[Short-term efficacy and safety of cardiac contractility modulation in patients with heart failure]

Objective: To investigate the short-term efficacy and safety of cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) in patients with heart failure. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of patients with heart failure who underwent CCM placement at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from February to June 2022. With a follow-up of 3 months, CCM sensation, impedance, percent output, and work time were monitored, and patients were compared with pre-and 3-month postoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) values, and 6-minute walk test distance and New York Heart Association (NYHA) cardiac function classification, and the occurrence of complications was recorded. Results: CCM was successfully implanted in all 9 patients. Seven(7/9) of them were male, aged (56±14) years, 3 patients had ischaemic cardiomyopathy and 6 patients had dilated cardiomyopathy. At 3-month postoperative follow-up, threshold was stable, sense was significantly lower at follow-up than before (right ventricle: (16.3±7.0) mV vs. (8.2±1.1) mV, P<0.05; local sense: (15.7±4.9) mV vs. (6.7±2.5) mV, P<0.05), and impedance was significantly lower at follow-up than before (right ventricle (846±179) Ω vs. (470±65) Ω, P<0.05, local sense: (832±246) Ω vs. (464±63) Ω, P<0.05). The CCM output percentage was (86.9±10.7) %, the output amplitude was (6.7±0.4) V, and the daily operating time was (8.6±1.0) h. LVEF was elevated compared to preoperative ((29.4±5.2) % vs. (38.3±4.3) %, P<0.05), the 6-minute walk test was significantly longer than before ((96.8±66.7)m vs. (289.3±121.7)m, P<0.05). No significant increase in the number of NYHA Class Ⅲ-Ⅳ patients was seen (7/9 vs. 2/9, P>0.05). The patient was not re-hospitalised for worsening heart failure symptoms, had no malignant arrhythmic events and experienced significant relief of symptoms such as chest tightness and shortness of breath. No postoperative complications related to pocket hematoma, pocket infection and rupture, electrode detachment, valve function impairment, pericardial effusion, or cardiac perforation were found. Conclusions: CCM has better short-term safety and efficacy in patients with heart failure.

[The efficacy and safety of laparoscopic radical gastrectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy and targeted therapy]

Objectives: To explore the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic radical gastrectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy and targeted therapy in patients with gastric cancer. Methods: A retrospective analysis of clinical and pathological data of 20 patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (clinical TNM stage T3-4aN+M0) admitted to the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from July 2021 to July 2023. All patients received 3 cycles of SOX (Oxaliplatin+S-1) regimen combined with immunotherapy (Trastuzumab) and targeted therapy (Apatinib) as neoadjuvant treatment followed by laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Surgical outcomes, postoperative pathological response, and postoperative recovery were observed. Quantitative data, except for age and operation time, were expressed using Median (range). Results: Among the 20 patients, there were 18 males and 2 females, aged 41 to 73 years [(60.6±9.7) years]. All 20 patients underwent laparoscopic surgical treatment after neoadjuvant therapy, with one patient undergoing laparoscopic conversion to open total gastrectomy with partial transverse colon resection due to tumor invasion into the transverse mesocolon. Eight patients underwent totally laparoscopic radical gastrectomy, all with Billroth Ⅱ+Braun anastomosis at the distal stomach. Eleven patients underwent laparoscopic-assisted radical gastrectomy, among which total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y anastomosis was performed in ten cases, and proximal gastrectomy with esophagogastrostomy overlap anastomosis was performed in one case. The mean operation time for the 20 patients was (165.0±34.1) minutes; intraoperative blood loss was 80 (20-100) ml; and the number of lymph nodes retrieved was 68 (21-89). Postoperative pathological TNM staging revealed stage T0N0M0 in six cases, stage Ⅰ in two cases, stage Ⅱ in three cases, and stage Ⅲ in nine cases. Six patients (30.0%) achieved pathological complete response, and nine patients (45.0%) achieved significant pathological response. The median postoperative time to flatus was 4 (1-5) days; oral intake resumed after 3 (2-5) days; and the median length of hospital stay was 13 (6-19) days. One patient developed colonic anastomotic leakage with intra-abdominal infection, and one patient developed duodenal stump leakage with intra-abdominal infection, both classified as Clavien-Dindo grade 3A complications, and improved after treatment and discharged. One patient developed gastric paresis, and two patients developed pleural effusion, classified as Clavien-Dindo grade 2 complications, and improved after treatment and discharged. There were no deaths within 30 days after discharge. Conclusions: Laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer after neoadjuvant treatment with the SOX regimen combined with immunotherapy and targeted therapy is safe and feasible, with satisfactory short-term efficacy. However, there is an increase in overall surgical risk and difficulty, and it is recommended to be performed in experienced gastric cancer centers.

Clinical outcomes of SMILE and WFG-LASIK used to treat myopia and astigmatism: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety, efficacy and postoperative visual quality of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and Wavefront-Guided Laser in situ keratomileusis (WFG-LASIK) and to analyze their efficacy in correcting astigmatism.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed using Cochrane Collaboration methodology. Databases searched included PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science. RevMan software version 5.3.0 was used for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 976 eyes were included in 8 studies, of which 539 eyes underwent SMILE and 437 eyes underwent WFG-LASIK. There were no statistically significant differences in the proportion of eyes achieving uncorrected distance visual acuity of 20/20 or better (P=0.18), the proportion of eyes within±0.50 diopter of target refraction postoperatively (P=0.10), or the postoperative magnitude of cylinder (P=0.10). Regarding the Alpins vector analysis of astigmatism, there was no statistically significant difference in the surgical magnitude of error (P=0.09) between the two groups. WFG-LASIK has a lower surgical angle of error (P= 0.002) and higher surgical correction index of cylinder (P=0.03) than SMILE. In terms of aberrations, higher order aberrations (P=0.46), spherical aberrations (P=0.22) and trefoil (P=0.56) were not statistically different, while WFG-LASIK induced less coma than SMILE surgery (P=0.02).

CONCLUSION

Both SMILE and WFG-LASIK are safe and effective ways to correct myopia and astigmatism. Compared with SMILE, WFG-LASIK has a lower surgical angle of error, higher surgical correction index of cylinder and induces less coma.

The interaction of Synapsin 2a and Synaptogyrin-3 regulates fear extinction in mice

The mechanisms behind a lack of efficient fear extinction in some individuals are unclear. Here, by employing a principal components analysis-based approach, we differentiated the mice into extinction-resistant and susceptible groups. We determined that elevated synapsin 2a (Syn2a) in the infralimbic cortex (IL) to basolateral amygdala (BLA) circuit disrupted presynaptic orchestration, leading to an excitatory/inhibitory imbalance in the BLA region and causing extinction resistance. Overexpression or silencing of Syn2a levels in IL neurons replicated or alleviated behavioral, electrophysiological, and biochemical phenotypes in resistant mice. We further identified that the proline-rich domain H in the C-terminus of Syn2a was indispensable for the interaction with synaptogyrin-3 (Syngr3) and demonstrated that disrupting this interaction restored extinction impairments. Molecular docking revealed that ritonavir, an FDA-approved HIV drug, could disrupt Syn2a-Syngr3 binding and rescue fear extinction behavior in Syn2a-elevated mice. In summary, the aberrant elevation of Syn2a expression and its interaction with Syngr3 at the presynaptic site were crucial in fear extinction resistance, suggesting a potential therapeutic avenue for related disorders.

[Analysis of factors related to systemic embolism in patients≥75 years old with non-valvular atrial fibrillation]

Objective: To explore the related risk factors for systemic embolism (SE) in patients aged≥75 years with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Methods: A case-control study. NVAF patients aged≥75 years who were hospitalized at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from October 2018 to October 2020 were divided into no SE (n=1 127) and SE (n=433) groups according to the occurrence of SE after NVAF. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze SE-related factors in patients with NVAF without anticoagulation treatment. Results: In the multivariate model, the following factors were associated with an increased risk of SE in patients with NVAF: history of AF≥5 years [odds ratio (OR)=2.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.98-3.82, P<0.01], lipoprotein(a)>300 g/L (OR=2.07, 95%CI 1.50-2.84, P<0.01), apolipoprotein (Apo)B>1.2 g/L (OR=1.91, 95%CI 1.25-2.93, P=0.003), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 30%-49% (OR=2.45, 95%CI 1.63-3.69, P<0.01), left atrial diameter>40 mm (OR=1.54, 95%CI 1.16-2.07, P=0.003), and CHA₂DS₂-VASc score≥3 (OR=15.14, 95%CI 2.05-112.13, P=0.01). ApoAI>1.6 g/L was negatively correlated with the occurrence of SE (OR=0.28, 95%CI 0.15-0.51, P<0.01). Conclusions: History of AF≥5 years, lipoprotein(a)>300 g/L, elevated ApoB, left atrial diameter>40 mm, LVEF of 30%-49%, and CHA₂DS₂-VASC score≥3 are independent risk factors for SE whereas ApoAI>1.6 g/L is a protective factor against SE in patients with NVAF.

[Effects of vaccines on the viral negative conversion of children with COVID-19]

Objective: To explore the effect of vaccination on viral negative conversion of children with COVID-19. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. A cohort of 189 children aged 3-14 years with COVID-19 admitted to Renji Hospital (South branch) of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from April 7^th to May 19^th 2022 was enrolled in the study. According to the vaccination status, the infected children were divided into an unvaccinated group and a vaccinated group. Age, gender, severity, clinical manifestations, and laboratory tests, etc. were compared between groups, by rank sum test or chi-square test. The effects of vaccination on viral negative conversion were analyzed by a Cox mixed-effects regression model. Additionally, a questionnaire survey was conducted among the parents of unvaccinated children to analyze the reasons for not being vaccinated. Results: A total of 189 children aged 3-14 years were enrolled, including 95 males (50.3%) and 94 females (49.7%), aged 5.7 (4.1,8.6) years. There were 117 cases (61.9%) in the unvaccinated group and 72 cases (38.1%) in the vaccinated group. The age of the vaccinated group was higher than that of the unvaccinated group (8.8 (6.8, 10.6) vs. 4.5 (3.6, 5.9) years, Z=9.45, P<0.001). No significant differences were found in clinical manifestations, disease severity, and laboratory results between groups (all P>0.05), except for the occurrence rate of cough symptoms, which was significantly higher in the vaccinated group than in the non-vaccinated group (68.1% (49/72) vs. 50.4% (59/117),χ²=5.67, P=0.017). The Kaplan-Meier survival curve and Cox mixed-effects regression model showed that the time to the viral negative conversion was significantly shorter in the vaccinated group compared with the unvaccinated group (8 (7, 10) vs. 11 (9, 12) d, Z=5.20, P<0.001; adjusted HR=2.19 (95%CI 1.62-2.97)). For questionnaire survey on the reasons for not receiving a vaccination, 115 questionnaires were distributed and 112 valid questionnaires (97.4%) were collected. The main reasons for not being vaccinated were that parents thought that their children were not in the range of appropriate age for vaccination (51 cases, 45.5%) and children were in special physical conditions (47 cases, 42.0%). Conclusion: Vaccination can effectively shorten the negative conversion time of children with COVID-19 and targeted programs should be developed to increase eligible children's vaccination rate for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.

[Correlation between abnormal left atrial appendage function and thrombotic events in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation]

Objective: To investigate the association between abnormal left atrial appendage function and thrombotic events in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, and the independent risk factors affecting left atrial appendage function. Methods: Patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, who visited the Atrial Fibrillation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from June 1, 2019 to June 1, 2021, were selected. According to left atrial appendage flow velocity (LAAFV), they were divided into normal left atrial appendage function group (297 patients with LAAFV ≥ 40 cm/s) and abnormal left atrial appendage function group (85 patients with LAAFV<40 cm/s). Baseline data and transesophageal echocardiography images were collected from all the patients. The occurrence of thrombotic events was recorded. Univariate and multivariate unconditional logistic regression analyses were conducted to investigate the correlation between abnormal left atrial appendage function and the occurrence of thrombotic events. Results: There were significant differences in gender, type of atrial fibrillation, CHA₂DS₂-VASc score, anticoagulant therapy, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, international normalized ratio (INR), left atrial diameter, proportion of patients with right atrial enlargement, left ventricular ejection fraction, inner diameter, sum of inner diameter, depth, and sum of depth of all angles of the left atrial appendage, and incidence of thrombotic events between the two groups (all P<0.05). After adjusting for confounders, multivariate unconditional logistic regression analyses showed that abnormal left atrial appendage function was closely associated with thrombotic events (β=1.168 P=0.002), and left atrial diameter (OR=1.084, 95%CI 1.019-1.153, P=0.011) and persistent atrial fibrillation (OR=2.323, 95%CI 1.226-4.403, P=0.010) were independent risk factors affecting left atrial appendage function. Conclusions: Abnormal left atrial appendage function is closely associated with thrombosis. The left atrial diameter and persistent atrial fibrillation were independent risk factors affecting left atrial appendage function.

UV response characteristics of mixed-phase MgZnO thin films with different structure distributions, high Iuv/Idark ratios, and fast speed MgZnO UV detectors with tunneling breakdown mechanisms

High-performance ultraviolet (UV) detectors with both high responses and fast speeds are hard to make on homogeneous crystal semiconductor materials. Here, the UV response characteristics of mixed-phase MgZnO thin films with different internal structure distributions are studied. The mixed-phase MgZnO-based detector with the given crystal composition has a high response at both deep UV light (96 A W-1 at 240 nm) and near UV light (80 A W-1 at 335 nm). Meanwhile, because of the quasi-tunneling breakdown mechanism within the device, the high-response UV detector also shows a fast response speed (tr = 0.11 μs) and recovery speed (td1 = 26 μs) at deep UV light, which is much faster than both low-response mixed-phase MgZnO-based UV detectors with other structure constitutions and reported high-response UV devices on homogenous crystal materials. The Idark of the device is just 4.27 pA under a 5 V bias voltage, so the signal-to-noise ratio of the device reached 23852 at 5.5 uW cm-2 235 nm UV light. The new quasi-tunneling breakdown mechanism is observed in some mixed-phase MgZnO thin films that contain both c-MgZnO and h-MgZnO parts, which introduce a high response, signal-to-noise ratio, and fast speed into mixed-phase MgZnO-based UV detectors at weak deep UV light.

Great Enhancement Effect of 20-40 nm Ag NPs on Solar-Blind UV Response of the Mixed-Phase MgZnO Detector

High-performance solar-blind UV detector with high response and fast speed is needed in multiple types of areas, which is hard to achieve in one device with a simple structure and device fabrication process. Here, the effects of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) with different sizes on UV response characteristics of the device are studied, the Ag NPs with different sizes that are made from a simple vacuum anneal method. Ag NPs with different sizes could modulate the peak response position of the mixed-phase MgZnO detector from near UV range (350 nm) to deep UV range (235 nm), and the enhancement effect of the Ag NPs on the UV response differs much with the crystal structure and the basic UV response of the MgZnO thin film. When high density 20-40 nm Ag NPs is induced, the deep UV (235 nm) response of the mixed-phase MgZnO detector is increased by 226 times, the I _uv/I _dark ratio of the modified device is increased by 17.5 times. The slight enhancement in UV light intensity from 20 to 40 nm Ag NPs induces multiple tunnel breakdown phenomena within the mixed-phase MgZnO thin film, which is the main reason for the abnormal great enhancement effect on deep UV response of the device, so the recovery speed of the modified device is not influenced. Therefore, Ag NPs with different sizes could effectively modulate the UV response peak position of mixed-phase MgZnO thin films, and the introduction of Ag NPs with high density and small size is a simple way to greatly increase the sensitivity of the mixed-phase MgZnO detector at deep UV light without decreasing the device speed.

Solar-Blind Photodetector with Lower Dark Current and Higher Ilight/Idark Ratio Based on Mg0.38Zn0.62O Film Deposited by Pulsed Laser Deposition Method

In this study, pulsed laser deposition method (PLD) was employed to grow Mg_xZn_1-xO films on quartz substrates. The optimal deposition temperature of 300 °C for Mg_xZn_1-xO film was decided and Mg_0.38Zn_0.62O, Mg_0.56Zn_0.44O and Mg_0.69Zn_0.31O films were grown respectively using Mg_xZn_1-xO targets with different Mg contents (x = 0.3, 0.5 and 0.7). As-deposited Mg_0.38Zn_0.62O film possessed the mixed-phase (hexagonal and cubic phase) structure, appropriate band gap of 4.68 eV and smaller surface roughness of 1.72 nm, and the solar-blind photodetector (PD) based on it was fabricated. The key features of our PD are the cutoff wavelength of 265 nm lying in solar-blind band, lower dark current (I_dark) of 88 pA, higher peak responsivity of 0.10 A/W and bigger I_light/I_dark ratio of 1688, which provide the new idea for the application of solar-blind PDs based on Mg_xZn_1-xO films.

[Ovarian Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors: DICER1 hotspot mutations and associated clinicopathological features]

Objective: To investigate DICER1 hotspot mutations in ovarian Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor (SLCT) and its associated clinicopathological features. Methods: Forty-three SLCTs and 40 other sex cord-stromal tumors (SCSTs) diagnosed between 2010 and 2017 at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center were examined for somatic DICER1 hotspot mutations by Sanger sequencing. The associations between mutation status and clinicopathological features, including patient age, tumor differentiation and recurrence, were analyzed. Results: Somatic DICER1 mutations were found in 51% (22/43) of SLCTs, while none in the other 40 SCSTs. The most common mutation of DICER1 was p.D1709N in exon 24 (41%, 9/22) and the second most common mutation of DICER1 was p.E1813K in exon 25 (14%, 3/22). A novel frameshift mutation (c.5464delG, p.M1837fs*16) was identified in one SLCT with microcystic pattern. Mutations were more likely to occur in patients under forty years of age (P=0.046), whereas no significant associations were found between DICER1 mutations and clinical symptoms, morphology or tumor recurrence. Conclusions: Somatic DCIER1 hotspot mutations are specifically found in SLCT and may serve as an ancillary marker in differential diagnosis of SLCT from other SCST. The mutations occur more often in young patients (<40 years old). Additional studies are warranted to examine the associations between DICER1 mutations and clinicopathological features and prognosis of SLCT.

Direct Activation of Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A) by Tricyclic Sulfonamides Ameliorates Alzheimer's Disease Pathogenesis in Cell and Animal Models

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disease for which there are limited therapeutic strategies. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) activity is decreased in AD brains, which promotes the hyperphosphorylation of Tau and APP, thus participate in the formation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and β-amyloid (Aβ) overproduction. In this study, the effect of synthetic tricyclic sulfonamide PP2A activators (aka SMAPs) on reducing AD-like pathogenesis was evaluated in AD cell models and AD-like hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) rat models. SMAPs effectively increased PP2A activity, and decreased tau phosphorylation and Aβ40/42 levels in AD cell models. In HHcy-AD rat models, cognitive impairments induced by HHcy were rescued by SMAP administration. HHcy-induced tau hyperphosphorylation and Aβ overproduction were ameliorated through increasing PP2A activity on compound treatment. Importantly, SMAP therapy also prevented neuronal cell spine loss and neuronal synapse impairment in the hippocampus of HHcy-AD rats. In summary, our data reveal that pharmacological PP2A reactivation may be a novel therapeutic strategy for AD treatment, and that the tricyclic sulfonamides constitute a novel candidate class of AD therapeutic.

Solar-Blind Photodetector with Lower Dark Current and Higher Ilight/Idark Ratio Based on Mg0.38Zn0.62O Film Deposited by Pulsed Laser Deposition Method

In this study, pulsed laser deposition method (PLD) was employed to grow Mg_xZn_1-xO films on quartz substrates. The optimal deposition temperature of 300 °C for Mg_xZn_1-xO film was decided and Mg_0.38Zn_0.62O, Mg_0.56Zn_0.44O and Mg_0.69Zn_0.31O films were grown respectively using Mg_xZn_1-xO targets with different Mg contents (x = 0.3, 0.5 and 0.7). As-deposited Mg_0.38Zn_0.62O film possessed the mixed-phase (hexagonal and cubic phase) structure, appropriate band gap of 4.68 eV and smaller surface roughness of 1.72 nm, and the solar-blind photodetector (PD) based on it was fabricated. The key features of our PD are the cutoff wavelength of 265 nm lying in solar-blind band, lower dark current (I_dark) of 88 pA, higher peak responsivity of 0.10 A/W and bigger I_light/I_dark ratio of 1688, which provide the new idea for the application of solar-blind PDs based on Mg_xZn_1-xO films.

High Sensitivity NO₂ Gas Sensor Based on 3D WO₃ Microflowers Assembled by Numerous Nanoplates

Tungsten oxide microflowers (WO₃ MFs) were fabricated by a simple hydrothermal process through adjusting the pH of the solution by HCl. These MFs possess the outer diameters of about 2 μm and are composed of numerous nanoplates with the average pore size of 10.9 nm. Chemiresistive activity of as-fabricated WO₃ MFs sensor was attempted towards oxidizing and reducing target gases, revealing a superior selectivity to NO₂ with a maximum response of 22.95 (2 ppm NO₂) @105 °C compared to other target gases. One of the key features of as-fabricatedWO₃ MFs sensor is the lower detection limit of 125 ppb and operating temperature of 105 °C to NO₂ with better reproducibility, signifying commercial prospective of the developed sensor materials. Finally, the gas sensing mechanism of WO₃ MFs sensor has been proposed.

Field Emission Properties of Molybdenum Nanoparticles Decorated ZnO Nanorod Arrays

Precisely controlled dimensions of heterostructured ZnO nanorod arrays were grown on micropatterned Au films supported by Si substrate using chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The field emission properties were attributed to pointed nanorods, thickness of catalyst, preferential growth, density, morphology of ZnO and Molybdenum (Mo) decorated ZnO nanorod arrays (Mo/ZnO). The selective restrained heterostructure approach resulted in excellent control over periodicity, location and density of ZnO nanorod arrays. Overall, field emission properties of bare ZnO nanorod arrays showed a low turn-on field of ~4.7 V/μm and a high field enhancement factor (β) ~1686 to 7.3 V/μm and (β) ~807 for Mo/ZnO. It was also found that the field emission properties were significantly influenced by densely decorated Mo nanoparticles on as-grown ZnO nanorod arrays.

[Analysis of the KCNQ1 gene mutation in 2 families with congenital long QT syndrome type 1 in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region]

Objective: Present study analyzed the association betwen the postassium voltage-gated channel KQT-like subfamily member 1 gene (KCNQ1) mutation and the clinical and the electrocardiographic features in 2 pedigrees with congenital long QT syndrome type 1 (LQT1) in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Methods: Three family members were diagnosed as LQT1 patients in 2 Uygur congenital LQT1 families, these 3 LQT1 patients served as long QT group, 24 Uygur healthy volunteers served as control group. Electrocardiogram (ECG) and the gene detection were applied to compare the ECG and molecular genetic features between the long QT group and control group, and to explore the relationship between the KCNQ1 gene mutation and the clinical and the electrocardiographic features in these 2 families with congenital long QT syndrome type 1. Results: The LQT1 was diagnosed in 3 cases of the 2 pedigrees. The common features of ECG were QTc>480 ms, prolonged ST segment, and delayed T wave. The gene test evidenced a polymorphism of KCNQ1 gene exon 13:47G➝A(R16R). The mutation of 133G➝A9(G45S) of exon 16 resulted in the change of the original glycine (G) to serine (s). The ECG of the control group were normal, and there were no KCNQ1 gene mutations in control group. Conclusion: The exon sequencing results of KCNQ1 gene in 2 Xinjiang Uygur congenital long LQT1 families showed that exon16 missense changes (133G to A (G45S)) can lead to amino acid mutation, this mutation may be a pathogenic mutation. Subsequent validation of the expanded sample will provide a reference for revealing the relationship between the KCNQ1 gene and the pathogenesis of LQT1.

CIP2A Causes Tau/APP Phosphorylation, Synaptopathy, and Memory Deficits in Alzheimer's Disease

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) inhibition causes hyperphosphorylation of tau and APP in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the mechanisms underlying the downregulation of PP2A activity in AD brain remain unclear. We demonstrate that Cancerous Inhibitor of PP2A (CIP2A), an endogenous PP2A inhibitor, is overexpressed in AD brain. CIP2A-mediated PP2A inhibition drives tau/APP hyperphosphorylation and increases APP β-cleavage and Aβ production. Increase in CIP2A expression also leads to tau mislocalization to dendrites and spines and synaptic degeneration. In mice, injection of AAV-CIP2A to hippocampus induced AD-like cognitive deficits and impairments in long-term potentiation (LTP) and exacerbated AD pathologies in neurons. Indicative of disease exacerbating the feedback loop, we found that increased CIP2A expression and PP2A inhibition in AD brains result from increased Aβ production. In summary, we show that CIP2A overexpression causes PP2A inhibition and AD-related cellular pathology and cognitive deficits, pointing to CIP2A as a potential target for AD therapy.

[The relationship between LDL-C and ischemic stroke in 2 470 patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation in Xinjiang region]

Objective: To evaluate the association between LDL-C and ischemic stroke in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF). Method: A total of 2 470 patients with nonvalvular AF were included in the present study. The clinical data and laboratory examination results of the patients in the hospital were collected. The subjects were either divided into the ischemic stroke history (n=560), and non- ischemic stroke history groups (n=1 910), or divided into the low-middle risk (n=566) and high risk groups (n=1 904) based on CHA(2)DS(2) - VASc score. Results: There were significant differences in the proportion of Han, the ratio of gender, age, hemoglobin, hematocrit, ALT, serum uric acid, HDL-C and LDL-C between the patients with ischemic stroke history and without (all P<0.05). Similarly, there were significant differences in the proportion of Han, the ratio of gender, age, white blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet count, ALT, albumin, TG and LDL-C between subjects in the low-middle risk group and those in the high risk group (all P<0.05). A logistical regression analysis showed that LDL-C was an independent risk factor for both the ischemic stroke history (OR 2.089, 95% CI 1.860-2.347, P<0.05), and future ischemic stroke risk (OR 1.270, 95% CI 1.079-1.494, P<0.05) in patients with nonvalvular AF. Conclusion: LDL-C is associated with ischemic stroke in patients with nonvalvular AF, and it is also an independent risk factor for future ischemic stroke in these patients.

[Impact of 2013 American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologist guidelines on borderline immunostaining results for HER2: a retrospective study on HER2 FISH results in 1 780 cases of invasive breast cancers]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the impact of the revised 2013 American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologist(ASCO/CAP)HER2 testing guidelines on the status of HER2 and its clinical significance in invasive breast cancers by fluorescent in situ hybridization(FISH).

METHODS

One thousand seven hundred and eighty invasive breast cancer cases with equivocal 2+ immunostaining detected by FISH were retrospectively selected from 2010 to 2014, and the HER2/CEP17 dual-probe results were evaluated according to both the 2007 and 2013 ASCO/CAP guidelines for comparative analysis.

RESULTS

Among the 1 780 IHC HER2 (2+ ) invasive breast cancers, the number of HER2 positive, equivocal and negative case were 310(17.41%), 66(3.71%)and 1 404(78.88%) respectively, basing on the 2007 guidelines; whereas basing on the 2013 ASCO/CAP HER2 guidelines, the number of HER2 positive, equivocal and negative case was 360 (20.22%), 182 (10.23%)and 1 238 (69.55%) respectively. Compared with the 2007 guidelines, the proportion of positive and equivocal cases were higher in the 2013 guidelines (17.41% versus 20.22%, 3.71% versus 10.23% respectively), while the proportion of negative cases was lower(78.88% versus 69.55%).

CONCLUSIONS

Using the 2013 ASCO/CAP guidelines could lead to an increase in positive and equivocal cases, and a decrease in negative cases. The increase can probably be attributable to the inclusion of HER2 copy number besides HER2/CEP17 ratio as positive criteria, and it improves the accuracy and may be of important value for screening more population who benefit from HER2 targeting treatment; however the benefits for HER2 positive with low HER2 copy number and the clinical significance of the equivocal cases need to be further investigated.

Gender-Related Hippocampal Proteomics Study from Young Rats After Chronic Unpredicted Mild Stress Exposure

Clinical data have shown women are more susceptible to depression. This study was performed to identify differentially regulated proteins from hippocampus in chronic unpredicted mild stress (CUMS)-exposed male and female young rats. After 7 weeks of CUMS, depressed male (M-D) and female rats (F-D) and unstressed male (M-C) and female controls (F-C) were studied. By proteomics analysis, 74 differential proteins in F-C/M-C, 79 in F-D/M-D, 77 in F-D/F-C, and 32 in M-D/M-C were found. Further, the synapse-related proteins, cytoskeleton protein tau, and stress-related kinases in hippocampus were assayed by Western blotting. F-C rats were found to have lower levels of metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGluR1) and mGluR2 and higher levels of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 2B (NR2B), synapsin1, total tau, and dephosphorylated tau than M-C rats. Both F-D and M-D rats had lower levels of glutamate transporter SLC1α2, mGluR1, and mGluR2, and higher levels of total tau and phosphorylated tau than their controls. Compared with their controls, M-D rats had lower NR1 and higher NR2B, and F-D rats had lower NR2A, NR2B, PSD95, and synapsin1. F-C rats had higher JNK and lower phosphorylation levels of ERK at Thr202/Thr204, JNK at Thr183/Thr185, and GSK-3β at Ser9 than M-C ones. Both M-D and F-D rats had decreased phosphorylation of ERK at Thr202/Thr204 and GSK-3β at Ser9, and increased JNK phosphorylation at Thr183/Thr185 compared with their controls. All these data illustrate the biochemical complexity behind the genders, and may also aid in the development of more accurate treatment strategies for depression.

Classification and phylogenetic analysis of Chinese hawthorn assessed by plant and pollen morphology

The Chinese hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida Bge. var. major N.E.Br.) is uniquely originated in northern China. The ecological and horticultural importance of Chinese hawthorn is considerable and some varieties are valued for their fruit or medicine extracts. Its taxonomy and phylogeny remain poorly understood. Apart from general plant morphological traits, pollen is an important trait for the classification of plants and their evolutionary origin. However, few studies have investigated the pollen of Chinese hawthorn. Here, an analysis of plant and pollen morphological characteristics was conducted in 57 cultivars from the Shenyang region. Thirty plant morphological characters and nine pollen grain characters were investigated. The plant morphological analysis revealed that the coefficient of variation for 13 traits was >20%, which indicates a high degree of variability. We also found that the pollen grains varied greatly in size, shape (from prolate to perprolate), and exine pattern (striate-perforate predominantly). The number of apertures was typically three. Based on these findings, we suggest that pollen morphology associated with plant morphological traits can be used for classification and phylogenetic analysis of Chinese hawthorn cultivars. In sum, our results provide new insights and constitute a scientific basis for future studies on the classification and evolution of Chinese hawthorn.

[A study on the evaluation of anticoagulation status comparing of CHADS2 versus CHA2DS2-VASc scores in patients with non valvular atrial fibrillation in Xinjiang area]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the current status of anticoagulation therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation(AF)in Xinjiang, and compare the two scoring systems(CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores) in determining the risk of strokes in AF patients in Xinjiang.

METHODS

Subjects with AF were collected by searching the electronic and paper medical records from 35 hospitals in Xinjiang area during October 2013 to October 2014, and followed up for the incident strokes after 10 to 12 months.

RESULTS

Totally, 5 953 AF patients were enrolled in the study with the age of (67.9±12.0) years old, and men to women ratio of 1.44. Most patients were in age groups of 60-69 (23.92%) and 70-79 years (37.81%). Among patients with a CHADS2 score of 1 or less, the CHA2DS2-VASc scores of these subjects ranged from 0 to 3. After 10 to 12 months of follow-up, 22 patients developed new strokes. Only 30.79% patients ( n=1 460) received the anticoagulation treatment among those (n=4 742) who need to be treated with anticoagulation drugs. In patients receiving anticoagulant therapy, 1 162 patients were treated with warfarin, and 298 patients with new oral anticoagulant drugs.Totally 1 110 patients treated with warfarin were monitored with international normalized ratio (INR). The median INR was 1.14 with only 97 cases meeting the recommended INR ranging of 2.0-3.0 in the guidelines. The compliance rate was 8.74%.

CONCLUSIONS

The current status of anticoagulation for AF in Xinjiang area is characterized by "low anticoagulation rate" and "low compliance rate". The CHA2DS2-VASc score is more suitable for predicting the risk of strokes in patients with non valvular atrial fibrillation in Xinjiang area.

Structural Signature of Plasticity Unveiled by Nano-Scale Viscoelastic Contact in a Metallic Glass

Room-temperature plasticity in metallic glasses (MGs) is commonly associated with local structural heterogeneity; however, direct observation of the subtle structural change caused by plasticity is vitally important but the data are extremely scarce. Based on dynamic atomic force microscopy (DAFM), here we show that plasticity-induced structural evolution in a Zr-Ni MG can be revealed via nano-scale viscoelastic contacts between an AFM tip and plastically deformed MG surface layers. Our experimental results clearly show a spatial amplification of the nano-scale structural heterogeneity caused by the distributed plastic flow, which can be linked to the limited growth, reorientation and agglomeration of some nano-scale energy-absorbing regions, which are reminiscent of the behavior of the defect-like regions with non-affine deformation as conceived in many theories and models. Furthermore, we are able to experimentally extract the thermodynamic properties of these nano-scale regions, which possess an energy barrier of 0.3–0.5 eV, about half of that for a typical shear transformation event that usually occurs at the onset of plasticity. The outcome of our current work sheds quantitative insights into the correlation between plasticity and structural heterogeneity in MGs.

Shear-banding Induced Indentation Size Effect in Metallic Glasses

Shear-banding is commonly regarded as the “plasticity carrier” of metallic glasses (MGs), which usually causes severe strain localization and catastrophic failure if unhindered. However, through the use of the high-throughput dynamic nanoindentation technique, here we reveal that nano-scale shear-banding in different MGs evolves from a “distributed” fashion to a “localized” mode when the resultant plastic flow extends over a critical length scale. Consequently, a pronounced indentation size effect arises from the distributed shear-banding but vanishes when shear-banding becomes localized. Based on the critical length scales obtained for a variety of MGs, we unveil an intrinsic interplay between elasticity and fragility that governs the nanoscale plasticity transition in MGs. Our current findings provide a quantitative insight into the indentation size effect and transition mechanisms of nano-scale plasticity in MGs.

Origin of Shear Stability and Compressive Ductility Enhancement of Metallic Glasses by Metal Coating

Metallic glasses (MGs) are notorious for the poor macroscopic ductility and to overcome the weakness various intrinsic and extrinsic strategies have been proposed in past decades. Among them, the metal coating is regarded as a flexible and facile approach, yet the physical origin is poorly understood due to the complex nature of shear banding process. Here, we studied the origin of ductile enhancement in the Cu-coating both experimentally and theoretically. By examining serrated shear events and their stability of MGs, we revealed that the thin coating layer plays a key role in stopping the final catastrophic failure of MGs by slowing down shear band dynamics and thus retarding its attainment to a critical instable state. The mechanical analysis on interplay between the coating layer and shear banding process showed the enhanced shear stability mainly comes from the lateral tension of coating layer induced by the surface shear step and the bonding between the coating layer and MGs rather than the layer thickness is found to play a key role in contributing to the shear stability.

Genetic variability and diversity of the main resources of lily assessed via phenotypic characters, pollen morphology, and ISSR markers

Lily (Lilium spp), which belongs to Lilium, is one kind of monocotyledon. As a perennial ornamental plant with extremely high esthetic, edible, and medicinal value, lily has gained much favor due to its mostly showy flowers of various colors and elegant shape. In this research, we studied experimental materials in a sample of 49 individuals including 40 cultivars, nine species of wild lily, and their variants. The collection of 40 cultivars covered all six hybrids in the genus, i.e., Asiatic hybrids, Oriental hybrids, Longiflorum hybrids, LA hybrids, LO hybrids, and OT hybrids. Genetic diversity and inter-relationships were assessed through analysis of phenotypic characteristics, pollen morphology, and ISSR molecular markers. Quantitative characters were selected to analyze phenotypic variation, with results indicating greater variability in petiole length as compared to other characters. Pollen morphological observations suggested that the largest variation coefficient between all hybrids and wild species was the lumina. ISSR makers demonstrated that both cultivars and wild species possess a high level of genetic diversity. Specifically, the genetic diversity of wild lily was higher than cultivars.

Infralimbic Endothelin1 Is Critical for the Modulation of Anxiety-Like Behaviors

Endothelin1 (ET1) is a potent vasoconstrictor that is also known to be a neuropeptide that is involved in neural circuits. We examined the role of ET1 that has been implicated in the anxiogenic process. We found that infusing ET1 into the IL cortex increased anxiety-like behaviors. The ET(A) receptor (ET(A)R) antagonist (BQ123) but not the ET(B) receptor (ET(B)R) antagonist (BQ788) alleviated ET1-induced anxiety. ET1 had no effect on GABAergic neurotransmission or NMDA receptor (NMDAR)-mediated neurotransmission, but increased AMPA receptor (AMPAR)-mediated excitatory synaptic transmission. The changes in AMPAR-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents were due to presynaptic mechanisms. Finally, we found that the AMPAR antagonists (CNQX) and BQ123 reversed ET1's anxiogenic effect, with parallel and corresponding electrophysiological changes. Moreover, infusing CNQX + BQ123 into the IL had no additional anxiolytic effect compared to CNQX treatment alone. Altogether, our findings establish a previously unknown anxiogenic action of ET1 in the IL cortex. AMPAR-mediated glutamatergic neurotransmission may underlie the mechanism of ET1-ET(A)R signaling pathway in the regulation of anxiety.

Clinical significance of hmgb1 expression in human gastric cancer

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) has been proved to be implicated in a variety of cell physiological and pathological behaviors including immune response, inflammation and cancer. Accumulating evidence suggests that HMGB1 plays a critical role in the development and progression of multiple malignancies. However, the clinical significance and prognosis of HMGB1 expression in some cancers remain controversial. The present study aimed to investigate whether overexpression of HMGB1 is an independent prognostic factor in patients with gastric cancer. The correlation of HMGB1 expression with clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis was assessed by immunohistochemical assay through tissue microarray procedure in 50 primary gastric cancer cases. Our results indicated that the positive expression of HMGB1 was significantly increased in the nucleus of gastric cancer tissues compared with the adjacent non-cancerous tissues (ANCT) (64.0&#x0025; vs 44.0&#x0025;, P=0.025), but was not linked to the clinicopathologic features, including the TNM stage (P=0.533) and metastatic lymph node (P=0.771), in patients with gastric cancer. Kapalan-Meier and log-rank analysis demonstrated that overexpression of HMGB1 did not exert significant impact on the overall survival of patients with gastric cancer (P=0.805). Furthermore, Cox regression analysis showed that high HMGB1 protein expression did not represent an independent risk factor for patients with gastric cancer (P=0.677). Taken together, our findings suggest that high expression of HMGB1 is not correlated with the clinicopathologic characteristics of gastric cancer, and cannot serve as an independent prognostic biomarker for patients with gastric cancer.

Dominant factor determining the conduction-type of nitrogen-doped ZnO film

Nitrogen-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) film has been grown by molecular beam epitaxy. The as-grown sample showed p-type conduction with a hole concentration of 3.1 x 10(17) cm(-3). After an annealing process in O2 at 600 degrees C for 30 min, p-type conduction was still remained, and the hole concentration of the film decreased to 6.8 x 10(16) cm(-3). Secondary ion mass spectroscopy revealed that the concentration of both nitrogen and hydrogen decreased after the annealing process. It is demonstrated that the intrinsic compensation source has been decreased after the annealing process. Because the variation trend of the hole concentration in the ZnO:N film is opposite to that of hydrogen and intrinsic defects, but in good accordance with nitrogen, the extrinsically substituted nitrogen (N(o)) should be the dominant factor that determines the conduction-type of the ZnO:N film.

Time-resolved optical reflectivity of the electron-doped Nd(2-x)Ce(x)CuO(4+δ) cuprate superconductor: evidence for an interplay between competing orders

We use pump-probe spectroscopy to measure the photoinduced reflectivity ΔR of the electron-doped cuprate superconductor Nd(2-x)Ce(x)CuO(4+δ) at a value of x near optimal doping, as a function of time, temperature, and laser fluence. We observe the onset of a negative ΔR signal at T(*)≈75 K, above the superconducting transition temperature, T(c), of 23 K. The relatively slow decay of ΔR, compared to the analogous signal in hole doped compounds, allows us to resolve time-temperature scaling consistent with critical fluctuations. A positive ΔR signal onsets at T(c) that we associate with superconducting order. We find that the two signals are strongly coupled below T(c), in a manner that suggests a repulsive interaction between superconductivity and another fluctuating order.

Pt magnetic polarization on Y3Fe5O12 and magnetotransport characteristics

Thin Pt films on an yttrium iron garnet (YIG = Y(3)Fe(5)O(12)) show ferromagneticlike transport properties, which may impact the functionality of Pt in spin current detection, but do not provide direct quantitative information on the Pt magnetization. We report magnetic x-ray magnetic circular dichroism measurements of YIG/Pt(1.5 nm) showing an average Pt moment of 0.054 μ(B) at 300 K and 0.076 μ(B) at 20 K. This observation indicates strong proximity effects and induced magnetic ordering in Pt on magnetic insulators and their contribution to the spin-related measurements should not be neglected. The transport characteristics also suggest considerable modifications in the Pt electronic structure due to magnetic ordering.

Synaptic released zinc promotes tau hyperphosphorylation by inhibition of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A)

Hyperphosphorylated tau is the major component of neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimer disease (AD), and the tangle distribution largely overlaps with zinc-containing glutamatergic neurons, suggesting that zinc released in synaptic terminals may play a role in tau phosphorylation. To explore this possibility, we treated cultured hippocampal slices or primary neurons with glutamate or Bic/4-AP to increase the synaptic activity with or without pretreatment of zinc chelators, and then detected the phosphorylation levels of tau. We found that glutamate or Bic/4-AP treatment caused tau hyperphosphorylation at multiple AD-related sites, including Ser-396, Ser-404, Thr-231, and Thr-205, while application of intracellular or extracellular zinc chelators, or blockade of zinc release by extracellular calcium omission almost abolished the synaptic activity-associated tau hyperphosphorylation. The zinc release and translocation of excitatory synapses in the hippocampus were detected, and zinc-induced tau hyperphosphorylation was also observed in cultured brain slices incubated with exogenously supplemented zinc. Tau hyperphosphorylation induced by synaptic activity was strongly associated with inactivation of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), and this inactivation can be reversed by pretreatment of zinc chelator. Together, these results suggest that synaptically released zinc promotes tau hyperphosphorylation through PP2A inhibition.

Optical properties of ZnMgO nanowalls grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy

ZnMgO nanowalls were prepared by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy without a catalyst on c-Al2O3 substrate. The obtained nanowalls have preferred orientation along c axis. The nanowalls are about 10 to 20 nm in thickness and about 50 nm in height. Only Zn, Mg, O and Al signals are detected in the nanowalls from the energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The Mg content is about 3% in ZnMgO nanowalls. The room temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectra shows the emission peak of the ZnMgO nanowalls at 3.346 eV. The origin of the ultraviolet emission is discussed with the help of temperature-dependent PL spectra. The ultraviolet emission band is free exiton recombination observed in the low temperature PL spectra (at 81 K). We also observe the free-to-acceptor (FA) emission of the ZnMgO nanowalls. The acceptor binding energy obtained from photoluminescence studies is about 123 meV. The results show that Mg doping leads to an increase of the acceptor binding energy. The possible growth mechanism of the ZnMgO nanowall networks was discussed.

Lysosomal enzyme cathepsin D protects against alpha-synuclein aggregation and toxicity

α-synuclein (α-syn) is a main component of Lewy bodies (LB) that occur in many neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease (PD), dementia with LB (DLB) and multi-system atrophy. α-syn mutations or amplifications are responsible for a subset of autosomal dominant familial PD cases, and overexpression causes neurodegeneration and motor disturbances in animals. To investigate mechanisms for α-syn accumulation and toxicity, we studied a mouse model of lysosomal enzyme cathepsin D (CD) deficiency, and found extensive accumulation of endogenous α-syn in neurons without overabundance of α-syn mRNA. In addition to impaired macroautophagy, CD deficiency reduced proteasome activity, suggesting an essential role for lysosomal CD function in regulating multiple proteolytic pathways that are important for α-syn metabolism. Conversely, CD overexpression reduces α-syn aggregation and is neuroprotective against α-syn overexpression-induced cell death in vitro. In a C. elegans model, CD deficiency exacerbates α-syn accumulation while its overexpression is protective against α-syn-induced dopaminergic neurodegeneration. Mutated CD with diminished enzymatic activity or overexpression of cathepsins B (CB) or L (CL) is not protective in the worm model, indicating a unique requirement for enzymatically active CD. Our data identify a conserved CD function in α-syn degradation and identify CD as a novel target for LB disease therapeutics.

A first-principle analysis on the phase stabilities, chemical bonds and band gaps of wurtzite structure A(x)Zn(1-x)O alloys (A = Ca, Cd, Mg)

The phase stabilities and structural and electronic properties of three zinc-based oxide alloy systems (Ca(x)Zn(1-x)O, Cd(x)Zn(1-x)O and Mg(x)Zn(1-x)O) are studied by first-principle methods. We examine all alloy configurations in three 16-atom supercells (1 × 1 × 2 B1 phase structure, 2 × 2 × 1 and 2 × 1 × 2 B4 phase structures) and utilize symmetry of the bulk materials to reduce the amount of calculation. Taking into account the contribution of the alloy statistics, we have drawn the regions of phase stability for Ca(x)Zn(1-x)O (0.25<x<0.375), Mg(x)Zn(1-x)O (0.375<x<0.5) and Cd(x)Zn(1-x)O (0.75<x<0.875). We have also analyzed lattice constants (a and c), structural parameter u and the bond lengths in the wurtzite phases. We found that the averaged lattice constants of Mg(x)Zn(1-x)O and Ca(x)Zn(1-x)O do not follow the Vegard rule and this is related to the degree of instability of the wurtzite MgO and CaO. Wurtzite CaO is not stable and turns into hexagonal CaO upon geometry optimization. The calculated band gaps are found to be consistent with the experimental values for alloys Cd(x)Zn(1-x)O and Mg(x)Zn(1-x)O. The bowing parameters for alloys Mg(x)Zn(1-x)O and Cd(x)Zn(1-x)O are estimated to be 0.87 and 1.30 eV, respectively.

Photoluminescence of ZnO nanocrystals embedded in BaF2 matrices by magnetron sputtering

This paper describes ZnO nanocrystals embedded in BaF2 matrices by the magnetron sputtering method in an attempt to use fluoride as a shell layer to embed ZnO nanocrystals core. BaF2 is a wide-band gap material, and can confine carriers in the ZnO films. As a result, the exciton emission intensity should be enhanced. The sample was annealed at 773 K, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that ZnO nanocrystals with wurtzite structure were embedded in BaF2 matrices. Raman-scattering spectra also confirmed the formation of ZnO nanoparticles. Abnormal longitudinal-optical (LO) phonon-dominant multiphonon Raman scattering was observed in the sample. Room-temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectra showed an ultraviolet emission peak at 374 nm. The origin of the ultraviolet emission is discussed here with the help of temperature-dependent PL spectra. The ultraviolet emission band was a mixture of free exciton and bound exciton recombination observed in the low temperature PL spectra (at 77 K). Abnormal temperature dependence of ultraviolet near-band-edge emission-integrated intensity of the sample was observed. The band tail state was observed in the absorption spectra, illustrating that the impurity-related defects were caused by the shell of the BaF2 grain layer. For comparison, ZnO films on BaF2 substrates were also fabricated by the magnetron sputtering method, and the same measurement methods were used.

Expression and quantification of LYVE-1 in human colorectal cancer

The recent discovery of a new hyaluronan (HA) receptor, LYVE-1 (lymphatic vessel endothelial HA receptor), has been received with great interest regarding its specific expression in the lymphatic system. The process of lymphangiogenesis or the formation of new lymphatics in tumours is important because it serves as a major route for cancer metastasis. Therefore, methods to quantify lymphangiogenesis by measuring LYVE-1 have been studied extensively in searching for its possible role in cancer diagnosis, prognosis and even targeted treatment of lymphatic tumour metastasis. Here we report a quantitation study on lymphangiogenesis by either quantitative PCR or immunohistochemistry approaches in detecting LYVE-1 expression in human colorectal tumour. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RTQ-PCR) was carried out to quantify LYVE-1 levels in colorectal cancer samples. Also, the same specimen was observed for LYVE-1 expression by immunohistochemical stain. By RTQ-PCR amplification, LYVE-1 was highly expressed in colorectal specimens and LYVE-1 signal from non-cancer tissue of normal control was much weaker by conventional RTPCR. Immunohistochemical stain showed that LYVE-1 was significantly expressed in cancer tissues (especially in the margin region of cancer), whereas in non-cancer specimens fewer positive stains were revealed. The results suggested that the LYVE-1 molecule was expressed significantly in colorectal specimens, which may imply a new marker for a malignant situation.

Preparation of ZnO colloids by aggregation of the nanocrystal subunits

Colloidal ZnO particles with narrow size distribution were prepared via a sol-gel process by base-catalyzed hydrolysis of zinc acetate. The morphology of ordered arrays of the particles was recorded by SEM. SEM also reveals that these uniform particles were composed of tiny ZnO subunits (singlets) sized of several nanometers. The size of the singlets, which is confirmed by X-ray diffraction and UV-vis absorption spectra, increases as the aging time is prolonged. The size-selective formation of colloids by aggregation of nanosized subunits is proposed to consist of two-stage growth by nucleation of nanosized crystalline primary particles and their subsequent aggregation into polycrystalline secondary colloids. The aggregates are all spherical because the internal rearrangement processes are fast enough. The ZnO colloids, i.e., the aggregates, tend to self-assemble into well-ordered hexagonal close-packed structures. Room-temperature photoluminescence was characterized for green and aged ZnO.

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase-derived nitric oxide inhibits neurogenesis in the adult dentate gyrus by down-regulating cyclic AMP response element binding protein phosphorylation

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase, the major nitric oxide synthase isoform in the mammalian brain, is implicated in some developmental processes, including neuronal survival, precursor proliferation and differentiation. However, reports about the role of neuronal nitric oxide synthase in neurogenesis in the adult dentate gyrus are conflicting. Here we show that 5-bromodeoxyuridine-labeled dividing progenitor cells in the dentate gyrus were significantly increased in mice receiving 7-nitroindazole, a selective neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, and in null mutant mice lacking neuronal nitric oxide synthase gene (nNOS-/-) 6 h and 4 weeks after 5-bromodeoxyuridine incorporation. The increase in 5-bromodeoxyuridine positive cells in 7-nitroindazole-treated mice was accompanied by activation of cyclic AMP response element binding protein phosphorylation in the dentate gyrus. Pretreatment with N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist MK-801 fully abolished the effects of 7-nitroindazole on neurogenesis and cyclic AMP response element binding protein phosphorylation. Furthermore, neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibition significantly enhanced the survival of newborn cells and the number of 5-bromodeoxyuridine positive/NeuN positive cells in the dentate gyrus. These results indicate that neuronal nitric oxide synthase-derived nitric oxide suppresses neurogenesis in the adult dentate gyrus, in which N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor functions and cyclic AMP response element binding protein phosphorylation may be involved.

Optical properties of ZnO and ZnO:In nanorods assembled by sol-gel method

Self-assembled zinc oxide (ZnO) and indium-doping zinc oxide (ZnO:In) nanorod thin films were synthesized on quartz substrates without catalyst in aqueous solution by sol-gel method. The samples were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Raman-scattering spectroscopy, room-temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectra, and temperature-dependent PL spectra measurements. XRD and Raman spectra illustrated that there were no single In2O3 phase in ZnO lattice after indium doping. The PL spectra of ZnO showed a strong UV emission band located at 394 nm and a very weak visible emission associated with deep-level defects. Indium incorporation induced the shift of optical band gap, quenching of the near-band-edge photoluminescence and enhanced LO mode multiphonon resonant Raman scattering in ZnO crystals at different temperatures. Abnormal temperature dependence of UV emission integrated intensity of ZnO and ZnO:In samples is observed. The local state emission peak of ZnO:In samples at 3.37 eV is observed in low-temperature PL spectra. The near-band-edge emission peak at room temperature was a mixture of excitons and impurity-related transitions for both of two samples.

[Research on cytokines gene express of rats alcoholic liver disease affected by tea polyphenol]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of tea polyphenol(TP) on the rat with alcoholic liver damage.

METHOD

Rats were divided into 3 groups, in which 2 groups were stomach perfused with alcohol to result in ALD, and 1 group of them stomach perfused with TP simultaneously. Another group was normal control groups (stomach perfused with drinking water). In the end of 12 weeks, the liver specimen of each rat was observed by anglicizing its tissue damage, and all data collected was performed by statistical analysis in quantum and semi-quantum. Meanwhile cytokines gene express of each group is determined.

RESULT

In the end of 12 weeks, alcoholic hepatitis appeared in rat liver. Hepatic injury in alcohol group and TP group were found, but could not be found in normal group. Compared with pure alcohol group, alcoholic liver damage mainly showing with steatosis in TP group were slight, in addition showing liver cellular swelling with small area, with less spot and focal necrosis, none bridging necrosis. Steatosis were slight relatively, mega-bubble steatosis were less found. Collagen deposition of TP group were less than those of pure alcohol group. Gene expression of. cytokine have diversity statistically such as IL-3, IL-4, IL-1R2, IL-6R, IL-7R2, IL-3Ra, IL-R1, IL-13, IL-1R1, IL-7R2, EPO-R, LIFR, IL-1R2, IL-5R2, CSF1, CD27, IL-6R.

CONCLUSION

TP is able to attenuate alcoholic liver damage. It's mechanism is possibly due to modulating cytokines gene expression of cytokine.

The optical properties of ZnO hexagonal prisms grown from poly (vinylpyrrolidone)-assisted electrochemical assembly onto Si (111) substrate

ZnO hexagonal prisms have been grown from poly (vinylpyrrolidone)-assisted electrochemical assembly onto p-type Si (111) substrate. These ZnO prisms arrays are highly (0002) orientated. The (0001) end facets and {1010} side facets of the hexagonal prisms are well defined. The photoluminescence (PL) spectrum of these ZnO prisms shows an intense ultraviolet near band-gap emission with a full width at half maximum of 86 meV at room temperature. The low-temperature PL spectrum is split into well-resolved free and bound exciton emission lines. The temperature dependence of the exciton emission intensities shows a nonmonotonic decaying behavior, which can be explained by the existence of interfacial states.

Effects of thermal annealing on the structural and optical properties of MgxZn1−xO nanocrystals

Mg(x)Zn(1-x)O ternary alloy nanocrystals with hexagonal wurtzite structures were fabricated by using the sol-gel method. X-ray diffraction patterns, UV-vis absorption spectra, and photoluminescence spectra were used to characterize the structural and optical properties of the nanocrystals. For as-prepared nanocrystals, the band gap increases with increasing Mg content. Weak excitonic emission with strong deep-level emission related to oxygen vacancy and interface defects is observed in the photoluminescence spectra at room temperature. Thermal annealing in oxygen was used to decrease the number of defects and to improve the quality of the nanocrystals. In terms of XRD results, the grain sizes of nanocrystals increase with increasing annealing temperature and the lattice constants of alloy are smaller than those of pure ZnO. The band gap becomes narrower with increasing annealing temperature. For Mg(x)Zn(1-x)O nanocrystals (x=0.03-0.15) annealed at temperatures ranging from 500 to 1000 degrees C, intense near-band-edge (NBE) emissions and weak deep-level (DL) emissions are observed. Consequently, the quality of Mg(x)Zn(1-x)O nanocrystals can be improved by thermal annealing.

The effect of surface properties on visible luminescence of nanosized colloidal ZnO membranes

Luminescence properties of nanosized zinc oxide (ZnO) colloids depend greatly on their surface properties, which are in turn largely determined by the method of preparation. ZnO nanoparticles in the size range from 3 to 9 nm were prepared by addition of tetramethylammonium hydroxide ((CH3)4NOH) to an ethanolic zinc acetate solution. X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicates nanocrystalline ZnO membranes with polycrystalline hexagonal wurtzite structure. The ZnO membranes have a strong visible-emission intensity and the intensity depends upon hydrolysis time. The infrared spectra imply a variety of forms of zinc acetate complexes present on the surface of ZnO particles. The effect of the ZnO membrane surface properties on photoluminescence is discussed.

AMPA Receptor Subunit GluR2 Gates Injurious Signals in Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic stroke, or a brain attack, is the third leading cause of death in developed countries. A critical feature of the disease is a highly selective pattern of neuronal loss; certain identifiable subsets of neurons--particularly CA1 pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus are severely damaged, whereas others remain intact. A key step in this selective neuronal injury is Ca2+/Zn2+ entry into vulnerable neurons through alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) receptor channels, a principle subtype of glutamate receptors. AMPA receptor channels are assembled from glutamate receptor (GluR)1, -2, -3, and -4 subunits. Circumstance data have indicated that the GluR2 subunits dictate Ca2+/Zn2+ permeability of AMPA receptor channels and gate injurious Ca2+/Zn2+ signals in vulnerable neurons. Therefore, targeting to the AMPA receptor subunit GluR2 can be considered a practical strategy for stroke therapy.

Spectrum of severe infections in an Asian renal transplant population

Infections in renal transplant recipients (RTX) account for 26% of hospitalization days annually and 40% of overall mortalities. A retrospective study of infections requiring hospitalization occurring among 725 Asian RTX in 2002 was performed.

RESULTS

Serious infections requiring at least one hospitalization occurred in 9.2% of RTX (n = 67). Multiple pathogens affected 28.4% of patients, resulting in 118 infectious episodes during 93 hospitalizations. Mean age of affected patients was 48 years and female to male ratio was 2:1. Forty-one (61.2%) had impaired renal function (serum creatinine >141 mumol/L). Mean duration of hospitalization per patient was 17 days and the in-patient mortality rate was 17.9% eighty-one (87%) hospitalizations were for late infections (>6 months posttransplant). Cyclosporine (CsA) with prednisolone with or without azathioprine was the immunosuppressant in 62.7% (n = 42) of RTX but proportionally, infections were more frequent among RTX on other more potent immunosuppressants (n = 21; 7.4% CsA-based vs. 19.3%, potent, P < .05). Bacterial, viral, fungal, and Pneumocystis carinii infections comprised 64.4%, 20.3%, 5.9%, and 4.2% respectively. Urinary tract infection, pneumonia, and bacterial septicemia (35.52%, 31.6%, and 11.8%, respectively) were the major presentations. E. coli, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Candida were the most common pathogens. Notably, 13 out of 18 (72.2%) viral CMV infections were co- infections, occurring together with bacterial infections.

CONCLUSIONS

Late infections with the use of potent immunosuppressives and concurrent CMV reactivation are a major cause of morbidity. Longer antibacterial prophylaxis and closer monitoring for CMV infections may help reduce morbidity.

Expression of Ca(2+)-permeable AMPA receptor channels primes cell death in transient forebrain ischemia

CA1 pyramidal neurons degenerate after transient global ischemia, whereas neurons in other regions of the hippocampus remain intact. A step in this selective injury is Ca(2+) and/or Zn(2+) entry through Ca(2+)-permeable AMPA receptor channels; reducing Ca(2+) permeability of AMPA receptors via expression of Ca(2+)-impermeable GluR2(R) channels or activation of CRE transcription in the hippocampus of adult rats in vivo using shutoff-deficient pSFV-based vectors rescues vulnerable CA1 pyramidal neurons from forebrain ischemic injury. Conversely, the induction of Ca(2+) and/or Zn(2+) influx through AMPA receptors by expressing functional Ca(2+)-permeable GluR2(Q) channels causes the postischemic degeneration of hippocampal granule neurons that otherwise are insensitive to ischemic insult. Thus, the AMPA receptor subunit GluR2 gates entry of Ca(2+) and/or Zn(2+) that leads to cell death following transient forebrain ischemia.