Atorvastatin-induced intracerebral hemorrhage is inhibited by berberine in zebrafish

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), for which there are currently no effective preventive or treatment methods, has a very high fatality rate. Statins, such as atorvastatin (ATV), are the first-line drugs for regulating blood lipids and treating hyperlipidemia-related cardiovascular diseases. However, ATV-associated ICH has been reported, although its incidence is rare. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective action and mechanisms of berberine (BBR) against ATV-induced brain hemorrhage. We established an ICH model in zebrafish induced by ATV (2 μM) and demonstrated the effects of BBR (10, 50, and 100 μM) on ICH via protecting the vascular network using hemocyte staining and three transgenic zebrafish. BBR was found to reduce brain inflammation and locomotion injury in ICH-zebrafish. Mechanism research showed that ATV increased the levels of VE-cadherin and occludin proteins but disturbed their localization at the cell membrane by abnormal phosphorylation, which decreased the number of intercellular junctions between vascular endothelial cells (VECs), disrupting the integrity of vascular walls. BBR reversed the effects of ATV by promoting autophagic degradation of phosphorylated VE-cadherin and occludin in ATV-induced VECs examined by co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP). These findings provide crucial insights into understanding the BBR mechanisms involved in the maintenance of vascular integrity and in mitigating adverse reactions to ATV.

Effect of the type of brewing water on the sensory and physicochemical properties of light-scented and strong-scented Tieguanyin oolong teas

Variations in the quality of brewing water profoundly impact tea flavor. This study systematically investigated the effects of four common water sources, including pure water (PW), mountain spring water (MSW), mineral water (MW) and natural water (NW) on the flavor of Tieguanyin tea infusion. Brewing with MW resulted in a flat taste and turbid aroma, mainly due to the low leaching of tea flavor components and complex interactions with mineral ions (mainly Ca2+, Mg2+). Tea infusions brewed with NW exhibited the highest relative contents of total volatile compounds, while those brewed with PW had the lowest. NW and MSW, with moderate mineralization, were conducive to improving the aroma quality of tea infusion and were more suitable for brewing both aroma types of Tieguanyin. These findings offer valuable insights into the effect of brewing water on the sensory and physicochemical properties of oolong teas.

Therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases by targeting the gut microbiome: from bench to bedside

The aetiologies and origins of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Huntington's disease (HD), are complex and multifaceted. A growing body of evidence suggests that the gut microbiome plays crucial roles in the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Clinicians have come to realize that therapeutics targeting the gut microbiome have the potential to halt the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. This narrative review examines the alterations in the gut microbiome in AD, PD, ALS and HD, highlighting the close relationship between the gut microbiome and the brain in neurodegenerative diseases. Processes that mediate the gut microbiome-brain communication in neurodegenerative diseases, including the immunological, vagus nerve and circulatory pathways, are evaluated. Furthermore, we summarize potential therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases that modify the gut microbiome and its metabolites, including diets, probiotics and prebiotics, microbial metabolites, antibacterials and faecal microbiome transplantation. Finally, current challenges and future directions are discussed.

[A three-dimensional imaging study of the effect of anterior disc displacement on the bony structural relationship of the temporomandibular joint]

Objective: To investigate the correlation between the osseous structure of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and three different status of anterior disc location, so that it could guide the clinical diagnosis further. Methods: Fifty-two patients [46 females and 6 males, with an age of (27.8±8.3) years] who treated with MRI and cone beam CT, were recruited from the Temporomandibular Joint Specialist Clinic, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, between March 2018 to December 2021. According to the radiographic findings of the level of anterior disc displacement (ADD) in TMJ, patients were divided into three groups: normal articular disc position (NADP, n=28 TMJs), anterior disc displacement with reduction (ADDWR, n=28 TMJs), and anterior disc displacement without reduction (ADDWoR, n=28 TMJs). In the light of the reconstructed three-dimensional model, ten representative morphological parameters including condylar volume (CV), condylar superficial area (CSA), fossa volume (FV), fossa superficial area (FSA), the proportion of the condylar volume in the articular fossa (CV%), the proportion of the condylar superficial area in the articular fossa (CSA%), superior joint space (SJS), anterior joint space (AJS), posterior joint space (PJS), and medial joint space (MJS), were measured respectively under one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Kruskal-Wallis Htest and receiver operator characteristic curve(ROC curve) analyses. Results: CV and CSA values varied significantly in the pathological progression from normal location to irreversible anterior displacement in TMJ. For CV value, NADP group [(1 834.90±667.67) mm3]>ADDWR group [(1 747.34±369.42) mm3]>ADDWoR group [(1 256.29±418.27) mm3] [t=4.31, P(NADP-ADDWoR)<0.001; t=3.66, P(ADDWR-ADDWoR)<0.001], for CSA value, NADP group [(859.27±216.01) mm2]>ADDWR group [(838.23±118.82) mm2]>ADDWoR group [(669.14±150.26) mm2] [t=4.27, P(NADP-ADDWoR)<0.001; t=3.80, P(ADDWR-ADDWoR)<0.001]. The difference of SJS value in NADP group [(2.22±0.88) mm], ADDWR group [(1.94±0.64) mm] and ADDWoR group [(1.45±0.57) mm], was statistically significant [t=4.11, P(NADP-ADDWoR)<0.001; t=2.63, P(ADDWR-ADDWoR)=0.010]. The results of MJS in NADP group [(5.03±1.41) mm], ADDWR group [(3.86±1.32) mm], and ADDWoR group [(4.91±1.65) mm] were significantly different [t=3.00, P(NADP-ADDWR)=0.004; t=2.63, P(ADDWR-ADDWoR)=0.009]. As calculated by the ROC curve analysis, CV, CSA and SJS showed that (AUCCV=0.77, AUCCSA=0.76; AUCSJS=0.76) for the NADP and ADDWoR groups, and (AUCCV=0.80; AUCCSA=0.80; AUCSJS=0.72) for the ADDWR and ADDWoR groups. While the diagnostic accuracy of MJS for the comparison in NADP versus ADDWR and ADDWR versus ADDWoR was respectively AUC(NADP-ADDWR)=0.73, and AUC(ADDWR-ADDWoR)=0.69. Conclusions: CV, CSA, SJS, and MJS were significantly associated with the different disc displacement status, and the condyle in TMJ ADD exhibited three-dimensionally altered dimensions. They could be considered as promising biometric markers to diagnose the ADD status.

Bridging Component Strategy in Phosphomolybdate-Based Sensors for Electrochemical Determination of Trace Cr(VI)

Rapid and sensitive electrochemical determination of trace carcinogenic Cr(VI) pollutants remains an urgent and important task, which requires the development of active sensing materials. Herein, four cases of reduced phosphomolybdates with formulas of the (H2bib)3[Zn(H2PO4)]2{Mn[P4Mo6O31H7]2}·6H2O (1), (H2bib)2[Na(H2O)]2[Mn(H2O)]2{Mn[P4Mo6O31H6]2}·5H2O (2), (H2bib)3[Mo2(μ2-O)2(H2O)4]2{Ni[P4Mo6O31H2]2}·4H2O (3), and (H2bib)2{Ni[P4Mo6O31H9]2}·9H2O (4) (bib = 4,4'-bis(1-imidazolyl)-biphenyl) were hydrothermally synthesized under the guidance of a bridging component strategy, which function as effective electrochemical sensors to detect trace Cr(VI). The difference of hybrids 1-4 is in the inorganic moiety, in which the reduced phosphomolybdates {M[P4MoV6O31]2} (M{P4Mo6}2) exhibited different arrangements bridged by different cationic components ({Zn(H2PO4)} subunit for 1, [Mn2(H2O)2]4+ dimer for 2, and [MoV2(μ2-O)2(H2O)4]6+ for 3). As a result, hybrids 1 and 3 display noticeable Cr(VI) detection activity with low detection limits of 14.3 nM (1.48 ppb) for 1 and 6.61 nM (0.69 ppb) for 3 and high sensitivities of 97.3 and 95.3 μA·mM-1, respectively, which are much beyond the World Health Organization's detection threshold (0.05 ppm) and superior to those of the contrast samples (inorganic Mn{P4Mo6}2 salt and hybrid 4), even the most reported noble-metal catalysts. This work supplies a prospective pathway to build effective electrochemical sensors based on phosphomolybdates for environmental pollutant treatment.

Perfect cubic metallo-borospherenes TM8B6 (TM = Ni, Pd, Pt) as superatoms following the 18-electron rule

Transition-metal (TM)-doped metallo-borospherenes exhibit unique structures and bonding in chemistry which have received considerable attention in recent years. Based on extensive global minimum searches and first-principles theory calculations, we predict herein the first and smallest perfect cubic metallo-borospherenes Oh TM8B6 (TM = Ni (1), Pd (2), Pt (3)) and Oh Ni8B6- (1-) which contain eight equivalent TM atoms at the vertexes of a cube and six quasi-planar tetra-coordinate face-capping boron atoms on the surface. Detailed canonical molecular orbital and adaptive natural density partitioning bonding analyses indicate that Oh TM8B6 (1/2/3) as superatoms possess nine completely delocalized 14c-2e bonds following the 18-electron principle (1S21P61D10), rendering spherical aromaticity and extra stability to the complex systems. Furthermore, Ni8B6 (1) can be used as building blocks to form the three-dimensional metallic binary crystal NiB (4) (Pm3̄m) in a bottom-up approach which possesses a typical CsCl-type structure with an octa-coordinate B atom located exactly at the center of the cubic unit cell. The IR, Raman, UV-vis and photoelectron spectra of the concerned clusters are computationally simulated to facilitate their experimental characterization.

[Efficacy and safety of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation-supported percutaneous coronary intervention in chronic coronary total occlusion patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction]

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and safety of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)-supported percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in chronic coronary total occlusion (CTO) patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Methods: The CTO patients with LVEF≤35% and undergoing CTO-PCI assisted by ECMO in the General Hospital of Northern Theater Command from December 2018 to March 2022 were enrolled in this study. The post-procedure complications, changes of LVEF from pre-procedure to post-procedure during hospitalization, and the incidence of all-cause mortality and changes of LVEF after discharge were assessed. Results: A total of 17 patients aged (59.4±11.8) years were included. There were 14 males. The pre-procedure LVEF of these patients were (29.00±4.08)%. Coronary angiography results showed that there were 29 CTO lesions in these 17 patients. There was 1 in left main coronary artery, 7 in left anterior descending artery, 11 in left circumflex artery, and 10 in right coronary artery. ECMO was implanted in all patients before procedure. Among 25 CTO lesions attempted to cross, 24 CTO were successfully implanted with stents. All patients underwent successful PCI for at least one CTO lesion. The number of drug-eluting stents implantation per patient were 4.6±1.3. After procedure, there were 8 patients with hemoglobin decreased>20 g/L, and 1 patient with ECMO-access-site related bleeding. The LVEF value at a median duration of 2.5 (2.0-5.5) days after procedure significantly increased to (38.73±7.01)% (P<0.001 vs. baseline). There were no in-hospital deaths. Patients were followed up for 360 (120, 394) days after discharge, 3 patients died (3/17). The LVEF value was (41.80±7.32)% at 155 (100, 308) days after discharge, which was significantly higher than the baseline value (P<0.001). Conclusion: The results of present study demonstrate that it is feasible, efficient and safe to perform ECMO)-supported CTO-PCI in CTO patients with reduced LVEF.

Time-dependent impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus on incident prodromal Alzheimer disease: A longitudinal study in 1395 participants

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

This study was undertaken to investigate the longitudinal impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on the prodromal and dementia stages of Alzheimer disease (AD), focusing on diabetes duration and other comorbidities.

METHODS

A total of 1395 dementia-free individuals aged 55-90 years with maximum 15-year follow-up data were enrolled from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) of the incidence of prodromal or dementia stages of AD.

RESULTS

Longer T2DM duration (≥5 years; multiadjusted HR = 2.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05-4.58), but not shorter T2DM duration (<5 years), was associated with a significantly increased risk of incident prodromal AD over a mean follow-up of 4.8 years. APOE ε4 allele (HR = 3.32, 95% CI = 1.41-7.79) and comorbid coronary artery disease (CAD; HR = 3.20, 95% CI = 1.29-7.95) further increased the risk of incident prodromal AD in patients with T2DM. No significant association was observed between T2DM and the risk of progression from prodromal AD to AD dementia.

CONCLUSIONS

T2DM, which is characterized by a longer duration, increases the incidence risk of prodromal AD but not AD dementia. APOE ε4 allele and comorbid CAD strengthen the relationship between T2DM and prodromal AD. These findings highlight T2DM characteristics and its comorbidities as predictors for accurate prediction of AD and screening of at-risk populations.

[Research on rapid detection technology of airborne pathogenic organisms based on up-conversion phosphor technology]

Objective: To explore the application of up-conversing phosphor technology (UPT) to detect pathogenic organisms in the air. Methods: The performance of UPT was verified with Staphylococcus aureus, Yersinia pestis and Escherichia coli O157 as simulated strains, including stability, specificity, sensitivity and response time tests; Air particle sampler is used to collect air samples in the field microenvironment test chamber, and UPT is used for detection. At the same time, compared with the traditional culture method, the practicability of UPT is verified. Results: The coefficient of variation in laboratory was 9.62% and 8.02% when the concentration of 10⁷ CFU/ml and 10⁸ CFU/ml were detected by UPT. The results were less than the allowable target, and the detection system had good stability. The specificity of UPT was verified by Staphylococcus aureus. The results showed that no non-Staphylococcus aureus was detected, and the positive detection rate of different kinds of Staphylococcus aureus was 100%. The specificity of the detection system was good. The sensitivity of UPT for detecting Staphylococcus aureus was 10⁴ CFU/ml. Detection sensitivity of Yersinia pestis ≥10³ CFU/ml; The detection sensitivity of Escherichia coli O157 is ≥10³ CFU/ml, and the response time of UPT to bacteria is within 15 min (all 10 min 15 s). The detection results of bacteria contentration in the air of the on-site microenvironment test cabin by UPT showed that when the concentration of Escherichia coli O157 in the air reached above 10⁴ CFU/m³, the detection results of UPT were positive, and with the increase of air concentration, the numerical concentration measured by UPT showed an upward trend, which was positively correlated with the concentration of bacteria in the air. Conclusion: UPT may be feasible as a rapid method to evaluate the species and contentration of pathogenic organisms in the air.

Correlation analysis of self-directed learning ability, self-efficacy and academic burnout of junior nursing college students in closed management colleges

AIMS

To understand the status quo of self-directed learning ability, self-efficacy and academic burnout of junior nursing college students, since the closed management mode was implemented during COVID-19 pandemic disease.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Participants came from 3,051 junior nursing college students of a college in Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, China. Data were collected by online questionnaire and analysed by SPSS25.0 (a statistical package for social science) and AMOS24.0 software.

RESULTS

High self-directed learning ability and self-efficacy were related to low levels of academic burnout (p < .01). In addition, the analysis of mediation effect indicated that the influence of self-directed learning ability on academic burnout was not mediated by self-efficacy.

Bio-Inspired FeMo2S4 Microspheres as Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Boosting Hydrogen Oxidation/Evolution Reactions in Alkaline Solution

Developing robust and effectual nonprecious electrocatalysts for the bifunctional hydrogen oxidation and evolution reactions (HOR and HER) in alkaline electrolyte is of critical significance for the realization of future hydrogen economy but challenging. Herein, this work demonstrates a new routine for the preparation of bio-inspired FeMo₂S₄ microspheres via the one-step sulfuration of Keplerate-type polyoxometalate {Mo₇₂Fe₃₀}. The bio-inspired FeMo₂S₄ microspheres feature potential-abundant structural defects and atomically precise iron doping and act as an effective bifunctional electrocatalyst for hydrogen oxidation/reduction reactions. The FeMo₂S₄ catalyst presents an impressive alkaline HOR activity compared to FeS₂ and MoS₂ with the high mass activity of 1.85 mA·mg^-1 and high specific activity as well as excellent tolerance to carbon monoxide poisoning. Meanwhile, FeMo₂S₄ electrocatalyst also displayed prominent alkaline HER activity with a low overpotential of 78 mV at a current density of 10 mA·cm^-2 and robust long-term durableness. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that the bio-inspired FeMo₂S₄ with a unique electron structure possesses the optimal hydrogen adsorption energy and enhanced adsorption of hydroxyl intermediates, which accelerates the potential-determining Volmer step, thus promoting the HOR and HER performance. This work provides a new pathway for designing efficient noble-metal-free electrocatalysts for the hydrogen economy.

Heptacoordinate transition-metal-decorated metallo-borospherenes and multiple-helix metallo-boronanotubes

The recent discovery of lanthanide-metal-decorated metallo-borospherenes LM₃B₁₈^- (LM = La, Tb) marks the onset of a new class of boron-metal binary nanomaterials. Using the experimentally observed or theoretically predicted borospherenes as ligands and based on extensive first-principles theory calculations, we predict herein a series of novel chiral metallo-borospherenes C₂ Ni₆ ∈ B₃₉^- (1), C₁ Ni₆ ∈ B₄₁⁺ (3), C₂ Ni₆ ∈ B₄₂²⁺ (4), C₂ Ni₆ ∈ B₄₂ (5), and C₂ Ni₈ ∈ B₅₆ (6) as the global minima of the systems decorated with quasi-planar heptacoordinate Ni (phNi) centers in η⁷-B₇ heptagons on the cage surfaces, which are found to be obviously better favoured in coordination energies than hexacoordinate Ni centers in previously reported D_2d Ni₆ ∈ B₄₀ (2). Detailed bonding analyses indicate that these phNi-decorated metallo-borospherenes follow the σ + π double delocalization bonding pattern, with two effective (d-p)σ coordination bonds formed between each phNi and its η⁷-B₇ ligand, rendering spherical aromaticity and extra stability to the systems. The structural motif in elongated axially chiral Ni₆ ∈ B₄₂²⁺ (4), Ni₆ ∈ B₄₂ (5), and Ni₈ ∈ B₅₆ (6) can be extended to form the metallic phNi-decorated boron double chain (BDC) double-helix Ni₄ ∈ B₂₈ (2, 0) (P4̄m2) (8), triple-helix Ni₆ ∈ B₄₂ (3, 0) (P3̄m1) (9), and quadruple-helix Ni₈ ∈ B₅₆ (4, 0) (P4mm) (10) metallo-boronanotubes, which can be viewed as quasi-multiple-helix DNAs composed of interconnected BDCs decorated with phNi centers in η⁷-B₇ heptagons on the tube surfaces in the atomic ratio of Ni : B = 1 : 7.

[Phase Separation of Purified Human LSM4 Protein]

Liquid-liquid phase separation of proteins occur in a number of biological processes, such as regulation of transcription, processing, and RNA maturation. Sm-like protein 4 (LSM4) is involved in multiple processes, including pre-mRNA splicing and P-bodies assembly. Before investigating the involvement of LSM4 in the separation of the two liquid phases during RNA processing or maturation, the separation of the liquid phases in an in vitro preparation of LSM4 protein should be first be detected. The mCherry-LSM4 plasmid was derived from pET30a and used to isolate mCherry-LSM4 protein from prokaryotic cells (Escherichia coli strain BL21). The mCherry LSM4 protein was purified using Ni-NTA resin. The protein was further purified by fast protein liquid chromatography. Delta-Vision wide-field fluorescence microscopy was used to observe the dynamic liquid-liquid phase separation of the LSM4 protein in vitro. Analysis of the LSM4 protein structure using the Predictor of Natural Disordered Regions database revealed that its C-terminus contains a low complexity domain. A purified preparation of full-length human LSM4 protein was obtained from E. coli. Human LSM4 was shown to provide concentration-dependent separation of liquid-liquid phases in vitro in buffer with crowding reagents. Salts in high concentration and 1,6-hexanediol block the LSM4-induced separation of the two liquid phases. In addition, in vitro fusion of LSM4 protein droplets is observed. The results suggest that full-length human LSM4 protein can undergo liquid-liquid phase separation in vitro.

[A case of acute exudative polymorphous vitelliform maculopathy]

A 35-year-old male patient presented to the hospital with binocular blurred vision for 2 weeks. The visual acuity of both eyes was 0.8. Fundus examination showed multiple yellow-white punctate lesions in the posterior pole of both eyes. OCT showed cystoid edema and submacular edema, thickening of ellipsoid zone and enhancement of reflex in macular region. Fundus autofluorescence showed strong autofluorescence at the lesion site. Fundus fluorescein angiography showed no fluorescence leakage in the lesion area. The patient was diagnosed with acute exudative polymorphous vitelliform maculopathy based on medical history, ocular multimodal examination and general examination. The patient was not given special treatment, but one week later, the lesion was fused and expanded, and the macular edema was worse than before.

[Consideration on the construction of a special research database for human papillomavirus vaccination in high-risk and special populations]

The application of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in China has accelerated in recent year. Women's and Children's hospitals as well as general hospitals have established HPV vaccination counselling clinic in succession. A large amount of valuable preventive and clinical data have been generated in the evaluation, recommendation, immunization and management of HPV vaccine for high-risk and special populations. This article sorted out the operation process of HPV vaccination counselling clinic, discussed the methods for hospitals to construct a special research database for HPV vaccination in high-risk and special populations under different degrees of informatization. It also provided a reference for the establishment of unified data standards, the formation of available data resources, and the promotion of real world study on HPV vaccination for high-risk and special populations in China.

[Enterostomy based on abdominal wall tension and fascial locking: a theory of preventing stoma complications and parahernia]

No consensus on standardized technique of enterostomy creation has been made meanwhile high heterogeneity of surgical procedure exists in 'stoma creation' chapters of textbooks or atlases of colorectal surgery. The present article reviews the anatomy of tendinous aponeurotic fibers which is crucial for abdominal wall tension and integrity. Through empirical practice we hypothesize a procedure of enterostomy creation basied on abdominal wall tension plus anchor suture for fascia fixation which could theoretically decrease short-term stoma complication rates and long-term parastomal hernia rates. Surgical techniques are as followed: (1) preoperative stoma site mark for de-functioning ileostomy should be positioned at the lateral border of rectus abdominis muscle (RAM) to decrease the difficulty of stoma reversal and for permanent colostomy should be placed overlying the RAM to promote adhesion; (2)Optimal circular removal or lineal opening of skin, and avoid dissection of subcutaneous tissue; (3) Lineal dissection of natural strong fascia (rectus sheath) at stoma site and blunt separation of muscular fibers. The tunnel of the fascia should be made with appropriate size without undue tension. To prevent the formation of dead space, additional suturing at fascia layer is unnecessary. (4) Anchor suture for fascia fixation at two ends of fascia opening could be considered to avoid delayed fascia disruption and parastomal hernia. (5) After pull-through of ileum or colon loop, 4-8 interrupted seromuscular sutures could be placed to attach loop to skin. For ileostomy, self-eversion of mucosa can be successful in vast majority of cases and a Brooke ileostomy is not necessary. The efficacy and safety of this procedure should be tested in future trials.

Altered Retinal Dopamine Levels in a Melatonin-proficient Mouse Model of Form-deprivation Myopia

Reduced levels of retinal dopamine, a key regulator of eye development, are associated with experimental myopia in various species, but are not seen in the myopic eyes of C57BL/6 mice, which are deficient in melatonin, a neurohormone having extensive interactions with dopamine. Here, we examined the relationship between form-deprivation myopia (FDM) and retinal dopamine levels in melatonin-proficient CBA/CaJ mice. We found that these mice exhibited a myopic refractive shift in form-deprived eyes, which was accompanied by altered retinal dopamine levels. When melatonin receptors were pharmacologically blocked, FDM could still be induced, but its magnitude was reduced, and retinal dopamine levels were no longer altered in FDM animals, indicating that melatonin-related changes in retinal dopamine levels contribute to FDM. Thus, FDM is mediated by both dopamine level-independent and melatonin-related dopamine level-dependent mechanisms in CBA/CaJ mice. The previously reported unaltered retinal dopamine levels in myopic C57BL/6 mice may be attributed to melatonin deficiency.

A bottom-up approach from medium-sized bilayer boron nanoclusters to bilayer borophene nanomaterials

Inspired by the experimentally observed bilayer B₄₈^-/0 and theoretically predicted bilayer B₅₀-B₇₂ and based on extensive density functional theory calculations, we report herein a series of novel medium-sized bilayer boron nanoclusters C₁ B₈₄ (I), C_2v B₈₆ (II), C₁ B₈₈ (III), C₁ B₉₀ (IV), C₁ B₉₂ (V), C₁ B₉₄ (VI), C_2v B₉₆ (VII), and C₁ B₉₈ (VIII) which are the most stable isomers of the systems reported to date effectively stabilized by optimum numbers of interlayer B-B σ bonds between the inward-buckled atoms on top and bottom layers. Detailed bonding analyses indicate that these bilayer species follow the universal bonding pattern of σ + π double delocalization, rendering three-dimensional aromaticity in the systems. More interestingly, the AA-stacked bilayer structural motif in B₉₆ (VII) with a B₇₂ bilayer hexagonal prism at the center can be extended to form bilayer C₂ B₁₂₈ (IX), D_2h B₂₁₄ (X), C_2v B₂₆₀ (XI), D_2h B₃₇₂ (XII), and D₂ B₈₂₈ (XIII) which contain one or multiple conjoined B₇₂ bilayer hexagonal prisms sharing interwoven zig-zag boron triple chains between them. Such bilayer species or their close-lying AB isomers can be viewed as embryos of the newly reported most stable freestanding BL-α⁺ bilayer borophenes and quasi-freestanding bilayer borophenes on Ag(111) which are composed of interwoven zig-zag boron triple chains shared by conjoined BL B₇₂ hexagonal prisms, presenting a bottom-up approach from medium-sized bilayer boron nanoclusters to two-dimensional bilayer borophene nanomaterials.

Bifunctional Sensors Based on Phosphomolybdates for Detection of Inorganic Hexavalent Chromium and Organic Tetracycline

Exploring effective sensors for detecting possible hazards in a water system are greatly significant. This work proposed a strategy for stable and effective bifunctional sensors via incorporating hourglass-type phosphomolybdates into metal-organic fragments to construct a high-dimensional framework. Two hourglass-type phosphomolybdate-based electrochemical sensors toward heavy metal ion Cr(VI) and tetracycline (TC) detection were designed with the formula [Co^II₂(H₂O)₄Na^I₂][Co^II(Hbpe)][Na^I(bpe)_1.5]{Co^II[P^V₄Mo^V₆O₃₁H₆]₂}·9H₂O (1) and [Co^II(H₂O)₄Na^I₃][Co^II(Hbpe)][Co^II(bpe)]{Co^II[P^V₄Mo^V₆O₃₁H₆]₂}·9H₂O (2) [bpe = 1,2-di(4-pyridyl)ethylene]. Structural analysis showed that hybrids 1 and 2 possess three-dimensional POM-supported network features with favorable stability and exhibit reversible redox properties. Experiments found that this kind of hybrids as efficient sensors have excellent electrochemical performance toward Cr(VI) detection with high sensitivities of 0.111 μA·μM^-1 for 1 and 0.141 μA·μM^-1 for 2, fast response time of 1 s, and low detection limits of 30 nM for 1 and 27 nM for 2, which far meet the standard of WHO for drinking water. Moreover, hybrids 1-2 also exhibit fast responses to TC detection with sensitivities of 0.0073 and 0.022 μA·mM^-1 and detection limits of 0.426 and 0.084 mM. This work offers a novel strategy for the purposeful design of efficient POM-based electrochemical sensors for accurate determination of contaminants in a practical water system.

Polyoxometalate-Incorporated Metal-Organic Network as a Heterogeneous Catalyst for Selective Oxidation of Aryl Alkenes

Selective oxidation of aryl alkenes is important for chemical synthesis reactions, in which the key lies in the rational design of efficient catalysts. Herein, four polyoxometalate (POM)-incorporated metal-organic networks, with the formulas of [Co(ttb)(H₂O)₃]₂[SiMo₁₂O₄₀]·2H₂O (1), [Co(ttb)(H₂O)₂]₂[SiW₁₂O₄₀]·8H₂O (2), [Zn(Httb)(H₂ttb)][BW₁₂O₄₀]·9H₂O (3) and {[Zn(H₂O)₃(ttb)]₄[Zn₃(H₂O)₆]}[H₃SiW_10.5Zn_1.5O₄₀]₂·24H₂O (4) (ttb = 1,3,5-tri(1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl)-2,4,6-trimethylbenzene), were hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. Structural analysis showed that compound 1 consists of a POM-encapsulated three-dimensional (3-D) supramolecular framework; compound 2 is composed of a POM-supported 3-D coordination network; and compounds 3-4 show POM-incorporated 3-D supramolecular networks. Using selective catalytic oxidation of styrene as the model reaction, compounds 1-4 as heterogeneous catalysts display excellent performance with the double advantages of high styrene conversion and benzaldehyde selectivity owing to the synergistic effect among POM anions and transition metal (TM) centers. Among them, compound 1 exhibits the highest performance with ca. 96% styrene conversion and ca. 99% benzaldehyde selectivity in 3 h. In addition, compound 1 also displays excellent substrate compatibility, good reusability, and structural stability. Thus, a plausible reaction pathway for the selective oxidation of styrene is proposed. This study on the structure-function relationship paves a way for the rational design of POM-based heterogeneous catalysts for important catalysis applications.

The role of ipRGCs in ocular growth and myopia development

The increasing global prevalence of myopia calls for elaboration of the pathogenesis of this disease. Here, we show that selective ablation and activation of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) in developing mice induced myopic and hyperopic refractive shifts by modulating the corneal radius of curvature (CRC) and axial length (AL) in an opposite way. Melanopsin- and rod/cone-driven signals of ipRGCs were found to influence refractive development by affecting the AL and CRC, respectively. The role of ipRGCs in myopia progression is evidenced by attenuated form-deprivation myopia magnitudes in ipRGC-ablated and melanopsin-deficient animals and by enhanced melanopsin expression/photoresponses in form-deprived eyes. Cell subtype-specific ablation showed that M1 subtype cells, and probably M2/M3 subtype cells, are involved in ocular development. Thus, ipRGCs contribute substantially to mouse eye growth and myopia development, which may inspire novel strategies for myopia intervention.

[Screening and analysis of prognostic factors of repairing single missing tooth by autotransplantation of teeth]

Objective: To screen and analyze the factors affecting the prognosis of replacing single missing tooth by autograft tooth, so as to provide reference for clinical judgment of surgical prognosis. Methods: A total of 176 patients (188 teeth) underwent autotransplantation of teeth in the Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University from January 2017 to December 2019, including 85 teeth of males and 103 teeth of females were involved. The age was (33.0±9.8) years (16-65 years). The possible factors affecting the prognosis of replacing single missing tooth by autograft tooth were summarized and grouped, and the clinical and imaging data were recorded and judged. The surgical records and photographic data from the patients' previous medical records were retrospectively analyzed. The survival analysis method was used for statistical analysis to screen out the factors affecting the cumulative survival rate of transplanted teeth. Results: The 5-year cumulative survival rate of 188 transplanted teeth was 88.4%. Univariate Log-Rank analysis showed that age (P<0.001), sex (P=0.008), smoking (P<0.001), position of recipient area (P<0.001), height of alveolar bone in recipient area (P<0.001), time of donor tooth in vitro (P<0.001), use of donor model (P<0.001) and initial stability (P<0.001) were significantly correlated with cumulative survival rate of transplanted teeth. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed that smoking (β=-2.812, P=0.049), alveolar bone height (β=1.521, P=0.020), donor time (β=-2.001, P=0.019), use of donor model (β=1.666, P=0.034) and initial stability (β=-1.417, P=0.033) were significantly correlated with the cumulative survival rate of transplanted teeth. Conclusions: The prognosis of autogenous tooth transplantation can be predicted by smoking, height of alveolar bone in recipient area, time of donor teeth in vitro, use of donor model and initial stability. Good prognosis of transplanted teeth can be obtained by using donor model during operation, reducing the time of donor teeth in vitro, taking effective methods to restore alveolar bone height, maintaining good initial stability, and good oral health education after operation.

Efficient Electrochemical Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide Based on Silver-Centered Preyssler-Type Polyoxometalate Hybrids

Four polyoxometalate (POM)-based organic-inorganic hybrid compounds, namely, (H₂bimb)₆H₈[((Mn(H₂O)₃(μ-bimb))_0.5(Mn(H₂O)₄)(Mn(H₂O)₅)_0.5(AgP₅W₃₀O₁₁₀))₂]·29H₂O (1), [(Cu(Hbimb)(H₂O)₂(μ-bimb)Cu(Hbimb)(H₂O))(Cu(H₂O)₂(μ-bimb)Cu(H₂O)₃)((Cu(H₂O)₂)_0.5(μ-bimb)(Cu(H₂O)₃)_0.5)H₂(AgP₅W₃₀O₁₁₀)]·12.5H₂O (2), (H₂bimb)₂H[(Zn(Hbimb)(H₂O)₄(Zn(Hbimb)(H₂O)₂)_0.5)₂(AgP₅W₃₀O₁₁₀)]·12H₂O (3), and (H₂bimb)₃H₂[(Ag(H₂O)₂)_0.5(Ag(Hbimb)Ag(Hbimb)(μ-bimb)Ag)(Ag(H₂O)₂)_0.5(AgP₅W₃₀O₁₁₀)]·7H₂O (4) (bimb = 1,4-bis(1H-imidazol-1-yl)benzene), were hydrothermally synthesized using a silver-centered Preyssler-type POM K₁₄[AgP₅W₃₀O₁₁₀]·18H₂O (abbreviated as K-{AgP₅W₃₀}) as a precursor. In 1-4, {AgP₅W₃₀} clusters integrating the merits of Ag⁺ and {P₅W₃₀} units are modified by different transition metal (TM)-organic fragments to extend the structures into three-dimensional frameworks. As nonenzymatic electrochemical sensor materials, 1-4 show good electrocatalytic activity, high sensitivity, and a low detection limit for detecting hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂); 4 possesses the highest sensitivity of 195.47 μA·mM^-1·cm^-2 for H₂O₂ detection. Most importantly, the average level of H₂O₂ detection of these {AgP₅W₃₀}-based materials outperforms that of Na-centered Preyssler-type {NaP₅W₃₀} and most Keggin-type POM-based materials. The performances of such {AgP₅W₃₀} materials mainly stem from the unique advantage of high-negatively charged {AgP₅W₃₀} clusters together with the good synergistic effect between {AgP₅W₃₀} and TMs. This work expands on the research of high-efficiency POM-based nonenzymatic electrochemical H₂O₂ sensors using Ag-containing POMs with high negative charges, which is also of great theoretical and practical significance to carry out health monitoring and environmental analysis.

[Diffuse midline gliomas with H3K27 alteration in children: a clinicopathological analysis of forty-one cases]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features of pediatric diffuse midline glioma with H3K27 alteration and to analyze their relationship with prognosis. Methods: Forty-one cases of childhood diffuse midline glioma with H3K27 alteration were collected at Children's Hospital of Fudan University (39 cases) and Xi'an Children's Hospital (2 cases), from July 2016 to July 2020. The clinical manifestations, imaging data, histopathology, immunohistochemical phenotype and molecular genetics features, tumor size, site and histological grading were evaluated. Results: Among the 41 cases, 21 were males and 20 females, the age of onset was 3-14 years, the average and median age was 7.6 years and 7.0 years, respectively. The tumor sites were brain stem (n=36) and other locations (n=5). The clinical manifestations were dizziness, gait disturbance, and limb weakness, etc. The MRI features were variable. The histology varied from low-grade to high-grade glioma with neuron differentiation. Immunohistochemistry showed that the tumor cells expressed H3K27M, GFAP, and Olig2. Genetic study showed that 76% (16/21) of tumors had H3F3A gene mutation, mostly accompanied by TP53 (62%, 13/21) missense mutation; five tumors (24%, 5/21) had HIST1H3B gene mutation, accompanied by missense mutations in ACVR1 and PI3K pathway-related gene PIK3CA (4/5) and PIK3R1 (1/5) mutations. The prognosis was dismal with only one alive and others died. The average and median overall survival time was 7 months and 4 months, respectively. Cox multivariate regression analysis showed that age, tumor location, radiologically maximum tumor diameter, histologic grading, and surgical methods were not significantly associated with overall survival rate (P>0.05). Conclusions: Pediatric diffuse midline gliomas with H3K27 alteration have unique clinicopathological and genetic characteristics. The prognosis is poor. The tumor location and histopathologic grading are not related to prognosis. New specific drugs and comprehensive treatment are needed to improve the prognosis.

[Heparin-binding hemagglutinin as a composition antigen of tuberculosis vaccine exerts protective immune effects by inducing IL-17]

To explore the protective immune effect induced by mucosal delivery heparin-binding hemagglutinin (HBHA)-a candidate vaccine antigen of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Female C57BL/6 mice were between 6 and 8 weeks of age before experimental use. Thirty mice received different immunization strategies and were randomly divided into the control group, the early secreting antigen target-6 (ESAT-6) intranasal immunization group, the HBHA intranasal immunization group, the BCG priming PBS control group, or BCG priming HBHA boost group, 6 mice in each group. In order to analyzed the immune effect, the concentrations of plasma Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) and other cytokines were measured by ELISA. Quantitative real-time PCR analyses were performed to detect the relative quantity (RQ) mRNA of IL-17A in the lung. The lung tissue sections were stained to detect the formation of the tertiary lymphoid structures. The chemokines contributed to formation of the tertiary lymphoid structures were also measured. Flow cytometry was used to detect the frequency of Th1 and Th17 cells in the system. Sixty mice in the BCG priming PBS control group and the BCG priming HBHA boost group were sacrificed at different time points after infection to count the lung bacterial burden. The concentrations of plasma IL-17A and relative quantity of lung IL-17A mRNA were highest in the BCG priming HBHA boost group [(14.76±4.73) pg/mL,RQ (12.27±6.71)], which was significantly higher than the control group [(5.57±2.95) pg/mL,RQ (1.30±0.97)] (t=4.213, P<0.001; t=5.984, P<0.001), and also significantly higher than the BCG priming PBS control group [(6.81±2.18) pg/mL,RQ (1.44±1.16)] (t=3.646 P=0.001; t=6.185 P<0.001). Compared with the BCG priming PBS control group (0.38±0.38)% the frequency of spleen Th17 cells were also significantly increased (t=-0.280, P=0.048) in the BCG-primary HBHA boost group (1.02±0.34)%. In addition, HBHA boosting could promote better formation of the tertiary lymphoid structures in the lung, and decrease the bacterial load on the early stage after BCG challenge. Collectively, mucosal delivery of HBHA can effectively enhance the protective effect after BCG vaccination, and it is a potential candidate vaccine component.

Boron-lead multiple bonds in the PbB2O- and PbB3O2- clusters

Despite its electron deficiency, boron can form multiple bonds with a variety of elements. However, multiple bonds between boron and main-group metal elements are relatively rare. Here we report the observation of boron-lead multiple bonds in PbB₂O^- and PbB₃O₂^-, which are produced and characterized in a cluster beam. PbB₂O^- is found to have an open-shell linear structure, in which the bond order of B☱Pb is 2.5, while the closed-shell [Pb≡B-B≡O]^2- contains a B≡Pb triple bond. PbB₃O₂^- is shown to have a Y-shaped structure with a terminal B = Pb double bond coordinated by two boronyl ligands. Comparison between [Pb≡B-B≡O]^2-/[Pb=B(B≡O)₂]^- and the isoelectronic [Pb≡B-C≡O]^-/[Pb=B(C≡O)₂]⁺ carbonyl counterparts further reveals transition-metal-like behaviors for the central B atoms. Additional theoretical studies show that Ge and Sn can form similar boron species as Pb, suggesting the possibilities to synthesize new compounds containing multiple boron bonds with heavy group-14 elements.

Efficient visible-light-driven reduction of hexavalent chromium catalyzed by conjugated organic species modified hourglass-type phosphomolybdate hybrids

Four conjugated-organic-species modified hourglass-type phosphomolybdate hybrids with a 0-D + 1-D → 3-D supramolecular structure exhibited favorable photocatalytic activity and stability towards Cr(vi) reduction.

Wheel-shaped molybdenum(v) cobalt-phosphate cluster as a highly sensitive bifunctional photoelectrochemical sensor for the trace determination of Cr(vi) and tetracycline

A wheel-shaped {Co16Mo16P24} cluster-based 3-D crystal framework serves as an efficient bifunctional photoelectrochemical sensor for the trace determination of Cr(vi) and tetracycline.

Electrochemical Determination of Levodopa Using Zinc Sulfide Nanospheres-Reduced Graphene Oxide

Zinc sulfide nanospheres (ZnS NSs) were prepared by hydrothermal synthesis and graphene oxide (GO) was prepared by the Hummer's method. ZnS NSs-rGO/ITO electrode was synthesized by heat treatment at a certain temperature, which was used for the detailed electrochemical determination of levodopa (LD). Finally, they were annealed to form the ZnS NSs-rGO/ITO electrode for detecting levodopa (LD). The results reveal that the ZnS NSs with the diameter of ~1 μm are covered by rGO. The ZnS NSs-rGO/ITO electrode has a good sensitivity of 1.43 μA μM ^-1 for the determination of LD in the concentration range of 1-40 μM. Moreover, it also shows a good selectivity, reproducibility and stability. In order to verify the practicability, we also use the electrode to detect LD in human serum. The detection results also prove that the electrode can be used in real life.

[Effect of Echinococcus multilocularis infections on mitochondrial functions of macrophages]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the changes of mitochondrial metabolic functions of macrophages following Echinococcus multilocularis infections, so as to provide insights into the pathogenesis of alveolar echinococcosis.

METHODS

Two groups were assigned according to different treatment methods. In the culture group, mouse leukemic monocyte macrophage RAW264.7 cells were cultured with 2 000 E. multilocularis at a ratio of 500∶1, while RAW264.7 cells in the control group were given no treatment. Then, both the culture and control groups were further divided into the 24 h and 72 h subgroups. Mitochondria were stained with MitoTracker^® Deep Red FM and the mean fluorescence intensity of macrophage mitochondria was measured with the Cytation 5 Cell Imaging Multi-Mode Reader. The mitochondrial DNA copy number was quantified using the quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay, and the mitochondrial energy metabolism was monitored using the Seahorse XF assay. In addition, the mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial membrane potential were detected using flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The mean fluorescence intensities of macrophage mitochondria were significantly lower in the 24 h (15 341 ± 2 532 vs. 17 823 ± 3 429; t = 6.379, P < 0.01) and 72 h (18 102 ± 3 505 vs. 21 511 ± 5 144; t = 17.680, P < 0.01) culture subgroups than in the corresponding control subgroups, and lower mitochondrial DNA copy numbers were measured in the 72 h culture subgroup than in the 72 h control group [(3.23 × 10⁹ ± 1.78 × 10⁷) vs. (4.39 × 10⁹ ± 3.70 × 10⁷); t = 8.85, P < 0.001]. The oxygen consumption rates were significantly greater in the 24 h [(241.70 ± 73.13) pmol/min vs. (69.05 ± 52.30) pmol/min; t = 7.89, P < 0.01] and 48 h culture groups [(249.50 ± 42.06) pmol/min vs. (60.28 ± 40.66) pmol/min; t = 8.64, P < 0.01] than in the corresponding control groups, and a higher extracellular acidification rate was seen in the 48 h culture group than in the 48 h control group ([ 111.6 ± 17.49) mpH/min vs. (35.05 ± 7.57) mpH/min; t = 16.90, P < 0.01]. In addition, flow cytometry detected higher mean fluorescence intensity of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (58 264 ± 10 087 vs. 4 307 ± 97; t = 12.930, P < 0.01) and lower mitochondrial membrane potential (9.833% ± 2.285% vs. 2.667% ± 0.208%; t = 6.645, P < 0.01) in the 72 h culture group than in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

E. multilocularis infection may impair mitochondrial functions and inhibit oxidative phosphorylation of macrophages, resulting in increased macrophage glycolysis. It is speculated that the alteration of macrophage metabolic states may contribute to the mechanisms underlying the development and progression of alveolar echinococcosis.

[Analysis of the relationship between the anatomical location of intrapulmonary metastatic lymph nodes and relapse risk and survival in patients with N1 non-small cell lung cancer]

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between the anatomical location of intrapulmonary metastatic lymph nodes and relapse risk and survival in patients with N1 non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC). Methods: A retrospective analysis of the clinical and pathological data of 138 patients with completely resected N1 NSCLC was conducted. There were 79 males and 59 females, aged from 26 to 81 years with an average of (59±10) years. All of them were treated in the Department of Thoracic Surgery Ⅱ of Peking University Cancer Hospital between January 2007 and December 2015. Patients were stratified based on the 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) N1 classification and the modified pathological N1 classification strategy, respectively. According to modified pathological N1 classification strategy, which was defined based on the anatomical location of intrapulmonary metastatic lymph nodes, N1 nodes were subcategorized into the hilar (stations 10-11, mN1b) (n=36) and peripheral (stations 12-14, mN1a) (n=102) zones. The Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted to compare the relapse risk and survival analysis, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) were compared between the two staging methods through univariate and multivariate analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of the two classifications in stratifying patients with distinct risks of disease relapse and survival. Results: According to the modified N1 classification, the differences in 5-year DFS and OS between the subgroups (mN1a vs mN1b) were statistically significant(59.5% vs 35.7%; 81.2% vs 56.0%; both P<0.05). However, following the 8th edition of the AJCC N1 classification, no significant differences were found in DFS and OS between the subgroups (both P>0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the modified N1 classification was an independent prognostic factor to DFS (HR=1.814, 95%CI: 1.005-3.275) and OS (HR=3.919, 95%CI: 1.918-8.009) (all P<0.05). However, the 8th edition of the AJCC N1 classification was not an independent prognostic factor to DFS (HR=1.360, 95%CI:0.767-2.412) or OS (HR=1.620, 95%CI:0.839-3.131) (both P>0.05) as revealed by multivariate analysis. Conclusions: The relapse risk and survival could be assessed effectively using the modified pathological N1 classification, which was defined and subcategorized based on the anatomical location of intrapulmonary metastatic lymph nodes for N1 NSCLC patients. The modified pathological N1 classification is superior to the 8th edition of the AJCC classification.

[Research advances on the effect of early intervention on post-traumatic scar formation]

Scars caused by trauma will not only affect the appearance and cause dysfunction, but also affect the quality of psychological life of the patients to varying degrees. With the in-depth understanding of the process of scar formation after trauma and the continuous development of related intervention methods, early intervention within 3 months after trauma has been proved to be able to promote wound healing, inhibit scar hyperplasia, and interfere with the natural remodeling of scar collagen. This review summarizes the process of scar formation after trauma, as well as the timing and method of early intervention.

Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and hypersensitive C-reaction protein are associated with miscarriage during the second trimester of pregnancy

This study investigated whether biomarkers in the second trimester of pregnancy, including the white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) concentration, and procalcitonin (PCT) concentration, were associated with miscarriage during the second trimester of pregnancy. Sixty-two asymptomatic patients in their second trimester of pregnancy were included in the control group (group A). Among 67 patients diagnosed with late threatened miscarriage, 46 patients with ongoing pregnancy were included in group B and 21 patients with subsequent miscarriage were included in group C. The serum of these patients was collected and the biomarkers were analyzed. A paired-samples t-test was used for the comparison between the groups before and after the miscarriage. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was performed to evaluate the predictive value of different biomarkers for miscarriage during the second trimester of pregnancy. WBC count, neutrophil percentage, and hs-CRP levels were significantly higher in group C than in groups A and B (p<0.05). Lymphocyte percentage and albumin levels decreased significantly from group A to group C (p<0.05). In contrast, NLR increased significantly from group A to group C (p<0.05). There was a significant decrease in the WBC count, neutrophil percentage, hemoglobin concentration, and post-miscarriage NLR among the cases with miscarriage (p<0.05). The area under the curve of WBC count, NLR, hs-CRP, and the combination of these three factors for the prediction of late miscarriage varied from 78.0% to 82.6%. The combination of these three factors had the highest specificity of 91.1%, while hs-CRP had the highest sensitivity of 88.9%. WBC count, NLR, and hs-CRP levels are strongly associated with miscarriage during the second trimester of pregnancy, indicating that they are potential predictive biomarkers.

Organic Moiety-Regulated Photocatalytic Performance of Phosphomolybdate Hybrids for Hexavalent Chromium Reduction

Visible-light-driven photocatalytic Cr(VI) reduction is a promising pathway to moderate environmental pollution, in which the development of photocatalysts is pivotal. Herein, three hourglass-type phosphomolybdate-based hybrids with the formula of: (H₂ bpe)₃ [Zn(H₂ PO₄ )][Zn(bpe)(H₂ O)₂ ]H{Zn[P₄ Mo₆ O₃₁ H₆ ]₂ } ⋅ 6H₂ O (1) Na₆ [H₂ bz]₂ [ZnNa₄ (H₂ O)₅ ]{Zn [P₄ Mo₆ O₃₁ H₃ ]₂ } ⋅ 2H₂ O (2) and (H₂ mbpy) {[Zn(mbpy)(H₂ O)]₂ [Zn(H₂ O)]₂ }{Zn[P₄ Mo₆ O₃₁ H₆ ]₂ } ⋅ 10H₂ O (3) (bpe=trans-1,2-bi(4-pyridyl)-ethylene; bz=4,4'-diaminobiphenyl; mbpy=4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'bipyridine) were synthesized under the guidance of the functional organic moiety modification strategy. Structural analysis showed that hybrids 1-3 have similar 2D layer-like spatial arrangements constructed by {Zn[P₄ Mo₆ ]₂ } clusters and organic components with different conjugated degree. With excellent redox properties and wide visible-light absorption capacities, hybrids 1-3 display favourable photocatalytic activity for Cr(VI) reduction with 79%, 70% and 64% reduction rates, which are superior to that of only inorganic {Zn[P₄ Mo₆ ]₂ } itself (21%). The investigation of organic components on photocatalytic performance of hybrids 1-3 suggested that the organic counter cations (bpe, bz and mbpy) can effectively affect the visible-light absorption, as well as the recombination of photogenerated carriers stemmed from {Zn[P₄ Mo₆ ]₂ } clusters, further promoting their photocatalytic performances towards Cr(VI) reduction. This work provides an experimental basis for the design of functionalized photocatalysts via the modification of organic species.

First report of Eimeria and Entamoeba infection in alpacas (Vicugna pacos) in Shanxi Province, northern China

Intestinal protozoa Eimeria and Entamoeba can infect many animal species including alpacas. However, data on the prevalence and pathogenicity of species of the two genera Eimeria and Entamoeba in alpacas in China is scarce. The current study was carried out to investigate the prevalence of Eimeria and Entamoeba in alpacas in two cities (Taiyuan and Xinzhou) in Shanxi Province, northern China, using PCR-based approaches. Eimeria spp. were only found in Taiyuan city, and the overall prevalence was 1.64%. All samples collected from male alpacas were PCR-negative for Eimeria. Four Eimeria-positive samples were tested positive as Eimeria lamae. The molecular prevalence of Entamoeba in alpacas was 18.03% (66/366), including 16.39% (50/305) in alpacas from Taiyuan city and 26.23% (16/61) from Xinzhou city, respectively. The Entamoeba prevalence in male alpacas (25.00%) was significantly higher than that in female alpacas (15.69%). Entamoeba bovis was the predominant species, and no Entamoeba histolytica infection was detected. Nine unique SSU rRNA gene sequences of Entamoeba were obtained which formed a new cluster. The results showed that sex and location might be the risk factors associated with prevalence of Eimeria spp., and sex might be the risk factor associated with prevalence of Entamoeba spp.. This is the first report of Entamoeba in alpacas worldwide. These findings expand our understanding of the prevalence and genetic diversity of Eimeria and Entamoeba in alpacas.

[Effects of interpregnancy interval on pregnancy outcomes of subsequent pregnancy: a multicenter retrospective study]

Objective: To explore the effects of interpregnancy interval (IPI) on pregnancy outcomes of subsequent pregnancy. Methods: A multicenter retrospective study was conducted in 21 hospitals in China. Information of age, height, pre-pregnancy weight, IPI, history of diseases, complications of pregnancy, gestational age of delivery, delivery mode, and pregnancy outcomes of the participants were collected by consulting medical records of pregnant women who had two consecutive deliveries in the same hospital during 2011 to 2018. The participants were divided into 4 groups according to IPI:<18 months, 18-23 months, 24-59 months and ≥60 months. According to the WHO's recommendation, with the IPI of 24-59 months group as a reference, to the effects of IPI on pregnancy outcomes of subsequent pregnancy were analyzed. Stratified analysis was further carried out based on age, history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), macrosomia, and premature delivery, to explore the differences in the effects of IPI on pregnancy outcomes among women with different characteristics. Results: A total of 8 026 women were included in this study. There were 423, 623, 5 512 and 1 468 participants in <18 months group, 18-23 months group, 24-59 months group and ≥60 months group, respectively. (1) The age, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), history of cesarean section, GDM, gestational hypertension and cesarean section delivery rate of <18 months group, 18-23 months group, 24-59 months group and ≥60 months group were gradually increased, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). (2) After adjusting for potential confounding factors, compared with women in the IPI of 24-59 months group, the risk of premature delivery, premature rupture of membranes, and oligohydramnios were increased by 42% (OR=1.42, 95%CI: 1.07-1.88, P=0.015), 46% (OR=1.46, 95%CI: 1.13-1.88, P=0.004), and 64% (OR=1.64, 95%CI: 1.13-2.38, P=0.009) respectively for women in the IPI≥60 months group. No effects of IPI on other pregnancy outcomes were found in this study (P>0.05). (3) After stratified by age and adjusted for confounding factors, compared with women in the IPI of 24-59 months group, IPI≥60 months would significantly increase the risk of oligohydramnios for women with advanced age (OR=2.87, 95%CI: 1.41-5.83, P=0.004); and <18 months could increase the risk of premature rupture of membranes for women under the age of 35 (OR=1.59, 95%CI: 1.04-2.43, P=0.032). Both the risk of premature rupture of membranes (OR=1.58, 95%CI: 1.18-2.13, P=0.002) and premature delivery (OR=1.52, 95%CI: 1.07-2.17, P=0.020) were significantly increased in the IPI≥60 months group. After stratified by history of GDM and adjusted for confounding factors, compared with women in the IPI of 24-59 months group, IPI≥60 months would lead to an increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage for women with a history of GDM (OR=5.34, 95%CI: 1.45-19.70, P=0.012) and an increased risk of premature rupture of membranes for women without a history of GDM (OR=1.44, 95%CI: 1.10-1.90, P=0.009). After stratified by history of macrosomia and adjusted for confounding factors, compared with women in the IPI of 24-59 months group, IPI≥60 months could increase the proportion of cesarean section for women with a history of macrosomia (OR=4.11, 95%CI: 1.18-14.27, P=0.026) and the risk of premature rupture of membranes for women without a history of macrosomia (OR=1.46, 95%CI: 1.12-1.89, P=0.005). After stratified by history of premature delivery and adjusted for confounding factors, compared with women in the IPI of 24-59 months group, IPI≥60 months would significantly increase the risk of premature rupture of membranes for women without a history of premature delivery (OR=1.47, 95%CI: 1.13-1.92, P=0.004). Conclusions: Both IPI≥60 months and <18 months would increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in the subsequent pregnancy. Healthcare education and consultation should be conducted for women of reproductive age to maintain an appropriate IPI when they plan to pregnant again, to reduce the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in the subsequent pregnancy.

High-Frequency Ultrasound for Evaluation of the Pathological Invasion Level of Extramammary Paget Disease

OBJECTIVES

Pathological invasion level of extramammary Paget disease (EMPD) is strongly related with its risk staging, treatment, and prognosis. However, the current evaluation before treatments fails to evaluate pathological invasion level of EMPD. High-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) may play a key role to solve this problem. The purpose was to explore the performance of HFUS in the evaluation of pathological invasion level of EMPD.

METHODS

Sixty pathologically proven EMPD patients were retrospectively enrolled and divided into 2 groups as follows: in situ in the epidermis (IE) (n = 42) and invasion into the dermis or subcutaneous (ID) (n = 18) groups. Clinical and HFUS features were compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

Between the 2 groups, HFUS features (lesion shape, internal echogenicity and echotexture, surface shape, epidermal hyperechoic layer on the surface, the "pseudopod sign", and color Doppler ultrasound features) and clinical features were comparable (all P >.05). Tumor growth pattern significantly differed between the 2 groups (P <.05). Infiltration depth was significantly deeper for the ID group than the IE group (P <.05). With a cutoff value of 1.55 mm for infiltration depth, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.833.

CONCLUSIONS

HFUS features of tumor growth pattern and infiltration depth may contribute to the assessment of invasion level of EMPD.

High-frequency ultrasound in the diagnosis of the spectrum of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: Noninvasively distinguishing actinic keratosis, Bowen's Disease, and invasive squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) features for diagnosing cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) as a spectrum of progressively advanced malignancies, including precursor actinic keratosis (AK), Bowen's disease (BD), and invasive squamous cell carcinoma (iSCC).

METHOD

In this retrospective study, 160 skin lesions diagnosed histopathologically (54 AK, 54 BD, and 52 iSCC) in 160 patients were included. The HFUS features of AK, BD, and iSCC were analyzed. The obtained data were evaluated using univariate and forward multivariate logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

The most significant HFUS features in AK were regular surface (odds ratio [OR], 8.42) and irregular basal border (OR, 6.36). The most significant HFUS features in BD were crumpled surface (OR, 19.62) and layer involvement confined to the epidermis (OR, 3.96). The most significant HFUS features in iSCC were concave surface (OR, 27.06), stratum corneum (SC) detachment (OR, 14.41), irregular basal border (OR, 4.01), and convex surface (OR, 3.73). The characteristics of surface features, basal border, and layer involvement could be valuable HFUS clues in the discrimination of AK, BD, and iSCC.

CONCLUSION

High-frequency ultrasound is valuable for the differentiation of AK, BD, and iSCC, which may allow dynamic and noninvasive monitoring in the spectrum of cSCC.

B48-: a bilayer boron cluster

Size-selected negatively-charged boron clusters (B_n^-) have been found to be planar or quasi-planar in a wide size range. Even though cage structures emerged as the global minimum at B₃₉^-, the global minimum of B₄₀^- was in fact planar. Only in the neutral form did the B₄₀ borospherene become the global minimum. How the structures of larger boron clusters evolve is of immense interest. Here we report the observation of a bilayer B₄₈^- cluster using photoelectron spectroscopy and first-principles calculations. The photoelectron spectra of B₄₈^- exhibit two well-resolved features at low binding energies, which are used as electronic signatures to compare with theoretical calculations. Global minimum searches and theoretical calculations indicate that both the B₄₈^- anion and the B₄₈ neutral possess a bilayer-type structure with D_2h symmetry. The simulated spectrum of the D_2h B₄₈^- agrees well with the experimental spectral features, confirming the bilayer global minimum structure. The bilayer B₄₈^-/0 clusters are found to be highly stable with strong interlayer covalent bonding, revealing a new structural type for size-selected boron clusters. The current study shows the structural diversity of boron nanoclusters and provides experimental evidence for the viability of bilayer borophenes.

The characteristic computed tomography findings of pulmonary B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and their role in predicting patient survival

Background

To assess the value of characteristic computed tomography (CT) findings in predicting the survival of patients with pulmonary B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL).

Methods

Eighty-four patients who were histopathologically confirmed with pulmonary B-cell NHL between 2004 and 2018 were retrospectively enrolled. All patients underwent chest CT scan at the time of initial diagnosis in our hospital. Characteristic CT findings and clinicopathological features of the patients were analyzed, and Cox regression models were used to determine the relationship of CT findings with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).

Results

Air bronchogram occurred more frequently in patients with early-stage disease, primary pulmonary lymphoma (PPL) and the indolent histological type of lymphoma than in patients with advanced-stage disease, secondary pulmonary lymphoma (SPL), and the aggressive histological type (all P<0.05). The halo sign was observed most in the SPL group (19/48, 40%; P=0.004), while the presence of cross-lobe sign was higher in patients with PPL (13/36, 36%; P=0.010). Pleural involvement and hilar/mediastinal lymphadenopathy were observed more in patients with SPL and the aggressive histological type (33/48 and 27/48; 31/46 and 26/46, respectively; all P<0.05). Survival analyses showed that the number of lung lesions, cross-lobe sign, and pleural involvement were independent prognostic factors for PFS, while the halo sign and pleural involvement were significantly correlated with OS (all P<0.05). More aggressive, advanced-stage cases and male patients showed worse outcomes.

Conclusions

The halo sign and pleural involvement are independent prognostic factors for OS, while the number of lung lesions, cross-lobe sign, and pleural involvement are correlated with PFS.

[Mutation analysis and prenatal diagnosis of MYO7A gene in a case of Usher syndrome type 1]

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics and identify the causative gene of a case with congenital deafness. Methods: Detailed medical history and clinical examination of a 4-year-old male child with congenital deafness were conducted in the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Military Medical University in June 2016. He was diagnosed with sensorineural deafness. The venous blood of the child and his parents was drawn, and genomic DNA was extracted. Proband's DNA was performed with targeted capture of high-throughput sequencing, then Sanger sequencing was used to verify the suspected mutation and segregation in this pedigree. According to the genetic diagnosis of the proband's deafness, ophthalmic examinations were performed. Genetic prenatal diagnosis was performed when the proband's mother was pregnant again. Results: The patient was detected with p.Trp1466Ter/p.Tyr2042Ter compound heterozygous mutations of MYO7A gene with targeted high-throughput sequencing. The mutation of p.Trp1466Ter was a reported mutation, while p.Tyr2042Ter has not been reported. In addition to congenital deafness, retinitis pigmentosa was also found by ophthalmologic examination, and the patient was clinically diagnosed with Usher syndrome type 1. Amniocentesis and fetal DNA sequencing were performed on the repregnancy fetus of this family at 18 weeks of gestation. The heterozygous mutation of MYO7A gene p.Tyr2042Ter was found, and the other allele was the wild type, indicating that the child will not exhibit clinical manifestations of Usher syndrome type 1. Indeed, the second child passed neonatal hearing screening. Conclusions: The clinical features and genetic variants were delineated in this family with Usher syndrome type 1. The results of the current study have enriched the phenotype and genotype data of the disease and provided a basis for genetic counseling.

Preyssler-type polyoxometalate-based crystalline materials for the electrochemical detection of H2O2

Four Preyssler-type polyoxometalate-based organic–inorganic hybrid materials were synthesized as non-enzymatic H₂O₂ electrochemical sensors, with high sensitivity and low detection limit.

Stable monovalent aluminum(i) in a reduced phosphomolybdate cluster as an active acid catalyst

Low-valent aluminum Al(i) chemistry has attracted extensive research interest due to its unique chemical and catalytic properties but is limited by its low stability. Herein, a hourglass phosphomolybdate cluster with a metal-center sandwiched by two benzene-like planar subunits and large steric-hindrance is used as a scaffold to stabilize low-valent Al(i) species. Two hybrid structures, (H₃O)₂(H₂bpe)₁₁[Al^III(H₂O)₂]₃{[Al^I(P₄Mo^V₆O₃₁H₆)₂]₃·7H₂O (abbr. Al₆{P₄Mo₆}₆) and (H₃O)₃(H₂bpe)₃[Al^I(P₄Mo^V₆O₃₁H₇)₂]·3.5H₂O (abbr. Al{P₄Mo₆}₂) (bpe = trans-1,2-di-(4-pyridyl)-ethylene) were successfully synthesized with Al(i)-sandwiched polyoxoanionic clusters as the first inorganic-ferrocene analogues of a monovalent group 13 element with dual Lewis and Brønsted acid sites. As dual-acid catalysts, these hourglass structures efficiently catalyze a solvent-free four-component domino reaction to synthesize 1,5-benzodiazepines. This work provides a new strategy to stabilize low-valent Al(i) species using a polyoxometalate scaffold.

Monovalent aluminum(i) species was successfully stabilized using a reduced phosphomolybdate scaffold as a dual-acid catalyst for a four-component domino reaction.