Determination of Spin-Parity Quantum Numbers of X(2370) as 0^{-+} from J/ψ→γK_{S}^{0}K_{S}^{0}η^{'}

Based on (10087±44)×10^{6}  J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector, a partial wave analysis of the decay J/ψ→γK_{S}^{0}K_{S}^{0}η^{'} is performed. The mass and width of the X(2370) are measured to be 2395±11(stat)_{-94}^{+26}(syst)  MeV/c^{2} and 188_{-17}^{+18}(stat)_{-33}^{+124}(syst)  MeV, respectively. The corresponding product branching fraction is B[J/ψ→γX(2370)]×B[X(2370)→f_{0}(980)η^{'}]×B[f_{0}(980)→K_{S}^{0}K_{S}^{0}]=(1.31±0.22(stat)_{-0.84}^{+2.85}(syst))×10^{-5}. The statistical significance of the X(2370) is greater than 11.7σ and the spin parity is determined to be 0^{-+} for the first time. The measured mass and spin parity of the X(2370) are consistent with the predictions of the lightest pseudoscalar glueball.

[Prognostic performance of pulmonary effective arterial elastance in patients with heart failure]

Objective: To explore the predictive value of pulmonary effective arterial elastance (Ea) in patients with heart failure (HF). Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study, which retrospectively included 284 patients with HF who underwent right heart catheterization at Heart Failure Center in Fuwai Hospital between September 2013 and February 2022. Data regarding baseline clinical characteristics, hemodynamic profiles, and prognosis were collected. Ea was calculated as mean pulmonary arterial pressure/stroke volume. Patients were divided into Ea<0.555 group and Ea≥0.555 group according to the median value of Ea (0.555 mmHg/ml, 1 mmHg=0.133 kPa). The primary outcome was the primary clinical event, set as the first occurrence of a series of composite events, including all-cause death, heart transplantation, left ventricular assist device implantation, and HF rehospitalization. Event-free survival was defined as the absence of primary clinical events. Spearman correlation analysis was used to calculate the correlation coefficient between Ea and parameters reflective of right heart function. The Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare the different groups for the estimation of outcomes with the log-rank test. We used Cox proportional-hazards regression models to estimate hazard ratios (HR) for primary clinical event. Subgroup analysis was performed based on the age, gender, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, left ventricular ejection fraction, presence of pulmonary hypertension, and serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) values. We used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to calculate the area under the curve (AUC) of Ea for predicting event-free survival in patients with HF. Results: The median age was 51 years, and 206 (72.5%) patients were male. Ea and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) were significantly correlated (r=0.698, P<0.001). The correlation between Ea and pulmonary arterial elastance (PAC) were even more significant (r=-0.888, P<0.001). Compared with Ea<0.555 group, Ea≥0.555 group presented with higher serum NT-proBNP values (4 443 (1 792, 8 554) ng/L vs. 1 721 (480, 4 528)ng/L,P<0.001), higher PVR (3.4 (2.5, 4.7) Wood vs. 1.4 (0.9, 2.2) Wood, P<0.001), lower cardiac output (3.0 (2.3, 3.9) L/min vs. 4.3 (3.8, 4.9) L/min, P<0.001), and lower PAC (1.6 (1.3, 2.0) ml/mmHg vs. 4.0 (3.0, 6.0) ml/mmHg, P<0.001). The median follow-up time was 392 (166, 811) days. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve demonstrated a lower event-free survival rate in the Ea≥0.555 group compared to the Ea<0.555 group (Plog-rank<0.001). After multivariate adjustment, Ea (HR=1.734, P<0.001) remained significantly associated with the primary outcome. Subgroup analysis indicated that Ea was associated with the primary outcome across all subgroups. The AUC was 0.724 (P<0.001) for Ea to predict event-free survival calculated from ROC analysis. Conclusions: Ea is closely related to parameters reflective of right ventricular afterload. Increased Ea is an independent predictor of adverse outcomes in patients with HF.

Observation of Structures in the Processes e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{c1} and ωχ_{c2}

We present measurements of the Born cross sections for the processes e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{c1} and ωχ_{c2} at center-of-mass energies sqrt[s] from 4.308 to 4.951 GeV. The measurements are performed with data samples corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 11.0  fb^{-1} collected with the BESIII detector operating at the Beijing Electron Positron Collider storage ring. Assuming the e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{c2} signals come from a single resonance, the mass and width are determined to be M=(4413.6±9.0±0.8)  MeV/c^{2} and Γ=(110.5±15.0±2.9)  MeV, respectively, which is consistent with the parameters of the well-established resonance ψ(4415). In addition, we also use one single resonance to describe the e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{c1} line shape and determine the mass and width to be M=(4544.2±18.7±1.7)  MeV/c^{2} and Γ=(116.1±33.5±1.7)  MeV, respectively. The structure of this line shape, observed for the first time, requires further understanding.

Observation of the Anomalous Shape of X(1840) in J/ψ→γ3(π^{+}π^{-}) Indicating a Second Resonance Near pp[over ¯] Threshold

Using a sample of (10087±44)×10^{6}  J/ψ events, which is about 45 times larger than that was previously analyzed, a further investigation on the J/ψ→γ3(π^{+}π^{-}) decay is performed. A significant distortion at 1.84  GeV/c^{2} in the line shape of the 3(π^{+}π^{-}) invariant mass spectrum is observed for the first time, which could be resolved by two overlapping resonant structures, X(1840) and X(1880). The new state X(1880) is observed with a statistical significance larger than 10σ. The mass and width of X(1880) are determined to be 1882.1±1.7±0.7  MeV/c^{2} and 30.7±5.5±2.4  MeV, respectively, which indicates the existence of a pp[over ¯] bound state.

Observation of D^{+}→K_{S}^{0}a_{0}(980)^{+} in the Amplitude Analysis of D^{+}→K_{S}^{0}π^{+}η

We perform for the first time an amplitude analysis of the decay D^{+}→K_{S}^{0}π^{+}η and report the observation of the decay D^{+}→K_{S}^{0}a_{0}(980)^{+} using 2.93  fb^{-1} of e^{+}e^{-} collision data taken at a center-of-mass energy of 3.773 GeV with the BESIII detector. As the only W-annihilation-free decay among D to a_{0}(980) pseudoscalar, D^{+}→K_{S}^{0}a_{0}(980)^{+} is the ideal decay in extracting the contributions of the W-emission amplitudes involving a_{0}(980) and to study the final-state interactions. The absolute branching fraction of D^{+}→K_{S}^{0}π^{+}η is measured to be (1.27±0.04_{stat}±0.03_{syst})%. The branching fractions of intermediate processes D^{+}→K_{S}^{0}a_{0}(980)^{+} with a_{0}(980)^{+}→π^{+}η and D^{+}→π^{+}K[over ¯]_{0}^{*}(1430)^{0} with K[over ¯]_{0}^{*}(1430)^{0}→K_{S}^{0}η are measured to be (1.33±0.05_{stat}±0.04_{syst})% and (0.14±0.03_{stat}±0.01_{syst})%, respectively.

Observation of Significant Flavor-SU(3) Breaking in the Kaon Wave Function at 12<Q^{2}<25 GeV^{2} and Discovery of the Charmless Decay ψ(3770)→K_{S}^{0}K_{L}^{0}

We present cross sections for the reaction e^{+}e^{-}→K_{S}^{0}K_{L}^{0} at center-of-mass energies ranging from 3.51 to 4.95 GeV using data samples collected in the BESIII experiment, corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 26.5  fb^{-1}. The ratio of neutral-to-charged kaon form factors at large momentum transfers (12 Collapse

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Investigation of the ΔI=1/2 Rule and Test of CP Symmetry through the Measurement of Decay Asymmetry Parameters in Ξ^{-} Decays

Using (10087±44)×10^{6}  J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector, numerous Ξ^{-} and Λ decay asymmetry parameters are simultaneously determined from the process J/ψ→Ξ^{-}Ξ[over ¯]^{+}→Λ(pπ^{-})π^{-}Λ[over ¯](n[over ¯]π^{0})π^{+} and its charge-conjugate channel. The precisions of α_{Λ0} for Λ→nπ^{0} and α[over ¯]_{Λ0} for Λ[over ¯]→n[over ¯]π^{0} compared to world averages are improved by factors of 4 and 1.7, respectively. The ratio of decay asymmetry parameters of Λ→nπ^{0} to that of Λ→pπ^{-}, ⟨α_{Λ0}⟩/⟨α_{Λ-}⟩, is determined to be 0.873±0.012_{-0.010}^{+0.011}, where the first and the second uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. The ratio is smaller than unity more than 5σ, which signifies the existence of the ΔI=3/2 transition in Λ for the first time. Besides, we test for CP symmetry in Ξ^{-}→Λπ^{-} and in Λ→nπ^{0} with the best precision to date.

[Prognostic impact of aortic pulsatility index on event-free survival in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction]

Objective: This study sought to determine the predictive value of aortic pulsatility index (API) on event-free survival in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Methods: We retrospectively studied 121 patients with HFpEF who underwent right heart catheterization at Heart Failure Center in Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, between November 2014 and August 2022. API was calculated as pulse pressure/pulmonary arterial wedge pressure. Patients were divided into three groups according to the tertiles of baseline API. The primary outcome was event-free survival, which was considered as freedom from death, heart transplantation, left ventricular assist device implantation, or HF rehospitalization. We compared the differences in clinical characteristics among the three groups of patients. Spearman correlation analysis was used to calculate the correlation coefficient between API and parameters reflective of left heart function. We used Cox proportional-hazards regression models to estimate hazard ratios (HR) for event-free survival. Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to calculate the area under the curve (AUC) of API for predicting event-free survival in patients with HFpEF. Quantitative data is represented by M (Q1, Q3). Results: The age was 59.0 (46.0, 66.5) years, and 84 (69.4%) patients were male. API and left ventricular stroke work (LVSW) were significantly correlated (r=0.478, P<0.001). The correlation between API and cardiac power output was also significant (r=0.224, P=0.014). Patients with API>3.77 presented with lower serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) values [492(163, 2 776) vs 2 962(722, 5 831) vs 3 823(1 419, 10 262) ng/L], lower left atrial dimension [38(34,42) vs 43(39, 48) vs 45 (42,53) mm], lower right atrial pressure [5 (2, 8) vs 8 (4, 13) vs 13 (8, 16) mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)], and lower mean pulmonary arterial pressure [15 (11, 20) vs 22 (17, 26) vs 33 (26, 37) mmHg] (all P<0.05). The median follow-up time of the study was 366.0 (189.8, 648.5) days, and by the end of the follow-up, a total of 51 patients had reached the primary outcome. The cumulative event-free incidence rates of patients in the API>3.77 group, 1.89 Collapse

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MESH Headings

• Humans
• Male
• Female
• Prognosis
• Heart Failure/epidemiology
• Stroke Volume
• Retrospective Studies
• Progression-Free Survival
• Ventricular Function, Left
• Peptide Fragments
• Natriuretic Peptide, Brain
• Biomarkers

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Grants

• 2017YFC1308300 National Key Research and Development Program of China

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Determination of the Σ^{+} Timelike Electromagnetic Form Factors

Based on data samples collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider, the process e^{+}e^{-}→Σ^{+}Σ[over ¯]^{-} is studied at center-of-mass energies sqrt[s]=2.3960, 2.6454, and 2.9000 GeV. Using a fully differential angular description of the final state particles, both the relative magnitude and phase information of the Σ^{+} electromagnetic form factors in the timelike region are extracted. The relative phase between the electric and magnetic form factors is determined to be sinΔΦ=-0.67±0.29(stat)±0.18(syst) at sqrt[s]=2.3960  GeV, ΔΦ=55°±19°(stat)±14°(syst) at sqrt[s]=2.6454  GeV, and 78°±22°(stat)±9°(syst) at sqrt[s]=2.9000  GeV. For the first time, the phase of the hyperon electromagnetic form factors is explored in a wide range of four-momentum transfer. The evolution of the phase along with four-momentum transfer is an important input for understanding its asymptotic behavior and the dynamics of baryons.

[Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of intravenous infusion of ferric derisomaltose in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia: a single-center retrospective analysis]

Objective: To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of ferric derisomaltose injection versus iron sucrose injection in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) . Methods: A total of 120 patients with iron deficiency anemia admitted from June 2021 to March 2023 were given intravenous iron supplementation with ferric derisomaltose to assess the efficacy and safety of hemoglobin (HGB) elevation before and after treatment. Simultaneously, the clinical effects of iron supplementation with iron sucrose were compared to those of inpatient patients during the same period. Results: Baseline values were comparable in both groups. Within 12 weeks of treatment, the elevated HGB level in the ferric derisomaltose group was higher than that of the iron sucrose group, with a statistical difference at all time points, and the proportion of HGB increased over 20 g/L in the patients treated for 4 weeks was higher (98.7%, 75.9% ). During the treatment with ferric derisomaltose and iron sucrose, the proportion of mild adverse reactions in the ferric derisomaltose group was slightly lower than that of the iron sucrose group, and neither group experienced any serious adverse reactions. The patients responded well to the infusion treatment, with no reports of pain or pigmentation at the injection site. Conclusion: The treatment of IDA patients with ferric derisomaltose has a satisfactory curative effect, with the advantages of rapidity, accuracy, and safety. Therefore, it is worthy of widespread clinical use.

Salt solution etching to construct micro-gullies on the surface of Zn anodes enhances anodes performance in aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have caused significant research attention due to their low redox potential of 0.76 V, high theoretical capacity of 820 mAh g-1. However, the dendrite growth of zinc anode and the side reactions caused by water seriously affect the cycle life of AZIBs. To solve the above problems, a new method of etching zinc anodes with CuCl2 salt solution was designed, which the zinc anode was named CZn. The process resulted to a uniformly distributed micro gully morphology on the zinc surface, and providing an increased number of nucleation sites for zinc deposition and reducing local current density. The calculation results of exchange current density and activation energy show that CZn has stronger Zn/Zn2+ kinetic effect. At a current density of 5 mA cm-2 and an area capacity of 5 mAh cm-2, cycle life of the CZn symmetrical cell can reach 500 h, which is more than seven times that of the raw Zn symmetrical cell. This work proposes a simple method of zinc anode protection, which provides a new idea for zinc metal anode protection.

Blood-brain barrier dysfunction mediated by the EZH2-Claudin-5 axis drives stress-induced TNF-α infiltration and depression-like behaviors

Growing evidence suggests that neurovascular dysfunction characterized by blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown underlies the development of psychiatric disorders, such as major depressive disorder (MDD). Tight junction (TJ) proteins are critical modulators of homeostasis and BBB integrity. TJ protein Claudin-5 is the most dominant BBB component and is downregulated in numerous depression models; however, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate a molecular basis of BBB breakdown that links stress and depression. We implemented an animal model of depression, chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) in male C57BL/6 mice, and showed that hippocampal BBB breakdown was closely associated with stress vulnerability. Concomitantly, we found that dysregulated Cldn5 level coupled with repression of the histone methylation signature at its promoter contributed to stress-induced BBB dysfunction and depression. Moreover, histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) knockdown improved Cldn5 expression and alleviated depression-like behaviors by suppressing the tri-methylation of lysine 27 on histone 3 (H3K27me3) in chronically stressed mice. Furthermore, the stress-induced excessive transfer of peripheral cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) into the hippocampus was prevented by Claudin-5 overexpression and EZH2 knockdown. Interestingly, antidepressant treatment could inhibit H3K27me3 deposition at the Cldn5 promoter, reversing the loss of the encoded protein and BBB damage. Considered together, these findings reveal the importance of the hippocampal EZH2-Claudin-5 axis in regulating neurovascular function and MDD development, providing potential therapeutic targets for this psychiatric illness.

High glucose-increased miR-200c contributes to cellular senescence and DNA damage in neural stem cells

BACKGROUND

Maternal diabetes increases the risk for neural tube defects (NTDs). It is unclear if miRNAs, senescence, and DNA damage are involved in this process. In this study, we used neural stem cells as an in vitro proxy of embryonic neuroepithelium to investigate whether high glucose triggers neural stem cell senescence and DNA damage by upregulating miR-200c, which may be responsible for NTDs.

METHODS

C17.2 neural stem cells were cultured with normal glucose (5 mM) or high glucose (≥16.7 mM) at different doses and time points for detecting miR-200c levels, markers of senescence and DNA damage. Neural stem cells were exposed to antioxidant SOD1 mimetic Tempol and high glucose for 48 h to test roles of oxidative stress on the miR-200c, senescence, and DNA damage levels. An miR-200c mimic and an inhibitor were transfected into neural stem cells to increase or decrease miR-200c activities.

RESULTS

High glucose upregulated miR-200c in neural stem cells. A time course study of the effect of high glucose revealed that miR-200c initially increased at 12 h and reached its zenith at 18 h. Tempol reduced miR-200c levels caused by high glucose. High glucose induced markers of senescence and DNA damage in neural stem cells. Tempol abolished high glucose-induced markers of senescence and DNA damage. The miR-200c inhibitor suppressed high glucose-induced markers of senescence and DNA damage. Treatment with miR-200c mimic imitates high glucose-induced markers of senescence and DNA damage.

CONCLUSIONS

We show that high glucose increases miR-200c, which contributes to cellular senescence and DNA damage in neural stem cells and provides a potential pathway for maternal diabetes-induced neural tube defects.

[Role and clinical significance of MUC4 gene mutations in thrombotic events in patients with classic paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria]

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the role and clinical significance of MUC4 gene mutations in thrombotic events in patients with classic paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data and gene sequencing results of 45 patients with classic PNH admitted to the Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, from June 2018 to February 2022. MUC4 gene mutations in patients with classic PNH were summarized, and the risk factors for thrombotic events in these patients were analyzed. Additionally, the effects of MUC4 gene mutations on the cumulative incidence and survival of thrombotic events in patients with classic PNH were determined. Results: The detection rate of MUC4 gene mutations in patients with classic PNH who experienced thrombotic events (thrombotic group) was 68.8% (11/16), which was significantly higher than that in the non-thrombotic group [10.3% (3/29) ] (P<0.001). All mutations occurred in exon 2. MUC4 mutation (OR=20.815, P=0.010) was identified as an independent risk factor for thrombotic events in patients with classic PNH. The cumulative incidence of thrombotic events was 78.6% (11/14) in the MUC4 gene mutation group (mutation group) and 16.1% (5/31) in the non-mutation group, showing a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.001). Survival analysis showed a lower overall survival (OS) rate in the thrombotic group compared with that in the non-thrombotic group [ (34.4±25.2) % vs. (62.7±19.3) % ] (P=0.045). The OS rate of patients was (41.7±29.9) % in the mutation group and (59.1±18.3) % in the non-mutation group (P=0.487) . Conclusion: MUC4 gene mutations are associated with an increased incidence of thrombotic events in classic PNH patients, highlighting their role as independent risk factors for thrombosis in this population. These mutations can be considered a novel predictive factor that aids in evaluating the risk of thrombosis in patients with classic PNH.

Printing 3D mesh-like grooves on zinc surface to enhance the stability of aqueous zinc ion batteries

Aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) are receiving broad attention owing to their high safety and low cost. However, the high mechanical strength and irreversible growth of zinc dendrites limit the practical application of AZIBs. Herein, regular mesh-like gullies are built on the surface of zinc foil (M150 Zn) by using simple model pressing method and stainless steel mesh as a mold. Due to the charge-enrichment effect, zinc ion deposition and stripping will be preferentially carried out in the grooves to keep the outer surface flat. In addition, zinc is exposed to 002 crystal surface in the gully after being pressed, and the deposited zinc is more inclined to grow at a small angle, so that it has a sedimentary morphology parallel to the basement. Consequently, at a current density of 0.5 mA cm^-2, the M150 zinc anode has a voltage hysteresis of only 35 mV and a cycle life of up to 400 h (relative to a zinc foil of 96 mV and 160 h). Even more imposing is that the full cell has a capacity retention of approximately 100% after 1000 cycles at 2 A g^-1 and a specific capacity of almost 60 mAh g^-1 when activated carbon is used as the cathode. It is a promising method to improve the stable cycle performance of AZIBs by using a simple method to realize the non-prominent dendrites on the surface of zinc electrode.

Nitrogen-rich graphite flake from hemp as anode material for high performance lithium ion batteries

Biomass-derived carbon (BC) has attracted extensive attention as anode material for lithium ion batteries (LiBs) due to its natural hierarchical porous structure and rich heteroatoms that can adsorb Li+. However, the specific surface area of pure biomass carbon is generally small, so we can help NH3 and inorganic acid produced by urea decomposition to strip biomass, improve its specific surface area and enrich nitrogen elements. The nitrogen-rich graphite flake obtained by the above treatment of hemp is named NGF. The product that has a high nitrogen content of 10.12% has a high specific surface area of 1151.1m2 g-1. In the lithium ion battery test, the capacity of NGF is 806.6 mAh g-1 at 30 mA g-1, which is twice than that of BC. NGF also showed excellent performance that is 429.2mAh g-1 under high current testing at 2000mA g-1. The reaction process kinetics is analyzed and we found that the outstanding rate performance is attributed to the large-scale capacitance control. In addition, the results of the constant current intermittent titration test indicate that the diffusion coefficient of NGF is greater than that of BC. This work proposes a simple method of nitrogen-rich activated carbon, which has a significantly commercial prospect.

[Micro-CT analysis of tooth development of C57BL/6 mice strain]

Objective: To investigate the normal process of tooth development of C57BL/6 mouse strain by using micro-CT for better understanding about the tooth development of the human being and other species. Methods: A total of 54 C57BL/6 mice were used at postnatal day 1 (P1), P3, P7, P10, P14, P21, P28, P42 and P56 (n=6 for each age group). After euthanasia, the skulls and alveolar bones (with molars) were isolated and scanned by micro-CT scanner. After three dimensional reconstruction, the developmental status of the crown and root(s) for each tooth type was examined in different views. Results: The tooth development of mice from birth to mature (P56) could be divided into three stages. The first stage was from P1 to P14, in which the crowns of all the first, second and third molars had formed, while the roots had not fully developed yet. The second stage was from ablactation (P21) to P28, in which all the roots of the molars had reached their normal length, and the apical foramens had closed. Due to the mastication and occlusal abrasion, the incisors exhibited sharp cutting edges at the buccal enamel layer, and the corresponding molars formed a pit-to-fossa articulated relationship. The third stage was from P42 to P56, in which the root canal differentiation occurred, and 1-2 canal configuration was formed in several flat roots. The development of molar roots had completed and the apexes were enlarged due to the deposition of cementum around. Conclusions: In the process of mouse tooth development, the mineralization of the cusps, followed by crown formation and roots elongation, was precisely regulated in a spatial-temporal pattern. The incisors and the molars exhibited different modes of development.

Characterization of biochar-derived organic matter extracted with solvents of differing polarity via ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry

In recent years, biochar, a porous carbon-based material, has gained attention for its application prospects in contaminated soil remediation and soil improvement. Biochar-derived organic matter has a key role in influencing the migration and transformation of soil elements and pollutants. However, existing research concerning the molecular characteristics of biochar-derived organic matter is limited. Here, we used four polar solvents - dichloromethane (CH₂Cl₂), acetone (CH₃COCH₃), methanol (CH₃OH), and distilled water (H₂O) - to extract organic matter from soybean straw biochar and wheat straw biochar by accelerated solvent extraction (ASE). We characterized the extracts using Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS). We found considerable differences in organic matter according to the extraction solvents; such differences were related to the polarity of the solvent, as well as intermolecular forces between the solvent and organic matter. CH₃OH extracted the most biochar-extractable organic matter components because CH₃OH can weaken or destroy oxygen bridge bonds in biochar and form hydrogen bonds with small-molecule organic compounds. CH₃OH and H₂O have strong extraction capacity for compounds containing heteroatoms. CH₂Cl₂-extractable organic matter is relatively labile and bioavailable, while CH₃OH- and H₂O-extractable organic matters are relatively stable. In addition, the binding capacity of biochar-derived organic matter for minerals and pollutants differed among fractions, in part because of differences in molecular weight, atomic O/C and H/C ratios, heteroatom distribution, and biomolecular compounds present in biochar-derived organic matter. The findings in this study help to select appropriate extractants to analyze biochar-derived organic matter for various research purposes, and provides a theoretical basis for biochar-based remediation of contaminated soil.

[Correlation of muscle strength with cognitive function and medial temporal lobe atrophy in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease]

Objective: To analyze the correlation of muscle strength with cognitive function and medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA) in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods: General information, sarcopenia-related indicators, neuropsychological tests and MTA score were collected in 80 confirmed AD patients (41 mild and 39 moderate patients) and 43 normal controls (NC) from the Memory Disorders Clinic of Department Of Neurology in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between January and December 2021. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), grip strength and 5-times sit-to-stand time and 6-m gait speed were used for assessing muscle mass, muscle strength and physical function, respectively. Cognitive function was assessed by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale (MoCA), Memory and Executive Screening Scale (MES), Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), Digital Span Test (DST) and Verbal Fluency Task (VFT), respectively. DST included Forward Digit Span Test (FDST) and Backward Digit Span Test (BDST). All the subjects underwent 3.0T coronal three-dimensional gradient echo sequence MRI. MTA scale was performed to evaluate the degree of medial temporal lobe atrophy. The differences in the sarcopenia-related indicators, cognitive score and MTA score were analyzed among the three groups, and the partial correlation analysis was performed between the inter-groups. Results: Eighty AD patients (24 males and 56 females) were included, aged (72±7) years old, with 41 mild and 39 moderate patients. Meanwhile, 43 NC included 19 males and 24 females, with a mean age of (70±6) years old. The disease duration in moderate AD patients was longer than that of mild AD patients [34.0 (25.0, 43.5) months vs 24.0 (11.0, 34.0) months, P<0.001]. The differences of sarcopenia-related indicators and MTA score among the three groups were statistically significant (all P<0.001), including 5-times sit-to-stand time [(13.6±1.8) s vs (11.5±1.7) s vs (10.3±1.9) s, P<0.001] and MTA score [2.0 (2.0, 3.0) vs 1.0 (1.0, 2.0) vs 0 (0, 0), P<0.001]. In neuropsychological tests, compared to the NC group, MMSE, MoCA, MES and VFT scores in mild and moderate AD groups were lower (all P<0.001); meanwhile, compared to the mild AD group, the moderate group had lower MMSE, MoCA, MES, DSST and VFT scores (all P<0.001). In sarcopenia-related indicators, muscle strength in particular was correlated with widespread cognitive functioning domains and MTA score in AD patients. Grip strength was positively correlated with MMSE, MoCA , MES, FDST (r=0.387, 0.418, 0.522 and 0.484, respectively, all P<0.001), DSST (r=0.327, P=0.006) and VFT score (r=0.354, P=0.003), and negatively correlated with MTA score (r=-0.631, P<0.001). 5-times sit-to-stand time was negatively correlated with MMSE, MoCA, MES, DSST, FDST, VFT score (r=-0.583, -0.587, -0.814, -0.591, -0.552 and -0.485, respectively, all P<0.001), and BDST (r=-0.355, P=0.003) strongly positively correlated with MTA score (r=0.836, P<0.001). ASMI was positively correlated with MMSE, MoCA, MES, DSST, FDST score (r=0.257, 0.238, 0.428, 0.282 and 0.364, respectively, all P<0.05), and negatively correlated with MTA score (r=-0.377, P=0.001). 6-m gait speed was positively correlated with MMSE, MoCA, MES, DSST, FDST score (r=0.419, 0.486, 0.699, 0.559 and 0.500, respectively, all P<0.001), BDST and VFT score (r=0.384、0.377, respectively, both P=0.001), and strongly negatively correlated with MTA score (r=-0.803, P<0.001). Conclusions: Patients with mild to moderate AD have widespread cognitive impairment. Muscle mass, muscle strength and physical function are all significantly impaired. Compared to muscle mass and physical function, decreased muscle strength is significantly associated with widespread cognitive decline and increased degree of medial temporal lobe atrophy.

Features and clinical significance of tertiary lymphoid structure in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) plays an important role in anti-tumor immunity, largely reflecting the prognosis. However, its clinical implication in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) remains unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the features of TLS in cSCC and its association with clinicopathological characteristics.

METHODS

Two independent RNA-seq data of cSCC were used to investigate the tumor immune microenvironment, as well as TLS-related chemokines and cytokines. The density and location of TLSs were assessed in a total of 82 cSCC patients, and the clinicopathologic association was examined.

RESULTS

Bioinformatics analysis showed that a large amount of immune cell infiltration and significant up-regulation of TLS-related chemokines were observed in cSCC. Histologically, TLSs appeared as highly organized structures in 72 (87.8%) cases with different levels of density and maturation, among which 14 cases were in low-density group and 58 cases were in high-density group. Clinically, the presence of TLS was prominently associated with better degree of histopathological grades and higher level of sun exposure. Furthermore, the presence of intratumoral TLS was associated with lower lymphovascular invasion.

CONCLUSIONS

TLS is highly organized in cSCC, and the presence of TLS is a positive prognostic factor for cSCC, which will provide a theoretical basis for the future diagnostic and therapeutic value in cSCC.

[A panel study on the acute respiratory effects of ambient particles of different sizes on children in Shanghai]

Objective: To explore the association between size-fractionated particle number concentrations (PNC) and respiratory health in children. Methods: From November 2018 to June 2019, there were 65 children aged 6-9 years from an elementary school in shanghai recruited in this panel study with three rounds of follow-up. The forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV₁), and exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels were measured and buccal mucosa samples of children were collected at each follow-up visit. The level of PNC, temperature and humidity of the elementary school was monitored from 3 days before each physical examination to the end of the physical examination. The linear mixed effects model was used to analyze the association between PNC and indicators of respiratory health in children. Results: Linear mixed effects model analysis revealed that, at lag 2 day, an interquartile range increase in PNC for particles measuring 0.25-0.40 μm was associated with the absolute changes in FVC, FEV₁ and abundance-based coverage estimator (ACE) about -60.15 ml (95%CI:-88.97 ml, -31.32 ml), -34.26 ml (95%CI:-63.22 ml, -5.31 ml), -6.00 (95%CI:-9.15, -2.84) and percentage change in FeNO about 12.10% (95%CI: 3.05%, 21.95%), respectively. These adverse health effects increased with the decrease of particle size. Conclusion: The short-term exposure to particulate matter is associated with reduced lung function, buccal microbe diversity and higher airway inflammation level among children. These adverse health effects may increase with the decrease of particle size.

Exact Analytic Spectra of Asymmetric Modulation Instability in Systems with Self-Steepening Effect

Nonlinear waves become asymmetric when asymmetric physical effects are present within the system. One example is the self-steepening effect. When exactly balanced with dispersion, it leads to a fully integrable system governed by the Chen-Lee-Liu equation. The latter provides a natural basis for the analysis of asymmetric wave dynamics just as nonlinear Schrödinger or Korteweg-de Vries equations provide the basis for analyzing solitons with symmetric profile. In this work, we found periodic wave trains of the Chen-Lee-Liu equation evolved from fully developed modulation instability and analyzed a highly nontrivial spectral evolution of such waves in analytic form that shows strong asymmetry of its components. We present the conceptual basis for finding such spectra that can be used in analyzing asymmetric nonlinear waves in other systems.

Tanshinone I, a new EZH2 inhibitor restricts normal and malignant hematopoiesis through upregulation of MMP9 and ABCG2

Rationale: Tanshinone, a type of diterpenes derived from salvia miltiorrhiza, is a particularly promising herbal medicine compound for the treatment of cancers including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, the therapeutic function and the underlying mechanism of Tanshinone in AML are not clear, and the toxic effect of Tanshinone limits its clinical application. Methods: Our work utilizes human leukemia cell lines, zebrafish transgenics and xenograft models to study the cellular and molecular mechanisms of how Tanshinone affects normal and abnormal hematopoiesis. WISH, Sudan Black and O-Dianisidine Staining were used to determine the expression of hematopoietic genes on zebrafish embryos. RNA-seq analysis showed that differential expression genes and enrichment gene signature with Tan I treatment. The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) method was used with a BIAcore T200 (GE Healthcare) to measure the binding affinities of Tan I. In vitro methyltransferase assay was performed to verify Tan I inhibits the histone enzymatic activity of the PRC2 complex. ChIP-qPCR assay was used to determine the H3K27me3 level of EZH2 target genes. Results: We found that Tanshinone I (Tan I), one of the Tanshinones, can inhibit the proliferation of human leukemia cells in vitro and in the xenograft zebrafish model, as well as the normal and malignant definitive hematopoiesis in zebrafish. Mechanistic studies illustrate that Tan I regulates normal and malignant hematopoiesis through direct binding to EZH2, a well-known histone H3K27 methyltransferase, and inhibiting PRC2 enzymatic activity. Furthermore, we identified MMP9 and ABCG2 as two possible downstream genes of Tan I's effects on EZH2. Conclusions: Together, this study confirmed that Tan I is a novel EZH2 inhibitor and suggested MMP9 and ABCG2 as two potential therapeutic targets for myeloid malignant diseases.

[Analysis of related factors for gallstones related gallbladder intraepithelial neoplasia and establishment of prediction models]

Objective: To evaluate the related factors of gallstones related gallbladder intraepithelial neoplasia(GBIN) and establish the prediction models for gallstones related GBIN. Methods: The clinicopathological data of 750 patients who underwent cholecystectomy for gallstones at Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from January 2013 to December 2018 and the postoperative pathological examination showed chronic cholecystitis or GBIN were analyzed retrospectively,including 150 cases of gallstones with GBIN and 600 cases of gallstones with chronic cholecystitis.There were 264 males and 486 females with age of (51.3±14.5) years (range: 18 to 90 years).The related factors for gallstones related GBIN were screened by χ2 test and Logistic regression model,and the prediction models were established based on independent related factors and internal validation was conducted.The original data were randomly divided into a training cohort(526 cases) and a validation cohort(224 cases) at a ratio of 7∶3,and the nomogram and tree augmented naïve Bayes were conducted to establish the prediction model for gallstones related GBIN.The consistency index(C-index),calibration chart,area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC) and confusion matrix were used to evaluate the prediction performance of the two models. Results: Univariate analysis showed that age,gallstones history(years),gallbladder size,whether the gallbladder mucosa smooth or not,whether the gallbladder wall thickened or not,gallstones diameter,and number of gallstones were related factors for the occurrence of gallstones related GBIN (χ²=19.957,8.599,9.724,9.301,8.341,15.288,9.169,all P<0.05).Multivariate analysis showed that age (OR=2.23,95%CI:1.50-3.31,P<0.01),gallbladder size (OR=2.11,95%CI:1.17-3.80,P=0.013),whether the gallbladder mucosa smooth or not (OR=1.80,95%CI=1.13-2.88,P=0.014),gallstones diameter(OR=2.98,95%CI:1.71-5.21,P<0.01),and number of gallstones (OR=2.14,95%CI=1.34-3.42,P<0.01) were independent related factors for the occurrence of gallstones related GBIN; the C-index of the nomogram in training cohort and validation cohort were 0.708 and 0.696,respectively.The AUC of the two models in training cohort were 70.60% and 70.73%,and in validation cohort were 68.14% and 67.47%,respectively.The accuracy of the two models in training cohort were 69.96% and 70.72%,and in validation cohort were 66.96% and 67.41%,respectively. Conclusion: Age,gallbladder size,whether the gallbladder mucosa smooth or not,gallstones diameter and number of gallstones are independent related factors for the occurrence of gallstones related GBIN,and the nomogram and tree augmented naïve Bayes prediction models based on the above factors can be used to predict the occurrence of GBIN.

[A prognostic model of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma after curative intent resection based on Bayesian network]

Objective: To examine a survival prognostic model applicable for patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) based on Bayesian network. Methods: The clinical and pathological data of ICC patients who underwent curative intent resection in ten Chinese hepatobiliary surgery centers from January 2010 to December 2018 were collected.A total of 516 patients were included in the study.There were 266 males and 250 females.The median age(M(QR)) was 58(14) years.One hundred and sixteen cases (22.5%) with intrahepatic bile duct stones,and 143 cases (27.7%) with chronic viral hepatitis.The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis.The univariate and multivariate analysis were implemented respectively using the Log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard model.One-year survival prediction models based on tree augmented naive Bayesian (TAN) and naïve Bayesian algorithm were established by Bayesialab software according to different variables,a nomogram model was also developed based on the independent predictors.The receiver operating characteristic curve and the area under curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the prediction effect of the models. Results: The overall median survival time was 25.0 months,and the 1-,3-and 5-year cumulative survival rates was 76.6%,37.9%,and 21.0%,respectively.Univariate analysis showed that gender,preoperative jaundice,pathological differentiation,vascular invasion,microvascular invasion,liver capsule invasion,T staging,N staging,margin,intrahepatic bile duct stones,carcinoembryonic antigen,and CA19-9 affected the prognosis(χ2=5.858-54.974, all P<0.05).The Cox multivariate model showed that gender,pathological differentiation,liver capsule invasion,T stage,N stage,intrahepatic bile duct stones,and CA19-9 were the independent predictive factors(all P<0.05). The AUC of the TAN model based on all 19 clinicopathological factors was 74.5%,and the AUC of the TAN model based on the 12 prognostic factors derived from univariate analysis was 74.0%,the AUC of the naïve Bayesian model based on 7 independent prognostic risk factors was 79.5%,the AUC and C-index of the nomogram survival prediction model based on 7 independent prognostic risk factors were 78.8% and 0.73,respectively. Conclusion: The Bayesian network model may provide a relatively accurate prognostic prediction for ICC patients after curative intent resection and performed superior to the nomogram model.

[Adsorption Behavior of Phosphate by CaO2 Remolded Sediment]

This study simulated the state of CaO₂ loss after in situ coverage and examined the bottom 2 cm of sediment after restoration. Observations and elemental analysis of the sediment using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray energy spectrometry (EDX) were also performed. The CaO₂ remodeling notably changed the structure of the sediment; most of the organic matter and iron-manganese oxide attached to the sediment surface was removed, the porosity of the sediment particles increased, and the Ca²⁺ content was also increased. CaO₂ remodeling stabilized the endogenous phosphorus in the sediment; total phosphorous (TP) was reduced by approximately 20% and potential active phosphorus content was reduced by approximately 30%. Furthermore, the contents of Ca-P and Res-P were significantly increased. The amount of phosphorus released from the remodeled sediment under anaerobic conditions was significantly lower than the original sediment, indicating that the CaO₂ remodeling greatly reduced the risk of endogenous phosphorus release. The Langmuir model was more suitable than the Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich models for describing the isothermal adsorption behavior of the CaO₂ remodeling, which significantly improved the adsorption capacity of the sediment with respect to phosphate from 1.44 mg·g^-1 to 20.91 mg·g^-1. The mechanism of adsorption was switched from chemical adsorption to physicochemical adsorption. In addition, the adsorption kinetics of the CaO₂ remodeled sediment with respect to phosphate could be best described using the quasi-second-order kinetic model.

[Effect of Oxidation Strengthening on In-situ Phosphorus Immobilization of Calcium Hydroxide]

In this research, calcium hydroxide[Ca(OH)₂] and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) were injected into the bottom mud in the form of plum blossom scatterers to investigate the effect on the control of endogenous phosphorus. The results showed that Ca(OH)₂ used singly effectively immobilized in the order of 90% of endogenous phosphorus approximately 20 mm below the sediment-water interface (SWI); however, at the same time, the anaerobic environment was enhanced, resulting in the transformation of stable phosphorus to easily released phosphorus and the accumulation of potential active phosphorus. Nevertheless, the addition of H₂O₂ greatly reduced the amount of potential active phosphorus in deep sediments after adding Ca(OH)₂. The vertical diffusion depth of Ca(OH)₂ in the sediments was significantly increased, having an influence across the depth range of 0-40mm below the SWI; the improvement at depths greater than 40 mm was not notable, which was mainly attributed to an 18-fold increase of redox potential due to the addition of the oxidant. The change of phosphorus forms in the sediment also demonstrated the excellent immobilization effect of the oxidant on phosphorus. In the 0-20 mm layer, the content of readily released phosphorus decreased significantly, while compared with a control test, Ca-P increased by approximately 10%. However, at greater depths, the amount of easily released phosphorus decreased and the rate of Ca-P increase gradually slowed.

[The study of the protection function of the sphingosine kinase 1 in the nerve cell damage caused by acrylamide]

Objective: To study the protective effect and effect of SphK1 overexpression on the injury of nerve cells induced by acrylamide. Methods: ACR with 99% purity was prepared into 1.25 mmol/L and 2.5 mmol/L solutions. SH-SY5Y cells were divided into control group (NC group) , experimental group and SphK1 activator group. The experimental group was given ACR solution with final concentration of 1.25 mmol/L and 2.5 mmol/L respectively for 24 h. In the SphK1 activator group, on the basis of the exposure concentration of the experimental group, the SphK1 specific activator (12-) phorbol tetradecanoate (-13-) acetate (PMA) solution[prepared by dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) , the final concentration was 100 nmol/l], and other treatments were the same as the experimental group. Control group (NC group) added PMA solution into normal cells. Western blot was used to detect the expression of SphK1 protein; CCK-8 was used to detect the proliferation of SH-SY5Y cells; hoechst33342 method was used to observe the morphological changes of nerve cells; flow cytometry was used to analyze the apoptosis of cells. Results: Compared with NC group, the expression of SphK1 protein in the experimental group and the SphK1 activator group was significantly lower (P<0.05) . Compared with the experimental group, the expression of SphK1 protein in each concentration of SphK1 activator group was increased, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) . In addition to 1.25 mmol/L SphK1 activator group, compared with NC group, the relative growth survival rate of experimental group and 2.5 mmol/L SphK1 activator group were lower, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) . Compared with the experimental group, the relative survival rate of cells in the SphK1 activator group was higher, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) . With the increase of exposure concentration, the cells in the experimental group showed the morphological characteristics of early apoptosis at ACR 1.25 mmol/L and late apoptosis at ACR 2.5 mmol/L. Compared with NC group, the apoptosis rate of experimental group and SphK1 activator group at ACR 2.5 mmol/L was significantly different (P<0.05) ; compared with experimental group, the apoptosis rate of SphK1 activator group at ACR 2.5 mmol/L was lower, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The SphK1 excessive expression plays the protective function to the nerve cell damage caused by acrylamide.

Complete chloroplast genome sequence of Chimonanthus praecox link (Calycanthaceae): an endemic plant species in China

Chimonanthus praecox, a deciduous shrub tree, is endemic to China and widely cultivated in the world as a popular garden and ornamental plant. Here, we have reported its complete chloroplast genome with a length of 153,181 bp, containing a large single copy (LSC) region of 86,916 bp, a small single copy (SSC) region of 19,767 bp and two identical inverted repeat regions (IRs) of 23,249 bp. The overall GC contents of the plastome were 39.27%. A total of 114 unique genes were successfully annotated consisting of 80 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes and four rRNA genes. Sixteen genes each possessed one intron and three genes had two introns. The ML phylogenetic analysis supports Chimonanthus as sister to Calycanthus. This result will be helpful for genetic breeding and population genetics of C. praecox, DNA barcoding of Chimonanthus, and phylogenetic studies of Calycanthaceae.

[Current situation of screening, prevention and treatment of bleeding esophageal varices in cirrhotic portal hypertension in Tibet region: a multicenter study]

Objective: To investigate and analyze the current situation, screening, clinical characteristics, prevention and treatment of bleeding esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension in Tibet region. Methods: Clinical data of cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension through March 2017 to February 2020 from Tibet region were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Results: 511 cases with liver cirrhosis were included in the study, of which 185 cases (36.20%) had compensated cirrhosis and 326 cases (63.80%) had decompensated cirrhosis. Further analysis of the etiological data of liver cirrhosis showed that 306 cases (59.88%) were of chronic hepatitis B, 113 cases (22.11%) of alcoholic liver disease, and 68 cases (13.31%) of chronic hepatitis B combined with alcoholic liver disease. Among patients with compensated liver cirrhosis, 48 cases (25.95%) underwent endoscopic examination of which 33 diagnosed as high-risk variceal bleeding. However, none of these 33 cases had received non-selective β-blocker therapy, and only four patients had received endoscopic variceal banding therapy. Among patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis, 83 cases (25.46%) had a history of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, 297 cases (91.10%) had ascites, 23 cases (7.05%) had hepatic encephalopathy, and 3 cases (0.92%) had hepatorenal syndrome. Among the patients with a history of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, 42 cases (50.60%) had received secondary preventive treatment for bleeding esophageal varices, including 39 cases of endoscopic treatment, 1 case of endoscopic combined drug treatment, 3 cases of interventional treatment, and 2 cases of surgical treatment. Conclusion: Chronic hepatitis B and alcoholic liver diseases are the main causes of liver cirrhosis in Tibet region. Moreover, this region lacks screening, prevention and treatment for bleeding esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the screening of high-risk groups to prevent and improve the first-time bleeding, and promote multidisciplinary team to prevent and treat re-bleeding.

Optimal number of harvested lymph nodes for curatively resected gallbladder adenocarcinoma based on a Bayesian network model

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

To identify the optimal range and the minimum number of lymph nodes (LNs) to be examined to maximize survival time of patients with curatively resected gallbladder adenocarcinoma (GBAC).

METHODS

Data were collected from the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results database on patients with GBAC who underwent curative resection between 2004 and 2015. A Bayesian network (BN) model was constructed to identify the optimal range of harvested LNs. Model accuracy was evaluated using the confusion matrix and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

RESULTS

A total of 1268 patients were enrolled in this study. Accuracy of the BN model was 72.82%, and the area under the curve of the ROC for the testing dataset was 78.49%. We found that at least seven LNs should be harvested to maximize survival time, and that the optimal count of harvested LNs was in the range of 7 to 10 overall, with an optimal range of 10 to 11 for N+ patients, 7 to 10 for stage T1-T2 patients, and 7 to 11 for stage T3-T4 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

According to a BN model, at least seven LNs should be retrieved for GBAC with curative resection, with an overall optimal range of 7 to 10 harvested LNs.

High-Brightness Continuous-Wave Electron Beams from Superconducting Radio-Frequency Photoemission Gun

Continuous-wave photoinjectors operating at high accelerating gradients promise to revolutionize many areas of science and applications. They can establish the basis for a new generation of monochromatic x-ray free electron lasers, high-brightness hadron beams, or a new generation of microchip production. In this Letter we report on the record-performing superconducting rf electron gun with CsK_{2}Sb photocathode. The gun is generating high charge electron bunches (up to 10  nC/bunch) and low transverse emittances, while operating for months with a single photocathode. This achievement opens a new era in generating high-power beams with a very high average brightness.

[Application value of different lymph node staging system in predicting prognosis of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma]

Objective: To examine the value of number of metastatic lymph nodes(NMLN), lymph node ratio(LNR) and log odds of metastatic lymph nodes(LODDS) in assessing the prognosis of patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma(ICC). Methods: The clinical and pathological data of 440 ICC patients who underwent curative-intent resection in 10 of Chinese hepatobiliary surgery centers from January 2010 to December 2018 were collected, and the deadline of follow-up was April 30th, 2019. Among them, 205 were males and 235 were females, with age of (57.0±9.9) years (range:23-83 years).Eighty-five cases (19.3%) had intrahepatic bile duct stones, and 98 cases (22.3%) had chronic viral hepatitis.The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. The univariate and multivariate analysis were implemented respectively using the Log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard model. Results: A total of 440 patients underwent curative-intent resection and lymphadenectomy.R0 resection were achieved in 424 cases (96.4%) and R1 resection were in 16 cases (3.6%). The results of postoperative pathological examination showed that high, moderate and poor differentiation was 4.2%(18/426), 60.6%(258/426) and 35.2%(150/426), respectively.Adenocarcinoma was seen in 90.2%(397/440) and non-adenocarcinoma was seen in 9.8%(43/440), respectively. T stage: 2 cases (0.5%) with Tis, 83 cases(18.9%) with T1a, 97 cases(22.0%) with T1b, 95 cases(21.6%) with T2, 122 cases (27.7%) with T3 and 41 cases(9.3%) with T4.The overall median survival time was 24.0 months, and the 1-,3-, and 5-year survival rate was 74.3%, 37.7% and 18.3%, respectively. Lymphatic metastasis occurred in 175 patients(39.8%), the median total number of TNLE(M(Q(R))) was 6(5), the median number of NMLN was 0(1), the median number of LNR was 0 (0.33) and the median number of LODDS was -0.70(-0.92). Rerults of univariate analysis showed that combined stones, pathological differentiation, vascular invasion, LODDS, margin and T staging affected the prognosis (all P<0.05). Rerults of multivariate analysis showed that pathological differentiation, LODDS, margin, and T staging were independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of ICC patients (all P<0.05). Conclusion: LODDS could be used as an optimal prognostic lymph node staging index for ICC, and it is also an independent risk factor for survival after curative intent resection.

[Analysis of the relationship between the number of lymph nodes examined and prognosis for curatively resected gallbladder carcinoma: a multi-institutional study]

Objective: To examine the role of the number of lymph nodes examined(NLNE) on the prognosis of patients with curatively resected gallbladder carcinoma(GBC). Methods: The clinicopathological data and prognosis of 401 patients with GBC who underwent radical surgery from six institutions of China from January 2013 to December 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 153 males(38.2%) and 248 females(61.8%), with age of (62.0±10.5) years (range: 30-88 years). Fifty-three patients(22.2%) were accompanied by jaundice. All patients underwent radical resection+regional lymphadenectomy.R0 or R1 resection was confirmed by postoperative pathological examination.The different cut-off values of NLNE were determined by the X-tile software, the optimal cut-off values were identified by analyzing the relationship between different cut-off values of NLNE with survival rate. Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. Univariate and multivariate analysis were implemented respectively using the Log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard model. Results: Among the 401 patients enrolled, 135 cases (33.6%) had lymphatic metastasis, of which 98 cases were in N1 stage(24.4%) and 37 cases were in N2 stage(9.2%).A total of 2 794 NLNE were retrieved, with a median count of 6 (5).The median positive lymph nodes count was 0 (1), and the median positive lymph nodes ratio was 0 (IQR, 0-0.2). Since the 12 and 15 were determined as the cut-off values by X-tile, all patients were divided into three groups of 1-11, 12-15 and ≥16.The 3-year survival rate of the three groups was 45.2%, 74.5%, 12.0% respectively, with statistically significant difference between three groups (χ(2)=10.94, P<0.01). The results of multivariate analysis showed that NLNE was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (P<0.05). Further analysis was performed specifically for subgroup of T stages. For T1b patients, the prognosis of the NLNE with 1-7 group was significantly better than that of the ≥8 group(χ(2)=4.610, P<0.05). For T2 patients, the prognosis of the TLNE ≥7 group was significantly better than that of 1 -6 group (χ(2)=4.287, P<0.05). For T3 and T4 patients, the prognosis of the TLNE with 12 - 15 group was significantly better than that of 1 -11 group (χ(2)=5.007, P<0.01) and ≥16 group (χ(2)=10.158, P<0.01). Conclusions: The NLNE is an independent factor affecting the prognosis of patients with GBC.For patients with stage T1b,8 lymph nodes should be retrieved; for patients with stage T2,extensive dissection of more than 6 lymph nodes can significantly improve the prognosis.For advanced patients (stages T3 and T4), extensive dissection with 12-15 lymph nodes is recommended. However, it fails to get more survival benefits by dissecting more than 16 lymph nodes.

[Standardization and application on ribotyping library of Clostridioides difficile in China]

Objective: To establish a standard operation procedure (SOP) for ribosome genotyping (ribotyping) on Clostridioides (C.) difficile, supplement and verify ribotyping typing library, so as to improve the comparability of data between different laboratories and to develop surveillance network of C. difficil in China. Methods: Molecular typing of 54 reference strains from the United States and Europe of C. difficile were performed by using the SOP referencing correspondence from abroad and from our laboratory with a BioNumerics 7.6 software to estimate the reference library of types of C. difficile. Identification of 374 clinical and animal isolates of C. difficile from 13 cities in China between 2010 and 2018, to supplement the library information. Kappa test was used to evaluate the consistency. Results: Results of capillary electrophoresis of reference strains appeared clear and stable, which guaranteed the clustering results being fast and accurate. Results from the supplementary typing showed that there were 84 types of isolates, of which 25 RT types were consistent with reference strains from abroad, while 58 RT types were different from referenced types. In the 40 referenced types, 15 RT types were not found in this study. In the consistency evaluation, the Kappa value was 0.891 and (P<0.01), showing the two Molecular typing as consistent and with close resemblance. Conclusions: The result of capillary electrophoresis by applying SOP for ribotyping on C. difficile base on QIAxcel capillary electrophoresis system, appeared clear and stable. The standardized library seemed more easily used for comparability and data sharing between the laboratories.

[Research progress on health effects of aniline]

Aniline is one of the important chemical raw materials in daily life and the chemical industry. Aniline exposure might occur through intact skin, respiratory tract and digestive tract. It could pose negative impacts on many organs and systems of the human body, including toxicity or carcinogenicity to blood, liver, and spleen. This paper summarized the direct effects of aniline on human health and the indirect hazards of aniline on human health through environmental pollution and discussed the future research directions of aniline-induced health hazards.

Rapid Determination of 13 Sedative Substances and Their Metabolites in Blood by LC-MS/MS

Objective To establish an analysis method for simultaneous determination of 13 sedative substances and their metabolites in blood by liquid-liquid extraction and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry （LC-MS/MS） technology and to apply the method to actual cases. Methods The samples were extracted with ethyl acetate after an internal standard was added. The extract was condensed until it was nearly dry and then its residues were dissolved with methanol, filtered through 0.22 μm filter and finally determined. The 13 sedative substances and their metabolites were separated through the C₁₈ chromatographic column, then gradient elution was performed on them with methanol and 20 mmol/L ammonium formate （containing 0.1% formic acid） solution. After that, they were determined in the electrospray positive ion mode and quantified by internal standard method. Results The 13 sedative substances and their metabolites in blood showed good linearity in the range of 5-200 μg/L with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.990 3 to 0.999 8. The detection limits were 0.1-1.0 μg/L. Recovery rates of sedative substances were in the range of 71.2%-93.4% when solutions with concentrations of 10, 50 and 200 μg/L were added. The deviations of intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviations （RSD） were not more than 8.6%. Accuracies （bias） were within ±9.8%. Conclusion This method is rapid, simple, effective and sensitive, and can be applied to analysis of 13 sedative substances and their metabolites in blood in forensic toxicology.

A histological study of mouse tissues and water loss following lyophilization

Lyophilization is a practical method for product storage and transportation; it commonly is used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Lyophilization also is used for preserving biological samples such as serum, plasma and animal tissues. We found that lyophilization does not affect the stability of RNAs and proteins in tissue samples. To investigate histological characteristics, we prepared lyophilized tissues for paraffin sectioning and hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) staining. We also measured water loss from organs during lyophilization. We used immunohistochemistry of frozen brain sections to identify potential protective effects of three concentrations of sucrose, glucose and trehalose against the effects of lyophilization. H & E staining revealed vacuoles in heart, lung, liver, kidney, spleen and brain after lyophilization without pretreatments, especially heart and kidney. We found that 10% solutions of sucrose, glucose and trehalose helped preserve tissue morphology. Immunohistochemistry of frozen brain tissue showed that 10% glucose and 30% sucrose preserved cellular characteristics and immunogenicity following lyophilization. Lyophilization removed > 70% of the water from organs, and lyophilized tissues without protectants were not suitable for histological study. Overall, we found that 10% glucose helped preserve both optimal tissue morphology and immunogenicity of freeze-dried tissue.

Electrospun Poly (Aspartic Acid)-Modified Zein Nanofibers for Promoting Bone Regeneration

Background

Critical-sized bone defects raise great challenges. Zein is of interest for bone regeneration, but it has limited ability to stimulate cell proliferation. In this regard, a poly (aspartic acid) (PAsp)-zein hybrid is promising, as PAsp can promote rat bone marrow stromal cell (rBMSCs) proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. This research aimed to develop electrospun PAsp-modified zein nanofibers to realize critical-sized bone defects repair.

Methods

Three groups of PAsp-modified zein nanofibers were prepared, they were PAsp grafting percentages of 0% (zein), 5.32% (ZPAA-1), and 7.63% (ZPAA-2). Using rBMSCs as in vitro cell model and SD rats as in vivo animal model, fluorescence staining, SEM, CCK-8, ALP, ARS staining, μCT and histological analysis were performed to verify the biological and osteogenic activities for PAsp-modified zein nanofibers.

Results

As the Asp content increased from 0% to 7.63%, the water contact angle decreased from 129.8 ± 2.3° to 105.5 ± 2.5°. SEM, fluorescence staining and CCK-8 assay showed that ZPAA-2 nanofibers had a superior effect on rBMSCs spreading and proliferation than did zein and ZPAA-1 nanofibers, ALP activity and ARS staining showed that ZPAA-2 can improve rBMSCs osteogenic differentiation. In vivo osteogenic activities was evaluated by μCT analysis, HE, Masson and immunohistochemical staining, indicating accelerated bone formation in ZPAA-2 SD rats after 4 and 8 weeks treatment, with a rank order of ZPAA-2 > ZPAA-1 > zein group. Moreover, the semiquantitative results of the Masson staining revealed that the maturity of the new bone was higher in the ZPAA-2 group than in the other groups.

Conclusion

Electrospun PAsp-modified zein can provide a suitable microenvironment for osteogenic differentiation of rBMSCs, as well as for bone regeneration; the optimal membrane appears to have a PAsp grafting percentage of 7.63%.

Low-Voltage Metal-Oxide Thin Film Transistors Using P-Type Tin-Oxide Semiconductors

In this paper, the effect of channel annealing and oxygen flow rate in P-type tin-monoxide (SnO) thin film transistor (TFT) was investigated to reach the process compatibility with n-type oxide-based TFT. The optimized P-type SnO TFT with a small threshold voltage of -0.1 V, a high field-effect mobility of 4 cm² V^-1 s^-1 and an on/off current ratio of >10² was proposed. From the experimental results, the 150 °C channel annealing revealed a metallic behavior but a semiconductor-like property at a higher 200 °C that was favorable for transistor rectification. Besides, the higher oxygen flow rate was also helpful for improving device mobility and driving current, but shows a slight increase in off-state leakage, which is unavoidable due to the increase of grain in SnO channel.

[Characteristic and function of peripheral blood mononuclear cells-induced macrophages in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome]

目的

观察骨髓增生异常综合征（MDS）患者单个核细胞诱导的巨噬细胞的功能，分析其与MDS疾病发展的关系。

方法

以2014年9月至2015年12月天津医科大学总医院血液科24例MDS患者为病例组，以15名健康志愿者为正常对照组。收集外周血标本并分离单个核细胞，体外以GM-CSF诱导分化形成巨噬细胞。在光学显微镜下观察巨噬细胞的形态；使用流式细胞术检测巨噬细胞的数量及其表面受体CD206、SIRPα的表达水平；分别采用流式细胞术和免疫荧光显微镜检测巨噬细胞的吞噬功能。

结果

①MDS来源的巨噬细胞形态较正常对照差（形态不规则、细胞体积小、异形明显、无足突、数量减少），MDS外周血单个核细胞转化为巨噬细胞的转化率为（5.17±3.47）%，显著低于正常对照组的（66.18±13.43）%（t=3.529，P=0.001）；②MDS来源的巨噬细胞表面识别受体CD206的表达水平[（9.73±2.59）%]显著低于正常对照组[（51.15±10.82）%]（t=4.551，P<0.001），SIRPα的表达水平[（0.51±0.09）%]显著低于正常对照组[（0.77±0.06）%]（t=2.102，P=0.043）；③MDS来源的巨噬细胞吞噬免疫微球的吞噬指数、吞噬百分率分别为0.45±0.08、（23.69±3.22）%，显著低于正常对照组的0.92±0.07、（42.75±2.13）%（P值均<0.05），MDS来源的巨噬细胞吞噬单个核细胞的吞噬指数（0.24±0.04）显著低于正常对照组（0.48±0.96，t=3.464，P=0.001）。

结论

MDS患者外周血单个核细胞诱导形成巨噬细胞能力下降，吞噬识别受体减少，吞噬能力减弱。