Evaluating the Performance of UV Disinfection across the 222-365 nm Spectrum against Aerosolized Bacteria and Viruses

Bioaerosols play a significant role in the transmission of many infectious diseases, especially in enclosed indoor environments. Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection has demonstrated a high efficacy in inactivating microorganisms suspended in the air. To develop more effective and efficient UV disinfection protocols, it is necessary to evaluate and optimize the effectiveness of UV disinfection against aerosolized bacteria and viruses across the entire UV spectrum. In this study, we evaluated the performance of UV disinfection across the UV spectrum, ranging from 222 to 365 nm, against aerosolized bacteria and viruses, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Salmonella enterica, MS2, P22, and Phi6. Six commonly available UV sources, including gas discharge tubes and light-emitting diodes with different emission spectra, were utilized, and their performance in terms of inactivation efficacy, action spectrum, and energy efficiency was determined. Among these UV sources, the krypton chloride excilamp emitting at a peak wavelength of 222 nm was the most efficient in inactivating viral bioaerosols. A low-pressure mercury lamp emitting at 254 nm performed well on both inactivation efficacy and energy efficiency. A UV light-emitting diode emitting at 268 nm demonstrated the highest bacterial inactivation efficacy, but required approximately 10 times more energy to achieve an equivalent inactivation level compared with that of the krypton chloride excilamp and low-pressure mercury lamp. This study provides insights into UV inactivation on bioaerosols, which can guide the development of effective wavelength-targeted UV air disinfection technologies and may significantly help reduce bioaerosol transmission in public areas.

Chromosome-level genome assembly of the giant ladybug Megalocaria dilatata

The giant ladybug Megalocaria dilatata (Fabricius) is a potential biocontrol agent and a valuable model for coccinellid genomics and evolutionary biology. However, the lack of a reference genome for M. dilatata has impeded further explorations into its evolution and constrained its use in pest management. Here, we assembled and annotated a high-quality, chromosome-level genome of M. dilatata. The resulting assembly spans 772.3 Mb, with a scaffold N50 of 72.48 Mb and a GC content of 34.23%. The Hi-C data aided in anchoring the assembly onto 10 chromosomes ranging from 43.35 to 108.16 Mb. We identified 493.33 Mb of repeat sequences, accounting for 63.88% of the assembled genome. Our gene prediction identified 25,346 genes, with 81.89% annotated in public protein databases. The genome data will provide a valuable resource for studying the biology and evolution of Coccinellidae, aiding in pest control strategies and advancing research in the field.

Stable composition of gut microbiome in the Asian ladybeetle Coccinella septempunctata reared on natural and artificial diets

The Asian ladybeetle, Coccinella septempunctata, is an important insect of predatory natural enemy, which has a strong control effect and application prospects for aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs, and other small-sized pests of agriculture and forestry crops. Gut microbiota composition posed impacts on development of insects. In order to clarify the effect of artificial feed feeding on the intestinal microbial species and structure of C. septempunctata, we compared the intestinal microbial flora of C. septempunctata reared on bean aphids and artificial food for 15 days. Results show that Proteobacteria was the dominant component in all groups at phylum level, Rhodobacter, Methylovigula, Burkholderia, and Bradyrhizobium were the dominant bacteria among all groups at genus level. As to the differences in bacterial community structure and diversity, there is no significant difference between Shannon index and Simpson index, the principal components analysis of the bacterial communities, and the samples were roughly distributed in different regions. After 15 days of feeding, artificial diet did not significantly reduce the microbial diversity of the gut of C. septempunctata compared to the aphid group, and there was no significant effect on the abundance of dominant flora in the gut of C. septempunctata, C. septempunctata gut has a similar core microbiota. This study clarifies the effects in intestinal microbial diversity and composition structure of the C. septempunctata with artificial diet, and provides a theoretical basis for understanding the intestinal microorganisms and optimizating the artificial diet of C. septempunctata.

[Effects of whole-course multimodal analgesia on postoperative pain and rapid recovery in elderly patients with urological tumors]

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of whole-course multimodal analgesia on postoperative pain and rapid recovery in elderly patients undergoing radical resection of urological tumors. Methods: The 132 geriatric patients (aged≥65 years) with urological tumors undergone laparoscopic surgery in Peking University Third Hospital from January to June 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided into three groups based on the perioperative analgesia protocol. Group C [n=54, 45 males and 9 females, aged 72 (68, 76) years]: patients were treated with local anesthetic wounds infiltration (LAWI) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Group P [n=36, 26 males and 10 females, aged 70 (67, 72) years]: patients received patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) on the basis of LAWI and NSAIDs. Group M [n=42, 30 males and 12 females, aged 70 (68, 73) years]: patients received whole-course multimodal analgesia, including peripheral nerve block (PNB) preoperatively and PCIA+NSAIDs for postoperative analgesia. The postoperative resting pain (numerical rating scale, NRS) on postoperative day 1 and 2, the rate of demand for analgesic rescue and sleep aid medication, the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting within 48 hours after surgery were collected and analyzed. Postoperative recovery conditions included the laboratory indicators within 24 hours after surgery, the defecation time, the drainage tube removal time, the activities of daily living (ADL) score at discharge, the postoperative complications and the length of hospital stay. Results: The resting NRS [M (Q1, Q3)] on the 1st and 2nd day postoperatively for patients in group M were 2 (1, 3) and 1 (0, 2) respectively. In contrast, patients in group C had NRS of 4 (3, 5) and 2 (1, 4), while those in group P had scores of 3 (2, 4) and 2 (1, 3). Compared with group C and group P, the resting NRS of patients in group M was significantly decreased (all P<0.001). The incidence of resting NRS≥4 in group M on the 1st and 2nd day postoperatively were 23.8% (10/42) and 11.9% (5/42) respectively, which were lower than those of 51.9% (28/54), 35.2% (19/54) in group C and 33.3%(14/36), 16.7% (7/36) in group P (all P<0.05). The demand rate for analgesic rescue and sleep aid medication within 48 hours after surgery, the incidence of postoperative complications and the postoperative hospital stay were 47.6% (20/42), 9.5% (4/42), 21.4% (9/42), and 5 (4, 6) d in group M, which were lower than those of 72.2% (39/54), 29.6% (16/54), 46.3% (25/54), 6 (5, 9) in group C, and 66.7% (24/36), 27.8% (10/36), 27.8% (10/36), 6 (5, 7) in group P (all P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, the laboratory indicators within 24 hours after surgery, the defecation time, the drainage tube removal time, the ADL score and the length of hospital stay among three groups (all P>0.05). Conclusion: For elderly patients with urological tumors undergoing radical surgery, whole-course multimodal analgesia can improve postoperative pain within 48 hours, reduce postoperative complications, shorten postoperative hospital stay, and accelerate patient recovery.

[Construction of Tianjin occupational disease prevention and control ability assessment system based on Delphi method]

Objective: To establish a systematic, scientific, reasonable, feasible and reliable evaluation system for occupational disease prevention and control capability, in order to provide reference for occupational disease prevention and control work in Tianjin City. Methods: In August 2022, literature review was conducted to propose indicators for the evaluation system. Two rounds of anonymous consultation with occupational health experts were conducted using the Delphi method to form expert opinions. According to the boundary value method and expert opinions, eliminate, screen, and modify the evaluation system indicators to ultimately determine the system indicators. Use Cronbach's alpha to test the reliability of the system indicators and form a Tianjin occupational disease prevention and control capability evaluation system. Results: It showed that the effective response rates of the two rounds of consultation conducted by experts in this study were 92.3% and 100.0%, respectively. The expert authority coefficients were 0.84 and 0.82, respectively. The Kendall coordination coefficient was tested for differences, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The Tianjin occupational disease prevention and control capability evaluation system includes 7 primary indicators, 17 secondary indicators, and 54 tertiary indicators. The Cronbach's alpha of the primary, second, third level indicators and all indicators were 0.91, 0.98, 0.98, 0.98 (>0.7) . Conclusion: The preliminary evaluation system for occupational disease prevention and control capacity in Tianjin City has been established, providing a reference basis for the investigation of occupational disease prevention and control capacity in Tianjin City.

[Granulomatous disease with liver injury as the main manifestation]

Hepatic granuloma is a kind of disease caused by both infection or non-infection etiologies, and it is found in approximately 2% to 15% of liver biopsies. Some of which could be identified by the pathological morphology. This article reviews the common etiology, pathological manifestations, diagnosis, and differential diagnosis of hepatic granuloma, which is hopeful to improve clinicians' and pathologists' awareness.

[The characteristics of plasma lipids in silicosis rat models were studied based on lipid metabolomics]

Objective: To screen the differential metabolites and metabolic pathways in silicosis model by analyzing plasma metabolomics of silicosis rats. Methods: In May 2021, twenty male SD rats were randomly divided into control group (C), 1-week silicosis group (S1W), 2-week silicosis group (S2W) and 4-week silicosis group (S4W), with 5 rats in each group. Rats were intratracheally instillated with 1ml crystalline SiO(2) suspension (50 mg/ml) or normal saline and were sacrificed after 1 week, 2 weeks and 4 weeks, HE staining was used to observe the lung pathology of rats. The plasma samples were analyzed by UPLC-IMS-QTOF mass spectrometer to screen out potential differential metabolites in silicosis models and analyze their lipid enrichment. Results: HE results showed that nodules formed in the silicosis model group, and with the extension of time, nodules gradually increased and alveolar structure was gradually destroyed. Metabolomics screened out 14 differential metabolites in S1W, 24 in S2W, and 28 in S4W, and found that the differential metabolites were mainly enriched in the metabolism of glycerophospholipid metabolism, fatty acid degradation, Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) -anchor biosynthesis, fatty acid elongation and other metabolic pathways. Conclusion: There are significant changes in plasma lipid metabolites in silicosis rat models.

[Classification system of radical surgery for rectal cancer based on membrane anatomy]

Because the classification system of radical surgery for rectal cancer has not been established, it is impossible to select the appropriate surgical method according to the clinical stage of the tumor. In this paper, we explained the theory of " four fasciae and three spaces " of pelvic membrane anatomy and then combined this theory with the membrane anatomical basis of Querleu-Morrow classification for radical cervical cancer resection. Based on this theory and the membrane anatomy of Querleu-Morrow classification of radical cervical cancer resection, we proposed a new classification system of radical rectal cancer surgery based on membrane anatomy according to the lateral lymph node dissection range of the rectum. This system classifies the surgery into four types (ABCD) and defines corresponding subtypes based on whether the autonomic nerve was preserved. Among them, type A surgery is total mesorectal excision (TME) with urogenital fascia preservation, type B surgery is classical TME, type C surgery is extended TME, and type D surgery is lateral extended resection. This classification system unifies the anatomical terminology of the pelvic membrane, validates the feasibility of using the " four fasciae and three fascial spaces " theory to classify rectal cancer surgery, and lays the theoretical foundation for the future development of a unified and standardized classification of radical pelvic tumor surgery.

Primary Ovarian Small Cell Carcinoma of Pulmonary Type: Analysis of 6 Cases and Review of 31 Cases in the Literatures

Objective Primary small cell ovarian cancer of pulmonary type (SCCOPT) is a rare ovarian tumor with a poor prognosis. The platinum-based chemotherapy is the standard treatment. However, there is little research on the clinical characteristics and potential benefits of other treatments due to its low incidence. The study aims to investigate clinicopathological characteristics and treatment of SCCOPT. Methods We performed a study in which the clinical, imaging, laboratory and pathological characteristics of 6 SCCOPT cases who were admitted to the Gansu Provincial Hospital from the year of 2008 to 2022 and of 31 cases reported in 17 English and 3 Chinese literatures were retrospectively summarized.Results The median age of these SCCOPT cases was 56.00 years. Almost 80% of them had a stage Ⅲ or Ⅳ tumor. All patients underwent an operation and postoperative chemotherapy. Nevertheless, all cases had a poor prognosis, with a median overall survival time of 12 months. Immunohistochemically, the SCCOPT of all patients showed positive expressions of epithelial markers, such as CD56 and sex-determining region of Y chromosome-related high-mobility-group box 2 (SOX-2), and negative expressions of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, vimentin, Leu-7, and somatostatin receptor 2. The tumor of above 80% cases expressed synaptophysin. Only a few cases expressed neuron-specific enolase, chromogranin A, and thyroid transcription factor-1. Conclusions SCCOPT had a poor prognosis. SOX-2 could be a biomarker used to diagnosis of SCCOPT.

Manipulation of the photoluminescence of lead halide perovskite quantum dots with mechanically reconfigurable 3D photonic crystals

Reconfigurable 3D photonic crystals (3DPCs) are promising for dynamic emission devices, owing to their unique properties. Here, we integrated the perovskite quantum dot film together with 3D reconfigurable photonic crystals (PCs) to form quantum dot/photonic crystal heterostructures and investigated their interactions at their interfaces. The photonic bandgaps of the presented 3DPCs can be dynamically tuned by heating and applying external mechanical forces, and they can be stably fixed in the intermediate states. By tuning the photonic bandgaps of the 3DPCs, a maximum photoluminescence (PL) enhancement of 11 times that of CsPb(I/Br)₃ quantum dots has been achieved. It has been revealed that the combined effects of increased density of photon states and the greatly confined and enhanced electric field on the upper surface of 3DPCs contribute to the enhanced Purcell effect, which in turn leads to the enhanced photoluminescence.

The Adaptive Evolution in the Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Revealed by the Diversity of Larval Gut Bacteria

Insect gut microbes have important roles in host feeding, digestion, immunity, development, and coevolution with pests. The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith, 1797), is a major migratory agricultural pest worldwide. The effects of host plant on the pest's gut bacteria remain to be investigated to better understand their coevolution. In this study, differences in the gut bacterial communities were examined for the fifth and sixth instar larvae of S. frugiperda fed on leaves of different host plants (corn, sorghum, highland barley, and citrus). The 16S rDNA full-length amplification and sequencing method was used to determine the abundance and diversity of gut bacteria in larval intestines. The highest richness and diversity of gut bacteria were in corn-fed fifth instar larvae, whereas in sixth instar larvae, the richness and diversity were higher when larvae were fed by other crops. Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were dominant phyla in gut bacterial communities of fifth and sixth instar larvae. According to the LDA Effect Size (LEfSe) analysis, the host plants had important effects on the structure of gut bacterial communities in S. frugiperda. In the PICRUSt2 analysis, most predicted functional categories were associated with metabolism. Thus, the host plant species attacked by S. frugiperda larvae can affect their gut bacterial communities, and such changes are likely important in the adaptive evolution of S. frugiperda to host plants.

Efficacy of keverprazan for duodenal ulcer: A phase II randomized, double-blind, parallel-controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Considering the limitation of varying acid suppression of proton pump inhibitors, this study was aimed to assess the efficacy, safety, and dose-effect relationship of keverprazan, a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker, in the treatment of duodenal ulcer (DU) compared with lansoprazole.

METHODS

A randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, multicenter, low-dose, high-dose, and positive-drug parallel-controlled study was conducted to verify the non-inferiority of keverprazan (20 or 30 mg) to lansoprazole of 30 mg once daily for 4 to 6 weeks and dose-effect relationship of keverprazan in the treatment of patients with active DU confirmed by endoscopy.

RESULTS

Of the 180 subjects randomized, including 55 cases in the keverprazan_20 mg group, 61 cases in the keverprazan_30 mg group, and 64 cases in the lansoprazole_30 mg group, 168 subjects (93.33%) completed the study. The proportions of healed DU subjects in the keverprazan_20 mg, keverprazan_30 mg, and lansoprazole_30 mg groups were respectively 87.27%, 90.16%, and 79.69% at week 4 (P = 0.4595) and were respectively 96.36%, 98.36%, and 92.19% at week 6 (P = 0.2577). The incidence of adverse events in the keverprazan_20 mg group was lower than that in the lansoprazole_30 mg (P = 0.0285) and keverprazan_30 mg groups (P = 0.0398).

CONCLUSIONS

Keverprazan was effective and non-inferior to lansoprazole in healing DU. Based on the comparable efficacy and safety data, keverprazan of 20 mg once daily is recommended for the follow-up study of acid-related disorders. (Trial registration number: ChiCTR2100043455.).

Complete Mitochondrial Genomes and Phylogenetic Positions of Two Longicorn Beetles, Anoplophora glabripennis and Demonax pseudonotabilis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky, 1854) and Demonax pseudonotabilis Gressitt & Rondon, 1970 are two commonly found longicorn beetles from China. However, the lack of sufficient molecular data hinders the understanding of their evolution and phylogenetic relationships with other species of Cerambycidae. This study sequenced and assembled the complete mitochondrial genomes of the two species using the next-generation sequencing method. The mitogenomes of A. glabripennis and D. pseudonotabilis are 15,622 bp and 15,527 bp in length, respectively. The mitochondrial gene content and gene order of A. glabripennis and D. pseudonotabilis are highly conserved with other sequenced longicorn beetles. The calculation of nonsynonymous (Ka) and synonymous (Ks) substitution rates in PCGs indicated the existence of purifying selection in the two longicorn beetles. The phylogenetic analysis was conducted using the protein-coding gene sequences from available mitogenomes of Cerambycidae. The two species sequenced in this study are, respectively, grouped with their relatives from the same subfamily. The monophyly of Cerambycinae, Dorcasominae, Lamiinae, and Necydalinae was well-supported, whereas Lepturinae, Prioninae, and Spondylidinae were recovered as paraphyletic.

Aqueous construction of raspberry-like ZIF-8 hierarchical structures with enhanced superhydrophobic performance

Materials with super-wetting ability have attracted wide attention from both academia and industry due to their great potential applications. A straightforward and versatile route was proposed for the large-scale synthesis of a monodisperse raspberry-like metal-organic framework (ZIF-8) using zinc nitrate as a zinc source and dimethylimidazole as an organic ligand in aqueous solution. After hydrophobic treatment with hexadecyltrimethoxysilane, the ethanolic suspension of three-dimensional raspberry-like ZIF-8 showed excellent superhydrophobic properties. Furthermore, commercial adhesives were used to blend with the suspension to improve the bonding strength to different substrates. These surfaces retained their water resistance after 50 finger-wipe cycles, 40 sandpaper abrasions and knife scratches. Moreover, the prepared hydrophobic surface can withstand the impact of water flow for 10 minutes. The formulations developed can be used for superhydrophobic coating applications on different substrate surfaces such as aluminum foil, glass, paper and cotton.

[Association of skin lesion severity with clinical features of psoriatic arthritis]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between psoriasis severity and clinical features in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Methods: Patients were recruited from the Chinese REgistry of Psoriatic ARthritis (CREPAR) between December 2018 and June 2021, and data were collected including the baseline demographic characteristics, various clinical manifestations (including arthritis, nail disease, comorbidities), laboratory tests[including erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP)], health assessment questionnaire (HAQ). Body surface area (BSA) and psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) were selected for the tools of assessment of cutaneous psoriasis. Patients were divided to two groups, including the severe psoriasis group (BSA>10%) and the non-severe psoriasis group (BSA≤10%). Disease assessment included ankylosing spondylitis disease activity score (ASDAS), disease activity score 28 (DAS28) and disease activity in psoriatic arthritis (DAPSA). Results: 1 074 eligible patients with PsA were recruited, and 106 (9.9%) had severe psoriasis. Compared with non-severe psoriasis group, the severe psoriasis group had more peripheral joint involvement (including patients with ever or current peripheral arthritis, 94.3% vs. 85.6%), more polyarticular joint involvement (including patients with current peripheral arthritis, 74.0% vs. 58.2%), more axial joint involvement (51.4% vs. 39.9%), more nail disease (72.6% vs. 61.4%), more frequency of smoking (20.2% vs. 18.7%), and higher proportion of hypertension (23.4% vs. 14.4%). In addition, the severe psoriasis group had higher level of ESR [33(10, 70) mm/1h vs. 20(9, 38) mm/1h] and CRP [18.6(5.0, 60.8) mg/L vs. 7.0(2.4, 18.1) mg/L], higher values of DAS28-ESR (4.5±1.7 vs. 3.7±1.5), DAS28-CRP (4.2±1.5 vs. 3.4±1.4), ASDAS-ESR (3.5±1.4 vs. 2.6±1.2), and ASDAS-CRP(3.4±1.6 vs. 2.5±1.2), higher scores of HAQ [0.6(0.1, 1.0) vs. 0.3(0.0, 0.8)]. Conclusion: Patients with PsA with severe psoriasis bore a heavier disease burden. Therefore, clinicians were supposed to pay more attention to them. In addition to skin lesions, they should also focus on examination of other clinical manifestations, such as joints and nails.

[Clinical characteristics and long-term follow-up results of radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of ventricular tachycardia in patients with arrhythmogenic left ventricular cardiomyopathy]

Objective: To investigate the acute and long-term outcome of catheter ablation for the treatment of ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with arrhythmogenic left ventricular cardiomyopathy (ALVC). Methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional study enrolled ALVC patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of VT at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2011 to December 2018 and collected their clinical characteristics and intraoperative electrophysiological examination. Patients were followed up every 6 months after radiofrequency ablation until August 2021. Echocardiographic results and VT recurrence post radiofrequency ablation were analysed. Results: Totally 12 patients were enrolled (mean age: (42±15) years, 11 males(11/12)). The mean of left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVDd) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were (51±5)mm and (65±5)%, respectively. Twelve VTs were induced in 10 patients during the electrophysiological study, and the mean tachycardia cycle length was (293±65) ms. Three-dimensional substrate mapping revealed the diseased area at endocardial site in one patient, at epicardial sites in the other 11 patients (involved endocardial sites in 2 cases) with the basal part near the mitral annulus being the predilection for the substrate (10/11). After the catheter ablation at the endocardial and epicardial sites respectively, the complete procedure endpoint was achieved in all patients (VT cannot be induced post ablation). The median follow-up time was 65 (25, 123) months. One patient was lost to follow-up, and the other 11 patients survived without VT. No significant cardiac function deterioration was detected by the echocardiographic examination ((51±5)mm vs. (52±5)mm, P>0.05 for LVDd, (65±5)% vs. (60±6)%, P>0.05 for LVEF) at the end of follow-up. Conclusion: After radiofrequency ablation, the complete procedure endpoint is achieved in ALVC patients, and the catheter ablation provides long-term ventricular tachycardia control during the long-term follow-up.

[Neonicotinoid Insecticides Threaten Surface Waters at the National Scale in China]

This study was conducted in response to the current situation in our country in which neonicotinoid pesticides (NNIs) are used in large quantities and their concentration in surface water is gradually increasing. Based on the species sensitivity distribution (SSD), the hazard quotient (HQ) and probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) were used to compare single and mixture risks of NNIs in the surface water in China. The target and recommended values of NNIs in China's surface water quality supervision were also presented. The results showed that:① in the single acute hazard assessment, imidacloprid (IMI) was the most harmful insecticide, and in the single chronic hazard assessment, imidacloprid (IMI) and acetamiprid (ACE) were more harmful. Furthermore, insects were the most sensitive creatures. ② Hainan province was the region with the highest single acute and chronic hazard in the study area. ③ Based on the joint probability curves of five neonicotinoids, the probability in which 5% of species would be affected by long-term exposure was approximately 91.12%. Thus, the combined ecological risk of these five neonicotinoids cannot be ignored. ④ Based on the toxicity reference value from SSD and the combined results of HQ and PRA, the regulatory values of surface water quality in China were as follows:acetamiprid (ACE) 0.04 μg·L^-1, clothianidin (CLO) 0.22 μg·L^-1, imidacloprid (IMI) 0.01 μg·L^-1, thiacloprid (THI) 0.03 μg·L^-1, and thiamethoxam (THIA) 0.24 μg·L^-1. In short, the concentration of NNIs in the surface water in China has threatened the safety of aquatic organisms, and its supervision must be improved.

The First Mitochondrial Genomes of the Family Haplodiplatyidae (Insecta: Dermaptera) Reveal Intraspecific Variation and Extensive Gene Rearrangement

Simple Summary

The insect order Dermaptera is commonly known as earwigs. The earwigs have many interesting biological characteristics, such as epizoic on other small animals, viviparous, and maternal care on their eggs and young nymphs. The external morphology of earwigs has been studied in detail, but their genetic characteristics remain unclear. The phylogenetic position of Dermaptera among all insect orders and the inner relationship of Dermaptera are largely unsolved. To better understand the molecular characters of earwigs, we sequenced and analyzed two mitogenomes of an earwig species from the family Haplodiplatyidae. The results revealed the existence of intraspecific variation and extensive gene rearrangement events in the mitogenomes of earwigs. The phylogenetic results are partially similar to previous studies. The discoveries in this study could provide new information for the molecular diversity and mitogenomic evolution of earwigs.

Abstract

Haplodiplatyidae is a recently established earwig family with over 40 species representing a single genus, Haplodiplatys Hincks, 1955. The morphology of Haplodiplatyidae has been studied in detail, but its molecular characters remain unclear. In this study, two mitogenomes of Haplodiplatys aotouensis Ma & Chen, 1991, were sequenced based on two samples from Fujian and Jiangxi provinces, respectively. These represent the first mitogenomes for the family Haplodiplatyidae. The next-generation sequencing method and subsequent automatic assembly obtained two mitogenomes. The two mitogenomes of H. aotouensis were generally identical but still exhibit a few sequence differences involving protein-coding genes (PCGs), ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, control regions, and intergenic spacers. The typical set of 37 mitochondrial genes was annotated, while many transfer RNA (tRNA) genes were rearranged from their ancestral locations. The calculation of nonsynonymous (Ka) and synonymous (Ks) substitution rates in PCGs indicated the fastest evolving nd4l gene in H. aotouensis. The phylogenetic analyses supported the basal position of Apachyidae but also recovered several controversial clades.

["Two spaces" lateral lymph node dissection based on fascia anatomy for low rectal cancer]

As a treatment of rectal cancer, lateral lymph node dissection (LLND) is still a controversial issue. The argument against LLND is that the procedure is complicated, and consequently results in a high incidence of postoperative urogenital dysfunction. The surgical modality from fascia to space is adopted by lateral lymph node dissection in "two spaces". This operation has significant advantages of clear location of nerves and blood vessels and simplified surgical procedures, so the surgical procedure can be repeated and modulated. The fascia propria of the rectum, urogenital fascia, vesicohypogastric fascia and parietal fascia constitute the dissection plane for lateral lymph node dissection.Two spaces refer to Latzko's pararectal space and paravesical space. During the establishment of fascia plane, the dissection of external iliac lymph node (No.293), commoniliac lymph node (No.273) and abdominal aortic bifurcation lymph node (No.280) can be performed. While in the "space" dissection, internal iliac lymph node (No.263), obturator lymph node (No.283), lateral sacral lymph node (No.260) and median sacral lymph node (No.270) can be removed. LD2 or LD3 lateral lymph node dissection prescribed by the Japanese Society of Colorectal Cancer can be completed according to the needs of the disease. This article describes the anatomical basis and standardized surgical procedures.

[The incidence of myopia and myopic progression from 2019 to 2020 in school-age children in Zhuozhou]

Objective: To analyze the changes in refractive status and prevalence of myopia in 6-to 14-year-old children at 2 time points in Zhuozhou, Hebei Province. Methods: In the current cohort study, the visual acuity and refractive status of primary and secondary school students aged 6 to 14 years were examined from June to August 2019 and reexamined from June to August 2020. A total of 30 412 subjects with examination data were enrolled, including 15 861 males (52.2%) and 14 551 females (47.8%), with an average age of (10.0±2.7) years. The participants underwent autorefraction without cycloplegia and a naked eye visual acuity test with a standard logarithmic visual acuity chart. Myopia was screened by the standard of equivalent spherical refraction less than -0.75 diopter (D). The categorical data were analyzed by the Chi-square or Fisher's exact test. Clopper-Pearson was used to estimate the 95% confidence intervals for the incidence of myopia. Results: After the 1-year interval, the change of equivalent spherical refraction was(-0.67±1.11) D and(-0.76±1.11) D, respectively, in male and female participants, and their visual acuity decreased by 0.11±0.19 and 0.12±0.21, respectively. There were significant inter-group differences in the annual change of spherical power in different age groups (χ²=276.23, P<0.001). The naked eye visual acuity reduction was greatest in the 10-year-old students. The incidence of myopia was 42.2% (95% confidence intervals of 41.47% to 42.93%) during the 1-year follow-up period. The incidence of myopia was highest at the age of 14 (52.0% in males and 54.2% in females) and lowest at the age of 6 (31.0% in males and 33.1% in females). Conclusions: The 1-year follow-up revealed an obvious myopic shift in the refractive status of school students in Zhuozhou, with their naked eye visual acuity decreased. The incidence of myopia was higher in females than that in males.

Three-dimensional chiral metasurfaces for circular-polarized anomalous beam steering

Metasurfaces offer unprecedented possibilities for developing versatile ultracompact photonic devices with unique functions, e.g., for linear- or circular-polarized light beam steering. Here we report a three-dimensional (3D) chiral metasurface for phase controlling and beam steering, which consists of periodically arranged double-layer circular arc chiral nanostructures. By tuning the central angle of the lower circular arc, the left- and right-circularly polarized light (LCP and RCP) induce different spatial phases, which have been designed as a beam steering device to realize the abnormal reflection of LCP and the mirror reflection of RCP in the near-infrared (NIR) spectrum from 900 nm to 1150 nm, providing a potential device for chiral molecule detection.

[Predictive value of left ventricular ejection fraction for the occurrence of postoperative myocardial infarction after coronary endarterectomy in patients with diffuse coronary artery disease]

Objective: To investigate the predictive value of ejection fraction for the postoperative myocardial infarction after coronary endarterectomy (CE) in patients with diffuse coronary artery disease (DCAD). Methods: Patients who underwent cardiac artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and CE in Beijing Anzhen Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University from May 2018 to December 2020 were enrolled in this prospective observational study. Baseline features including age, sex and echocardiography parameters were obtained. Left ventricular ejection fraction(EF) was measured by echocardiography. The patients were divided into postoperative myocardial infarction (PMI) group and non-PMI group according to PMI occurrence. Linear regression analysis, logistic regression model, and receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve were used to analyze the correlation between left ventricular ejection fraction and PMI and the influencing factors. Results: A total of 120 patients were enrolled in the study. There were 32 patients (27%) in the PMI group (male 27(84%), age (62±8)), inferior myocardial infarction occurred in 24 (75%) patients. There were 88 patients (73%) in the non-PMI group (male 70(80%), age (62±8)). EF (55% (49%, 64%) vs. 62% (55%, 67%), P=0.01) was significantly lower in the PMI group than in the non-PMI group. Perioperative TNI, IABP use and length of hospitalization were significantly higher in the PMI group than in the non-PMI group. Multivariate logistic regression showed that lower EF was an independent risk factor of PMI (OR=0.93, 95%CI: 0.89-0.98, P=0.01) after adjusting age, sex and body mass index. ROC curve analysis showed that EF<60% could sufficiently predict the occurrence of PMI (AUC= 0.67, sensitivity 64%, specificity 69%, P=0.01). Linear regression analysis showed that left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (OR=-0.52, 95%CI:-1.13-0.60, P<0.001), graft flow in left anterior descending (OR=-0.20, 95%CI:-0.15-0.01, P=0.02) and history of diabetes (OR=-0.28, 95%CI:-8.25-1.85, P=0.002) were negatively correlated with preoperative EF value. Conclusion: Lower preoperative EF is an independent risk factor for PMI after CABG and CE in DCAD patients, closely related to the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, graft flow in left anterior descending artery and diabetes mellitus.

The management of diabetes mellitus by mangiferin: advances and prospects

Diabetes mellitus has become one of the most challenging public health problems today. There are still various deficiencies that remain in existing therapeutic drugs. With increasing prevalence and mortality rates, more effective therapeutic agents are required for treatment clinically. As a kind of polyphenol and as a natural product, mangiferin has numerous pharmacological and excellent effects. In this review, the underlying mechanisms of mangiferin on diabetes mellitus and complications will be summarized. Moreover, mangiferin belongs to the BSC IV class and the clinical application and development of mangiferin are limited due to its poor aqueous solubility and fat solubility as well as low bioavailability. Our review also elaborated on improving the solubility of mangiferin by changing the dosage form and introduced the existing results, which hope to provide useful reference for mangiferin for further treating diabetes. In conclusion, mangiferin might be a potential adjuvant therapy for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and complications in the future.

[Twelve-week of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir therapeutic regimen for chronic hepatitis C patients in northwest region of China: a real-world multicenter clinical study]

Objective: To study the real-world outcome of China FDA-approved Sofosbuvir (SOF)/Velpatasvir (VEL) in Northwest China. Methods: In this multicenter, prospective, real-world cohort study, we recruited patients from 10 sites from Northwest China, who were chronically infected with HCV GTs 1-6 from 06/2018 to 09/2019. Patients received SOF (400mg)/VEL (100mg) for 12 weeks, and with ribavirin 900-1200 mg for GT3 cirrhosis and for any genotype decompensated cirrhosis. The primary endpoint was sustained virological response at 12-weeks post-treatment (SVR12) and safety. The secondary endpoint was the change of liver function after the achievement of SVR12. Results: Totally, 143 patients were enrolled in the study, four patients were lost to follow-up and one died during the follow-up, 138 patients were included in per-protocol analysis. Of the 138 patients, the mean age 53 years, 53.6% male, 94.2% Han nationality, 53.6% liver cirrhosis, 10.1% HBsAg(+), 6.5% renal dysfunction, 5.1% treatment-experienced, and 16.7% patients received ribavirin treatment. The genotype distribution was as follows: 35.5% GT1, 42.8% GT2, 15.9% GT3, and 5.8% un-typed. The SVR12 rate was 96.5% (138/143, 95%CI: 93.5%-99.6%) for intention-to-treat analysis, and in per-protocol analysis, all 138 patients obtained SVR12 (100%). Compared with baseline, the serum total bilirubin, ALT and AFP levels decreased (all P < 0.05), as well as increased ALB and platelet count (all P < 0.001) at post-treatment 12-weeks. Overall adverse events (AEs) rate is 29.0%, and the most common AEs were anemia (14.5%) and fatigue (8.0%). Severe side effects (edema and fatigue) occurred in 2 patients, one of whom needed a short-term interruption of treatment due to fatigue. Conclusion: In this real-world cohort study, 12-week SOF/VEL regimen with or without ribavirin achieved high SVR12 rates (96.5%-100% overall) with excellent safety profile among patients with HCV GT1/2/3 infection including patients with GT3 and cirrhosis, and led to improvement of liver function.

[Adherence to adjuvant with therapy imatinib in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor: a national multi-center cross-sectional study]

Objective: To analyze the current adherence to imatinib in patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) in China and its influencing factors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted. Study period: from October 1, 2020 to November 31, 2020. Study subjects: GIST patients taking imatinib who were diagnosed and treated in public tertiary level A general hospitals or oncology hospitals; those who had not been pathologically diagnosed, those who never received imatinib, or those who had taken imatinib in the past but stopped afterwards were excluded. The Questionnaire Star online surgery platform was used to design a questionnaire about the adherence to adjuvant imatinib therapy of Chinese GIST patients. The link of questionnaire was sent through WeChat. The questionnaire contained basic information of patients, medication status and Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Results: A total of 2162 questionnaires from 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities were collected, of which 2005 were valid questionnaires, with an effective rate of 92.7%. The survey subjects included 1104 males and 901 females, with a median age of 56 (22-91) years old. Working status: 609 cases (30.4%) in the work unit, 729 cases (36.4%) of retirement, 667 cases of flexible employment or unemployment (33.3%). Education level: 477 cases (23.8%) with bachelor degree or above, 658 cases (32.8%) of high school, 782 cases (39.0%) of elementary or junior high school, 88 cases (4.4%) without education. Marital status: 1789 cases (89.2%) were married, 179 cases (8.9%) divorced or widowed, 37 cases (1.8%) unmarried. Two hundred and ninety-four patients (14.7%) had metastasis when they were first diagnosed, including 203 liver metastases, 52 peritoneal metastases, and 39 other metastases. One thousand eight hundred and sixty-nine patients underwent surgical treatment, of whom 1642 (81.9%) achieved complete resection. The median time of taking imatinib was 25 (1-200) months. Common adverse reactions of imatinib included 1701 cases (84.8%) of periorbital edema, 1031 cases (51.4%) of leukopenia, 948 cases (47.3%) of fatigue, 781 cases (39.0%) of nausea and vomiting, 709 cases (35.4%) of rash, and 670 cases (33.4%) of lower extremity edema. The score of the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale showed that 392 cases (19.6%) had poor adherence, 1023 cases (51.0%) had moderate adherence, and 590 cases (29.4%) had good adherence. Univariate analysis showed that gender, age, work status, economic income, residence, education level, marriage, the duration of taking medication and adverse reactions were associated with adherence to adjuvant imatinib therapy (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that female (OR=1.264, P=0.009), non-retirement (OR=1.454, P=0.001), monthly income ≤4000 yuan (OR=1.280, P=0.036), township residents (OR=1.332, P=0.005), unmarried or divorced or widowed (OR=1.362, P=0.026), the duration of imatinib medication >36 months (OR=1.478, P<0.001) and adverse reactions (OR=1.719, P=0.048) were independent risk factors for poor adherence to adjuvant imatinib. Among patients undergoing complete resection, 324 (19.7%) had poor adherence, 836 (50.9%) had moderate adherence, and 482 (29.4%) had good adherence. Meanwhile, 55 patients with good adherence (11.4%) developed recurrence after surgery, 121 patients with moderate adherence (14.5%) developed recurrence, 61 patients with poor adherence (18.8%) developed recurrence, and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.017). Conclusions: The adherence to adjuvant therapy with imatinib in Chinese GIST patients is relatively poor. Females, non-retirement, monthly income ≤4000 yuan, township residents, unmarried or divorced or widowed, the duration of imatinib medication >36 months, and adverse reactions are independently associated with poor adherence of GIST patients. Those with poor adherence have a higher risk of recurrence after surgery. Positive interventions based on the above risk factors are advocated to improve the prognosis of patients with GIST.

[Exploration of the theoretical system of membrane anatomy in colorectal surgery]

Despite the concept of membrane anatomy has been widely used in minimally invasive colorectal surgery, the definition of membrane anatomy and the establishment of membrane plane remain controversial. Therefore, it is difficult to establish a unified theoretical system of membrane anatomy. Through embryological studies and anatomical findings on the integrity and continuity of membranes, we try to discuss the theoretical system of membrane anatomy in colorectal surgery from three aspects: membrane anatomical system, membrane anatomical elements and membrane anatomical mechanism. The establishment of a unified theoretical system of membrane anatomy will not only contribute to the standardization operative procedures, but also to the establishment of uniform surgical standards for colorectal cancer.

Population Genetics of the Black Citrus Aphid Aphis aurantii (Hemiptera, Aphididae) in China

The black citrus aphid, Aphis aurantiiBoyer de Fonscolombe, 1841, is one of the most destructive pests in commercial tea plantations and gardens in China. In this study, we investigated the population genetic structure of A. aurantii based on the concatenated sequences of two mitochondrial genes, cytochrome c oxidase I (cox1) and cytochrome b (cytb). A total of 166 haplotypes were identified from 177 individuals collected at 11 locations in China. The whole Chinese A. aurantii population showed a low nucleotide diversity (0.00968) and a high population diversity (haplotype diversity; 0.9991). The haplotypes of the 11 local populations were widely distributed in the neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree and haplotype network diagram, whereas no apparent lineages were detected. Gene flow analysis showed gene exchanges among local populations. The pairwise Fst values revealed a certain amount of genetic difference among local populations. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) reflected genetic differences both within and among populations. The isolation by distance (IBD) analysis revealed a high positive correlation between the geographic distance and genetic distance of the different populations. Neutral test and mismatch distribution suggested that A. aurantii may have experienced recent population expansion events.

Improve optical properties by modifying Ag nanoparticles on a razor clam SERS substrate

Irregular substrates are inappropriate for enhancing surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) due to their poor performances in terms of uniformity, enhancement performance, and polarization characteristics. However, in this work, we purposely employed a natural biological razor clam material with messy and irregular structures to improve the SERS. The rough surface was achieved by magnetron sputtering Ag nanoislands on the prism layer of the razor clams, and the Ag nanoparticles were treated using the method of oil-water interface self-assembly to form relatively uniform structures. Compared to the substrate without Ag nanoparticles, the presented substrate has better reproducibility, polarization-independence, and higher SERS intensity, and the detect limitation of R6G can be decreased from 10^-12 M to 10^-18 M. The ultrasensitive detection of thiram gives our structures potential for high sensitivity biosensors.

Relationship between polyamines conjugated to mitochondrion membrane and mitochondrion conformation from developing wheat embryos under drought stress

The mitochondrion conformation and the contents of conjugated polyamines were investigated using the embryos of developing wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grains of two cultivars differing in drought tolerance as experiment materials. After drought stress treatment for 7 days, the relative water content of embryo and relative increase rate of embryo dry weight of the drought-sensitive Yangmai No. 9 cv. decreased more significantly than those of the drought-tolerant Yumai No. 18 cv. Furthermore, the changes in mitochondrion conformation of Yangmai No. 9 were more marked. Meanwhile, the increases of the contents of conjugated non-covalently spermidine (CNC-Spd) and conjugated covalently putrescine (CC-Put) of Yumai No. 18 were more obvious than those of Yangmai No. 9. Treatment with exogenous Spd not only alleviated the injury of drought stress to Yangmai No. 9, but also enhanced the increase of CNC-Spd content and inhibited the change in the mitochondrion conformation of this cultivar. The treatments of Yumai No. 18 with two inhibitors, methylglyoxyl-bis (guanylhydrazone) and phenanthrolin, significantly inhibited the drought stress-induced increases of CNC-Spd and CC-Put contents of the cultivar, respectively. Meanwhile, the treatments with the two inhibitors aggravated the injury of drought stress to Yumai No. 18 and enhanced the change in the mitochondrion conformation of this cultivar. These results mentioned above suggested that the CNC-Spd and CC-Put in embryo mitochondrion membrane isolated from developing grains could enhance the wheat tolerance to drought stress by maintaining the mitochondrion conformation.

[Correlational analysis of alternation of clinical features of intrahepatic lymphocyte subsets with HBV virology and liver fibrosis in HBV-Tg composite CCl(4) mice model]

Objective: To observe the alteration of clinical features of intrahepatic lymphocyte subsets in C57BL/6N-TG (1.28HBV)/Vst hepatitis B virus (HBV) transgenic mice composite carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) with intraperitoneal injection under the background of hepatitis B to induce liver fibrosis mice model, and analyze their correlation with serum HBV DNA and liver tissue hydroxyproline (Hyp) content. Methods: HBV-Tg mice were intraperitoneally injected with 10% CCl(4) to induce the rapid formation of hepatic fibrosis. Serum HBV DNA, HBsAg, HBeAg levels and liver tissue HBsAg expressional conditions were used to evaluate the virological characteristics of mice model. The degree of hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in mice were observed by HE, Sirius Red staining and liver tissue hydroxyproline (Hyp) content. Intrahepatic T lymphocyte, B lymphocyte, CD4+T lymphocyte, CD8+T lymphocyte, natural killer (NK) cell and natural killer T (NKT) cells distribution were observed by flow cytometry. One-way analysis of variance was used for intergroup data comparison, and LSD was used for pairwise comparison. Pearson's correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between the above lymphocyte subsets and serum HBV DNA and liver tissue Hyp content. Results: Serum HBsAg, HBeAg and liver tissue HBsAg had equal positive expression in the HBV-Tg composite CCl(4) mice model group, and the serum HBV DNA load was > 1 × 10(6) IU / ml. Compared with the wild-type control group, liver tissue Hyp content of the composite model group was significantly higher [(196.39 ± 38.14) μg /g and (347.67 ± 59.53) μ g/g, P < 0.01). The degree of inflammation and fibrosis in liver tissues was aggravated, and the proportion of all intrahepatic CD4+T, NK and NKT cells was significantly reduced (P < 0.01), while the proportion of CD8+T lymphocytes (30.58% ± 2.89% vs. 46.50% ± 2.24%, P < 0.01) and B lymphocytes (28.82% ± 2.24% vs. 37.10% ± 8.59%, P < 0.05) was significantly increased. Serum HBV DNA level was positively correlated with the proportion of intrahepatic T lymphocytes (r = 0.413, P < 0.05), and negatively correlated with the proportion of NK cells (r = -0.419, P < 0.05). Liver tissue Hyp content was negatively correlated with the proportion of all CD4+T lymphocytes (r = -0.871), NK cells (r = -0.716), and NKT cells (r = -0.876) (all P < 0.01), and positively correlated with the proportion of all CD8 + T lymphocytes (r = 0.852), and B lymphocytes (r = 0.593) (all P < 0.01). Conclusion: HBV-Tg composite CCl4 mice model can induce positive HBV virological indicators, liver inflammation and fibrosis in mice model of hepatitis B coexisting with fibrosis. This model has the features of immune disorder of liver lymphocyte similar to human disease, and the immune disorder of intrahepatic lymphocytes is correlated with HBV viral load and liver fibrosis degree.

[Clinical study on the accuracy of occlusal contacts on digital model]

Objective: To explore the accuracy of occlusal contacts on digital model made by intraoral scanner. Methods: Twenty healthy subjects [6 males, 14 females, (24.4±1.4) years old] with intact dentition were randomly recruited from postgraduate students in Capital Medical University School of Stomatology who volunteered to participate in this study. For each participant, the 2nd and 3rd quadrant of natural dentition was scanned. A diagnostic test design was performed. The occlusal contacts of the maximal intercuspal position (MIP) were extracted with the transillumination of silicone interocclusal records, and the extraction threshold was set as ≤50 μm. Intraoral scanning system was used to scan in MIP and generate occlusal contacts on digital model. Five groups were designed as test groups according to included tooth position: group 1 (buccal scanning ranged from tooth 21 to 23), group 2 (buccal scanning ranged from tooth 23 to 26), group 3 (buccal scanning ranged from tooth 24 to 26), group 4 (buccal scanning ranged from tooth 25 to 26), group 5 (buccal scanning ranged from tooth 21 to 26). Five groups occlusal contacts on digital model were generated respectively. According to the relevant literature, the upper occlusal surface was divided into 28 partitions, and the accuracy of occlusal contacts on digital model was calculated with the transillumination of silicone interocclusal records as the reference standard. Subgroup analysis was performed according to anterior teeth area, premolars area and molars area. Results: The accuracy of occlusal contacts on digital models of the half dentition in five buccal scanning positions were: group 1 (86.8%), group 2 (92.0%), group 3 (90.7%), group 4 (91.1%), group 5 (90.4%), and the accuracy of occlusal contacts in group 1 was significantly lower than those in the other four groups (P<0.05). The accuracy of anterior teeth area were 85.6%-93.9%; the accuracy of premolar area were 92.5%-94.4%; the accuracy of molar area were 77.3%-93.6%, group 1 was significantly lower than those in the group 4 in molars area (P<0.05), the accuracy of anterior area was statistically less than premolars area and molars area in group 1 (P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in pairwise comparison between the three sections (P>0.05). Conclusions: The digital models scanned intraoral methods provide accurate, quantitative measures of occlusal contacts when transillumination contacts are the reference standard.

The highly rearranged mitochondrial genomes of three economically important scale insects and the mitochondrial phylogeny of Coccoidea (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha)

The mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of scale insects are less known in comparison to other insects, which hinders the phylogenetic and evolutionary studies of Coccoidea and higher taxa. Herein, the complete mitogenomes of Unaspis yanonensis, Planococcus citri and Ceroplastes rubens were sequenced for Coccoidea. The 15,220-bp long mitogenome of U. yanonensis contained the typical set of 37 genes including 13 PCGs, 22 tRNA genes and two rRNA genes; the 15,549-bp long mitogenome of P. citri lacked the tRNA gene trnV; the 15,387-bp long mitogenome of C. rubens exhibited several shortened PCGs and lacked five tRNA genes. The mitochondrial gene arrangement of the three mitogenomes was different from other scale insects and Drosophila yakuba. Most PCGs used standard ATN (ATA, ATT, ATC and ATG) start codons and complete TAN (TAA or TAG) termination codons. The ND4L had the highest evolutionary rate but COX1 and CYTB were the lowest. Most tRNA genes had cloverleaf secondary structures, whereas the reduction of dihydrouridine (DHU) arms and TψC arms were detected. Tandem repeats, stem-loop (SL) structures and poly-[TA]n stretch were found in the control regions (CRs) of the three mitogenomes. The phylogenetic analyses using Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood methods (ML) showed identical results, both supporting the inner relationship of Coccoidea as Coccidae + (Pseudococcidae + Diaspididae).

[Effect of imatinib on the height of children with chronic myeloid leukemia in the chronic phase]

目的

评估伊马替尼对慢性髓性白血病慢性期（CML-CP）儿童身高的影响。

方法

2018年7月至2019年7月，在全国范围内对诊断时年龄<18周岁、接受伊马替尼治疗至少3个月的CML儿童或其家长发放问卷，调查受访者伊马替尼治疗前后身高的变化。主要评价指标为身高标准差积分值（HtSDS）以及标准差积分的差值（ΔHtSDS），并分析其相关影响因素。

结果

共有238例受访者符合标准并被纳入研究，男性138例（58.0％），初诊时中位年龄11.0（1.4～17.9）岁，青春期前93例（39.0％），至填写答卷时，中位年龄15.0（2.0～34.0）岁，中位伊马替尼服药时间28（3～213）个月。受访者填写答卷时HtSDS（−0.063±1.361）较治疗前HtSDS（0.391±1.244）显著下降（P<0.001），71.0％的患儿出现身高增长减慢。青春期前服药者治疗后HtSDS下降显著（P<0.05），而青春期开始后服药者HtSDS变化不明显（P>0.05）。多因素分析显示，服药初始年龄较小（偏回归系数为0.122，B＝0.572，t＝10.733，P<0.001）和服药时间较长（偏回归系数为−0.006，B＝−0.211，t＝−4.062，P<0.001）是伊马替尼抑制身高增长的独立影响因素。

结论

伊马替尼引起CML-CP儿童身高增长障碍，服药初始年龄越小、服药时间越长，伊马替尼对身高的影响越明显。

Optofluidic gradient refractive index resonators using liquid diffusion for tunable unidirectional emission

Resonators have been used in a wide range of fields, such as biochemical detection and microscale lasers. In recent years, optofluidic resonators have attracted a significant amount of attention owing to their unique liquid environments. Liquids containing biochemical samples can be designed to pass through the ring resonators or to directly form droplets, for sample sensing. Liquid diffusion is an important property in optofluidic applications, such as gradient refractive index lenses and waveguides. However, liquid diffusion has not been used in the study of optofluidic resonators, for both possible sensing characteristics, and unidirectional emission that is mostly acted as light sources. Here, we introduce a gradient refractive index profile formed by liquid diffusion in annular channels into a circular resonator, forming a gradient-index resonator with a tunable unidirectional emission. For both simulations and experiments, the squeezed and non-rotationally symmetrical light intensity profile was first obtained in a circular resonator. The squeezed light profile enables unidirectional emission in circular resonators, which is difficult to achieve in conventional ones. The squeezed light profile and unidirectional emission are determined by the refractive index difference of the liquids used, the dimension of the circular channels, and the working wavelengths. In experiments, different dimensions of bending radii were demonstrated and a tunable squeezed light intensity profile and unidirectional emission were exhibited. Interestingly, the squeezed coefficient of light, which was about 1.8 for a bending radius of 100 μm, enabled emission with a divergence angle as small as 14 degrees, which could be used for laser emission applications in the future. This work reveals the significant potential of the novel liquid gradient refractive index resonator, which provides a practicable approach for optofluidic resonator emission applications and also has potential for use in optofluidic sensing based on the squeezed light profile.

[Significance of microRNA 216a, 324-5p and 29a expression in peripheral blood in patients with acute pancreatitis and their correlation with liver injury]

Objective: To investigate the significance of microRNA (miR)-216a, miR-324-5p, miR-29a expression in peripheral blood in patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) and their correlation with liver injury. Methods: It was a case-control study design. To select 130 AP patients admitted from June 2017 to May 2019 in the First People's Hospital of Shangqiu, and the patients were divided into mild AP group (MAP group) and moderately severe AP group (SAP group) according to the disease severity, or 54 patients in the liver injury group (20 were MAP and 34 were SAP) and 76 in the non-liver injury group(all were MAP) according to liver injury. And another 40 healthy volunteers were selected as the healthy group. The expressions of miR-216a, miR-324-5p and miR-29a in peripheral blood of MAP group, SAP group, healthy group and liver injury group, non-liver injury group were compared, and the correlation between the miRNA levels and clinical indexes was analyzed. The predictive value of miRNA levels in peripheral blood for AP complicated with liver injury was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: The levels of miR-216a and miR-29a in MAP group and SAP group were higher than those in healthy group, and the level of miR-324-5p was lower than that in healthy group (all P<0.01). The levels of miR-216a and miR-29a in SAP group were higher than those in MAP group, and the level of miR-324-5p was lower than that in healthy group (all P<0.01). Balthazar CT Score, acute physiology and chronic health evaluations (APACHE Ⅱ) score, C-reactive protein level, length of hospital stay were positively correlated with the levels of miR-216a and miR-29a in peripheral blood (all P<0.05), and negatively correlated with the levels of miR-324-5p (P<0.05). The levels of miR-216a and miR-29a in the peripheral blood in the liver injury group were higher than those in the non-liver injury group, and they were higher inSAP patients than those in MAP patients in the liver injury group (all P<0.05). The level of miR-324-5p in the peripheral blood in the liver injury group was lower than that in the non-liver injury group, and it was lower in SAP patients than that in MAP patientsin the liver injury group (all P<0.05). The area under ROC curve of miR-216a, miR-324-5p, and miR-29a in peripheral blood to predicate the AP complicated with liver damage was 0.694, 0.750 and 0.814, respectively. Conclusions: The levels of miR-216a and miR-29a increase in peripheral blood and the level of miR-324-5p decreases in patients with AP, and they are closely related to Balthazar CT score, APACHEⅡ score, C-reactive protein and length of hospital stay. The levels of miR-216a, miR-324-5p, miR-29a has certain predictive value for AP with liver injury, of which miR-29a has the highest predictive value.

Mitogenomic features of the citrus leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) and the related mitogenomic phylogeny

The complete mitochondrial genome of the citrus leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) was sequenced for the first time, which was 15,416 bp in length and with an A + T content of 81.9%. The common set of 37 genes (13 PCGs, 22 tRNA genes, and two rRNA genes) were all annotated. Most PCGs had standard ATN start codons and TAN stop codons. Most tRNA genes exhibited typical cloverleaf secondary structures, whereas the dihydrouridine (DHU) arm of trnSer (AGN) was reduced. The mitochondrial phylogenetic analyses consistently recovered the relationships within Gracillariidae.

The potential biological functions of circular RNAs during the initiation of atresia in pig follicles

The specific expression profile and function of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in mammalian ovarian follicles, especially during the atresia process, are unclear. In this study, genome-wide deep circRNA sequencing was applied to screen circRNAs in healthy and early atretic antral follicles in pig ovaries. A total of 40,567 distinct circRNAs were identified in follicles, among which 197 circRNAs (108 upregulated and 89 downregulated) were significantly shifted during the early atresia process. Most differentially expressed circRNAs (DECs) lacked protein-coding potential. Annotation analysis of the DECs revealed 162 known host genes, or noncoding RNAs, and 10 intergenic regions. The key pathways in which these host genes are involved include the focal adhesion-PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA)-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 signaling pathway and transforming growth factor-beta signaling pathway. Further comparison analysis between host genes of DECs and the differentially expressed linear messenger RNA transcripts revealed the cotranscription of circRNAs and their linear mRNAs in inhibin beta units (INHBA and INHBB), glutathione S-transferase (GSTA1), and VEGFA. In addition, we predicted 196 pairs of potential circRNA-micro RNA (miRNA) interactions among 77 DECs and 101 porcine miRNAs. We have identified 16 functional miRNAs by comparing the 101 miRNAs to the functional miRNAs reported in mammal ovarian follicle atresia and granulosa cell apoptosis studies. Our study adds new knowledge to circRNA distribution profiles in pig ovarian follicles, offers a valuable reference for transcriptomic profiles in the initiation of follicular atresia, highlights warranted circRNAs for further functional investigation, and provides possible biomarkers for ovarian dysfunctions.

[Efficacy and safety of ruxolitinib in the salvage treatment of chronic graft versus-host disease]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of low-dose Ruxolitinib in the treatment of patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) and refractory to the first-line and/or second-line drugs after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Methods: The clinical data was retrospectively analyzed of patients diagnosed with cGVHD in Anhui Provincial Hospital from July 9, 2018 to May 23, 2019. They were refractory to first-line and second-line drugs and were given a low-dose of Ruxolitinib (a dose of 5 mg twice daily if body weight ≥ 25 kg and 2.5 mg twice daily if body weight<25 kg). There was 2.5 mg reduction per week or every two weeks if the condition improved until withdrawal. The efficacy and safety of Ruxolitinib were retrospectively analyzed weekly or biweekly. If the condition improved, the dosage would be reduced by 2.5 mg weekly or biweekly until discontinuance. Results: A total of 47 patients were included in the study,and the median time of taking Ruxolitinib was 55 (21-154) days. The median time of taking effect was 14(7-28) days. The overall response rate was 87.2% (41/47). The complete response rate was 63.8% (30/47) and the partial response rate was 23.4%(11/47). Among them, 13 cases were mild and the overall response rate was 100%(13/13). Twenty one cases were moderate and the overall response rate was 90.5%(19/21). Thirteen cases were severe and the overall response rate was 69.2%(9/13). The highest overall response rate of all organs the was 100% in the gastrointestinal tract (7/7), and it was 95.8%(23/24) for the skin, 83.3%(5/6) for the liver and 76.9%(10/13) for the lung. The highest rate of complete organ response was 95.8% for skin. Eight patients (17%) developed cytopenia, of which 2(4.2%) were with a decrease of 3-4 degree hemoglobin. Recrudescence of cytomegalovirus occurred in 3 patients (6.4%). After withdrawal of Ruxolitinib, 6 patients (12.7%) had recurrence of cGVHD. The median time to relapse was 35.5(7-90) days. All of their conditions were improved after addition of Ruxolitinib. The median time of response was 7(5-14) days. The median follow-up was 208(33-412) days. Three patients(6.4%) died, and all of them died of severe pulmonary infection. Three patients (6.4%) had relapse of primary disease. The 6-month overall survival rate was 95.7%. Conclusion: Low-dose Ruxolitinib has good efficacy and safety in the treatment of cGVHD.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone Inhibits the Expression of p53 Up-Regulated Modulator of Apoptosis Induced by Reactive Oxygen Species Through PI3K/Akt in Mouse Granulosa Cells

In mammalian ovaries, follicular atresia occurs periodically and destroys almost all the follicles in the ovary. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) acts as the primary survival factor during follicular atresia by preventing apoptosis in granulosa cells (GCs). Many studies have demonstrated that oxidative stress-induced apoptosis is a main cause of follicular atresia. Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced GCs apoptosis is regulated by a variety of signaling pathways involving numerous genes and transcription factors. Therefore, we examined whether FSH inhibits the expression of p53 up-regulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA) induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) through phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) / protein kinase B (AKT) in mouse GCs. In vivo study: thirty-two-mice were randomly assigned to four groups and given FSH. We found that FSH can inhibit the 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP) induced apoptosis and PUMA expression in mRNA level. Moreover, In vitro experiment, we found that FSH can inhibit the H(2)O(2)-induced apoptosis and PUMA expression in mRNA level. Additionally, we also found that PI3K/AKT inhibitor LY294002 abolished the downregulation of PUMA mRNA by FSH in vitro, In conclusion, FSH inhibit the expression of PUMA induced by ROS through PI3K/AKT pathway in vivo and vitro.

In Situ Measurement of Vacuum Window Birefringence using 25Mg+ Fluorescence

Accurate control of the polarization states of laser light is important in precision measurement experiments. In experiments involving the use of a vacuum environment, the stress-induced birefringence effect of the vacuum windows will affect the polarization states of laser light inside the vacuum system, and it is very difficult to measure and optimize the polarization states of the laser light in situ. The purpose of this protocol is to demonstrate how to optimize the polarization states of the laser light based on the fluorescence of ions in the vacuum system, and how to calculate the birefringence of vacuum windows based on azimuthal angles of external wave plates with Mueller matrix. The fluorescence of ²⁵Mg⁺ ions induced by laser light that is resonant with the transition of |3²P3/2,F = 4, mF = 4 → |3²S1/2,F = 3, mF = 3 is sensitive to the polarization state of the laser light, and maximum fluorescence will be observed with pure circularly polarized light. A combination of half-wave plate (HWP) and quarter-wave plate (QWP) can achieve arbitrary phase retardation and is used for compensating the birefringence of the vacuum window. In this experiment, the polarization state of the laser light is optimized based on the fluorescence of ²⁵Mg⁺ ion with a pair of HWP and QWP outside the vacuum chamber. By adjusting the azimuthal angles of the HWP and QWP to obtain maximum ion fluorescence, one can obtain a pure circularly polarized light inside the vacuum chamber. With the information on the azimuthal angles of the external HWP and QWP, the birefringence of the vacuum window can be determined.

[Effect of KIR/HLA receptor-ligand mode on prognosis of single unrelated cord blood transplantation in patients with hematological malignancies]

目的

探讨自然杀伤细胞免疫球蛋白样受体（KIR）与人类白细胞抗原（HLA）受配体模式对血液病患者单份非血缘脐血移植（sUCBT）预后的影响。

方法

回顾性分析2012年7月至2018年6月270例接受sUCBT的血液病患者。移植前脐血及患者均进行HLA12个位点高分辨配型，选择移植物（脐血）的KIR均同时表达2DL1和2DL2/2DL3抑制性基因，根据患者KIR配体情况分为缺失组（C1/C1或C2/C2）和无缺失组（C1/C2）。

结果

270例血液病患者中男146例（54.1％），女124例（45.9％），中位年龄13（1～62）岁；缺失组174例（64.4％），无缺失组96例（35.6％）。全部患者均采用不含抗胸腺细胞球蛋白（ATG）清髓性预处理方案。缺失组、无缺失组粒细胞植入率均为98.9％（172/174、95/96），中位植入时间分别为16（10～41）d、17（11～33）d（P＝0.705）；血小板植入率分别为88.5％（154/174）、87.5％（84/96），中位植入时间分别为35（11～113）d、38.5（13～96）d（P＝0.317）；缺失组、无缺失组Ⅱ～Ⅳ级急性GVHD发生率分别为38.7％（95％CI 31.4％～45.9％）、50.0％（95％CI 39.6％～59.6％）（P＝0.075），多因素分析显示KIR配体缺失是影响Ⅱ～Ⅳ度急性GVHD发生的独立保护性因素（P＝0.036）。移植后3年累积复发率分别为17.7％（95％CI 11.7％～24.9％）、22.7％（95％CI14.4％～32.2％）（P＝0.288）。中位随访时间742（335～2 512）d，缺失组、无缺失组3年总生存率分别为72.1％（95％CI 64.1％～78.6％）、60.5％（95％CI 47.9％～69.2％）（χ²＝3.629，P＝0.079），3年无病生存率分别为64.9％（95％CI 56.2％～72.3％）、55.4％（95％CI 44.4％～65.0％）（χ²＝3.027，P＝0.082），移植后180 d 非复发死亡率分别为12.1％（95％CI 7.7％～17.4％）、16.7％（95％CI 10.0％～24.8％）（P＝0.328）。

结论

在不含ATG清髓性预处理sUCBT血液病治疗体系中，缺失抑制性KIR配体患者移植后急性GVHD发生率更低。

[Etiological analysis of hepatopathy of unknown etiology in 470 cases undergoing routine liver biopsy examination]

Objective: To understand the etiology of hepatopathy of unknown etiology in patients undergoing liver biopsy. Methods: Demographic data and pathological examination reports of patients with hepatopathy of unknown etiology who underwent liver biopsy examination at outpatient and inpatient of the Second Hospital of Nanjing between January 2017 and June 2018 were retrospectively collected. All liver histopathological sections combined with clinical and pathological features based on liver biopsy examinations were diagnosed by a reputed clinician and a pathologist. Results: A total of 470 cases with hepatopathy of unknown etiology who underwent liver biopsy were enrolled. Of these, 425 cases (90.4%) had a definite diagnosed disease after comprehensive analysis of pathological and clinical data. The diagnosis of hepatopathy of unknown etiology included 11 diseases: 90 cases with autoimmune hepatitis had autoimmune liver disease (19.1%), 38 cases had primary biliary cholangitis (8.1%), 43 cases with overlap syndrome of autoimmune hepatitis had primary biliary cholangitis (9.1%), 118 cases had drug-induced liver injury (25.1%), 75 cases had nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (16.0%), 12 cases had alcoholic liver disease (2.6 cases) %), 15 cases (3.2%) had vascular liver disease, 7 cases (1.5%) had hereditary metabolic liver disease, 5 cases (1.1%) had other systemic diseases, 16 cases (3.4%) had more than two kinds of liver diseases, and 6 cases (1.3%) had others rare liver diseases. Conclusion: Over 90% cause of the hepatopathy of unknown etiology in the long run can be determined, and the main causes are autoimmune liver disease, drug-induced liver injury, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which needs multidisciplinary cooperation to diagnose, and clinicians need to master the basic and clinical knowledge of liver diseases as well as liver pathology, hepatobiliary imaging, and genetics.

The Differential Effect of Treadmill Exercise Intensity on Hippocampal Soluble Aβ and Lipid Metabolism in APP/PS1 Mice

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized clinically by progressive impairments in learning and memory. Accumulating evidence suggests that regular exercise plays a neuroprotective role in aging-associated memory loss. Our previous study has confirmed that long-term treadmill exercise initiated either before or during the onset of β-amyloid (Aβ) pathology, was beneficial for reducing the levels of soluble Aβ and further improved cognition. In this study, in APP/PS1 mice, we assessed changes in soluble Aβ, and various blood biochemistry and molecular biological indices to assess whether exercise modulated lipid metabolism and thereby decelerated AD progression. Our results show that long-term treadmill exercise reduced the total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and increased the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Exercise also decreased the levels of soluble Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42, down-regulated retinoid X receptor expression, and up-regulated liver X receptor, Apolipoprotein E, Low density lipoprotein receptor, Low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1, and ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 expression. This indicates that long-term treadmill exercise alters the lipoprotein content, increases lipid metabolism and cholesterol transportation, reduces the soluble Aβ, and therein plays an important neuroprotective role and delays AD progression. We further show that medium exercise intensity (60%-70% of maximal oxygen uptake) was more efficacious in increasing lipid metabolism and reducing blood lipid levels and soluble Aβ levels, than low-intensity exercise (45-55% of maximal oxygen uptake). This research has broad prospects and implications, and offers a theoretical basis for the prevention of AD.

A simple method for in situ measurement of vacuum window birefringence

We present a simple method to measure the degrees of circular polarization (DoCP) of laser light inside a vacuum chamber and the birefringence of a vacuum window by detecting the fluorescence emitted by Doppler cooled ions in an ion trap. Imperfect laser polarization will cause ions to be pumped to the dark state which will decrease the fluorescence rates of the ions. With a simulation based on the rate equations of the relevant energy levels of ²⁵Mg⁺ ions, we find that the fluorescence rate is sensitive to the DoCP of the laser. Based on the simulation result, we present a new method to optimize the DoCP of the laser inside the vacuum chamber by adjusting fast axis azimuthal angles of a half-wave plate and a quarter-wave plate outside the vacuum chamber. The laser light is optimized to be circularly polarized with an uncertainty of the DoCP of 7.8 × 10^-5. With the obtained polarization information on both sides of the vacuum window and treating the vacuum window as an unknown wave plate, the phase delay and the fast axis azimuthal angle of the vacuum window can be determined in the form of Mueller matrix. The phase delay is determined to be 197.60(39)°, and the fast axis azimuthal angle is determined to be 104.00(5)°.

Relationship between Electrical Conductivity and Chemical Content of Rat Skeletal Muscle Impregnating Solution and Postmortem Interval

Abstract

Objective To study the mechanism of change of the electrical conductivity （EC） of rat skeletal muscle impregnating solution that occurs with the change of postmortem interval （PMI）. Methods Healthy Sprague-Dawley rats were killed and kept at about 25 ℃. Skeletal muscles were extracted at different PMI--immediate （0 d）, 1 d, 2 d, 3 d, 4 d, 5 d, 6 d, and 7 d, then mixed with deionized water to make impregnating solution with a mass concentration of 0.1 g/mL. The solution's EC and nine common chemicals in it, such as potassium ion, calcium ion, and chloride ion, were determined. Results EC increased gradually with the extending of PMI （P=0.024） during the 7 days after the rats' death. The content of uric acid （P=0.032）, urea nitrogen （P=0.013） and phosphorus （P=0.022） also increased during the extension. However, the content of magnesium ions decreased with extending of PMI （P=0.047）. The correlation between potassium ion, sodium ion, chlorine ion, calcium ion, creatinine and PMI were weak （P>0.05）. Conclusion The molecular basis of skeletal muscle EC change in rats after their death is the changes of uric acid, urea nitrogen, inorganic phosphorus and other chemical components. Furthermore, combine use of various indicators can improve the accuracy of the EC method to infer PMI.