 2 patients with pathological results. The signals of the lesion, condylar bone and disc-condyle relationship were evaluated. Results: Cyst like lesions of 15 condyles from 14 patients were analyzed. All of the lesions showed hypersignal on T2WI (12/12), while most of them showed hypersignal on T1WI (8/11) and PDWI (11/12). Mostly the lesions were surrounded by hyposignal linear margin (12/15), with normal condylar bone signal (13/15). Disk displacement with reduction was discovered in 3 joints, while disk displacement without reduction was discovered in 8 joints and 4 joints had normal disk-condyle relationships. The pathological components of cyst like lesions included cartilage, loose connective tissue, hemorrhage and bone tissue. Conclusions: Differed from those of large joints like hips or knees, MRI characteristics of cyst like lesions of condyle in TMJ exhibited hypersignal imaging in both T1WI and T2WI, indicating that the components of cyst like lesions included granulation tissue, not fluid.

Evaluating the risk of post-extraction inferior alveolar nerve injury through the relative position of the lower third molar root and inferior alveolar canal

The aim of this study was to introduce a method to evaluate the risk of inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injury following the extraction of impacted lower third molars. Two hundred impacted lower third molars adjacent to the IAN were evaluated. These were divided into four classification groups according to preoperative cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) findings: AR, apical region; LT, lateral region of the tapered root; LE, lateral region of the enlarged root; AE, adjacent to the enlarged root. All teeth were dislocated along the long axis or arc of the root by tooth sectioning technique and extracted by a single surgeon. The primary outcome variable was postoperative neurosensory impairment of the IAN. The χ² test was used to evaluate differences in postoperative IAN injury between the classifications. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk factors for postoperative IAN injury. The overall incidence of postoperative IAN injury was 7%. Specifically, most injuries involved classification AE (AE 36%, LE 8.6%, LT 3.6%, AR 0%), and the difference was statistically significant (P< 0.05). Logistic regression showed that classification AE was the only risk factor for postoperative IAN injury (P< 0.001). According to preoperative CBCT, the risk of postoperative IAN injury is higher when the IAN is adjacent to the enlarged part of the root.

Plasma Arc Welding Process and Dry Sliding Wear Properties of AlN/AZ91D Magnesium Matrix Composites

The AZ91D composites reinforced by 10 wt.% AlN particles were welded via plasma welding and the dry sliding wear properties of the composites were investigated. The influence of welding current, welding speed and plasma flow rate were studied in detail. By using of OM, XRD, EDS and SEM, the crystalline phase, the microstructure and the wear properties were investigated. The experiment result shows that the AlN reinforcing particles is in the shape of strip and have a fine size under the condition of the welding speed 400 mm/min, the welding current 180 A and the plasma flow 2.0 L/min, which reaches 20–30 μm. The matrix grain in the composite were obviously refined, which reaches 60–70 μm. Wear test results showed that the wear rate of welding seam compared base metal decreased by 25%.

In vitro susceptibility of Candida spp. to fluconazole, itraconazole and voriconazole and the correlation between triazoles susceptibility: Results from a five-year study

Candida spp. is a common cause of invasive fungal disease. The aim of this study was to examine the susceptibility of Candida spp. to fluconazole, itraconazole and voriconazole and explore the correlation between triazoles susceptibility. The antifungal susceptibility in the present study was measured by ATB Fungus 3 method, and the potential relationship was examined by obtaining the correlation of measured minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of Candida spp. isolates. A total of 2099 clinical isolates of Candida spp. from 1441 patients were analyzed. The organisms included 1435 isolates of Candida albicans, 207 isolates of Candida glabrata, 65 isolates of Candida parapsilosis, 31 isolates of Candida krusei, 268 isolates of Candida tropicalis. Voriconazole and itraconazole were more active than fluconazole and against Candida spp. in vitro. The fluconazole, itraconazole and voriconazole MIC₉₀ (MIC for 90% of the isolates) for all Candida spp. isolates was 4mg/L, 1mg/L and 0.25mg/L, respectively. There was a moderate correlation between the fluconazole MIC_s for Candida spp. isolates and this for voriconazole (R²=0.475; P<0.01) and itraconazole (R²=0.431; P<0.01). Voriconazole MICs for the Candida spp. isolates also correlated with those for itraconazole (R²=0.401; P<0.01). These observations suggest that the in vitro susceptibility of Candida spp. to fluconazole, itraconazole and voriconazole exhibits a moderate correlation.

[Strategy for prevention and control of imported infectious disease]

The process of globalization increases the risk of global transmission of infectious diseases, resulting in pressure for country's prevention and control of imported infectious disease. Based on the risk assessment of disease importation and local transmission, a strategy that conducting importation prevention and routine prevention and control before the importation of disease and taking emergency control measures after the importation of disease was developed. In addition, it is important to take part in global infectious disease response action, aid the countries with outbreak or epidemic to actively decrease the risk of disease importation.

Clinical analysis of cervical lymph node metastasis risk factors in patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma

PURPOSE

Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is a vital prognosis factor in patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). The study tried to identify clinicopathological factors for LNM of PTMC.

METHODS

The clinicopathological data of 1031 patients with PTMC were extracted and analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify risk factors associated with cervical lymph node metastasis. ROC analysis was used to determine the ideal critical points of the sum of the maximum diameter of multifocal in a unilateral lobe.

RESULTS

The probability of LNM, central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) and lateral lymph node metastasis(LLNM)of PTMC patients were 35.6, 33.7 and 5.6%, respectively. In addition, 1.9% PTMC had LLNM only. Male, age ≤ 40 years, tumor largest diameter ≥ 5 mm, multifocal, non-uniform echoic distribution, the sum of the maximum diameter of multifocal in a unilateral lobe ≥ 8.5 mm, tumors in the lower pole location were prone to CLNM. Ultrasound mix-echo, the sum of the maximum diameter of the multifocal ≥ 10.75 mm, tumors in the upper pole location were extremely prone to LLNM. T3 were prone to LLNM or skip LLNM.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the clinicopathological characteristics of PTMC, the cervical lymph nodes should be correctly evaluated to guide the surgical treatment.

Laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration: surgical indications and procedure strategies

BACKGROUND

LTCBDE combined with or without modified techniques is safe and efficacious for the management of gallstones and concomitant, even large, common bile duct (CBD) stones.

METHODS

To describe the surgical indications and procedure strategies of laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration (LTCBDE), a retrospective analysis of 205 patients with concomitant gallstones and CBD stones treated using LTCBDE between June 2008 and June 2015 was performed. Clinical data on disease characteristics, methods for cystic duct incision and CBD stone extraction (with or without laser lithotripsy), and surgical outcomes were collected and reviewed.

RESULTS

CBD stones were successfully cleared in all patients. No patient was converted to choledochotomy or laparotomy. The cystic duct diameter ranged 3-8 mm, and 85 patients with cystic duct diameter ≥ 5 mm. The mean time for CBD stone extraction was 25.3 min, with the operative time ranged from 63 to 170 min. Lithotripsy was used in 74 (36.1%) patients among which 26 patients with cystic duct diameter ≥ 5 mm. Estimated blood loss during surgery was 10-120 ml per patient, and no intra-operative blood transfusions were needed. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 5.1 (range 3-7) days, and postoperative complications developed in seven patients. No bile duct injury, stricture, remnant, recurrent stones, or other adverse events were observed during the mean follow-up of 8 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on preoperative MRCP and intra-operative IOC findings about cystic duct diameter, the diameter of CBD, CBD stone size, we summarized and proposed the surgical indications and suitable techniques and strategies during LTCBDE.