Intestinal Translocation of Live Porphyromonas gingivalis Drives Insulin Resistance

Periodontitis has been emphasized as a risk factor of insulin resistance-related systemic diseases. Accumulating evidence has suggested a possible "oral-gut axis" linking oral infection and extraoral diseases, but it remains unclear whether periodontal pathogens can survive the barriers of the digestive tract and how they play their pathogenic roles. The present study established a periodontitis mouse model through oral ligature plus Porphyromonas gingivalis inoculation and demonstrated that periodontitis aggravated diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance, while also causing P. gingivalis enrichment in the intestine. Metabolic labeling strategy validated that P. gingivalis could translocate to the gastrointestinal tract in a viable state. Oral administration of living P. gingivalis elicited insulin resistance, while administration of pasteurized P. gingivalis had no such effect. Combination analysis of metagenome sequencing and nontargeted metabolomics suggested that the tryptophan metabolism pathway, specifically indole and its derivatives, was involved in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance caused by oral administration of living P. gingivalis. Moreover, liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis confirmed that the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligands, mainly indole acetic acid, tryptamine, and indole-3-aldehyde, were reduced in diet-induced obese mice with periodontitis, leading to inactivation of AhR signaling. Supplementation with Ficz (6-formylindolo (3,2-b) carbazole), an AhR agonist, alleviated periodontitis-associated insulin resistance, in which the restoration of gut barrier function might play an important role. Collectively, these findings reveal that the oral-gut translocation of viable P. gingivalis works as a fuel linking periodontitis and insulin resistance, in which reduction of AhR ligands and inactivation of AhR signaling are involved. This study provides novel insight into the role of the oral-gut axis in the pathogenesis of periodontitis-associated comorbidities.

Evaluation of air quality changes in a Chinese megacity over a 15-year period (2006-2021) using PM2.5 receptor modelling

Air quality impairment has a massive impact on human health, with atmospheric particulate matter (PM) playing a major role. The People's Republic of China experienced a trend of increasing PM2.5 concentrations from 2000 to 2013. However, after the application of the Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan and other related control measures, sharp decreases in air pollutant concentrations were particularly evident in the city of Wuhan (central China). This study analysed major changes in PM2.5 concentrations, composition and source apportionment (using receptor modelling) based on Wuhan's PM2.5 chemical speciation datasets from 2006 to 2007, 2019-2021 and contemporaneous gaseous pollutant values. Average SO2 concentrations decreased by 88%, from the first to the second period, mostly due to measures that reduced coal combustion. However, NO2 only declined by 25%, with policy measures likely being undermined by an increased number of vehicles. PM2.5 concentrations decreased by 65%, with the PM constituents each being affected differently. Coal combustion-related element concentrations, OC, SO42-, NH4+, EC, Cl-, Al, Ca, Cu, Fe, Co and NO3- decreased by 22-90%. Secondary inorganic aerosol (SIA) was initially dominated by (NH4)2SO4 (73%) in 2006, but later dominated by NH4NO3 (52%) in 2021. Receptor modelling identified major sources contributing to PM2.5: Mineral, road and desert dust (MRDD), Secondary sulphate (SECS), Secondary nitrate (SECN), Tungsten industry (W), Toxic Elements of Coal (TEC), Iron and Steel (IRONS), Coal Combustion (CC), Residential Heating (RH), Refinery (REF) and Traffic (TRF). In relative proportions, TEC (-83%), SECS (-64%) and SECN (-48%) reduced their contributions to PM2.5 whilst MRDD increased (+62.5%). Thus, the results indicate not only a drastic abatement of PM pollution in Wuhan but also a change in the sources of pollution, which requires further actions to reduce PM2.5 concentrations to health protective values. Secondary PM and fugitive emissions are key components to abate.

Ultralong Red Room-Temperature Phosphorescence of 2D Organic-Inorganic Metal Halide Perovskites for Afterglow Red LEDs and X-ray Scintillation Applications

Organic-inorganic metal hybrid perovskites (OIHPs) have emerged as a promising class of materials for next-generation optoelectronic applications. However, the realization of red and near-infrared (NIR) room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) in these materials remains limited. In this study, a very strong red RTP emission centered at 610 nm is achieved by doping Mn2+ ions into Cd-based 2D OIHPs. Notably, the optimized B-EACC:Mn2+ exhibited a high quantum yield of 44.11%, an ultralong lifetime of up to 378 ms, and excellent stability against high temperatures and various solvents, surpassing most reported counterparts of 2D OIHPs. Moreover, the B-EACC:Mn2+ can be used as a red emitter for coating an ultraviolet light-emitting diode chip, exhibiting an observable afterglow to the naked eye for approximately 4 s. In addition, the B-EACC:Mn2+ demonstrates interesting characteristics under X-ray excitation, exhibiting X-ray response at radiation doses in the range of 34.75-278 μGy s-1. This work suggests the infinite possibility of doping guest ions to realize red RTP in 2D OIHPs, promoting the development of long-persistent phosphorescent emitters for multifunctional light-emitting applications.

Achieving Ultralong Room-Temperature Phosphorescence in Two-Dimensional Metal Halide Perovskites by Alkyl Chain Engineering

Two-dimensional (2D) metal halide perovskites with highly efficient ultralong room-temperature phosphorescence (URTP) are rare due to their uncertain structures and complicated intermolecular interactions. Herein, by varying the alkyl length of organic units, we synthesized two single-component 2D metal hybrid perovskites, i.e., B-MACC and B-EACC, with obvious URTP emission. In particular, B-EACC exhibits a green-yellow URTP emission with an ultralong lifetime (579 ms) and a high efficiency (14.86%). It is found that the molecular packing of B-EA+ cations because of the presence one more carbon in the alkyl chain affords strong hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking interactions, which immobilizes and reduces the triplet exciton quenching. Moreover, B-MACC and B-EACC with space-time dual-resolved characteristics can be utilized for dynamic information encryption and optical logic gate applications. This study is the first to disclose the relation between the characteristics of molecular packing and the resultant URTP of 2D metal hybrid perovskites, significantly advancing the development of next-generation URTP materials for versatile applications.

Regulating Luminescence Thermal Quenching of Praseodymium-Doped Niobo-Tantalate Phosphor through Intervalence Charge Transfer Band Displacement

Pr3+-related intervalence charge transfer (IVCT) bands are a research hotspot owing to their amelioration in the luminescence thermal quenching of Pr3+-activated phosphors. Here, a typical IVCT band displacement strategy via a topological chemical scheme is reported to optimize the luminescence thermal quenching performance of praseodymium-doped niobo-tantalate. The substitution of Ta5+ ions for Nb5+ ions reduces the valence-weighted average cation optical electronegativity and increases the bond lengths of the activator (Pr3+) to the ligand cations (Nb5+ and Ta5+) via adjusting the crystal structure, leading to an increase in the IVCT energy level position from 3.521 to 4.139 eV. The increase in the IVCT energy level leads to an increase in the number of electrons located in the Pr3+ 3P0 energy level, which compensates for the emission of 1D2 during warming. Especially, the energy gap value of the IVCT band is positively correlated with the thermal quenching activation energy ΔE2. ΔE2 increases, the crossover point rises, and the nonradiative transition decreases, further enhancing the Pr3+ 1D2 emission. At 503 K, the 1D2 emission integral intensity increases from 14 to 224% relative to the 303 K original integral intensity. This IVCT band displacement strategy can be used as a scheme for designing antithermal quenching luminescence materials.

A rollover safety margin-based approach for quantifying the tractor-semitrailers' emergency lane-changing response on expressway curves

In emergency scenarios, lane changing can provide a considerable advantage over braking by aiding in the prevention of rear-end collisions. However, executing lane changes on horizontal curves might lead to rollover collisions. This study proposes a systematic methodology for quantifying the rollover safety margin during lane-changing maneuvers by encompassing the complex characteristics of vehicle-road interactions. Specifically, an enhanced six-degree-of-freedom vehicle dynamics model was developed for a tractor-semitrailer and integrates road superelevation. Using this model, the rollover safety margin reduction rate (fS) was calculated. The fS represents the ratio of the difference between the lateral load transfer ratio margins under both reference state and emergency lane change conditions to the lateral load transfer ratio margin in the reference state. The reference state corresponds to vehicles maintaining 80 km·h-1 on a 270 m radius curve, while the emergency condition is defined as lane change durations of less than 4 seconds. The results reveal that emergency lane change maneuvers and roadway alignment significantly affect rollover safety margin. Shorter lane change duration, higher speed, and smaller radius worsen the rollover safety margin; these effects are further amplified when the lane change direction is opposite to the curve's bending direction. When the tractor-semitrailer performs a lane change at 60 km·h-1 within a 4-second duration on a 600 m radius curve, the fS exceeds 100%, indicating an imminent rollover. Consequently, this study contributes valuable evidence to the development of more reliable and secure lane-change strategies.

Meta-analysis of the effect of whole-body vibration training on the improvement of limb function in patients with Parkinson's disease

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effect of whole-body vibration (WBV) training on the improvement of limb function in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An electronic search was performed on the databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, SCI-hub, ScienceDirect, Embase, IEEE, Medline, Wiley, ClinicaIKey, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP database, Chinese Medical Association, and CBM Database from inception to May 2022 to collect randomized controlled studies on whole-body vibration training for patients with Parkinson's disease. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted the data, and evaluated the quality of the literature, then used ReviewManager 5.4 software for quantitative statistical analysis, including heterogeneity test, sensitivity analysis, risk of bias assessment, combined outcome index effect size and effect size inspection.

RESULTS

A total of 9 studies were included in the meta-analysis, including 346 patients, 174 patients in the control group and 172 patients in the observation group. Meta-analysis results showed that, compared with conventional physical therapy or drug therapy alone, whole-body vibration reduced the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRSIII) score and significantly improved the motor function of patients with Parkinson's disease [MD=-2.39, 95% CI (-4.41, -0.37), Z=2.14 (p=0.23)]. Moreover, whole-body vibration significantly improved the walking stability of Parkinson's patients [MD=-1.96, 95% CI (-2.71-1.21), Z=1.17 (p=0.03)]. However, its improvement in balance ability [MD=-0.06, 95% CI (-0.77, 0.65), Z=1.07 (p=0.19)] and daily living ability [MD=0.03, 95% CI (-1.68, 0.74), Z=0.24 (p=0.87)] of patients, it was not t statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with conventional therapy, WBV has certain advantages in improving the balance function and gait performance of PD patients, but the effect on balance ability and daily living ability is not significant. Thus, more high-quality research is required for further verification.

First-in-human, phase I study of AK109, an anti-VEGFR2 antibody in patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors

BACKGROUND

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) plays a key role in antiangiogenesis which has been an essential strategy for cancer treatment. We report the first-in-human study of AK109, a novel anti-VEGFR2 monoclonal antibody, to characterize the safety profile and pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) properties, and explore the preliminary antitumor efficacy in patients with solid tumors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a multicenter, open-label, phase I study, including dose escalation and dose expansion (NCT04547205). Patients with advanced cancers were treated 2 and 3 weekly with escalating doses of AK109. A 3 + 3 design was used to determine the maximum tolerated dose. Blood was sampled for PK/PD analysis. The primary endpoint was safety and recommended phase II dose (RP2D).

RESULTS

A total of 40 patients were enrolled. No dose-limiting toxicity was observed. However, 38 patients reported treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs); grade ≥3 TRAEs occurred in 10 patients. The most common TRAEs were proteinuria (n = 24, 60%), hypertension (n = 13, 32.5%), increased aspartate transaminase (n = 11, 27.5%), thrombopenia (n = 10, 25%), and anemia (n = 10, 25%). A total of 28 patients (70%) reported adverse events of special interest (AESIs). The most common AESIs were proteinuria (60%), hypertension (32.5%), and hemorrhage (32.5%), mainly including gum bleeding and urethrorrhagia. AK109 exhibited an approximately linear PK exposure with dose escalation at 2-12 mg/kg. PD analyses showed rapid target engagement. Among the 40 patients, 4 achieved partial response and 21 achieved stable disease with an objective response rate of 10% and a disease control rate of 62.5%. Based on the safety profile, the PK/PD profile, and preliminary antitumor activities, 12 mg/kg Q2W and 15 mg/kg Q3W were selected as RP2D.

CONCLUSIONS

AK109 showed manageable safety profile and promising antitumor activity, supporting further clinical development in a large population.

Multifunctional Resonance Bridge-Mediated Dynamic Modulation of Perovskite Films For Enhanced Intrinsic Stability of Photovoltaics

The improving intrinsic stability, determining the life span of devices, is a challenging task in the industrialization of inverted perovskite solar cells. The most important prerequisite for boosting intrinsic stability is high-quality perovskite films deposition. Here, a molecule, N-(2-pyridyl)pivalamide (NPP) is utilized, as a multifunctional resonance bridge between poly(triarylamine) (PTAA) and perovskite film to regulate the perovskite film quality and promote hole extraction for enhancing the device intrinsic stability. The pyridine groups in NPP couple with the phenyl groups in PTAA through π-π stacking to improve hole extraction capacities and minimize interfacial charge recombination, and the resonance linkages (NCO) in NPP dynamically modulate the perovskite buried defects through strong PbO bonds based on the fast self-adaptive tautomerization between resonance forms (NCO and N⁺ CO^- ). Because of the combined effect of the reduction defect density and improved energy level in the perovskite buried interfaces as well as the optimized crystal orientation in perovskite film enabled by the NPP substrate, the devices based on NPP-grown perovskite films show an efficiency approaching 20% with negligible hysteresis. More impressively, the unencapsulated device displays start-of-the-art intrinsic photostability, operating under continuous 1-sun illumination for 2373 h at 65 °C without loss of PCE.

High prevalence of vertebral deformity in tumor-induced osteomalacia associated with impaired bone microstructure

PURPOSE

Patients with tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) often suffer from irreversible height loss due to vertebral deformity. However, the prevalence of vertebral deformity in TIO patients varies among limited studies. In addition, the distribution and type of vertebral deformity, as well as its risk factors, remain unknown. This study aimed to identify the prevalence, distribution, type and risk factors for vertebral deformity in a large cohort of TIO patients.

METHODS

A total of 164 TIO patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. Deformity in vertebrae T4-L4 by lateral thoracolumbar spine radiographs was evaluated according to the semiquantitative method of Genant. Bone microstructure was evaluated by trabecular bone score (TBS) and high-resolution peripheral QCT (HR-pQCT).

RESULTS

Ninety-nine (99/164, 60.4%) patients had 517 deformed vertebrae with a bimodal pattern of distribution (T7-9 and T11-L1), and biconcave deformity was the most common type (267/517, 51.6%). Compared with patients without vertebral deformity, those with vertebral deformity had a higher male/female ratio, longer disease duration, more height loss, lower serum phosphate, higher bone turnover markers, lower TBS, lower areal bone mineral density (aBMD), lower peripheral volumetric BMD (vBMD) and worse microstructure. Lower trabecular vBMD and worse trabecular microstructure in the peripheral bone and lower spine TBS were associated with an increased risk of vertebral deformity independently of aBMD. After adjusting for the number of deformed vertebrae, we found little difference in clinical indexes among the patients with different types of vertebral deformity. However, we found significant correlations of clinical indexes with the number of deformed vertebrae and the spinal deformity index.

CONCLUSION

We reported a high prevalence of vertebral deformity in the largest cohort of TIO patients and described the vertebral deformity in detail for the first time. Risk factors for vertebral deformity included male sex, long disease duration, height loss, abnormal biochemical indexes and bone impairment. Clinical manifestation, biochemical indexes and bone impairment were correlated with the number of deformed vertebrae and degree of deformity, but not the type of deformity.

Why Do Drivers' Collision Avoidance Maneuvers Tend to Cause SUVs to Sideslip or Rollover on Horizontal Curve and Grade Combinations?-An Analysis of the Causes Based on a Modified Multibody Dynamics Model

The extent to which drivers' collision avoidance maneuvers affect the safety margins of sideslip and rollover is not captured by road geometric design theory. To quantify the effects of drivers' collision avoidance maneuvers on the safety margins of sport utility vehicles (SUVs) on horizontal curve and grade combinations, a modified 8-degree-of-freedom multibody model based on SUVs was developed. The model was then used to calculate the design safety margins of sideslip and rollover for steady states and the actual safety margins for collision avoidance maneuvers. Subsequently, the design safety margin reduction rate (the difference between the design and actual safety margins divided by the design safety margin) was calculated and used to assess the safety margins. The results showed that the safety margins of SUVs were significantly reduced by braking, lane changing, and lane changing with braking. The marginal effects indicated that the greater the deceleration and the shorter the lane change duration, the greater the effect on the safety margins, particularly the sideslip safety margin. Furthermore, when the SUV was driven at 80 km·h^-1 on grades with a horizontal curve radius of 270 m and 400 m, the sideslip safety margin with emergency braking (deceleration over -4.5 m·s^-2) was reduced by 71% and 21%, and the rollover safety margin was reduced by 11% and 5%, respectively. Under these conditions, an emergency lane change (lane change duration less than 2 s) caused the SUV to sideslip and reduced the rollover safety margin by 47% (curve radius 270 m) and 45% (curve radius 400 m). Therefore, drivers' collision avoidance maneuvers are a factor that cannot be neglected in alignment design.

PEDOT:PSS/CuCl Composite Hole Transporting Layer for Enhancing the Performance of 2D Ruddlesden-Popper Perovskite Solar Cells

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) is a popular hole transport layer (HTL) in 2D Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) perovskite solar cell (PSCs) due to its highly conductive, transparent, and solution-processable characteristics. However, fundamental questions such as its strong acidity or mismatched energy level with the 2D RP photoactive layer often restrict the performance and stability of devices. Herein, copper chloride (CuCl), a common direct band gap semiconductor, is doped into PEDOT:PSS, lowering the acidity and tuning the work function of PEDOT:PSS. Due to the improved wettability and the existing chloride in the PEDOT:PSS/CuCl composite substrate, the coated 2D perovskite films exhibit uniform morphology, vertically oriented crystal growth, and enhanced crystallinity. In comparison with controlled devices, the PEDOT:PSS/CuCl based inverted 2D RP PSCs show a maximum power conversion efficiency of 13.36% and long-term stability. The modified PEDOT:PSS overcomes intrinsic imperfections by doping CuCl, indicating that it has a lot of promise for mass production in electrical devices.

A simulation based large bus side slip and rollover threshold study in slope-curve section under adverse weathers

To study the side slip and rollover threshold of large bus in slope-curve section under adverse weather, factors that affect the safety of large buses that run in slope-curve section, such as rain, snow, cross-wind environmental factors, and road geometry, were analyzed to obtain the friction coefficient of the road surface under different rainfall and snowfall intensities through field measurements and to determine the six-component force coefficient of wind that acts on large buses through wind tunnel tests. The force analysis of large bus in slope-curve section was carried out, and the mechanical equations of large bus under the limit conditions of sideslip and rollover in slope-curve section were established. TruckSim simulation test platform was used to establish a three-dimensional road model and large bus mechanical model at a design speed of 100 km/h. Input parameters, such as cross-wind speed and road friction coefficient, simulate the impact of wind-rain/snow coupling. Under the combined action of wind-rain/snow, the operation test of large bus in slope-curve section was carried out, and the key parameters and indicators of the sideslip and rollover of large bus in slope-curve section were outputted and analyzed. The sudden change point of lateral acceleration is the judging condition for sideslip of large bus in slope-curve section under different road friction coefficient (0.2-0.7), changing from 0.15m/s2 and stabilizing to 0.52 m/s2, and a 0N vertical reaction force of the inner tire is the critical judging condition for rollover under road friction coefficient0.8, and the operating speed thresholds were proposed under different road friction coefficient. This study is expected to provide theoretical support for the speed limit of large bus in slope-curve section under adverse weather.

Facile Preparation of MoS2 Nanocomposites for Efficient Potassium-Ion Batteries by Grinding-Promoted Intercalation Exfoliation

Efficient exfoliations of bulk molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂ ) into few-layered nanosheets in pure phase are highly attractive because of the promising applications of the resulted 2D materials in diversified optoelectronic devices. Here, a new exfoliation method is presented to prepare semiconductive 2D hexagonal phase (2H phase) MoS₂ -cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) nanocomposites using grinding-promoted intercalation exfoliation (GPIE). This method with facile grinding of the bulk MoS₂ and CNC powder followed by conventional liquid-phase exfoliation in water can not only efficiently exfoliate 2H-MoS₂ nanosheets, but also produce the 2H-MoS₂ /CNC 2D nanocomposites simultaneously. Interestingly, the intercalated CNC sandwiched in MoS₂ nanosheets increases the interlayer spacing of 2H-MoS₂ , providing perfect conditions to accommodate the large-sized ions. Therefore, these nanocomposites are good anode materials of potassium-ion batteries (KIBs), showing a high reversible capacity of 203 mAh g^-1 at 200 mA g^-1 after 300 cycles, a good reversible capacity of 114 mAh g^-1 at 500 mA g^-1 , and a low decay of 0.02% per cycle over 1500 cycles. With these impressive KIB performances, this efficient GPIE method will open up a new avenue to prepare pure-phase MoS₂ and promising 2D nanocomposites for high-performance device applications.

Standardization in Quantitative Imaging: A Multicenter Comparison of Radiomic Features from Different Software Packages on Digital Reference Objects and Patient Data Sets

Radiomic features are being increasingly studied for clinical applications. We aimed to assess the agreement among radiomic features when computed by several groups by using different software packages under very tightly controlled conditions, which included standardized feature definitions and common image data sets. Ten sites (9 from the NCI's Quantitative Imaging Network] positron emission tomography–computed tomography working group plus one site from outside that group) participated in this project. Nine common quantitative imaging features were selected for comparison including features that describe morphology, intensity, shape, and texture. The common image data sets were: three 3D digital reference objects (DROs) and 10 patient image scans from the Lung Image Database Consortium data set using a specific lesion in each scan. Each object (DRO or lesion) was accompanied by an already-defined volume of interest, from which the features were calculated. Feature values for each object (DRO or lesion) were reported. The coefficient of variation (CV), expressed as a percentage, was calculated across software packages for each feature on each object. Thirteen sets of results were obtained for the DROs and patient data sets. Five of the 9 features showed excellent agreement with CV < 1%; 1 feature had moderate agreement (CV < 10%), and 3 features had larger variations (CV ≥ 10%) even after attempts at harmonization of feature calculations. This work highlights the value of feature definition standardization as well as the need to further clarify definitions for some features.

Efficacy and safety of endothelin receptor antagonists in type 2 diabetic kidney disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AIM

To analyse the efficacy and safety of endothelin receptor antagonists for people with diabetic kidney disease.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials comparing endothelin receptor antagonists with placebo in people with diabetic kidney disease were identified through PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library. We used a random-effect model to calculate the mean difference or risk ratio with the 95% CI.

RESULTS

Seven studies with a total of 4730 participants were included. Overall, endothelin receptor antagonists significantly reduced albuminuria compared with placebo (standardized mean difference -0.48, 95% CI -0.64 to -0.33). Atrasentan, in particular, effectively reduced albuminuria (standardized mean difference -0.58, 95% CI -1.00 to -0.17) and the risk of composite renal endpoints (risk ratio 0.65; 95% CI 0.49 to 0.88), with insignificant change in the rate of congestive heart failure (risk ratio 1.40, 95% CI 0.76 to 2.56) and mortality (risk ratio 1.11, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.61). In contrast, although avosentan reduced albuminuria (standardized mean difference -0.47, 95% CI -0.57 to -0.36) and the risk of composite renal endpoints (risk ratio 0.63, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.94), it was associated with a significant increase in congestive heart failure risk (risk ratio 2.61, 95% CI 1.36 to 5.00) and an insignificant increase in mortality risk (risk ratio 1.50, 95% CI 0.81, 2.78). No significant change in efficacy or safety outcomes with bosentan was detected. Dose-response analysis indicated that 0.75 mg/day atrasentan is expected to be optimal for renoprotection, with maximal albuminuria reduction and minimal fluid retention events.

CONCLUSIONS

Among the endothelin receptor antagonists, atrasentan and avosentan, but not bosentan, are effective for renoprotection in people with diabetic kidney disease. Compared with other types and doses, atrasentan 0.75 mg/day is the most promising, with maximal albuminuria reduction and minimal fluid retention. Vigilant monitoring of congestive heart failure risk is needed in future clinical practice. (PROSPERO registration no. CRD42020169840).

Focus on autonomic dysfunctions in anti-NMDAR encephalitis: a case report

OBJECTIVE

We hope it will provide a reference for early detection, early diagnosis, and early treatment of atypical Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis with non-typical autonomic dysfunctions as the first symptom.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We present a 15-year-old girl with the repetition of conscious disturbance at different levels, but no abnormal movements. Initially, there were no positive findings on routine electroencephalography (EEG) and dynamic video-electroencephalography (V-EEG), but the head-up tilt test (HTT) suggested neurocardiogenic syncope (vascular rejection type), which seemed to be the final diagnosis. However, the patient later experienced several episodes of disturbance of consciousness with unexplained abdominal pain. Abnormalities were discovered on EEG, which indicated the possibility of "epileptic seizures with autonomic-gastrointestinal features". Based on these findings, we finally tested the autoimmune encephalitis-related antibodies for the patient after the literature search and review.

RESULTS

The patient was finally diagnosed with anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Her symptoms were fully controlled after glucocorticoid and gamma globulin treatment, and she left the hospital with complete recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

Although autonomic nervous dysfunction occurred in our patient, her prognosis was good because she did not have respiratory or (and) circulatory failure. Exclusive diagnosis and early treatment are important in patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Abdominal pain with positive HTT may be a manifestation of autonomic dysfunction in this disease.

LncRNA NEAT1/miR-1224/KLF3 contributes to cell proliferation, apoptosis and invasion in lung cancer

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to detect the relationship between long-chain non-coding RNA (lncRNA) NEAT1 and microRNA-1224 (miR-1224) in lung cancer and to explore its underlying mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The expression levels of lncRNA NEAT1 and miR-1224 in lung cancer tissues and cells were detected by quantitative Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). The interaction between lncRNA NEAT1 with miR-1224, miR-1224, and KLF3 was detected by Dual-Luciferase Reporter Gene Assay. MTT 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide and flow cytometry were used to detect the changes in the proliferative and apoptosis abilities of lung cancer cells after silencing lncRNA NEAT1 or up-regulating miR-1224, respectively.

RESULTS

Compared with adjacent normal tissues, lncRNA NEAT1 was significantly up-regulated, while miR-1224 was significantly down-regulated in lung cancer tissues. LncRNA NEAT1 could specifically bind to the 3'UTR of miR-1224 and regulate its expression. The inhibition of lncRNA NEAT1 remarkably reduced the proliferation and enhanced the apoptosis of lung cancer cells. However, the upregulation of the expression of miR-1224 level could significantly inhibit proliferation and promote the apoptosis rate of lung cancer cells. Furthermore, miR-1224 could downregulate KLF3 expression by directly binding to its 3'UTR.

CONCLUSIONS

LncRNA NEAT1 can sponge the expression of miR-1224, thereby affecting the proliferation and apoptosis of lung cancer.

Nasal fluid cytology and cytokine profiles of eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a heterogeneous disease with different clinical characteristics and different treatment responsiveness. The aims of this study were to compare the nasal fluid cytology and cytokines between eosinophilic CRSwNP (eCRSwNP) and non-eosinophilic CRSwNP (neCRSwNP) and establish a new multivariate model to predict eCRSwNP before surgery to improve personalized treatment for CRSwNP patients.

METHODS

Eighty-six consecutive patients with CRSwNP and sixteen healthy controls were recruited in this study. Nasal fluid (NF) was collected from all subjects and nasal polyp tissue was collected during the surgery. The differential cell counts and concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-77; and IL-10 in NF were measured. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify predictors for eCRSwNP.

RESULTS

There were more inflammatory cells in NF of CRSwNP than controls. The eosinophil percentage was significantly higher in eCRSwNP than neCRSwNP and controls. The level of IL-8 was significantly higher in neCRSwNP than in eCRSwNP and controls. Blood eosinophilia, nasal fluid eosinophilia, higher total ethmoid score / total maxillary score (E/M ratio) and higher visual analogue scale (VAS) score of CRS were associated with eCRSwNP, the area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.800, 0.755, 0.703 and 0.648, respectively. Using the coefficients of multivariate regression, we set up a scoring system to predict eCRSwNP with three of the variates and the AUC was 0.883.

CONCLUSION

ECRSwNP, neCRSwNP and healthy controls demonstrated different cytology and cytokine profiles in NF. A new preoperational multivariate prediction model for eCRSwNP with NF eosinophilia, blood eosinophilia and higher E/M ratio was established.

Noninvasive prenatal diagnosis for pregnancies at risk for β-thalassaemia: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical feasibility of noninvasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD) for β-thalassaemia using circulating single molecule amplification and re-sequencing technology (cSMART).

DESIGN

Through carrier screening, 102 pregnant Chinese couples carrying pathogenic HBB gene variants were recruited to the study. Pregnancies were managed using traditional invasive prenatal diagnosis (IPD). Retrospectively, we evaluated the archived pregnancy plasma DNA by NIPD to evaluate the performance of our cSMART assay for fetal genotyping.

SETTING

Chinese prenatal diagnostic centres specialising in thalassaemia testing.

POPULATION

Chinese carrier couples at high genetic risk for β-thalassaemia.

METHODS

Fetal cell sampling was performed by amniocentesis and HBB genotypes were determined by reverse dot blot. NIPD was performed by a newly designed HBB cSMART assay and fetal genotypes were called by measuring the allelic ratios in the maternal cell-free DNA.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Concordance of HBB fetal genotyping between IPD and NIPD and the sensitivity and specificity of NIPD.

RESULTS

Invasive prenatal diagnosis identified 29 affected homozygotes or compound heterozygotes, 54 heterozygotes and 19 normal homozygotes. Compared with IPD results, 99 of 102 fetuses (97%) were correctly genotyped by our NIPD assay. Two of three discordant samples were false positives and the other sample involved an incorrect call of a heterozygote carrier as a homozygote normal. Overall, the sensitivity and specificity of our NIPD assay was 100% (95% CI 88.06-100.00%) and 97.26% (95% CI 90.45-99.67%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that our cSMART-based NIPD assay for β-thalassaemia has potential clinical utility as an alternative to IPD for pregnant HBB carrier couples.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

A new noninvasive test for pregnancies at risk for β-thalassaemia.

Serum sclerostin as a potential novel biomarker for heart valve calcification in patients with chronic kidney disease

OBJECTIVE

To explore the correlation between change in sclerostin level and heart valve calcification in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in stages 3-5, as well as the possible underlying mechanism, which could provide a clinical reference for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

110 patients were divided into a healthy control group and three groups of patients with CKD stages 3, 4, and 5 according to CKD staging guidelines. Scr, BUN, AKP, TC, TG, HDL, LDL, Ca, Pi, and CRP were measured, and calcium-phosphate product (Ca×Pi) calculated. ELISA was used to measure the sclerostin level, and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated by MDRD. Heart valve calcification was measured by a physician in the Cardiac Department of our hospital. The correlations between sclerostin-level change and heart valve calcification, as well as each index in CKD patients in stages 3-5, were analyzed.

RESULTS

Compared with the healthy control group, the serum Ca in CKD stage-3, stage-4, and stage-5 groups (p < 0.05) was reduced, and PTH was increased (p < 0.05). Blood Pi and Ca×Pi in the stage-4 and stage-5 groups were increased (p < 0.05). The serum sclerostin level increased with renal hypofunction in stage-3 CKD patients, and was significantly increased compared with that of the control group, reaching the highest level in the terminal stage (p < 0.01). Pearson correlation analysis indicated that serum sclerostin was negatively correlated with eGFR (r = -0.91, p < 0.001) and blood Ca (r= -0.271, p < 0.001), and positively correlated with SCr (r = 0.608, p < 0.001), blood Pi level (r = 0.295, p < 0.001), PTH (r = 0.334, p < 0.001), and Ca×Pi (r = 0.275, p < 0.001). The rate of heart valve calcification in the CKD patients in stage 5 was relatively high (11/30, 36.67%), and significantly higher than that in healthy controls (1/20, 5%; p < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis of heart valve calcification indicated that sclerostin was a risk factor for heart valve calcification in CKD patients in stages 3-5.

CONCLUSIONS

The sclerostin level gradually increased with renal hypofunction in CKD patients in stages 3-5, and the increase in serum sclerostin level in the CKD patients occurred earlier than the change in Pi and Ca×Pi. The risk of heart valve calcification in stage-5 CKD patients was significantly increased. Sclerostin is an independent risk factor for heart valve calcification in CKD patients.

Long non-coding RNA LINC00675 inhibits tumorigenesis and EMT via repressing Wnt/β-catenin signaling in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Long noncoding RNA LINC00675 (LINC00675) seems to play an anti-oncogenic role in cancers, though its exact function remains unknown. Up to date, little is known about the role of LINC00675 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In this study, we aimed to explore the expression pattern, clinical significance and biological function of LINC00675 in ESCC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

RT-PCR was performed to detect the expression levels of LINC00675 in both ESCC tissue and cell lines. The association of LINC00675 expression with clinicopathological factors and prognosis was statistically analyzed. Cell growth was detected by MTT assay and colony formation assay. Cell apoptosis was evaluated with flow cytometry. Migration and invasion ability of ESCC cells were detected wound healing assay and transwell assays. The expressions of EMT-related proteins and Wnt/β-catenin-related proteins by Western blot were investigated.

RESULTS

LINC00675 expression was significantly downregulated in both ESCC tissues and cell lines. Decreased LINC00675 expression was correlated with histological grade, lymph nodes metastasis and advanced clinical stage. Furthermore, LINC00675 could serve as an independent predictor for overall survival in ESCC. Importantly, in vitro experiments indicated that that forced LINC00675 expression significantly suppressed inhibited ESCC cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion and EMT, and promoted cell apoptosis through suppressing Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggested that LINC00675 acted as a tumor suppressor in ESCC via regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and may be a new prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for ESCC intervention.

Circular circ_0000885 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation by epigenetically upregulating Caprin1

OBJECTIVE

Recently, the vital role of circular RNAs is discovered in many diseases, including tumor progression. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most ordinary malignant tumors. The purpose of our study is to detect the potential function of circ_0000885 in HCC to offer new biomarkers and targets.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The expression level of circ_0000885 in HCC tissues and cell lines was monitored by Real Time-quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR). Pearson's Chi-square test was used to determine the association of circ_0000885 expression with several clinicopathological factors. Then knockdown of circ_0000885 was constructed to uncover its function in HCC. The cell growth ability was measured through the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, colony formation assay, and cell cycle assay. The Western blot assay was performed to analyze the protein level of Caprin1.

RESULTS

Circ_0000885 was highly expressed in HCC tissues than that in adjacent samples. The miR-532-5p expression was associated with lymphatic metastasis and TNM stage. The expression of circ_0000885 was also higher in HCC cell lines. The cell growth ability of HCC cells was inhibited after circ_0000885 was silenced. Furthermore, Caprin1 was inhibited via knockdown of circ_0000885.

CONCLUSIONS

Circ_0000885 could enhance cell proliferation and regulate cell cycle of HCC by promoting Caprin1.

Noninvasive fetal genotyping in pregnancies at risk for PKU using a comprehensive quantitative cSMART assay for PAH gene mutations: a clinical feasibility study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the diagnostic performance of a novel circulating single molecule amplification and re-sequencing technology (cSMART) method for noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) of Phenylketonuria (PKU).

DESIGN

Blinded NIPT analysis of pregnancies at high risk for PKU.

SETTING

Shanghai Xinhua Hospital and Hunan Jiahui Genetics Hospital, China.

POPULATION

Couples (n = 33) with a child diagnosed with PKU.

METHODS

Trio testing for pathogenic PAH mutations was performed by Sanger sequencing. In second pregnancies, invasive prenatal diagnosis (IPD) was used to determine fetal genotypes. NIPT was performed using a PAH gene-specific cSMART assay. Based on the plasma DNA mutation ratio relative to the fetal DNA fraction, fetal genotypes were assigned using a maximum-likelihood algorithm.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Concordance of fetal genotyping results between IPD and NIPT, and the sensitivity and specificity of the NIPT assay.

RESULTS

Compared with gold standard IPD results, 32 of 33 fetuses (96.97%) were accurately genotyped by NIPT. The sensitivity and specificity of the NIPT assay was 100.00% (95% CI 59.04-100.00%) and 96.15% (95% CI 80.36-99.90%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel cSMART assay demonstrated high accuracy for correctly calling fetal genotypes. We propose that this test has useful clinical utility for the rapid screening of high-risk and low-risk pregnancies with a known history of PKU on one or both sides of the family.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

NIPT of couples at high risk for PKU using a full-coverage cSMART PAH gene test.

Observation of efficacy of TACE combined with HIFU on patients with middle-advanced liver cancer

OBJECTIVE

To study the efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in patients with middle-advanced liver cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 100 patients with middle-advanced liver cancer treated in our hospital from January 2015 to January 2018 were selected and randomly divided into TACE group (control group, n=50) and TACE combined with HIFU group (experimental group, n=50) according to different therapeutic regimens. The efficacy was observed after the operation, the blood was collected to detect the postoperative liver function indexes aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), the postoperative complications were observed. Also, the immune indexes cluster of differentiation 3+ (CD3+), CD4+, and CD8+ were determined. Moreover, the quality of life (QOL) score was compared between the two groups, the 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were observed after the operation. Also, the changes in the levels of tumor markers α-L-fucosidase (AFU), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were observed.

RESULTS

In experimental group, the levels of AST, ALT, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) after the operation were significantly decreased (p<0.05), while the postoperative efficacy was significantly superior to that in control group (p<0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications was significantly reduced (p<0.05), the levels of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and natural killer (NK) cells were markedly increased (p<0.05). Also, the QOL score was evidently better than that in control group (p<0.05) and the 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5- year survival rates after the operation were evidently higher than those in control group (p<0.05). After treatment, the levels of AFU, AFP, CA19-9, and CEA were remarkably lower than those before treatment in both groups, while they were remarkably lower in experimental group than those in control group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

TACE combined with HIFU in the treatment of patients with middle-advanced liver cancer can restore the hepatic metabolism, enhance the immunity, improve the QOL, prolong the survival time of patients, and significantly reduce the tumor markers. Also, it has fewer adverse reactions and definite overall efficacy, which is worthy of popularization and application.

Improving the Stability of Metal Halide Perovskite Quantum Dots by Encapsulation

Metal halide perovskite quantum dots (PQDs), with excellent optical properties and spectacular characteristics of direct and tunable bandgaps, strong light-absorption coefficients, high defect tolerance, and low nonradiative recombination rates, are highly attractive for modern optoelectronic devices. However, the stability issue of PQDs remains a critical challenge of this newly emerged material despite the recent rapid progress. Here, the encapsulation strategies to improve the stability of PQDs are comprehensively reviewed. A special emphasis is put on the effects of encapsulation, ranging from the improvement of chemical stability, to the inhibition of light-induced decomposition, to the enhancement of thermal stability. Particular attention is devoted to summarizing the encapsulation approaches, including the sol-gel method, the template method, physical blending, and microencapsulation. The selection principles of encapsulation materials, including the rigid lattice or porous structure of inorganic compounds, the low penetration rate of oxygen or water, as well as the swelling-deswelling process of polymers, are addressed systematically. Special interest is put on the applications of the encapsulated PQDs with improved stability in white light-emitting diodes, lasers, and biological applications. Finally, the main challenges in encapsulating PQDs and further investigation directions are discussed for future research to promote the development of stable metal halide perovskite materials.

[Design of cross-sectional anatomical model focused on drainage pathways of paranasal sinuses]

Objective:To design and produce cross-sectional anatomical models of paranasal sinuses for the purpose of demonstrating drainage pathways of each nasal sinus for the young doctors. Method:We reconstructed the three-dimensional model of sinuses area based on CT scan data, and divided it into 5 thick cross-sectional anatomy models by 4 coronal plane，which cross middle points of agger nasi cell, ethmoid bulla, posterior ethmoid sinuses and sphenoid sinus respectively. Then a 3D printerwas used to make anatomical cross-sectional anatomical models.Result:Successfully produced a digital 3D printing cross-sectional models of paranasal sinuses. Sinus drainage pathways were observed on the models. Conclusion:The cross-sectional anatomical models made by us can exactly and intuitively demonstrate the ostia of each sinus cell and they can help the young doctors to understand and master the key anatomies and relationships which are important to the endoscopic sinus surgery.

Tunable Nonvolatile Memory Behaviors of PCBM-MoS2 2D Nanocomposites through Surface Deposition Ratio Control

Efficient preparation of single-layer two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides, especially molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂), offers readily available 2D surface in nanoscale to template various materials to form nanocomposites with van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs), opening up a new dimension for the design of functional electronic and optoelectronic materials and devices. Here, we report the tunable memory properties of the facilely prepared [6,6]-phenyl-C₆₁-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM)-MoS₂ nanocomposites in a conventional diode device structure, where the vdWHs dominate the electric characteristics of the devices for various memory behaviors depending on different surface deposition ratios of PCBM on MoS₂ nanosheets. Both nonvolatile WORM and flash memory devices have been realized using the new developed PCBM-MoS₂ 2D composites. Specially, the flash characteristic devices show rewritable resistive switching with low switching voltages (∼2 V), high current on/off ratios (∼3 × 10²), and superior electrical bistability (>10⁴ s). This research, through successfully allocating massive vdWHs on the MoS₂ surface for organic/inorganic 2D nanocomposites, illustrates the great potential of 2D vdWHs in rectifying the electronic properties for high-performance memory devices and paves a way for the design of promising 2D nanocomposites with electronically active vdWHs for advanced device applications.

Comparative efficacy and safety of contact force-sensing catheter and second-generation cryoballoon ablation for atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis

This meta-analysis compared the efficacy and safety of the contact force (CF)-sensing catheter and second-generation cryoballoon (CB) ablation for treating atrial fibrillation (AF). Six controlled clinical trials comparing ablation for AF using a CF-sensing catheter or second-generation CB were identified from PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Wanfang Data, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. The procedure duration was significantly lower in the CB group compared with that in the CF group [mean difference (MD)=29.4; 95%CI=17.84–40.96; P=0.01], whereas there was no difference between the groups for fluoroscopy duration (MD=0.59; 95%CI=–4.48–5.66; P=0.82). Moreover, there was no difference in the incidence of non-lethal complications (embolic event, tamponade, femoral/subclavian hematoma, arteriovenous fistula, pulmonary vein stenosis, phrenic nerve palsy, and esophageal injury) between the CB and the CF groups (8.38 vs 5.35%; RR=0.66; 95%CI=0.37–1.17; P=0.15). Transient phrenic nerve palsy occurred in 17 of 326 patients (5.2%) of the CB group vs none in the CF group (RR=0.12; 95%CI=0.03–0.43; P=0.001). A comparable proportion of patients in CF and CB groups suffered from AF recurrence during the 12-month follow-up after a single ablation procedure [risk ratio (RR)=1.03; 95%CI=0.78–1.35; P=0.84]. AF ablation using CF-sensing catheters and second-generation CB showed comparable fluoroscopy duration and efficacy (during a 12-month follow-up), with shorter procedure duration and different complications in the CB group.

Sclerosing stromal tumor of the ovary in a perimenopausal woman: a case report

Sclerosing stromal tumor (SST) is a rare ovarian neoplasia deriving from the sex cord stromal tumor, which occurs usually in the sec- ond and third decades of life. However, the authors report a 46-year old multiparous woman who presented with a cystic-solid left pelvic mass, a large amount of ascites, and elevated serum CA-125, all suggesting a malignant tumor. Surgery was performed and final histopathological diagnosis of the specimen was diagnosed with SST. The authors herein report an extremely rare case of SST with a cystic-solid pelvic mass and a large amount of ascites, which is useful to demonstrate the possibility of SST in multiparous woman.

Microarray expression profiling of dysregulated long non-coding RNAs in Hirschsprung's disease reveals their potential role in molecular diagnosis

BACKGROUND

Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is one of the common digestive disorders in the new born. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in various biological processes. However, knowledge on lncRNAs in HSCR is limited.

METHODS

The expression profile of lncRNAs in HSCR was obtained using microarray. A total of 2078 differentially expressed lncRNAs were detected by microarray in HSCR tissues compared with matched normal colon tissues (fold change ≥2, p < 0.05). Candidate biomarkers were selected from these differentially expressed lncRNAs based on artificial criterion (raw signal intensity ≥50; fold change ≥8) and then validated in 80 pairs of HSCR and normal tissues using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Moreover, the computational analysis was used to evaluate the lncRNA-microRNA and lncRNA-protein relationships.

KEY RESULTS

A panel of 5-lncRNAs was identified to distinguish HSCR from normal tissues with remarkable sensitivity and specificity. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for HSCR identification in the validation set was 0.875. The bioinformatics analysis reveals that these dysregulated lncRNAs are mainly involved in RNA-protein relationships, including RNA splicing, binding, transport, processing, and localization.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Our results are the first to report the expression profile of dysregulated lncRNAs in HSCR and infer that lncRNAs may serve as novel diagnostic biomarkers for HSCR.

A laparoscopic surgery for deep infiltrating endometriosis and the review of literature

Deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) is a complex disorder that affects 6% to 12% of all women in the reproductive age. In these cases, treatment is more difficult with possible incomplete pain relief and a considerable possibility of recurrence. Here, the authors report a case of a 41-year-old woman with a history of severe dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and chronic pelvic pain because of deep infiltrating pelvic and peritoneal endometriosis, who underwent segmental colorectal resection three years ago for large bowel obstruction due to colonic endometriosis. To ensure complete removal of the disease, the authors injected gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) in three periodic cycles before laparoscopic surgery. We performed laparoscopic hysterectomy and deep pelvic nodule resection and pelvic adhesion releasing. After five days of hospitalization, the patient recovered totally and was not experiencing any pain at three months' follow-up. Laparoscopic treatment has more become the standard of treatment for DIE. A review of the literature regarding pathology and physiology of DIE and surgical aspects of its management is undertaken. The authors would like to renew the current laparoscopic surgery in curing the DIE, as they believe that this is also a useful addition to the literature.

A novel synthetic route towards monodisperse β-NaYF4:Ln(3+) micro/nanocrystals from layered rare-earth hydroxides at ultra low temperature

Monodisperse β-NaYF4:Ln(3+) (Ln = Yb/Er, Yb/Tm) single micro/nanocrystals were first one-pot fabricated at 50 °C through a novel synthetic route containing two pivotal processes: (a) synthesis of a β-NaYF4 {0001} unit layer through a novel style of ion-exchange from Y2(OH)5NO3·nH2O (LYH) and (b) the subsequent oriented-assembly process.

Epidemiology of chronic rhinosinusitis: results from a cross-sectional survey in seven Chinese cities

BACKGROUND

Chronic sinusitis (CRS) is a common otorhinolaryngologic disease that is frequently encountered in everyday practice, but there is a lack of precise data regarding the prevalence of CRS in developing countries. We performed a national investigation in China to determine the prevalence and associated factors of CRS.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional investigation in 2012. A stratified four-stage sampling method was used to select participants randomly from seven cities in mainland China. All participants were interviewed face-to-face via a standardized questionnaire. Unconditional logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between smoking and sinusitis after adjusting for socio-demographic factors.

RESULTS

This study included a total of 10 636 respondents from seven cities. The overall prevalence of CRS was 8.0% and ranged from 4.8% to 9.7% in seven centres. Chronic sinusitis affected approximately 107 million people in mainland China. Chronic sinusitis was particularly prevalent among people with specific medical conditions, including allergic rhinitis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and gout. The prevalence was slightly higher among males (8.79%) than females (7.28%) (P = 0.004), and the prevalence varied by age group, ethnicity and marital status and education (P < 0.05), but not by household per capita income or living space (P > 0.05). Both second-hand tobacco smoke and active smoking were independent risk factors for CRS (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic sinusitis is an important public health problem in China. Our study provides important information for the assessment of the economic burden of CRS and the development and promotion of public health policies associated with CRS particularly in developing countries.