[A case of acute poisoning of typhonium giganteum engler]

Unicorn lotus is a plant tuber in the araceae family, which has therapeutic effects such as dispelling cold and dampness, dispelling wind and phlegm, and treating stroke. However, acute poisoning of fresh Unicorn lotus has been rarely reported domestically and internationally. This article reports a case of poisoning caused by chewing unicorn lotus. The patient experienced numbness in the lips, swelling and rupture of the oral cavity, continuous salivation, difficulty swallowing and obvious burning sensation in the throat, accompanied by shortness of breath and mild hypoxemia. After receiving comprehensive treatments such as oxygen therapy, electrocardiographic monitoring, cleaning of necrotic oral mucosa, anti infection, inhibition of oral salivary secretion, and nutritional support, the patient finally recovered and was discharged.

[Lung transplantation for pulmonary alveolar proteinosis: a case report and literature review]

Objective: To observe the efficacy of lung transplantation for pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) patients and to improve the understanding of the therapy. Methods: The clinical data of a patient with autoimmune PAP treated with sequential homogenous bilateral lung transplantation were described and the literatures were reviewed. Results: This 55-year-old female patient was diagnosed with autoimmune PAP and had been treated with whole lung lavage for 19 times, but only achieved short-term symptomatic relief after each operation. Inhalation of granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor occurred allergic reactions. Lung transplantation was performed on February 15, 2022, and a significant improvement in oxygenation and clinical symptoms were observed. The patient remained stable during follow-up. Conclusion: Treatment with lung transplantation is safe and effective for end-stage patients with PAP in the early phase, but the long-term effect remains to be observed.

[Overexpression of miRNA-130a-3p alleviates LPS-induced cardiomyocyte injury by regulating autophagy and apoptosis]

Objective: To investigate the effects of miRNA-130a-3p on autophagy and apoptosis induced by LPS in myocardial cells and its molecular mechanisms. Methods: H9C2 cells were divided into five groups: normal control group, LPS model group, miRNA negative control group miRNA-130a-3p mimics group(overexpression of miRNA-130a-3p) and miRNA-130a-3p mimics + LY294002 group(overexpression of miRNA-130a-3p + PI3K inhibitor). The LPS model group was induced by LPS at a final concentration of 10 μg/ml for 24 h. In the miRNA negative control group and miRNA-130a-3p mimics group, negative contro miRNA or miRNA-130a-3p mimics were transfected into H9C2 cells by lipo3000. After 24 h of culture, LPS was added into the medium for 24 hours. In the miRNA -130A-3P mimics + LY294002 group, miRNA -130A-3P mimics was transfected into H9C2 cells by using lipo3000, and LY294002 at a final concentration of 10 μmol/L was added to the culture medium for 24 h, followed by LPS at a concentration of 10 μg/ml for 24 h. The expression of miRNA-130a-3p mRNA in cells was detected by RT-qPCR. The CCK-8 assay was used to detect the cell viability. The contents of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β were detected by ELISA assay. The contents of SOD and LDH in cell culture medium were detected by colorimetry. Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of p-PI3K, p-AKT, Bax, Bcl-2, cleaved-caspase-3, LC3 and p62. Results: The results showed that the levels of miRNA-130a-3p mRNA, p-PI3K protein and p-AKT protein in LPS model cells were significantly lower than those in normal control group(P<0.01), and the expressions of p-PI3K, p-AKT protein in miRNA-130a-3p mimics group were increased significantly compared with LPS group(P<0.01,P<0.05). Compared with normal control group, the cell viability was decreased significantly and the contents of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and LDH were increased significantly(P<0.01), the contents of SOD was decreased significantly in LPS group(P<0.01). The protein expression levels of Bax, cleaved-caspase-3 and p62 were increased significantly, while the expression level of Bcl-2 and LC3II/I ratio were decreased significantly in LPS group(P<0.01). miRNA-130a-3p mimics could increase the cell viability, decrease the contents of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and LDH(P<0.01,P<0.05), increase the contents of SOD(P<0.05), decrease the expressions of Bax, cleaved caspase-3, p62(P<0.01), promote the expression of Bcl-2(P<0.01) and increase the ratio of LC3II/I(P<0.05). Compared with miRNA-130a-3p mimics group, LY294002 reversed the effects of miRNA-130a-3p mimics on cells. Conclusion: Overexpression miRNA-130a-3p could partly promote autophagy and inhibit cell apoptosis by activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to alleviate LPS-induced myocardial injury.

[The molecular mechanism of oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathic pain]

Objective: To investigate the molecular mechanism of oxaliplatin-induced chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathic pain (CIPNP). Methods: A total of 16 male Sprague-Dawley rats of specific pathogen-free grade were randomly divided into two groups: oxaliplatin experimental group (2.4 mg/kg oxaliplatin dissolved in 5.0% glucose solution, n=8) and control group (equal volume 5% glucose solution, n=8). The rat model of CIPNP was established by continuous administration with oxaliplatin. In addition, mechanical allodynia, thermal hyperalgesia and cold hyperalgesia were measured and compared between the two groups. To explore the molecular mechanism of oxaliplatin-induced CIPNP, the gene expression of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) from the rat model of CIPNP was analyzed using RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). Results: Mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity was exhibited on day 7 and a stronger hypersensitivity was observed on day 14. A total of 20 152 genes were quantified by RNA-Seq, and 379 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained with absolute fold change cut-offs ≥ 2 and P value<0.05. There were 7 genes (Npy, Car3, Cdkn1a, Nts, Prc1, Ms4a7 and Ecel1) that were involved in peripheral nerve injury-related neuropathic pain. Gene ontology (GO) functional enrichment analyses indicated that the DEGs induced by oxaliplatin were involved in oxygen transport, cell division, intermediate, centromere, oxygen transporter activity, oxygen binding. Moreover, the result of Kyoto Encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) analyses highlighted that the DEGs induced by oxaliplatin were involved in malaria, African trypanosomiasis, primary immunodeficiency, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway. Conclusion: Oxaliplatin induces CIPNP via pain-related genes and signaling pathways.

[Analysis of direct economic burden of occupational asthma]

Objective: To analyze the direct economic burden of occupational asthma patients and provide economic basis for the government to rationally allocate health resources. Methods: In September 2019, colleted the case data of 53 patients diagnosed with occupational asthma who were hospitalized in our hospital from December 2008 to December 2018, and analyze the impact of gender, age, diagnosis time, ducation level, allergen type to the length of stay, hospitalization cost, medical technology diagnosis and treatment costs, western medicine costs, average daily hospitalization costs and other indicators. Results: The average length of hospitalization for occupational asthma patients was (38.7±8.1) days, and the average hospitalization cost was 14743 yuan, of which medical technology diagnosis and treatment costs, western medicine costs, and comprehensive medical service costs accounted for the top three, 42.5% (331977/781369) , 32.0% (249942/781369) , 19.6% (153268/781369) respectively. Hospitalization days for occupational asthma patients has decreased significantly in 2014-2018 (P<0.05) . There were no significant differences in hospitalization costs, medical technology diagnosis and treatment costs, western medicine costs, and average daily hospitalization costs for occupational asthma patients caused by different allergens (isocyanates, persulfates and phthalic anhydrides) (P>0.05) . Hospitalization days, hospitalization costs, medical technology diagnosis and treatment costs, western medicine costs, and average daily hospitalization costs of patients with moderate occupational asthma were significantly higher than those of mild patients (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Early detection of occupational asthma patients and early intervention can reduce the economic burden on patients and society.

[Simultaneous determination for metabolites of benzene compounds in urine by high performance liquid chromatography]

Objective: To describe for the determination of contents of metabolites of benzene compounds in urine sample by high performance liquid chromatography. Methods: After acidification with hydrochloric acid, metabolites in urine were first extracted by acetonitrile and isopropanol (V∶V, 9∶1) with excessive sodium chloride, then gradient separated on a C18 column and then determined by DAD detector. Results: There were good linear relationship between peak areas and injection quality in range of 2.00-100 mg/L (r>0.999). The detection limit and quantitative limit of this method were 4.15-70.7 μg/L and 13.8-235 μg/L respectively. The precision for the analysis of urine was1.78%-8.23% (n =6). The average recovery of metabolites was 85.4%-105.5% at thee spiked levels in the range of 2.00-100 mg/L. Conclusion: The accuracy and reproducibility obtained make this method useful for the biological monitoring of occupational exposure to toluene, xylene, styrene and ethylbenzene.

[Treatment of postprandial discomfort syndrome in the elderly: a multi-centered prospective randomized controlled clinical study]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Oryz-Aspergillus enzyme and pancreatin tablets (Combizym(®)) in the treatment of postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) in the elderly, compared with gastrointestinal motility drugs. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled trial was designed and registered in the China Clinical Trials Registry (ChiCTR-IPR-16008185). The elderly patients with PDS were randomly divided into three groups, including Mosapride group with Mosapride citrate tablets 5 mg 3 times per day for 2 weeks; Combizym(®) group with Combizym tablets 244 mg 3 times per day for 2 weeks; combined treatment group with both drugs and same doses for 2 weeks. The modified Nepean dyspepsia index (NDSI) score, discomfort intensity score and PDS score were calculated on patients before treatment, at the end of first and second week of treatment, as well as 4 weeks after treatment finished, respectively. Adverse effects were evaluated. Results: A total of 323 patients from 16 tertiary hospitals in China were enrolled in this study. Among them, 105 patients were in Mosapride group, 109 in Combizym(®) group and 109 in combined treatment group. There were 148 males (45.8%) and 175 females (54.2%) with median age 71.4±9.0 years (60-100 years). Baseline characteristics of three groups were comparable. After treatment, the NDSI scores in three groups all decreased significantly (P<0.001), while they were similar between groups (P>0.05). The discomfort intensity score and PDS score in three groups showed a significant reduction after treatment (P<0.001), especially in the combined treatment group. Compared with Mosapride group, the scores in Combizym(®) group decreased significantly after one or two weeks [discomfort intensity score: after one week, 4.0(2.5, 8.0) vs. 6.0(3.0, 10.0); after two weeks, 3.0(0.0, 5.0) vs. 4.0(2.0, 6.0); all P<0.05. PDS score: after one week, 6.0(3.0, 9.0) vs. 7.0(3.5, 10.5); after two weeks, 3.0(0.0, 5.0) vs. 4.0(2.0, 7.0); all P<0.05]. The efficacy rate in all patients after first week of treatment was over 15.0%. The efficacy rates after two weeks were 55.2%, 68.8% and 73.4% in Mosapride group, Combizym(®) group and combined treatment group, respectively. After two week treatment, the efficacy rates in Combizym(®) group (P=0.041) and combined group (P=0.006) were higher than that of Mosapride group. The recurrence rate of Mosapride group was 9.5%, which was significantly higher than that of Combizym(®) group (1.8%, P<0.05) and combined treatment group (1.8%, P<0.05). There were no serious adverse effects in the three groups. Conclusions: The efficacy of Oryz-Aspergillus enzyme and pancreatin tablets is comparable with that of Mosapride in elderly PDS patients, with fewer adverse effects and low recurrence rate. Combination regimen indicates better efficacy than that of Oryz-Aspergillus enzyme and pancreatin tablets or Mosapride alone.

Decreased expression of SorCS1 in colorectal cancer: An independent predictor of poor prognosis

Previously, we identified that sortilin related VPS10 domain containing receptor 1 (SorCS1) was hypermethylated in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues. Here, we aimed to investigate the association between CRC and SorCS1. DNA methylation was determined by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP) or quantitative real-time methylation analysis (MethyLight). Colorectal cancer tissue specimens from 239 patients that had undergone surgical treatment were evaluated using immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis for the expression of SorCS1 and correlated with clinicopathological variables and prognosis. We found that SorCS1 was hypermethylated in CRC cell lines and 67.5% (27/40) CRC tumor tissues. The loss of SorCS1 mRNA (p<0.001) and protein expression (p=0.033) were highly correlated with promoter methylation. In addition, SorCS1 expression was significantly increased in younger patients (p=0.006), low CEA level (p<0.001) and pT1-2 stage (p=0.005). Survival analysis revealed that decreased expression of SorCS1 was an independent factor for predicting the increased risk of recurrence (p=0.024) and poor overall survival (p=0.006). Subgroup analysis for CEA level, pT and pN classifications showed that SorCS1 retained its stratified significance only in patients with low CEA level, pT3-4 tumors and pN1-2 lymph node status. Our findings suggest that SorCS1 is epigenetically inactivated in a substantial fraction of CRC, and its expression may be a promising prognostic factor in CRC patients.

[The application of parental version of pediatric voice-related quality of life in children with voice disorders]

Objective:To evaluate the influence of voice disorders on children's quality of life through the parental version of pediatric voice-related quality of life（pVRQOL）. Method:Three hundred and eighty-six children from August 2017 to December 2018 were enrolled in this study. A total of 214 parents of children had voice disorders（dysphonic group）, and 172 parents of children were without voice disorders（control group）. Both groups were filled out the questionnaire containing the parental version of pVRQOL. Result:① The most common disease in children with voice disorder was vocal fold nodule, and boys were more susceptible to voice disorder than girls（71.5%, 28.5%）; ②In dysphonic group, the scores of total（91.40±8.63, 97.94±4.23）, physiology and function（87.55±10.98, 96.99±6.10）, social emotion（98.86 ±3.29, 99.73±1.08） were lower than those in control group（P<0.01）; ③In dysphonic group, there was a correlation between the parents' overall evaluation of the children's voice quality and the three dimensions of the parental version of pVRQOL（total: r=-0.398, P<0.01, physical function: r=-0.448, P<0.01, social-emotion: r=-0.125, P<0.05）. Conclusion:Voice disorders could cause a negative impact on children's voice related quality of life. pVRQOL could be applied to assess the voice-related quality of life in children with voice disorders.

Pyridine-Carbonitrile-Carbazole-Based Delayed Fluorescence Materials with Highly Congested Structures and Excellent OLED Performance

Three pyridine-carbonitrile-carbazole-based thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) materials with highly sterically congested structures have been synthesized. The donor-acceptor-type TADF emitters (26-, 246-, and 35tCzPPC) consist of a 2,6-diphenylpyridine-3,5-dicarbonitrile core (PPC) as the acceptor and a di( t-butyl)carbazole-substituted phenyl group attached to C4 of the PC core as the donor. The molecules show a unique structure containing two consecutive large twisted angles along the donor and acceptor groups. The structure leads to a nearly complete space separation of the highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital, a small Δ E_ST value, and excellent TADF property. Moreover, the 26- and 246tCzPPC dopants favor a horizontal alignment enhancing the light outcoupling of the device. In contrast, 35tCzPPC favors a perpendicular alignment reducing the light outcoupling efficiency of the device. The 246tCzPPC-based devices show external quantum efficiency as high as 29.6% because of excellent TADF property, very high photoluminescence quantum yield, and high Θ value in the thin films. The device performance is the best among the pyridine-carbonitrile-based TADF emitters.

Quinolinylmethanone-Based Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Emitters and the Application in OLEDs: Effect of Intramolecular H-Bonding

Three new quinoline TADF emitters, 2QPM-mDC, 2QPM-mDTC, and 4QPM-mDTC, were designed and synthesized and the emitters show Δ E_ST as low as 0.07 eV and high PL quantum yield (PLQY) up to 98%. An electroluminescence device based on 2QPM-mDTC can reach high EQE over 24%. Compared with the reported TADF devices, the device shows narrow emission bandwidth and high color purity. The excellent device performance is likely ascribed to the molecular design of 2QPM-mDTC containing an intramolecular H-bonding in the molecule.

Steric Switching for Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence by Controlling the Dihedral Angles between Donor and Acceptor in Organoboron Emitters

Five emitters CzAZB, tBuCzAZB, tmCzAZB, dmAcAZB, and PxzAZB based on dibenzo-1,4-azaborine as the electron acceptors and two identical amine groups as the donors were designed and synthesized. The dihedral angles between the planes of dibenzo-1,4-azaborine acceptors and amine-based donors greatly affect the thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) property of these materials. A simple concept "steric switching" is introduced to predict whether the emitter possesses TADF property. CzAZB and tBuCzAZB, with very high photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) but small dihedral angles, do not show TADF. In contrast, tmCzAZB reveals a PLQY of only 56% but with a large dihedral angle due to the presence of two methyl groups at C1 and C8 of the carbazole groups, the steric switching operates, and the compound shows TADF property with a deep-blue color having CIE coordinates of (0.14, 0.15). In a similar manner, in dmAcAZB and PxzAZB with high PLQYs and large dihedral angles between the donor and acceptor planes, the "TADF steric switch" readily operates to achieve device external quantum efficiencies as high as 20.8 ± 1.2 and 27.5 ± 1.9% with blue and green emissions, respectively.

[The application of pediatric voice handicap index in children with voice disorders]

Objective: To access the influence of voice disorders on children's voice-related quality of life through the parental version of pediatric voice handicap index (pVHI). Methods: From April 2017 to March 2018, a total of 192 children with voice disorders (dysphonic group) and 111 children without voice disorders (control group) were enrolled in this work. Parents of children in both groups were asked for fill out the questionnaire containing the parental version of pVHI and the data of non-normal distribution were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test. Spearman test was used for correlation analysis. Results: (1)Vocal cord nodule was the most common voice disorder in children, and boys were more susceptible to voice disorder than girls in this study (70.3%(135/192) vs 29.7%(57/192)). (2)The most common voice abuse or misuse habit was "Shouting loudly". (3)In dysphonic group, the scores of function, physiology, emotion and total were higher than those in control group (all P<0.05). (4)In dysphonic group, there was a weak correlation between the parents' overall evaluation of the children's voice status and the three dimensions of the parental version of pVHI (function: r=0.339, physiology: r=0.334, emotion: r=0.208, all P<0.001). Conclusions: Voice disorders can cause a negative impact on children's quality of life. Parental version of pVHI can be used to assess the voice-related quality of life in children with voice disorders.

Isomerization Reaction of mer- to fac-Tris(2-phenylpyridinato-N,C2')Iridium(III) Monitored by Using Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

We developed a new method by enclosing the complex tris(2-phenylpyridinato-N,C2')Iridium(III), Ir(ppy)₃ with surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CATB), coated with a thin layer of silica then bonded to the surface of silver nanoparticle. These samples were used to acquire surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra. The thickness of silica layer was controlled to have efficient phosphorescence quenching and Raman enhancement by metal nanoparticle. The SERS spectra of fac- and mer-Ir(ppy)₃, recorded at 633 nm excitation, display distinct ring breathing mode features because the total symmetric vibrational bands were enhanced. This provides a convenient means to differentiate these isomers with great sensitivity and to study their isomerization process. A direct conversion reaction of mer- to fac- isomerization is identified with time constant 3.1 min when mer was irradiated with Xe light. Via thermal activation, under moderate conditions (pH 5.5 and 343 K), we observed an intermediate particularly with new bands 320/662 cm^-1 after heating for 17.5 h, and then those bands disappeared to form fac-Ir(ppy)₃. On the basis of DFT calculations, the intermediate is proposed to contain octahedral N-N Ir(ppy)₃-HO-silica structure; band at 320 cm^-1 is assigned to iridium oxygen stretching mode ν_Ir-O of this intermediate. Under acidic conditions, pH 1-2 catalyzed by silanol in silica, byproduct with band at 353 cm^-1 was observed. According to the SERS bands and the calculation, this byproduct is assigned to be iridium(III) siloxide, and the new band is assigned to ν_Ir-O.

[Differential expression and clinical significance of calretinin in total colonic aganglionosis]

Objective: To evaluate the differential calretinin immunostaining in different segments of total colonic aganglionosis and its utility in the diagnosis. Methods: Nine specimens including ileum and colon segments were obtained from 9 patients with total colonic aganglionosis (TCA), from 2010 to 2016 year, in Wuhan Children's Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Another 9 ganglionic specimens including the same segments from patients with non-Hirschsprung disease (non-HD) patients were collected as control. All cases were immunostained with calretinin. The patterns of calretinin immunostaining were observed, and morphometric analysis of each sample was performed by image analysis program (Image-Pro-Plus). The mean absorbance was evaluated by calculating the areas of the lamina propria occupied by the positively stained area of the calretinin at high power field. Results: The same pattern of calretinin immunostaining was seen in ganglionic ileum and ganglionic colon segments, with staining seen in intrinsic nerves fibers (INF), and in granular aggregates in the lamina propria and muscularis mucosae. There was no significant difference in the numbers of calretinin-positive INF from the ganglionic segments. In contrast, the number of calretinin-positive INF and granular aggregates in aganglionic segments were significantly lower than those in the ganglionic group (P<0.01). In the ileum transitional zone, scattered calretinin staining was observed, and the amount of calretinin-positive INF was significantly lower than those in the proximal segment of ganlionic ileum (P<0.01). Conclusions: Since there is significant different expression of calretinin among the different segments from TCA, calretinin immunostaining has potential value in detecting TCA. It could be an important adjunctive method in detecting TCA in the future.

High-Performance Organic Light-Emitting Diode with Substitutionally Boron-Doped Graphene Anode

The hole-injection barrier between the anode and the hole-injection layer (HIL) is of critical importance to determine the device performance of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Here, we report on a record-high external quantum efficiency (EQE) (24.6% in green phosphorescence) of OLEDs fabricated on both rigid and flexible substrates, with the performance enhanced by the use of nearly defect-free and high-mobility boron-doped graphene as an effective anode and hexaazatriphenylene hexacarbonitrile as a new type of HIL. This new structure outperforms the existing graphene-based OLEDs, in which MoO₃, AuCl₃, or bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide are typically used as a doping source for the p-type graphene. The improvement of the OLED performance is attributed mainly to the appreciable increase of the hole conductivity in the nearly defect-free boron-doped monolayer graphene, along with the high work function achieved by the use of a newly developed hydrocarbon precursor containing boron in the graphene growth by chemical vapor deposition.

[Quantity of Treg cells and Th17 cells in spleen of primary immune thrombocytopenic purpura patients]

Objective: To observe the quantity of Treg cells and Th17 cells in spleen of adult primary immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) patients. Methods: 43 ITP cases with splenectomy treatment were enrolled from December 2008 to June 2016 at Union Hospital of Fujian Medical University, including 20 males and 23 females with a median age of 36 (18-76) years. The controls were thirty patients who underwent splenectomy because of pancreatic diseases or splenic impairment, including 21 males and 9 females with a median age of 47 (21-69) years. The quantity and ratio of Treg cells and Th17 cells were examined by immunohistochemistry between ITP patients and controls. Results: ①The quantity of Treg cells in ITP were less than controls[ (11.3±4.7) /mm(2) vs (59.0±15.0) /mm(2), t=-22.894, P<0.001], but Th17 cells were more than controls[ (235.2±69.4) /mm(2) vs (181.1±23.7) /mm(2), t=13.768, P<0.001]. So the ratio of Treg/Th17 in ITP was lower than controls (0.048±0.027 vs 0.328±0.086, t=19.522, P<0.001) . ② The quantity of Treg cells in cases without response after splenectomy were less than cases with response[ (9.5±5.0) /mm(2) vs (11.6±4.7) /mm(2), t=2.723, P=0.010], and there is no statistical differences between the two groups about the quantity of Th17 cells and the ratio of Treg/Th17 cells[ (232.3±80.8) /mm(2) vs (239.6±66.9) /mm(2), t=1.108, P=0.277; 0.040±0.024 vs 0.053±0.027, t=0.540, P=0.592]. Conclusions: There is a significant difference about the quantity of Treg cells and Th17 cells in spleen between ITP patients and healthy controls, and they are relevant to the response after splenectomy.

Superior upconversion fluorescence dopants for highly efficient deep-blue electroluminescent devices

Highly efficient deep-blue electroluminescent devices are realized via an efficient triplet–triplet annihilation process of styrylpyrene-based emitters.

In this study, we revealed a new approach for the development of new triplet–triplet annihilation (TTA) materials with highly efficient deep-blue fluorescence via the incorporation of a styrylpyrene core and an electron-donating group. The resulting deep-blue emitters (PCzSP, DFASP, and DPASP) exhibit intramolecular charge transfer emissions with remarkably high emission quantum yields. The electroluminescent devices based on these three fluorophores as dopants using CBP as a host exhibit very high device efficiencies; in particular, the DPASP-doped device reveals an extremely high EQE of 12%, reaching the limit of a TTA-based device. The EL characteristics of DPASP-doped CBP-based devices at various doping concentrations (0–5%) suggest that the dopant DPASP is responsible for the TTA-type delayed fluorescence in the device; no delayed fluorescence was observed for the device using CBP as the host emitter. Moreover, when using DMPPP with ambipolar characteristics as the host, the deep-blue DPASP-doped device also gives outstanding performance with an EQE of nearly 11% with an extremely small efficiency roll-off, which was ascribed to the excellent charge balance in the emitting layer of the EL device. The TTA process of the SP-based dopants accounts significantly for the superior efficiencies of the EL devices.

A New Molecular Design Based on Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence for Highly Efficient Organic Light Emitting Diodes

Two benzoylpyridine-carbazole based fluorescence materials DCBPy and DTCBPy, bearing two carbazolyl and 4-(t-butyl)carbazolyl groups, respectively, at the meta and ortho carbons of the benzoyl ring, were synthesized. These molecules show very small ΔEST of 0.03 and 0.04 eV and transient PL characteristics indicating that they are thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) materials. In addition, they show extremely different photoluminescent quantum yields in solution and in the solid state: in cyclohexane the value are 14 and 36%, but in the thin films, the value increase to 88.0 and 91.4%, respectively. The OLEDs using DCBPy and DTCBPy as dopants emit blue and green light with EQEs of 24.0 and 27.2%, respectively, and with low efficiency roll-off at practical brightness level. The crystal structure of DTCBPy reveals a substantial interaction between the ortho donor (carbazolyl) and acceptor (4-pyridylcarbonyl) unit. This interaction between donor and acceptor substituents likely play a key role to achieve very small ΔEST with high photoluminescence quantum yield.

Correction: Superior upconversion fluorescence dopants for highly efficient deep-blue electroluminescent devices

Correction for ‘Superior upconversion fluorescence dopants for highly efficient deep-blue electroluminescent devices’ by Yi-Hsiang Chen et al., Chem. Sci., 2016, DOI: ; 10.1039/c6sc00100a.

Gold-catalyzed [3+2]-annulations of α-aryl diazonitriles with ynamides and allenamides to yield 1-amino-1H-indenes

Gold-catalyzed [3+2]-annulations of α-aryl diazonitriles with ynamides and allenamides yielding 1-amino-1H-indenes in two distinct pathways have been reported.

A versatile ferrocene-containing material as a p-type charge generation layer for high-performance full color tandem OLEDs

A ferrocene derivative, DPAF, is developed as a p-type charge generation layer and gives excellent device performance for RGB tandem OLEDs.

Avoiding perioperative dexamethasone may improve the outcome of patients with rectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Perioperative administration of dexamethasone may augment recurrence and mortality after tumor resection possibly by immunosuppression, which, unfortunately, has never been noted. We therefore carried out a retrospective study in rectal cancer to validate the hypothesis.

METHODS

Five hundreds and fifteen patients with stage I to III rectal cancers who underwent a curative resection from June 2007 and June 2011 were enrolled in the current study. Patients who had been given intravenous (IV) dexamethasone (4-10 mg) postoperatively and/or intraoperatively were assigned to dexamethasone group. The outcome of dexamethasone group and non-dexamethasone group were compared. The primary outcome was disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

dexamethasone group had significant lower three-year DFS (62.3% vs 71.8%, P = 0.026) and OS (74.1% vs 82.9%, P = 0.031) rate in comparison to non-dexamethasone group, the hazard ratios (HRs) of which were 1.59 (95% CI 1.05-2.39, P = 0.028) and 1.77 (95% CI 1.05-3.01, P = 0.034), respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that administration of systemic dexamethasone were independently associated with DFS [adjusted HR 1.60 (95% CI 1.03-2.49, p = 0.039)], but for OS, dexamethasone didn't remain significant in this model. In the analyses of a subgroup of 428 patients (55/428 in dexamethasone group) without perioperative blood transfusion, dexamethasone had independently impact on both DFS and OS.

CONCLUSION

Patients not given dexamethasone had better three-year survival outcomes compared with patients given dexamethasone perioperatively. Our results indicate that rectal cancer patients treated with curative surgery may get survival benefit from avoiding low-dose perioperative dexamethasone.

Thelohanellus testudineus n. sp. (Myxosporea: Bivalvulida) infecting the skin of allogynogenetic gibel carp Carassius auratus gibelio (Bloch) in China

A Thelohanellus species was encountered during a survey on Thelohanellus diversity of Carassius auratus gibelio (Bloch) in China. The infection is characterized by the presence of large cysts of 1.4-3.2 cm in diameter in the skin of host. Mature spores were ampullaceous in frontal view and testudinate in lateral view, measuring 19.7 ± 0.7 (18.6-20.8) μm long, 7.6 ± 0.4 (6.6-8.4) μm wide and 7.3 ± 0.5 (6.6-8.8) μm thick. The single polar capsule was elongated pyriform, with 11.1 ± 0.5 (10.0-11.9) μm long and 5.3 ± 0.3 (4.3-5.8) μm wide. Polar filaments coiled with 7-8 turns. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a smooth spore surface with flat side and convex side. The sutural line was straight or 'S' like, running near the middle of the valves. Histologically, the large cysts consisting of numerous small plasmodia developed in the dermis of the skin. The BLAST search indicated that the newly obtained ssrRNA gene sequences did not match any available sequences in GenBank and phylogenetic analysis placed it in the Thelohanellus clade. Based on morphology and molecular differences with reported Thelohanellus spp., this parasite was described as a new species of genus Thelohanellus.

The first heteropentanuclear extended metal-atom chain: [Ni⁺-Ru₂⁵⁺-Ni²⁺-Ni²⁺ (tripyridyldiamido)₄(NCS)₂]

This study develops the first heteropentametal extended metal atom chain (EMAC) in which a string of nickel cores is incorporated with a diruthenium unit to tune the molecular properties. Spectroscopic, crystallographic, and magnetic characterizations show the formation of a fully delocalized Ru2(5+) unit. This [Ru2]-containing EMAC exhibits single-molecule conductance four-fold superior to that of the pentanickel complex and results in features of negative differential resistance (NDR), which are unobserved in analogues of pentanickel and pentaruthenium EMACs. A plausible mechanism for the NDR behavior is proposed for this diruthenium-modulated EMAC.

On the size evolution of gold-monolayer-protected clusters by ligand place-exchange reactions: the effect of headgroup-gold interactions

To functionalize Au MPCs (monolayer-protected gold clusters), ligand place-exchange reactions provide a convenient route in which the initial capping ligands are displaced by mixing the MPCs with an excess amount of incoming ones. However, literature reports show that the diameters of the modified products do not always stay unchanged. Because of the diversity of experimental conditions carried out in the documented studies, there is still a lack of comprehensive understanding concerning the size evolution. Herein, carefully controlled and examined parameters include the initial size of MPCs [Au(101)(PPh(3))(21)Cl(5)], the reaction time, the concentration of incoming ligands, a homologous series of incoming ligands, and the anchoring headgroups. The results show that the final particle size is determined by the strength of headgroup-gold adsorption which is correlated with the curvature of the final product in a thermodynamic model derived from Gibbs-Thomson equation.

Regional phase unwrapping algorithm for photoelastic phase map

In this paper, a simple isoclinic phase map unwrapping method is proposed to retrieve map with ambiguities at photoelastic isotropic points. Regional phase unwrapping method is also utilized to enhance the retrieving efficiency after all phase inconsistencies have been fully detected and branch cutting works have been properly done to ensure blockings of all the paths which could cause incorrect integrations while involuntarily crossing them. The correctly retrieved isoclinic data are then fed into isochromatic formulation, and as a consequence an inconsistency free isochromatic phase map will be obtained. This map can be unwrapped by any simple and fast unwrapping algorithm accurately and effectively. Circular disk and ring under diametric compression samples are both applied for the verification of the proposed algorithm. The experimental results show the proposed algorithm can successfully solve the annoying problems occurred at photoelastic isotropic points with a processing time of roughly 2 seconds for a 420 x 420 pixels map by a general personal computer.

Scoliosis and severe pelvic obliquity in a patient with cerebral palsy: surgical treatment utilizing halo-femoral traction

STUDY DESIGN

Case report of severe scoliosis and associated pelvic obliquity in a 14-year-old patient with cerebral palsy.

OBJECTIVES

To report the presentation of the case, the operative considerations, and the management of this spinal deformity.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Spinal deformity in cerebral palsy may include scoliosis, kyphosis, and hyperlordosis. Pelvic obliquity is a frequent feature associated with neuromuscular scoliosis. The severity of the pelvic obliquity deformity presented here is unusual, and this case study delineates an effective surgical treatment plan for these patients using intraoperative halo-femoral traction.

METHODS

A same-day, two-stage surgical reconstruction was performed to effectively correct this spinal deformity. The patient underwent an anterior spinal fusion from T10 to S1 and a posterior spinal fusion from T2 to the pelvis; the posterior procedure was performed with the patient in intraoperative halo-femoral traction. Sacral fixation was obtained using the Galveston technique bilaterally.

RESULTS

The patient responded well to surgical intervention, had no complications, and continues to have stable correction of his pelvic obliquity deformity 2 years after surgery.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that scoliosis with associated severe pelvic obliquity deformities can be treated with anterior and posterior spinal fusion and instrumentation with intraoperative halo-femoral traction in the properly selected and prepared patient with cerebral palsy.

Immunogene therapy of tumors with vaccine based on Xenopus homologous vascular endothelial growth factor as a model antigen

Overcoming immune tolerance of the growth factors associated with tumor growth should be a useful approach to cancer therapy by active immunity. We used vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as a model antigen to explore the feasibility of the immunogene tumor therapy with a vaccine based on a single xenogeneic homologous gene, targeting the growth factors associated with angiogenesis. To test this concept, we constructed a plasmid DNA encoding Xenopus homologous VEGF (XVEGF-p) and control vectors. We found that immunogene tumor therapy with a vaccine based on XVEGF was effective at both protective and therapeutic antitumor immunity in several tumor models in mice. VEGF-specific autoantibodies in sera of mice immunized with XVEGF-p could be found in Western blotting analysis and ELISA assay. The purified immunoglobulins were effective at the inhibition of VEGF-mediated endothelial cell proliferation in vitro, and at antitumor activity and the inhibition of angiogenesis by adoptive transfer in vivo. The elevation of VEGF in the sera of the tumor-bearing mice could be abrogated with XVEGF-p immunization. The antitumor activity and production of VEGF-specific autoantibodies, significantly elevated IgG1 and IgG2b, could be abrogated by the depletion of CD4(+) T lymphocytes. The observations may provide a vaccine strategy for cancer therapy through the induction of autoimmunity against the growth factors associated with tumor growth in a cross reaction with single xenogeneic homologous gene and may be of importance in the further exploration of the applications of other xenogeneic homologous genes identified in human and other animal genome sequence projects in cancer therapy.

[Advances in the fiber coating of solid phase micro-extraction]

Solid phase micro-extraction (SPME) is a simple and effective sample preparation technique and fiber coatings play a very important role in SPME process. The discussion begins with a brief historical perspective from the very early work conducted almost a decade ago. At the moment, more than 20 alternatives of fiber coatings and size are available. In this paper, the coatings are divided into two categories: commercial fibers and custom-made fibers. A novel so-gel method has been introduced for the preparation of the coatings.

An ab initio theoretical study of the stereoisomers of tetrahydrocannabinols

An extensive theoretical study of the stereoisomers of tetrahydrocannabinols has been performed at the ab initio HF/6-31G* and B3LYP/6-31G* levels. Effects of solvation were calculated with the Onsager model (with full geometry optimization), SCRF with Tomasi's PCM, and isodensity polarization continuum models. Single-point MP2//HF/6-31G* calculations were carried out. Frequency calculations for all the isomers at the HF/6-31G* level and for two natural isomers delta1-THC-RR and delta6-THC-RR at the B3LYP/6-31G* level were performed. Our results support the findings of the previous AM1 studies that the orientation of the carbocyclic ring and its C1 substituent with respect to the phenyl group hydroxyl oxygen play the major role in the activity. The calculated values of the LUMO energy (lowest unoccupied molecular orbital) and the hardness of the stereoisomers show that for the trans isomers it is easier to remove one electron from its HOMO (highest occupied molecular orbital) to the LUMO and easier to accept an electron from the receptor binding site than for the cis isomers. Combining geometric features (the orientation of the carbocyclic ring and its C1 substituent with respect to the phenyl group hydroxyl oxygen) with electronic features (LUMO and hardness), we explain the activity differences among the stereoisomers.

Immunotherapy of tumors with xenogeneic endothelial cells as a vaccine

The breaking of immune tolerance against autologous angiogenic endothelial cells should be a useful approach for cancer therapy. Here we show that immunotherapy of tumors using fixed xenogeneic whole endothelial cells as a vaccine was effective in affording protection from tumor growth, inducing regression of established tumors and prolonging survival of tumor-bearing mice. Furthermore, autoreactive immunity targeting to microvessels in solid tumors was induced and was probably responsible for the anti-tumor activity. These observations may provide a new vaccine strategy for cancer therapy through the induction of an autoimmune response against the tumor endothelium in a cross-reaction.

Successful treatment of all-trans retinoic acid resistant and chemotherapy naïve acute promyelocytic patients with arsenic trioxide--two case reports

Arsenic trioxide(As2O3) has proved highly effective in treating both refractory or primary cases of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). The role of arsenic trioxide in APL treatment has been confirmed by study groups in China and in the USA. However, what is the role of As2O3 in treating APL? Should it be used as first line therapy, or should it be used as a second line drug. This still remains to be defined. Here, we report two cases of APL, who were treated successfully with As2O3 when they relapsed. Initially, both received all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) for primary remission induction therapy, and obtained a complete remission. For ethical or personal reasons, they did not receive chemotherapy as consolidation therapy and when they relapsed at 23 months and 12 months later respectively, they both received As2O3 therapy after being resistant to ATRA treatment. Two courses of As2O3 were given and both reached complete remission. There were very few adverse reactions to the drug, only mild abdominal cramps, mild fluid retention, and transient elevation of transaminases. They both had rather good quality of life throughout the treatment and both remain in remission for 32 months and 10 months since therapy, respectively.

Retinoic acid syndrome induced by arsenic trioxide in treating recurrent all-trans retinoic acid resistant acute promyelocytic leukemia

Arsenic Trioxide (As2O3) is an effective agent for treating acute promyelocytic leukemia achieving a complete remission rate of about 60% to 90%. It is similar to all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) when treating acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), because both agents have limited side effects compared to conventional chemotherapy, although the treatment period is more prolonged. During treatment, both agents may induce leukocytosis, and in patients taking ATRA, leukocytosis appears to be related to the development of retinoic acid syndrome (RAS). We report here a case of APL treated with ATRA in combination with chemotherapy 3 years earlier. During treatment, an episode of RAS with fever, edema, pericardiac effusion etc. was encountered. Recently, she had a relapse of leukemia, and As2O3 therapy was used. Leukocytosis developed again, and symptoms of fever, skin rash, edema resembling a RAS also developed, which was quickly relieved by steroid administration in a manner resembling response to RAS.

Factors related to the survival of papillary and follicular thyroid carcinoma patients with distant metastases

There is limited clinical information comparing presentations and results of treatment of papillary and follicular thyroid carcinoma patients with distant metastases. We retrospectively analyzed data of 1,257 thyroid cancer patients who received their treatment and follow-up at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. We found 992 patients with papillary carcinoma and 205 patients with follicular thyroid carcinoma. Of these, 68 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (6.9%) had distant metastases at the time of diagnosis or during the follow-up period. Of the follicular thyroid carcinoma patients, 69 (33.7%) had distant metastases. Of the 68 patients with papillary carcinoma, only 33 were categorized as stage IV at the time of diagnosis. Nine of the patients were categorized as clinical stage I carcinoma, 10 as stage II, and 16 as stage III. Sixteen patients (23.5%) died during the study period, all but 2 of thyroid cancer. Twelve of the 68 patients were disease-free after treatment. Of the 69 patients with follicular thyroid carcinoma, 58 were categorized as stage IV at the time of diagnosis. Six of the patients were categorized as clinical stage I carcinoma, 2 as stage II, and 3 as stage III at the time of diagnosis; all of these patients deteriorated to stage IV during the follow-up period. Of the 42 patients with follicular thyroid carcinoma involving bone, 24 presented with bone metastases during the initial diagnosis. After treatment, 25 of 69 patients with follicular carcinoma died of follicular carcinoma. Only 3 patients were disease-free after the treatment. In patients with follicular carcinoma, only tumor size was an important prognostic factor. In this study, 8 patients categorized as clinical stages I to III at the time of operation had thyroglobulin (Tg) levels less than 5 ng/mL and developed distant metastases during the follow-up period. In conclusion, at diagnosis a large group of Asian patients with metastatic well-differentiated thyroid cancer was more likely to have follicular than papillary histology, and that, as expected, metastases from follicular cancer were present earlier and more frequently, were more likely to involve bone, were more likely to be associated with mortality, and were linked to tumor size but not gender. Also unlike some other reports, treatment producing a low Tg did not always produce a good outcome. More aggressive surgical procedures may be able to improve outcomes.

Ectopic ACTH syndrome due to thymic carcinoid tumor in a girl

An 8 year-old girl had a cushingoid appearance for six months. Hormone study showed extremely high serum levels of cortisol (> 60 micrograms/dl) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (930 pg/ml). Initial chest X-ray showed nothing unusual, but a technetium-99mm MIBI scan showed an accumulation lesion in the left upper chest cavity. Chest magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated that the mass was in the superior anterior mediastinum. She had complete removal of the tumor with partial thymectomy. The pathology revealed a thymic carcinoid tumor. Carcinoid tumors of the thymus are extremely rare in children and they usually present with Cushing's syndrome. To our knowledge, this is the youngest patient who has ever been reported with this disease.

Preparation of poly(acrylic acid) modified polyurethane membrane for biomaterial by UV radiation without degassing

Poly(acrylic acid) modified polyurethane (AA/PU) membranes were prepared by UV radiation without degassing. The chemical composition of the AA/PU membrane was studied by IR spectroscopy. In addition to those absorption peaks associated with pure PU, the absorption peak at 2400 cm-1 of poly(AA) was also found. The morphology of AA/PU membrane was studied by optical polarizing microscopy. We also measured the glass transition temperature and the decomposition temperature of the AA/PU membrane by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. A significant domain was found in the AA/PU membrane, which resulted in different glass transition temperature and decomposition temperature between AA/PU and pure PU membrane. The effect of AA content on the contact angle and water absorption of the AA/PU membrane was determined. It was found that the water content of AA/PU membrane increased with increasing AA content, whereas the contact angle decreased. By using Kaeble's equation and the contact angle data, the surface free energy of AA/PU membrane was determined. The increase of surface free energy resulted from the increase of the dispersion (gammad) term and polar (gammap) term. In order to evaluate the biocompatibility of these membranes, a cytotoxicity test and a cell adhesion and proliferation assay were conducted in cell culture. Immortal cells and primary lymphocytes were both used in this study. The results showed that these AA/PU membranes exhibited very low cytotoxicity and could support cell adhesion and growth. An animal primary test was also done in this study. It was found that the AA/PU membrane could possibly be employed in the treatment of bowel defect.