Room-temperature low-threshold avalanche effect in stepwise van-der-Waals homojunction photodiodes

Avalanche or carrier-multiplication effect, based on impact ionization processes in semiconductors, has a great potential for enhancing the performance of photodetector and solar cells. However, in practical applications, it suffers from high threshold energy, reducing the advantages of carrier multiplication. Here, we report on a low-threshold avalanche effect in a stepwise WSe2 structure, in which the combination of weak electron-phonon scattering and high electric fields leads to a low-loss carrier acceleration and multiplication. Owing to this effect, the room-temperature threshold energy approaches the fundamental limit, Ethre ≈ Eg, where Eg is the bandgap of the semiconductor. Our findings offer an alternative perspective on the design and fabrication of future avalanche and hot-carrier photovoltaic devices.

[Application of super-resolution and ultrafast ultrasound to reveal the characteristics of vascular blood flow changes after rat spinal cord injury at different segments]

Objective: To investigate the changes of spinal vascular blood flow in SD rats after cervical, thoracic and lumbar spinal cord injury (SCI) using super-resolution ultrafast ultrasound technology. Methods: A total of 9 SD rats were used to construct SCI models at different segments using a 50 g aneurysm clip. Super-resolution ultrafast ultrasound technology was used to perform vascular blood flow imaging on the spinal cord of rats before and after injury at 6 hours, obtaining quantitative information such as spinal cord vascular density and blood flow velocity. Results: Ultrasound imaging showed that after SCI, the vascular density in the thoracic segment decreased (18.16%±1.04%) more than in the cervical segment (11.42%±1.39%) and lumbar segment (13.88%±1.43%, both P<0.05). The length of the spinal cord with decreased vascular density in the thoracic segment [(4.80±0.34)mm] was longer than that in the cervical segment [(2.80±0.57)mm] and lumbar segment [(3.10±0.36)mm, both P<0.05]. After injury, the decrease of blood flow in the thoracic segment [(8.87±0.85)ml/min] was higher than that in the cervical segment [(4.88±0.56)ml/min] and lumbar segment [(6.19±0.71)ml/min, both P<0.05]. HE staining and Nissl staining showed that the proportion of cavity area after thoracic SCI (11.53%±0.93%) was higher than that in the cervical segment (4.90%±1.72%) and lumbar segment (7.64%±0.84%, both P<0.05). The number of Nissl bodies in the thoracic segment (18.0±5.3) was also lower than that in the cervical segment (32.3±5.1) and lumbar segment (37.0±5.6) (both P<0.05). Conclusions: There are different changes in vascular blood flow after SCI in different segments of rats. The same injury causes the most severe damage to blood vessels in the thoracic spinal cord, followed by the lumbar spinal cord, and the cervical spinal cord has the least damage.

Efficacy and Safety of First-line Therapies for Advanced Unresectable Oesophageal Squamous Cell Cancer: a Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

AIM

To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of first-line treatments for advanced unresectable oesophageal squamous cell cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic review and network meta-analysis was carried out by retrieving and retaining relevant literature from databases. The studies were randomised controlled trials comparing first-line treatments for advanced unresectable oesophageal squamous cell cancer. A Bayesian network meta-analysis was used to assess clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Nine studies including 4499 patients receiving first-line treatments were analysed. For all populations, toripalimab plus chemotherapy tended to provide the best overall survival (hazard ratio 0.58, 95% confidence intervals 0.43-0.78) and sintilimab plus chemotherapy provided the best progression-free survival (0.56, 0.46-0.68). Nivolumab plus chemotherapy presented the best objective response rate (odds ratio 2.45, 1.78-3.42) and camrelizumab plus chemotherapy (0.47, 0.29-0.74) appeared to be the safest. Sintilimab plus chemotherapy (0.55, 0.40-0.75) and nivolumab (0.54, 0.37-0.80) plus chemotherapy had the best overall survival in programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) tumour proportion score <1% and ≥1% subgroups. Toripalimab plus chemotherapy (0.61, 0.40-0.93) and pembrolizumab (0.57, 0.43-0.75) were the best in overall survival in combined positive score <10 and ≥10 subgroups, respectively. Toripalimab plus chemotherapy showed the best overall survival in the Asian group; pembrolizumab presented better overall survival in the Asian population than the non-Asian group.

CONCLUSION

Most immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy showed superior clinical benefits and sintilimab plus chemotherapy, toripalimab plus chemotherapy and tislelizumab plus chemotherapy had better comprehensive clinical efficacy. PD-L1 expression detection and ethnicity differences are still of great significance and most suitable regimens varied from each subgroup.

Next-Generation Photodetectors beyond Van Der Waals Junctions

With the continuous advancement of nanofabrication techniques, development of novel materials, and discovery of useful manipulation mechanisms in high-performance applications, especially photodetectors, the morphology of junction devices and the way junction devices are used are fundamentally revolutionized. Simultaneously, new types of photodetectors that do not rely on any junction, providing a high signal-to-noise ratio and multidimensional modulation, have also emerged. This review outlines a unique category of material systems supporting novel junction devices for high-performance detection, namely, the van der Waals materials, and systematically discusses new trends in the development of various types of devices beyond junctions. This field is far from mature and there are numerous methods to measure and evaluate photodetectors. Therefore, it is also aimed to provide a solution from the perspective of applications in this review. Finally, based on the insight into the unique properties of the material systems and the underlying microscopic mechanisms, emerging trends in junction devices are discussed, a new morphology of photodetectors is proposed, and some potential innovative directions in the subject area are suggested.

The Incidence and Prognosis Value of Perineural Invasion in Rectal Carcinoma: From Meta-Analyses and Real-World Clinical Pathological Features

AIMS

Perineural invasion (PNI) is a special type of metastasis of several cancers and has been reported as being a factor for poor prognosis in colorectal carcinoma. However, investigations of PNI in only rectal cancer and a comprehensive analysis combining meta-analyses with real-world case studies remain lacking.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

First, articles from 2000 to 2020 concerning the relationship between PNI and rectal cancer prognoses and clinical features were meta-analysed. Subsequently, we carried out a retrospective analysis of 312 rectal cancer cases that underwent radical surgery in the real world. The incidence of PNI and the relationship between PNI and prognosis, as well as clinicopathological factors, were investigated.

RESULTS

The incidence of PNI was 23.09% and 33.01% in the meta-analysis and clinical cases, respectively. PNI occurred as early as stage I (2.94%). Moreover, neoadjuvant therapy significantly reduced the PNI-positive rate (20.34% versus 26.54%). Both meta-analysis and real-world clinical case studies suggested that PNI-positive patients had poorer prognoses than PNI-negative patients. We established an effective risk model consisting of T stage, differentiation and lymphovascular invasion to predict PNI in rectal cancer.

CONCLUSION

PNI is a poor prognostic factor for rectal cancer and could occur even in stage I. Additionally, neoadjuvant therapy could sufficiently reduce the PNI-positive rate. T stage, lymphovascular invasion and differentiation grade were independent risk factors for PNI and the risk model that included these factors could predict the probability of PNI.

Configurable circular-polarization-dependent optoelectronic silent state for ultrahigh light ellipticity discrimination

Filterless light-ellipticity-sensitive optoelectronic response generally has low discrimination, thus severely hindering the development of monolithic polarization detectors. Here, we achieve a breakthrough based on a configurable circular-polarization-dependent optoelectronic silent state created by the superposition of two photoresponses with enantiomerically opposite ellipticity dependences. The zero photocurrent and the significantly suppressed noise of the optoelectronic silent state singularly enhance the circular polarization extinction ratio (CPER) and the sensitivity to light ellipticity perturbation. The CPER of our device approaches infinity by the traditional definition. The newly established CPER taking noise into account is 3-4 orders of magnitude higher than those of ordinary integrated circular polarization detectors, and it remains high in an expanded wavelength range. The noise equivalent light ellipticity difference goes below 0.009° Hz^-1/2 at modulation frequencies above 1000 Hz by a light power of 281 μW. This scheme brings a leap in developing monolithic ultracompact circular polarization detectors.

How to characterize figures of merit of two-dimensional photodetectors

Photodetectors based on two-dimensional (2D) materials have been the focus of intensive research and development over the past decade. However, a gap has long persisted between fundamental research and mature applications. One of the main reasons behind this gap has been the lack of a practical and unified approach for the characterization of their figures of merit, which should be compatible with the traditional performance evaluation system of photodetectors. This is essential to determine the degree of compatibility of laboratory prototypes with industrial technologies. Here we propose general guidelines for the characterization of the figures of merit of 2D photodetectors and analyze common situations when the specific detectivity, responsivity, dark current, and speed can be misestimated. Our guidelines should help improve the standardization and industrial compatibility of 2D photodetectors.

Gate-Tunable van der Waals Photodiodes with an Ultrahigh Peak-to-Valley Current Ratio

Photodetectors and imagers based on 2D layered materials are currently subject to a rapidly expanding application space, with an increasing demand for cost-effective and lightweight devices. However, the underlying carrier transport across the 2D homo- or heterojunction channel driven by the external electric field, like a gate or drain bias, is still unclear. Here, a visible-near infrared photodetector based on van der Waals stacked molybdenum telluride (MoTe₂ ) and black phosphorus (BP) is reported. The type-I and type-II band alignment can be tuned by the gate and drain voltage combined showing a dynamic modulation of the conduction polarity and negative differential transconductance. The heterojunction devices show a good photoresponse to light illumination ranging from 520-2000 nm. The built-in potential at the MoTe₂ /BP interface can efficiently separate photoexcited electron-hole pairs with a high responsivity of 290 mA W^-1 , an external quantum efficiency of 70%, and a fast photoresponse of 78 µs under zero bias.

[Research progress on the epidemiology and risk factors of dry eye in children]

The prevalence of dry eye in children is increasing with changes in the environment and the widespread use of electronic products. However, due to poor ability to express themselves and hidden symptoms of children, lack of understanding of dry eye in children, children with dry eye are likely to be misdiagnosed. Dry eye can seriously affect the quality of children's learning, life, vision and visual development. Therefore, it is urgent to raise awareness of clinical workers about dry eye in children, prevent the occurrence of related complications of dry eye, and avoid permanent visual damage to children. This review discusses and summarizes the epidemiology and common risk factors of children with dry eye, with the aim of improving doctors' understanding of dry eye in children.

[Exploration of making removable partial denture by digital technology]

To explore the digital manufacturing process of distal extension removable partial denture. From November 2021 to December 2022, 12 patients (7 males and 5 females) with free-ending situation were selected from the Department of Prosthodontics, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University. Three-dimensional model of the relationship between alveolar ridge and jaw position was obtained by intraoral scanning technique. After routine design, manufacturing and try-in of metal framework for removable partial denture, the metal framework was located in the mouth and scanned again to obtain the composite model of dentition, alveolar ridge and metal framework. The free-end modified model is obtained by merging the digital model of free-end alveolar ridge with the virtual model with the metal framework. The three-dimensional model of artificial dentition, and base plate was designed on the free-end modified model, and the resin model were made by digital milling technology. The removable partial denture was made by accurately positioning the artificial dentition and base plate, bonding metal framework with injection resin, grinding and polishing the artificial dentition and resin base. Compared with the design data after clinical trial, the results showed that there was an error of 0.4-1.0 mm and an error of 0.03-0.10 mm in the connection between the resin base of artificial dentition and the connecting rod of the in-place bolt and the connection between artificial dentition and resin base. After denturen delivery, only 2 patients needed grinding adjustment in follow-up visit due to tenderness, and the rest patients did not find any discomfort. The digital fabrication process of removable partial denture used in this study can basically solve the problems of digital fabrication of free-end modified model and assembly of artificial dentition with resin base and metal framework.

Substrate engineering for wafer-scale two-dimensional material growth: strategies, mechanisms, and perspectives

The fabrication of wafer-scale two-dimensional (2D) materials is a prerequisite and important step for their industrial applications. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is the most promising approach to produce high-quality films in a scalable way. Recent breakthroughs in the epitaxy of wafer-scale single-crystalline graphene, hexagonal boron nitride, and transition-metal dichalcogenides highlight the pivotal roles of substrate engineering by lattice orientation, surface steps, and energy considerations. This review focuses on the existing strategies and underlying mechanisms, and discusses future directions in epitaxial substrate engineering to deliver wafer-scale 2D materials for integrated electronics and photonics.

The Value of Preoperative Phase-Contrast MRI in Predicting the Clinical Outcome of Moyamoya Disease after Encephalo-Duro-Arterial Synangiosis Surgery

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

In patients with Moyamoya disease, the relationship between preoperative hemodynamic status and prognosis after encephalo-duro-arterial synangiosis (EDAS) surgery was unclear. We aimed to explore the value of the preoperative hemodynamic status acquired by cine phase-contrast MR imaging in predicting collateral formation and clinical outcomes after EDAS surgery in patients with Moyamoya disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Participants with Moyamoya disease were prospectively recruited and underwent preoperative phase-contrast MR imaging. All participants were classified into good and poor groups according to the collateral formation after EDAS surgery. On the basis of the change in the mRS system, participants were classified into the improved mRS group and the poor response group. Hemodynamic status including mean velocity, peak velocity, and blood volume flow of the superficial temporal artery was compared between groups. Logistic regression was performed to relate the phase-contrast MR imaging parameters to collateral formation and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 45 patients with Moyamoya disease with unilateral EDAS surgery were finally included. Mean velocity, peak velocity, and blood volume flow of the ipsilateral superficial temporal artery were significantly greater in patients with good collateral formation compared with those with poor collateral formation (P = .011, .004, and .013, respectively). The mean velocity, peak velocity, and blood volume flow were independently associated with postoperative collateral formation after adjusting for confounding factors. Furthermore, the peak velocity of the ipsilateral superficial temporal artery was also significantly associated with improvement of the mRS score.

CONCLUSIONS

Good hemodynamic status of the ipsilateral superficial temporal artery as a donor artery evaluated by phase-contrast MR imaging was significantly associated with better collateral formation and improved mRS after EDAS surgery in patients with Moyamoya disease.

[Association between postpartum depression and concentrations of transforming growth factor-β in human colostrum: a nested cohort study]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the association between postpartum depression (PPD) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) concentrations in human colostrum.

METHODS

Participants were recruited from a maternal and infant cohort established in a tertiary general hospital in Guangdong Province between December, 2020 and September, 2021. In the afternoon of the second postpartum day, the women were evaluated with Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) for screening PPD (defined as a score of 10 or higher). The women with PPD were matched at a 1:1 ratio with women without PPD with maternal age difference within 5 years and the same mode of delivery. Colostrum samples were collected in morning on the third postpartum day for measurement of TGF-β concentrations using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the association between EPDS scores and TGF-β concentrations was analyzed in the two groups.

RESULTS

A total of 90 women were included in the final analysis. The mean concentrations of TGF-β1, TGF-β2 and TGF-β3 in the colostrum were 684.03 (321.22-859.25) pg/mL, 5116.50±1747.04 pg/mL and 147.84±48.68 pg/mL in women with PPD, respectively, as compared with 745.67 (596.00-964.22) pg/mL, 4912.40±1516.80 pg/mL, and 168.21±48.15 pg/mL in women without PPD, respectively. Compared with women without PPD, the women with PPD had significantly lower concentrations of TGF-β1 (P=0.026) and TGF-β3 (P=0.049) in the colostrum. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that the EPDS scores were negatively associated with the concentrations of TGF-β1 (r=-0.23, P=0.03) and TGF-β3 (r=-0.25, P=0.02) in the colostrum.

CONCLUSION

PPD is associated with decreased concentrations of TGF-β1 and TGF-β3 in human colostrum, suggesting the need of early PPD screening and interventions during pregnancy and the perinatal period to minimize the impact of PPD on human milk compositions.

JS08.6.A A connectivity signature for glioblastoma

Background

Tumor cell extensions called tumor microtubes (TMs) in glioma resemble neurites during neurodevelopment and connect glioma cells to a network that has considerable relevance for tumor progression and therapy resistance. The determination of interconnectivity in individual tumors has been challenging and the impact of tumor cell connectivity on patient survival remained unresolved so far.

Material and Methods

A connectivity signature was derived by single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-Seq) of highly and lowly connected cells obtained from an SR101 dye transfer xenograft model of primary glioblastoma (GB). The signature was validated in different in vitro models of cell-to-cell connectivity and could be translated to GB clinical specimens.

Results

34 of 40 connectivity genes were related to neurogenesis, neural tube development or glioma progression, including the TM-network-relevant GAP43 gene. Astrocytic-like and mesenchymal-like GB cells had the highest connectivity signature scores in scRNA-Seq data of patient-derived xenografts and patient samples. In 230 human GBs, high connectivity correlated with the mesenchymal expression subtype, TP53 wildtype, and with dismal patient survival. CHI3L1 was identified and validated as a robust molecular marker of connectivity with a functional relevance.

Conclusion

The connectivity signature gives novel insights into brain tumor biology, provides a proof-of-principle that tumor cell connectivity is relevant for patients’ prognosis, and serves as a robust biomarker that can be used for future clinical trials

Fully Depleted Self-Aligned Heterosandwiched Van Der Waals Photodetectors

Room-temperature-operating highly sensitive mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR) photodetectors are utilized in a large number of important applications, including night vision, communications, and optical radar. Many previous studies have demonstrated uncooled MWIR photodetectors using 2D narrow-bandgap semiconductors. To date, most of these works have utilized atomically thin flakes, simple van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures, or atomically thin p-n junctions as absorbers, which have difficulty in meeting the requirements for state-of-the-art MWIR photodetectors with a blackbody response. Here, a fully depleted self-aligned MoS₂ -BP-MoS₂ vdW heterostructure sandwiched between two electrodes is reported. This new type of photodetector exhibits competitive performance, including a high blackbody peak photoresponsivity up to 0.77 A W^-1 and low noise-equivalent power of 2.0 × 10^-14  W Hz^-1/2 , in the MWIR region. A peak specific detectivity of 8.61 × 10¹⁰  cm Hz^1/2  W^-1 under blackbody radiation is achieved at room temperature in the MWIR region. Importantly, the effective detection range of the device is twice that of state-of-the-art MWIR photodetectors. Furthermore, the device presents an ultrafast response of ≈4 µs both in the visible and short-wavelength infrared bands. These results provide an ideal platform for realizing broadband and highly sensitive room-temperature MWIR photodetectors.

Pristine PN junction toward atomic layer devices

In semiconductor manufacturing, PN junction is formed by introducing dopants to activate neighboring electron and hole conductance. To avoid structural distortion and failure, it generally requires the foreign dopants localize in the designated micro-areas. This, however, is challenging due to an inevitable interdiffusion process. Here we report a brand-new junction architecture, called "layer PN junction", that might break through such limit and help redefine the semiconductor device architecture. Different from all existing semiconductors, we find that a variety of van der Waals materials are doping themselves from n- to p-type conductance with an increasing/decreasing layer-number. It means the capability of constructing homogeneous PN junctions in monolayers' dimension/precision, with record high rectification-ratio (>10⁵) and low cut-off current (<1 pA). More importantly, it spawns intriguing functionalities, like gate-switchable-rectification and noise-signal decoupled avalanching. Findings disclosed here might open up a path to develop novel nanodevice applications, where the geometrical size becomes the only critical factor in tuning charge-carrier distribution and thus functionality.

POS1569-PARE TESTING A NEW APPROACH TO IDENTIFY AND ASSESS PATIENT-VALUED TREATMENT GOALS IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (RA): A PATIENT-ENGAGED HEALTHCARE VALUATION STRATEGY

Background

Common approaches to valuing health technologies often fail to capture outcomes that matter to patients and families. The treatment goals of people living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) include common trial endpoints but also include other facets of disease impact. Identifying a feasible and rigorous approach to inclusion of the patient perspective is needed as trialists increasingly seek to incorporate patient-important outcomes in trial design and as varied patient-centered value assessment frameworks emerge. No standard approach is available to systemically identify and quantify patient-important outcomes, nor to include those outcomes in deliberative decision-making. We developed the Patient-Engaged Healthcare Valuation strategy, using principles of goal attainment scaling to frame survey-based goal collection directly from adults.

Objectives

To develop and test a goal-based method for collecting RA patient input for use in clinical trials and value assessment and evaluating the feasibility of this approach in people with RA.

Methods

Patient goals and domains were identified from (1) a literature review (2010-2020) of patient outcomes, goals, and preferences in RA, and (2) discussions with patients and clinicians during two meetings with a steering committee (SC) consisting of clinicians, outcomes researchers, patients/advocates, and health economists. These goals informed the development of a draft survey. Adults with RA were recruited from online patient networks to rate goal importance and suggest additional goals. SC members reviewed the survey findings and assessed feasibility of scaling up goal collection for HTA.

Results

Of 135 articles identified, 17 were retained. An inductive and iterative approach was used to identify and thematically group the final set of 36 goals into 4 domains. The draft survey was cognitively debriefed with 4 adults with RA. The first survey was administered to 20 participants; results informed item revisions and additions for the second round of data collection (n=27).

The 47 respondents were mostly White (87%), college-educated (72%) women (93%) living with RA for an average of 15 years; 75% rated their RA as moderate to severe. Free-text goals added in round 1 include: 1) finding specialists who listen to patient input on symptoms; 2) addressing loneliness or isolation; and 3) finding support from or helping others with RA. All Symptom and Life Impact goals were rated as Important or Very Important by ≥85% of participants; endorsement for Management and Treatment goals was somewhat more variable, with ≥85% endorsing these as Somewhat to Very Important. Results suggested that domains match key goals. Steering committee ratings supported the feasibility of this method.

Conclusion

Goals relevant for RA treatment evaluation can be efficiently identified and rated for importance by patients. Patient-important goals can be incorporated into deliberative healthcare valuation using this method to permit “crowd-sourced” input from people living with RA and to capture heterogeneous patient perspectives in healthcare valuation.

Table 1.

Top Goals based on rating as “Very Important” by >70% of subjects, from set of 36. “My goals for living with RA are to…”

GoalsNot ImportantSomewhat ImportantImportantVery ImportantSymptom Managementimprove the quality of my life with RA0% (0)0% (0)23% (11)77% (36)manage my RA pain0% (0)2% (1)11% (5)87% (41)reduce how my RA pain interferes with my life0% (0)9% (4)17% (8)74% (35)Life Impactreduce the ways in which RA interferes with my life0% (0)2% (1)21% (10)77% (36)be independent in my daily functioning0% (0)4% (1)15% (4)81% (22)Managing my RAfeel like I can manage my RA0% (0)2% (1)26% (12)72% (34)Treatment Featuresunderstand my RA treatment options0% (0)4% (2)21% (10)74% (35)have the information I need to make treatment decisions0% (0)0% (0)19% (9)81% (38)know what to expect with my RA treatment0% (0)2% (1)23% (11)74% (35)find treatments that are effective0% (0)0% (0)6% (3)94% (44)

Acknowledgements

I have no acknowledgements to declare.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared

SRH suppressed P-G-I design for very long-wavelength infrared HgCdTe photodiodes

The very long wavelength infrared (VLWIR, >14 µm) spectral band is an indispensable part of new-generation infrared remote sensing. Mercury cadmium telluride (HgCdTe or MCT) has shown excellent potential across the entire infrared band. However, the dark current, which is extremely sensitive to the technological level and small Cd composition, severely limits the performance of VLWIR HgCdTe photodiodes. In this study, cut-off wavelengths of up to 15 µm for HgCdTe devices with novel P-G-I (including wide bandgap p-type cap layer, grading layer and intrinsic absorption layer) designs have been reported. Compared with a device with a double-layer heterojunction (DLHJ) structure, the designed P-G-I structure successfully reduced dark current by suppressing the Shockley-Read-Hall process. Considering the balance of quantum efficiency and dark current, with the introduction of an approximately 0.8 µm thickness Cd composition grading layer, the device can achieve a high detectivity of up to 2.5×10¹¹ cm Hz^1/2 W^-1. Experiments show that the P-G-I-T device has a lower dark current and a better SRH process suppressing ability than DLHJ devices, the measured detectivity achieved 8.7×10¹⁰ cm Hz^1/2 W^-1. According to additional research, the trap-assisted tunneling current is the primary component of the dark current. Controlling the trap concentration to as low as 1×10¹³ cm^-3 will be continuous and meaningful work. The proposed study provides guidance for VLWIR HgCdTe photodetectors.

[Differential expression profile of miRNAs in amniotic fluid exosomes from fetuses with Down syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of miRNAs in amniotic fluid exosomes in growth and development of fetuses with Down syndrome (DS).

METHODS

Amniotic fluid were collected from 20 fetuses with DS and 20 normal fetuses (control) to extract amniotic exosome miRNA. MicroRNA sequencing technique was used to identify the differentially expressed miRNAs between the two groups, for which gene ontology (GO) and pathway analysis was performed. Three differentially expressed miRNAs with the strongest correlation with DS phenotype were selected for qPCR verification. Dual luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the activity of let-7d-5p for targeted regulation of BACH1.

RESULTS

We identified 15 differentially expressed miRNAs in DS as compared with the control group, among which 7 miRNAs were up-regulated and 8 were down-regulated. Target gene prediction results showed that the differentially expressed miRNAs targeted 17 DS-related genes. GO analysis revealed that the main functions of the target genes involved protein binding, protein transport, ATP binding, transferase activity and synapses. Pathway analysis revealed that the functional pathways were closely related with the development of the nervous system. qPCR results showed that the expression levels of miR-140-3p and let-7d-5p were significantly lower in DS group than in the control group (P < 0.05), as was consistent with miRNA sequencing results; the expression level of miR-4512 was significantly higher in DS group than in control group (P < 0.05), which was contrary to miRNA sequencing results. The results of double luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed that let-7d-5p was capable of targeted regulation of BACH1 expression.

CONCLUSION

Let-7d-5p in amniotic fluid exosomes may promote oxidative stress events in the brain of fetuses with DS by regulating BACH1 expression.

Emerging Single-Photon Detectors Based on Low-Dimensional Materials

Single-photon detectors (SPDs) that can sense individual photons are the most sensitive instruments for photodetection. Established SPDs such as conventional silicon or III-V compound semiconductor avalanche diodes and photomultiplier tubes have been used in a wide range of time-correlated photon-counting applications, including quantum information technologies, in vivo biomedical imaging, time-of-flight 3D scanners, and deep-space optical communications. However, further development of these fields requires more sophisticated detectors with high detection efficiency, fast response, and photon-number-resolving ability, etc. Thereby, significant efforts have been made to improve the performance of conventional SPDs and to develop new photon-counting technologies. In this review, the working mechanisms and key performance metrics of conventional SPDs are first summarized. Then emerging photon-counting detectors (in the visible to infrared range) based on 0D quantum dots, 1D quantum nanowires, and 2D layered materials are discussed. These low-dimensional materials exhibit many exotic properties due to the quantum confinement effect. And photodetectors built from these nD-materials (n = 0, 1, 2) can potentially be used for ultra-weak light detection. By reviewing the status and discussing the challenges faced by SPDs, this review aims to provide future perspectives on the research directions of emerging photon-counting technologies.

Polarization conversion in the caviton driven by linearly polarized lasers

In one-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations of a plasma irradiated by linearly polarized lasers from both sides of boundaries, it is found that there is an appreciable growth of the electromagnetic field in cavitons in the transverse direction perpendicular to the direction of polarization, which indicates the polarization conversion of the electromagnetic field in cavitons. This paper demonstrates the mechanism of this phenomenon based on parametric resonance induced by ponderomotive force with twice the frequency of the electromagnetic radiation in the caviton. We develop a theoretical model and verify it with simulation results. This phenomenon contributes to the heating and acceleration of particles and traps more EM energy in cavitons.

Fast Uncooled Mid-Wavelength Infrared Photodetectors with Heterostructures of van der Waals on Epitaxial HgCdTe

Uncooled infrared photodetectors have evoked widespread interest in basic research and military manufacturing because of their low-cost, compact detection systems. However, existing uncooled infrared photodetectors utilize the photothermoelectric effect of infrared radiation operating at 8-12 µm, with a slow response time in the millisecond range. Hence, the exploration of new uncooled mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR) heterostructures is conducive to the development of ultrafast and high-performance nano-optoelectronics. This study explores a van der Waals heterojunction on epitaxial HgCdTe (vdWs-on-MCT) as an uncooled MWIR photodetector, which achieves fast response as well as high detectivity for spectral blackbody detection. Specifically, the vdWs-on-MCT photodetector has a fast response time of 13 ns (77 MHz), which is approximately an order of magnitude faster than commercial uncooled MCT photovoltaic photodetectors. Importantly, the device exhibits a photoresponsivity of 2.5 A W^-1 , quantum efficiency as high as 85%, peak detectivity of 2 × 10¹⁰  cm Hz^1/2 W^-1 under blackbody radiation at room temperature, and peak detectivity of up to 10¹¹  cm Hz^1/2 W^-1 at 77 K. Thereby, this work facilitates the effective design of high-speed and high-performance heterojunction uncooled MWIR photodetectors.

All-in-one two-dimensional retinomorphic hardware device for motion detection and recognition

With the advent of the Internet of Things era, the detection and recognition of moving objects is becoming increasingly important¹. The current motion detection and recognition (MDR) technology based on the complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors (CIS) platform contains redundant sensing, transmission conversion, processing and memory modules, rendering the existing systems bulky and inefficient in comparison to the human retina. Until now, non-memory capable vision sensors have only been used for static targets, rather than MDR. Here, we present a retina-inspired two-dimensional (2D) heterostructure based retinomorphic hardware device with all-in-one perception, memory and computing capabilities for the detection and recognition of moving trolleys. The proposed 2D retinomorphic device senses an optical stimulus to generate progressively tuneable positive/negative photoresponses and memorizes it, combined with interframe differencing computations, to achieve 100% separation detection of moving trichromatic trolleys without ghosting. The detected motion images are fed into a conductance mapped neural network to achieve fast trolley recognition in as few as four training epochs at 10% noise level, outperforming previous results from similar customized datasets. The prototype demonstration of a 2D retinomorphic device with integrated perceptual memory and computation provides the possibility of building compact, efficient MDR hardware.

Association between coronary artery vitamin D receptor expression and select systemic risks factors for coronary artery atherosclerosis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to analyze the association between coronary artery vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression and systemic coronary artery atherosclerosis (CAA) risk factors.

METHODS

Female cynomolgus monkeys (n = 39) consumed atherogenic diets containing the women's equivalent of 1000 IU/day of vitamin D₃. After 32 months consuming the diets, each monkey underwent surgical menopause. After 32 postmenopausal months, CAA and VDR expression were quantified in the left anterior descending coronary artery. Plasma 25OHD_3, lipid profiles and serum monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) were measured.

RESULTS

In postmenopausal monkeys receiving atherogenic diets, serum MCP-1 was significantly elevated compared with baseline (482.2 ± 174.2 pg/ml vs. 349.1 ± 163.2 pg/ml, respectively; p < 0.001; d = 0.79) and at the start of menopause (363.4 ± 117.2 pg/ml; p < 0.001; d = 0.80). Coronary VDR expression was inversely correlated with serum MCP-1 (p = 0.042). Additionally, the change of postmenopausal MCP-1 (from baseline to necropsy) was significantly reduced in the group with higher, compared to below the median, VDR expression (p = 0.038). The combination of plasma 25OHD₃ and total plasma cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was subsequently broken into low-risk, moderate-risk and high-risk groups; as the risk increased, the VDR quantity decreased (p = 0.04). CAA was not associated with various atherogenic diets.

CONCLUSION

Coronary artery VDR expression was inversely correlated with markers of CAA risk and inflammation, including MCP-1, suggesting that systemic and perhaps local inflammation in the artery may be associated with reduced arterial VDR expression.

Slowing Hot-Electron Relaxation in Mix-Phase Nanowires for Hot-Carrier Photovoltaics

Hot carrier harvest could save 30% energy loss in solar cells. So far, however, it is still unreachable as the photoexcited hot carriers are short-lived, ∼1 ps, determined by a rapid relaxation process, thus invalidating any reprocessing efforts. Here, we propose and demonstrate a feasible route to reserve hot electrons for efficient collection. It is accomplished by an intentional mix of cubic zinc-blend and hexagonal wurtzite phases in III-V semiconductor nanowires. Additional energy levels are then generated above the conduction band minimum, capturing and storing hot electrons before they cool down to the band edges. We also show the superiority of core/shell nanowire (radial heterostructure) in extracting hot electrons. The strategy disclosed here may offer a unique opportunity to modulate hot carriers for efficient solar energy harvest.

Skin effect photon-trapping enhancement in infrared photodiodes

With the development of infrared optoelectronic technology, high responsivity, ultra-low dark current, and high response speed have become important factors of the next generation of infrared photodiodes. However, the minimum thickness of the absorber layer is limited to approximately one or several wavelength lengths to acquire high quantum efficiency, which results in a long transit time of photogenerated carriers. In this work, we propose a photon-trapping structure that uses the skin effect of metals to generate horizontal local modes to enhance the absorption of infrared photodiodes. The photon-trapping structure consists of an artificial grating structure covered by a metallic film. Importantly, we develop a simplified theoretical model to describe the local mode, which is then being used to design the realistic photon-trapping structure presented in this work. This design method is universal and we discuss the optical properties of the photon-trapping structure in InAs, InSb, InAs/GaSb type-II superlattices, InAs/InAsSb type-II superlattices, and HgCdTe infrared photodiodes. Both absorption of optical properties and responsivity of optoelectrical properties are numerically investigated in a systematic way. The optical simulations indicate that the absorption of the HgCdTe infrared photodiodes exceeds 80% at 8.5 ∼ 11 µm with a maximum value of 95% at 9.73 µm. The optoelectrical simulations show that the responsivity at 7 ∼ 10 µm is significantly enhanced compared to that of the plain HgCdTe infrared photodiodes without the photon-trapping structure. We further investigate the optical crosstalk in the HgCdTe pixel array employing the photon-trapping structure. The optical crosstalk significantly reduces as the pixel spacing increases. Our work provides a design method for developing small pixel, large scale, and low dark current focal plane array infrared photodiodes.

[Aryl hydrocarbon receptor modulates airway inflammation in mice with cockroach allergen-induced asthma by regulating Th17/Treg differentiation]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) modulates cockroach allergen (CRE)-induced asthma by regulating Th17/Treg differentiation.

OBJECTIVE

Mouse models of CRE-induced asthma established by sensitizing and challenging the mice with CRE were randomized into asthma model group, AhR agonist group treated with TCDD (10 μg/ kg), and AhR antagonist group treated with TCDD and CH223191 (10 mg/kg) (n=5), with 5 mice without CRE challenge as the control group. The expressions of AhR, Cyp1a1 and Cyp1b1 mRNA in the lung tissues of the mice were detected using RT-PCR, and pulmonary inflammation was evaluated with immumohistochemical staining. The expressions of inflammatory cytokines in the lungs were detected using ELISA, and the expression of Treg in the lung tissues and pulmonary lymph nodes was analyzed with flow cytometry.

OBJECTIVE

Both TCDD and CH223191 were capable of modulating pulmonary expressions of AhR and its downstream genes Cyp1a1 and Cyp1b1 in asthmatic mice (P < 0.002). TCDD treatment significantly decreased inflammatory cells and mucus production in the lungs of asthmatic mice, and BALFs from TCDD-treated mice with CRE challenge contained lowered levels of the proinflammatory factors including IL-4, IL-13 and IL-17A (P < 0.001) but increased anti-inflammatory factors including IL-10, IL-22 and TGF-β1 (P < 0.001). All these changes were significantly reversed by treatment with CH223191 to the levels comparable with those in the asthma model group (P>0.05). More importantly, TCDD treatment significantly increased the number of Tregs cells and FOXP3 expression and lowered RORγt mRNA expression in the lungs and pulmonary lymph nodes in asthmatic mice (P < 0.001); inhibition of AhR with CH223191, as compared with TCDD, significantly decreased the expression of CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺Treg cells in the lungs and pulmonary lymph nodes and the expression of FOXP3 mRNA in lymphocytes and increased RORγt mRNA expression (P < 0.001) to the levels comparable with those in asthma model group (P>0.05).

OBJECTIVE

AhR activation modulates airway inflammation in mice with CRE-induced asthma by modulating the differentiation of Th17/Treg.

Spatial description theory of narrow-band single-carrier avalanche photodetectors

The avalanche is the foundation of the understanding and vast applications of the breakdown of semiconductors and insulators. Present numerical theories analyzing the avalanche photodetectors are mainly split into two categories: the macroscopic empirical model with fitting parameters and the microscopic process simulation with statistical estimations. Here, we present a parameter-free analytic theory of the avalanche for a narrow-band material, HgCdTe, originated from quantum mechanics, avoiding any fitting parameter or any statistical estimation while taking advantage of both categories. Distinct from classical theory, we propose a full spatial description of an avalanche with basic concepts such as transition rate and equation of motion modified. As a stochastic process, the probability density function (PDF) of impact ionization is utilized in a generalized history-dependent theory. On account of different carrier generation character of light and leakage current, we suggest that carrier generated at different positions should be considered separately, which is done by generalized history-dependent theory in our work. Further, in our calculation, the reason for the abnormal rise of excess noise factor (ENF) observed in the experiment in single-carrier avalanche photodetectors is clarified.

Blackbody-sensitive room-temperature infrared photodetectors based on low-dimensional tellurium grown by chemical vapor deposition

Blackbody-sensitive room-temperature infrared detection is a notable development direction for future low-dimensional infrared photodetectors. However, because of the limitations of responsivity and spectral response range for low-dimensional narrow bandgap semiconductors, few low-dimensional infrared photodetectors exhibit blackbody sensitivity. Here, highly crystalline tellurium (Te) nanowires and two-dimensional nanosheets were synthesized by using chemical vapor deposition. The low-dimensional Te shows high hole mobility and broadband detection. The blackbody-sensitive infrared detection of Te devices was demonstrated. A high responsivity of 6650 A W-1 (at 1550-nm laser) and the blackbody responsivity of 5.19 A W-1 were achieved. High-resolution imaging based on Te photodetectors was successfully obtained. All the results suggest that the chemical vapor deposition-grown low-dimensional Te is one of the competitive candidates for sensitive focal-plane-array infrared photodetectors at room temperature.

Simultaneous control of intensity, phase, and polarization in real time under a weak oscillation theory

Manipulating polarization, phase, and amplitude simultaneously in real time is an ultimate pursuit of controlling light. Several types of controllable metasurfaces have been realized, but with either low transmission efficiencies or limited control over amplitude, polarization, and phase in real time. Here we present a weak oscillation theory dealing with a new, to the best of our knowledge, type of optical system consisting of many layers of artificial oscillators, with each layer weakly interacting with the external field. As an application of our theory, we demonstrate and simulate a graphene-based metasurface structure to show that the oscillator system could change the focal length by changing the bias voltages. The polarization state to focus can also be selected by the bias voltage. The weak oscillation theory provides a flexible method to control the intensity, phase, and polarization.

Active control of electron cyclotron emission radiometer channel frequencies for improved electron temperature measurements

As advanced scenarios are developed for tokamak operations, the demand for flexibility of the electron cyclotron emission (ECE) channels' locations has increased. The tunable feature of yttrium iron garnet (YIG) filters provides this spatial flexibility. Here, we present a method of performing ECE measurements on fixed flux surfaces instead of fixed frequencies. This is achieved by adjusting YIG filters utilized in the intermediate frequency section to frequencies associated with flux surfaces in regions of interest during the discharge. The key components are the application of tunable YIG filters and a control program that calculates the filter settings using flux information from real-time reconstruction equilibria (EFIT). This fast procedure facilitates T_e measurements in regions of interest to investigate plasma dynamic behaviors.

Extrinsic Photoconduction Induced Short-Wavelength Infrared Photodetectors Based on Ge-Based Chalcogenides

2D layered photodetectors have been widely researched for intriguing optoelectronic properties but their application fields are limited by the bandgap. Extending the detection waveband can significantly enrich functionalities and applications of photodetectors. For example, after breaking through bandgap limitation, extrinsic Si photodetectors are used for short-wavelength infrared or even long-wavelength infrared detection. Utilizing extrinsic photoconduction to extend the detection waveband of 2D layered photodetectors is attractive and desirable. However, extrinsic photoconduction has yet not been observed in 2D layered materials. Here, extrinsic photoconduction-induced short-wavelength infrared photodetectors based on Ge-based chalcogenides are reported for the first time and the effectiveness of intrinsic point defects are demonstrated. The detection waveband of room-temperature extrinsic GeSe photodetectors with the assistance of Ge vacancies is broadened to 1.6 µm. Extrinsic GeSe photodetectors have an excellent external quantum efficiency (0.5%) at the communication band of 1.31 µm and polarization-resolved capability to subwaveband radiation. Moreover, room-temperature extrinsic GeS photodetectors with a detection waveband to the communication band of 1.55 µm further verify the versatility of intrinsic point defects. This approach provides design strategies to enrich the functionalities of 2D layered photodetectors.

Preoperative anthropomorphic radiographic measurements can predict postoperative pancreatic fistula formation following pancreatoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pancreatic fistulae (POPF) are a major contributing factor to pancreatoduodenectomy-associated morbidity. Established risk calculators mostly rely on subjective or intraoperative assessments. We hypothesized that various objective preoperatively determined computed tomography (CT) measurements could predict POPF as well as validated models and allow for more informed operative consent in high-risk patients.

METHODS

Patients undergoing elective pancreatoduodenectomies between January 2013 and April 2018 were identified in a prospective database. Comparative statistical analyses and multivariable logistic regression models were generated to predict POPF development. Model performance was tested with receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves. Pancreatic neck attenuation (Hounsfield units) was measured in triplicate by pancreatic protocol CT (venous phase, coronal plane) anterior to the portal vein. A pancreatic density index (PDI) was created to adjust for differences in contrast timing by dividing the mean of these measurements by the portal vein attenuation. Total areas of subcutaneous fat and skeletal muscle were calculated at the L3 vertebral level on axial CT. Pancreatic duct (PD) diameter was determined by CT.

RESULTS

In the study period 220 patients had elective pancreatoduodenectomies with 35 (16%) developing a POPF of any grade. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that demographics (age, sex, and race) were not associated with POPF, yet patients resected for pancreatic adenocarcinoma or chronic pancreatitis were less likely to develop a POPF (10 vs. 24%; p = 0.004). ROC curves were created using various combinations of gland texture, body mass index, skeletal muscle index, sarcopenia, PDI, PD diameter, and subcutaneous fat area indexed for height (SFI). A model replacing gland texture with SFI and PDI (AUC 0.844) had similar predictive performance as the established model (p = 0.169).

CONCLUSION

A combination of preoperative objective CT measurements can adequately predict POPF and is comparable to established models relying on subjective intraoperative variables. Validation in a larger dataset would allow for better preoperative stratification of high-risk patients and improve informed consent among this patient population.

[Surgical strategy of intraspinal tumors using minimal invasive channels]

Objective: To compare and analyze the effect of minimally invasive surgery and traditional open surgery in patients with spinal canal tumors, including intraspinal and extraspinal communication tumors. Methods: From 2017 to 2019, 31 patients (minimally invasive channel group) were included in the neurosurgery department of Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, and 38 patients (open operation group) were selected as the control group. From the aspects of intraoperative condition, operative effect, postoperative muscle injury, postoperative complications, postoperative spinal stability, the minimally invasive access group and the open operation group were compared and analyzed. Results: The bleeding volume (70.2 ml±4.9 ml), operation time (164.7 min±16.0 min) and hospitalization days (9.5±2.5) in the minimally invasive access group were significantly lower than those in the open operation group (P<0.001). The creatine kinase CK (363.9 U/L±51.6 U/L) in the minimally invasive group was significantly lower than that in the open group (514.2 U/L±68.3 U/L) (P<0.001). According to Panjabi standard, the effect of spinal cord stability in minimally invasive group was significantly lower than that in open operation group (P<0.001), and the symptom improvement rate in minimally invasive group was significantly higher than that in open hand group (P<0.05). Conclusions: Compared with the open surgery, the amount of bleeding, the length of incision, the time of operation and the days of hospitalization were significantly shorter, the degree of muscle damage was also significantly reduced, the incidence of complications was lower, the impact of spinal stability was smaller, and the overall advantage was obvious.

Calcium-sensing receptor bridges calcium and telomerase reverse transcriptase in gastric cancers via Akt

PURPOSE

Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) and calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) act as an oncogene in gastric cancers, however, their relationship in the progression of gastric cancers is yet to be elucidated. Herein, we aimed to access the potential interaction between hTERT and CaSR in the development of gastric cancers.

METHODS

The clinical data of 41 patients with gastric cancers were analyzed regarding the expressions of hTERT and CaSR by immunohistochemistry. Among them, five patients' specimens were also analyzed by Western blotting. The regulation of calcium on the expression level of hTERT and the possible underlying mechanism via CaSR were explored in gastric cancer cell lines MKN45 and SGC-7901.

RESULTS

Both hTERT and CaSR were increased and positively correlated in human gastric cancers, which also occurs in gastric cancer cells MKN45 and SGC-7901. Calcium induced hTERT expression at the transcriptional level in a CaSR-dependent manner followed by an increase in telomerase activity, as either a CaSR shRNA or the CaSR antagonist NPS2143 abolished the calcium-mediated regulation of hTERT and telomerase activity. Further studies showed that CaSR-mediated cytosolic calcium rise followed by Akt activation was involved in the regulation of hTERT by extracellular calcium. Finally, neither CaSR overexpression nor shRNA-mediated CaSR downregulation had an effect on the expression level of hTERT.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings established a functional linkage between CaSR and hTERT in the development of gastric cancers and CaSR-hTERT coupling might serve as a novel target for therapeutic strategy against human gastric cancers.

OS6.4 The hypoxia-induced glioma derived exosome miRNA-199a-3p promotes glioma cells proliferation and increased ischemic injury of the para-tumor neurons by inhibiting mTOR pathway— A pivotal ischemic mechanism in the proliferation and growth of glioma

BACKGROUND

Growth of glioma cells can be promoted by hypoxia, but its underlying molecular mechanisms are not clear. Exosomes and miRNAs were reported to play crucial roles in tumor progression. Effects of exosomes and exosomal miRNAs, induced by hypoxia, on glioma cells were still unclear.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Glioma samples were analyzed by HE and HIF-1α staining. Image data of these patients were also retrospectively analyzed. HT22 and C6 cell lines were co-cultured in both direct and indirect system. Hypoxia (1% oxygen) and oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) were applied to evaluate hypoxia effects on the growth and proliferation of cell lines, and such effects were assessed by C6/HT22 ratio, MTT and LDH assay. Hypoxia-induced glioma derived exosomes (HIGDE) and non-HIGDE (NHIGDE) were isolated and were administrated to normal culture medium to evaluate their effects on cell growing. The target miRNA was selected by performing miRNA microarray analysis. MicroRNA mimics and shRNA were constructed to overexpress or inhibit the microRNA expression. MTOR signal pathway was activated by utilizing phosphatidic acid. The RNAs expression were detected by RT-qPCR and the proteins expression was evaluated by western blotting.

RESULTS

Para-tumor hypoxia area shared a same region with cytotoxic edema around the glioma lesion and can be easily detected by PET/CT. The density of positive HIF-1αstaining was higher in tumor area than that in para-tumor and normal parenchyma area. In hypoxia direct co-culture system, the cell number ratio of C6/HT22 was significantly higher than that without hypoxia pretreatment; while in hypoxia mono-culture and indirect co-culture systems, the proliferation ability of HT22 was statistical lower than C6. After applying OGD, neuron cells cultured with HIGDE showed a statistical higher LDH release level than with NHIGDE or normal culture medium. The miRNA microarray analysis revealed that miRNA-199a-3p was the highest expressed in HIGDE than in NHIGDE (p < 0.05; Fold Change > 2). Transfected with mimics or shRNA, it was indicated that upregulation of miR-199a-3p aggravated HIGDE-induced OGD injury in HT22 cells. Moreover, we interfered mTOR signal pathway and the expression of HIF-1αin C6 cells. We found that miRNA-199a-3p aggravated HIGDE-neuron cell injury via suppressing mTOR signal pathway, and hypoxia related upregulation of miRNA-199a-3p in HIGDE was induced by the activation of HIF-1α in C6 cells.

CONCLUSION

The Hypoxia-Induced Glioma Derived Exosome miRNA-199a-3p can be upregulated by the activation of HIF-1α, and is able to promote glioma cells proliferation and increase ischemic injury of the para-tumor neurons via inhibiting mTOR pathway.

[Epidemiological survey of mental disorders in the rural left behind elderly aged 60 years and older in Gansu]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence, demographic characteristics and social life function of mental disorders in the rural left behind elderly aged 60 years and older in Gansu. Methods: Between November 2017 and June 2018, a multi-stage stratified cluster sampling method was used to randomly select the rural left behind elderly aged 60 years and older in Gansu, and totally 6 000 elderly were enrolled. By using the extended general health questionnaire (GHQ-12) and the American Handbook for Diagnosis and Statistics of Mental Disorders (DSM-Ⅳ) Axis Ⅰ Disorders Formal Clinical Examination Patient Edition, all the included subjects were screened and diagnosed. Functional status was assessed by the Global Assessment Function scale (GAF). Statistical analysis of the prevalence of various mental illnesses, as well as the differences in the prevalence of different gender, marital status and age groups was performed. Results: Totally, 6 000 subjects completed the survey. The adjusted current prevalence of any mental disorder was 20.11% (95%CI 17.70%-22.85%). The six most prevalent specific disorders were major depressive disorder (9.20%), pain disorder (2.71%), mood disorder due to the body condition (2.08%), generalized anxiety disorder (1.99%), anxiety disorder not otherwise specified (1.15%) and dysthymic disorder (0.84%). The lifetime prevalence of mental disorders was 20.54% (95%CI 18.40%-23.39%). The overall current prevalence of mental disorders was higher in women (242.89‰) than in men (119.55‰), and the unmarried (248.37‰) was higher than those married (187.53‰). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of mental disorders among different age groups (P>0.05). The GAF score of mental disorders was 56±11, and 71.82% was moderate to severe functional impairment. Conclusions: The prevalence of mental disorders is high in rural left-behind population aged 60 years and over in Gansu Province. Major depression is a condition that deserves special attention.

Predictive values of FAP and HGF for tumor angiogenesis and metastasis in colorectal cancer

This study aims to explore the correlation of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and fibroblast activation protein (FAP) expressions with the angiogenesis and metastasis in colorectal cancer (CRC). The immunohistochemical SABC method was used to detect HGF and FAP expressions in 127 CRC tissues, 51 colorectal polyp tissues and 28 normal tissues. HGF and FAP expressions in liver metastasis were detected using western blot to analyze the correlation of their expressions with lymph node metastasis and liver metastasis. Micro-vessel density (MVD) and clinic-pathologic information of CRC patients were recorded and analyzed. In CRC group, HGF and FAP expressions were greatly higher than those in normal group and colorectal polyps group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the positive rates of HGF and FAP expressions in lymph node metastasis were evidently higher than those in non-lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). In liver metastasis group, HGF and FAP expressions were obviously higher than non-liver metastasis group (P < 0.05). CRC group had much more MVD in comparison with normal group and colorectal polyps group (P < 0.05).When compared with negative group, MVD was significantly higher than that in CRC tissue with positive HGF and FAP (P < 0.05). Spearman rank correlation analysis showed that HGF and FAP were in positive correlation with MVD (r = 0.542, P < 0.001; r = 0.753, P < 0.001). These results indicate that FAP and HGF play an important role in CRC angiogenesis, and their expression levels are valuable to predict CRC liver metastasis and lymph node metastasis.