Enantioselective Dearomatization of Pyridinium Salts by Copper-Catalyzed C4-Selective Addition of Silicon Nucleophiles

A copper-catalyzed C4-selective addition of silicon nucleophiles released from an Si-B reagent to prochiral pyridinium triflates is reported. The dearomatization proceeds with excellent enantioselectivity using Cu(CH3CN)4PF6 as the precatalyst and (R,R)-Ph-BPE as the chiral ligand. A carbonyl group at C3 is required, likely acting a weak group to preorganize and direct the nucleophilc attack towards C4. The resulting 4-silylated 1,4-dihydropyridines can be further converted into functionalized piperidine derivatives.

[Epidemiological investigation of iron deficiency among preschool children in 10 provinces, autonomous regions, or municipalities in China]

Objective: To understand the current status of anemia, iron deficiency, and iron-deficiency anemia among preschool children in China. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a multi-stage stratified sampling method to select 150 streets or townships from 10 Chinese provinces, autonomous regions, or municipalities (East: Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shandong, and Hainan; Central: Henan; West: Chongqing, Shaanxi, Guizhou, and Xinjiang; Northeast: Liaoning). From May 2022 to April 2023, a total of 21 470 children, including community-based children aged 0.5 to<3.0 years receiving child health care and kindergarten-based children aged 3.0 to<7.0 years, were surveyed. They were divided into 3 age groups: infants (0.5 to<1.0 year), toddlers (1.0 to<3.0 years), and preschoolers (3.0 to<7.0 years). Basic information such as sex and date of birth of the children was collected, and peripheral blood samples were obtained for routine blood tests and serum ferritin measurement. The prevalence rates of anemia, iron deficiency, and iron-deficiency anemia were analyzed, and the prevalence rate differences were compared among different ages, sex, urban and rural areas, and regions using the chi-square test. Results: A total of 21 460 valid responses were collected, including 10 780 boys (50.2%). The number of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers were 2 645 (12.3%), 6 244 (29.1%), and 12 571 (58.6%), respectively. The hemoglobin level was (126.7±14.8) g/L, and the serum ferritin level was 32.3 (18.5, 50.1) μg/L. The overall rates of anemia, iron deficiency, and iron-deficiency anemia were 10.4% (2 230/21 460), 28.3% (6 070/21 460), and 3.9% (845/21 460), respectively. The prevalence rate of anemia was higher for boys than for girls (10.9% (1 173/10 780) vs. 9.9% (1 057/10 680), χ2=5.58, P=0.018), with statistically significant differences in the rates for infants, toddlers and preschoolers (18.0% (475/2 645), 10.6% (662/6 244), and 8.7% (1 093/12 571), respectively, χ2=201.81, P<0.01), and the rate was significantly higher for children in rural than that in urban area (11.8% (1 516/12 883) vs. 8.3% (714/8 577), χ2=65.54, P<0.01), with statistically significant differences in the rates by region (χ2=126.60, P<0.01), with the highest rate of 15.8% (343/2 173) for children in Central region, and the lowest rate of 5.3% (108/2 053) in Northeastern region. The prevalence rates of iron deficiency were 33.8% (895/2 645), 32.2% (2 011/6 244), and 25.2% (3 164/12 571) in infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, respectively, and 30.0% (3 229/10 780) in boys vs. 26.6% (2 841/10 680) in girls, 21.7% (1 913/8 821), 40.0% (870/2 173), 27.1% (2 283/8 413), 48.9% (1 004/2 053) in Eastern, Central, Western, and Northeastern regions, respectively, and each between-group showed a significant statistical difference (χ2=147.71, 29.73, 773.02, all P<0.01). The prevalence rate of iron-deficiency anemia showed a significant statistical difference between urban and rural areas, 2.9% (251/8 577) vs. 4.6% (594/12 883) (χ2=38.62, P<0.01), while the difference in iron deficiency prevalence was not significant (χ2=0.51, P=0.476). Conclusions: There has been a notable improvement in iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia among preschool children in China, but the situation remains concerning. Particular attention should be paid to the prevention and control of iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia, especially among infants and children in the Central, Western, and Northeastern regions of China.

Chemical Constituents of a Marine-derived Fungus Fusarium oxysporum F0888 and their Antibacterial Activity

Five new compounds, including four hydroxyphenylacetic acid derivatives, stachylines H-K (1-4), a derivative of hydroxyphenylethanol (5), as well as seven known compounds were obtained from a marine-derived fungus Fusarium oxysporum F0888 isolated from sediments in the South China Sea. The structures and absolute configurations of new compounds were determined by spectroscopic (IR, NMR, and HR-ESI-MS) analyses, comparison of optical rotations, and the modified Mosher's MTPA ester method. Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of compounds 1-12 were tested. Unfortunately, all of isolated compounds were inactivity.

[Child with sitosterolemia initially presenting with hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia: a case repore and literrature review]

This article focuses on a case study of sitosterolemia in a child who initially presented with hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. Sitosterolemia is a rare autosomal recessive lipid metabolism disorder, difficult to diagnose due to its non-typical clinical manifestations. The 8-year-old patient was initially misdiagnosed with pyruvate kinase deficiency. Comprehensive biochemical and molecular biology analyses, including gene sequencing, eventually led to the correct diagnosis of sitosterolemia. This case highlights the complexity and diagnostic challenges of sitosterolemia, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and accurate diagnosis in patients presenting with similar symptoms.

[Seasonal Regulation of Soil Microbial Carbon and Phosphorus Metabolisms in an Apple Orchard: Evidence from the Enzymatic Stoichiometry Method]

Soil microbial carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) nutrient requirements and metabolic limitations are closely related to the availability of environmental nutrients. However, it is unclear how manure and chemical fertilization shift nutrient limitations for microbes in terms of the soil enzymatic stoichiometry in an apple orchard. Therefore, based on the long-term experiment located in an apple orchard established in 2008, this study applied the theory and method of soil enzyme stoichiometry to systematically investigate the effects of the combined application of manure and chemical fertilizers on soil C, N, and P turnover-related enzyme activities (β-1,4-glucosidase, BG; leucine aminopeptidase, NAG; β-1,4-N-acetylglucosaminidase, LAP; and acid or alkaline phosphatase, PHOS) and their stoichiometric characteristics and analyzed their relationships with environmental factors and microbial carbon use efficiency. The experiment was designed with four treatments, such as, no fertilization input as the control (CK), single application of chemical fertilizer (NPK), combined application of manure and chemical fertilizer (MNPK), and single application of manure (M). The results revealed that:① at different growth stages of fruit trees, the soil microbial biomass C (microC) content of manure fertilizer treatments (MNPK and M) was significantly higher than that of no manure fertilizer treatments (CK and NPK). The content of microbial biomass N (microN) in the NPK, MNPK, and M treatments increased by 89%, 269%, and 213%, respectively, compared with that in CK (P<0.05). ② Compared with those in the fertilization treatments, CK had higher leaf N and P contents (29.8 g·kg-1 and 2.17 g·kg-1) at the germination stage, and the leaf P content at the germination stage alone was significantly negatively correlated with soil available phosphorus (AP) content. ③ Soil enzyme stoichiometry analysis demonstrated that all data points in this study were above the 1:1 line, indicating that microbial communities had a strong phosphorus limitation. The range of vector length and angle was 0.56-0.79 and 59.3°-67.7°, respectively, in the growth period of fruit trees, and the vector angle was >45° in this study, which also reflected the strong phosphorus limitation of microorganisms. ④ RDA and random forest model analysis showed that organic carbon and available nitrogen (AN) were the main physical and chemical factors affecting vector length; AP, AN, and soil water content were the main physical and chemical factors affecting vector angle. Combined with SEM analysis, AN and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) directly affected microC and microN, AP directly affected microP and microN, DOC and AP directly affected vector length, and AP and microN directly affected vector angle. In addition, microbial carbon utilization was positively correlated with vector length and negatively correlated with vector angle. In summary, the combined application of manure and chemical fertilizers regulated microbial carbon and phosphorus metabolism by affecting soil carbon and phosphorus content at different growth stages of fruit trees, thereby affecting microbial carbon utilization. This study provides a scientific basis for manure and chemical fertilizers to improve soil quality and maintain soil health.

[Effects of Long-term Combined Application of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Soil Carbon Pool and Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Orchards]

Applying organic fertilizer can increase the contents of soil organic carbon (SOC) and active organic carbon, which are crucial for strengthening soil quality and fertility. Four treatments were established:no fertilization (CK), single application of organic fertilizer (M), single application of chemical fertilizer (NPK), and combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers (MNPK). The changes in SOC and active components under long-term combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers were investigated, as were the effects of various fertilization measures on greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, we evaluated the variation in the soil carbon pool management index (CPMI). Total organic carbon (TOC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), easily oxidized organic carbon (EOC), and particulate organic carbon (POC) increased by 82.84%, 66.30%, 21.12%, 93.28%, and 145.80%, respectively, when compared to those in the CK treatment. The NPK treatment had no discernible effect on SOC and organic carbon components. The combined application of organic and inorganic materials could enhance LI, CPI, and the soil carbon pool management index, with the increase in LI and CPI being the primary reason for the increase in CPMI. Correlation analyses revealed that soil organic carbon components and CPMI were significantly positively correlated with greenhouse gas emissions. The combined application of organic and inorganic materials enhanced cumulative CO2 emissions and warming potential (GWP) but decreased GHGI and yielded a maximum of 56365 kg·hm-2. Compared with that in the CK treatment (29073 kg·hm-2), apple yield in MNPK increased by 93.87%. Therefore, applying organic and inorganic fertilizers in dryland apple orchards can improve the accumulation of organic carbon and stabilize the soil carbon pool, which is more beneficial to the sustainable development of orchards.

Heart Rate Response Predicts 6-Minutes Walking Distance in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Because the 6-minute walking test (6MWT) is a self-paced submaximal test, the 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) is substantially influenced by individual effort level and physical condition, which is difficult to quantify. We aimed to explore the optimal indicator reflecting the perceived effort level during 6MWT. We prospectively enrolled 76 patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and 152 healthy participants; they performed 2 6MWTs at 2 different speeds: (1) at leisurely speed, as performed in daily life without extra effort (leisure 6MWT) and (2) an increased walking speed, walking as the guideline indicated (standard 6MWT). The factors associated with 6MWD during standard 6MWT were investigated using a multiple linear regression analysis. The heart rate (HR) and Borg score increased and oxygen saturation (SpO2) decreased after walking in 2 6MWTs in both groups (all p <0.001). The ratio of difference in HR before and after each test (ΔHR) to HR before walking (HRat rest) and the difference in SpO2 (ΔSpO2) and Borg (ΔBorg) before and after each test were all significantly higher in both groups after standard 6MWT than after leisure 6MWT (all p <0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that ΔHR/HRat rest was an independent predictor of 6MWD during standard 6MWT in both groups (both p <0.001, adjusted R2 = 0.737 and 0.49, respectively). 6MWD and ΔHR/HRat rest were significantly lower in patients than in healthy participants (both p <0.001) and in patients with cardiac functional class III than in patients with class I/II (both p <0.001). In conclusion, ΔHR/HRat rest is a good reflector of combined physical and effort factors. HR response should be incorporated into 6MWD to better assess a participant's exercise capacity.

[To compare the efficacy and incidence of severe hematological adverse events of flumatinib and imatinib in patients newly diagnosed with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia]

Objective: To analyze and compare therapy responses, outcomes, and incidence of severe hematologic adverse events of flumatinib and imatinib in patients newly diagnosed with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) . Methods: Data of patients with chronic phase CML diagnosed between January 2006 and November 2022 from 76 centers, aged ≥18 years, and received initial flumatinib or imatinib therapy within 6 months after diagnosis in China were retrospectively interrogated. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed to reduce the bias of the initial TKI selection, and the therapy responses and outcomes of patients receiving initial flumatinib or imatinib therapy were compared. Results: A total of 4 833 adult patients with CML receiving initial imatinib (n=4 380) or flumatinib (n=453) therapy were included in the study. In the imatinib cohort, the median follow-up time was 54 [interquartile range (IQR), 31-85] months, and the 7-year cumulative incidences of CCyR, MMR, MR(4), and MR(4.5) were 95.2%, 88.4%, 78.3%, and 63.0%, respectively. The 7-year FFS, PFS, and OS rates were 71.8%, 93.0%, and 96.9%, respectively. With the median follow-up of 18 (IQR, 13-25) months in the flumatinib cohort, the 2-year cumulative incidences of CCyR, MMR, MR(4), and MR(4.5) were 95.4%, 86.5%, 58.4%, and 46.6%, respectively. The 2-year FFS, PFS, and OS rates were 80.1%, 95.0%, and 99.5%, respectively. The PSM analysis indicated that patients receiving initial flumatinib therapy had significantly higher cumulative incidences of CCyR, MMR, MR(4), and MR(4.5) and higher probabilities of FFS than those receiving the initial imatinib therapy (all P<0.001), whereas the PFS (P=0.230) and OS (P=0.268) were comparable between the two cohorts. The incidence of severe hematologic adverse events (grade≥Ⅲ) was comparable in the two cohorts. Conclusion: Patients receiving initial flumatinib therapy had higher cumulative incidences of therapy responses and higher probability of FFS than those receiving initial imatinib therapy, whereas the incidence of severe hematologic adverse events was comparable between the two cohorts.

[Analysis of tuberculosis epidemiological characteristics and drug resistance among the floating population in Beijing in 2019]

Objective: To analyze the epidemic characteristics and drug resistance of pulmonary tuberculosis among the floating population in Beijing and to provide a scientific basis for formulating strategies for the prevention and control of tuberculosis among the floating population. Methods: Data of tuberculosis patients who were positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture was collected from 16 districts and one municipal institution of tuberculosis control and prevention in Beijing in 2019. The strain samples were tested for drug sensitivity by the proportional method. According to household registration location, patients were divided into the floating population and Beijing registration. SPSS 19.0 software analyzed tuberculosis patients' epidemic characteristics and drug resistance in the floating population. Results: In 2019, there were 1 171 culture-positive tuberculosis patients in Beijing, among the floating population, 593 (50.64%) patients were identified, with a male-to-female sex ratio of 2.2∶1 (409∶184). Compared to patients under household registration as Beijing residents, a higher proportion of young adults aged 20-39 years (65.09%,386/593) were noticed, with 55.65% (330/593) reported from the urban areas and 96.80% (574/593) were reported the first time. The differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). After completing the drug sensitivity test, 37 cases were with multiple drug-resistant tuberculosis, accounting for 6.24% (37/593). The rates of isoniazid resistance (42.11%,8/19) and multidrug resistance (21.05%,4/19) in floating population patients after retreatment were significantly higher than those in newly treated patients (11.67%, 67/574 and 5.75%, 33/574), and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Conclusions: Most patients with tuberculosis in the floating population in Beijing in 2019 were young males aged 20-39 years. The reporting areas were urban areas and the newly treated patients mainly. The patients with tuberculosis in the re-treated floating population were more likely to suffer from multidrug and drug resistance, which should be taken as the key population for prevention and control.

Copper-Catalyzed Highly Enantioselective Addition of a Silicon Nucleophile to 3-Substituted 2H-Azirines Using an Si-B Reagent

3-Substituted 2H-azirines can be considered strained cyclic ketimines, and highly enantioselective addition reactions of silicon nucleophiles to either acyclic or cyclic ketimines have been elusive so far. The present work closes this gap for those azirines by means of a copper-catalyzed silylation using a silyl boronic ester as a latent silicon nucleophile. The resulting C-silylated, unprotected (N-H) aziridines are obtained in high yields and with excellent enantioselectivities and can be further converted into valuable compounds with hardly any erosion of the enantiomeric excess.

[Long-term evaluation and physical and mental effects of residual tinnitus following treatment of sudden hearing loss]

Objective: To clarify the long-term characteristics of tinnitus following treatment of sudden deafness and its long-term physical and mental effects on patients. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 88 patients (46 males and 42 females; Age from 11 to 89 years) with sudden deafness treated in Department of Otoscope Surgery of Peoples's Libration Army General Hospital in Beijing from April 2020 to January 2021, and the occurrence of tinnitus and treatment effect of all patients were analyzed. Follow-up was conducted for patients with residual tinnitus after treatment for more than 1 year by the investigation and filling in the survey information collection form, Tinnitus Evaluation Questionnaire (TEQ) and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI). Descriptive statistics and SPSS 22.0 software were used for statistical data analysis. Results: In this study, 93.2% (82/88) of patients with sudden deafness were accompanied by tinnitus at the onset, and the proportion of long-term tinnitus after treatment was 90.2% (74/82). After 1 year of treatment for sudden deafness, the improvement of tinnitus was significant in low-frequency sudden deafness compared with those of high-frequency, flat and total deafness sudden deafness (χ2 value was 6.801, 4.568 and 4.038, all P<0.05). In patients with residual tinnitus, 9 (12.2%) patients felt minimal loudness or even no loudness, 34 (46.0%) patients felt slight loudness, 28 (37.8%) patients felt tinnitus was relatively loud, and 3 (4.1%) patients felt tinnitus was loud or noisy. Nine (12.2%) patients's sleep was often affected, 41 (55.4%) patients's sleep was sometimes affected, 9 (12.2%) patients's sleep was rarely affected, 15 (20.3%) patients's sleep was almost not affected. Twenty-eight (37.8%) patients basically completely adapted to tinnitus and 46 (62.2%) patients did not completely adapted to residual tinnitus. Eight (10.8%) patients had no impact on life, 39 (52.7%) patients had slight impact, 22 (29.7%) patients had moderate impact, and the other 5 (6.8%) patients had greater impact. According to tinnitus evaluation questionnaire(TEQ), there were 12 cases (16.2%) of grade Ⅰ, 26 cases (35.1%) of grade Ⅱ, 28 cases (37.8%) of grade Ⅲ, 7 cases (9.5%) of grade Ⅳ and 1 case (1.4%) of grade Ⅴ. According to tinnitus handicap inventory(THI), tinnitus disability was classified into grade Ⅰ, 22 cases (29.7%), grade Ⅱ, 14 cases (18.9%), Grade Ⅲ, 27 cases (36.5%) and grade Ⅳ, 11 cases (14.9%). Conclusion: The rate of residual tinnitus following treatment of sudden deafness is high. Some of the patients can completely adapt residual tinnitus after one year, but some of them will be affected when sleep, work and study. Residual tinnitus can lead to tinnitus disability in different degrees.

Development of a removable three-dimensional magnetic probe system for measuring field null on the NanChang Spherical Tokamak

The field null configuration of a poloidal magnetic field is one of the critical conditions for achieving Ohmic breakdown during the initial discharge of a new tokamak. The issue of the Ohmic breakdown on the NanChang Spherical Tokamak (NCST) is still not solved satisfactorily although plasma currents of about 2 kA were found. Hence, a removable three-dimensional magnetic probe (RTMP) system consisting of 25 magnetic probes was designed, calibrated, and constructed on the NCST to evaluate the field null inside a vacuum vessel. After repeated tests, the RTMP system exhibited outstanding performance in terms of accuracy and stability with errors of about 1%. Meanwhile, the RTMP system successfully measured the toroidal field (TF) coil ripples at the magnetic axis. During experiments, the stray field arising from the TF coil implied a strong link between the flexible connection of the TF coil and the Ohmic breakdown on the NCST. After the field null was effectively modified by using a new flexible connection of the TF coil and controlling the induced current in the poloidal field coil, the NCST tokamak reproducibly obtained 20 kA plasma current with the limiter configuration during the plasma current flat-top phase.

Loss of function of CMPK2 causes mitochondria deficiency and brain calcification

Brain calcification is a critical aging-associated pathology and can cause multifaceted neurological symptoms. Cerebral phosphate homeostasis dysregulation, blood-brain barrier defects, and immune dysregulation have been implicated as major pathological processes in familial brain calcification (FBC). Here, we analyzed two brain calcification families and identified calcification co-segregated biallelic variants in the CMPK2 gene that disrupt mitochondrial functions. Transcriptome analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from these patients showed impaired mitochondria-associated metabolism pathways. In situ hybridization and single-cell RNA sequencing revealed robust Cmpk2 expression in neurons and vascular endothelial cells (vECs), two cell types with high energy expenditure in the brain. The neurons in Cmpk2-knockout (KO) mice have fewer mitochondrial DNA copies, down-regulated mitochondrial proteins, reduced ATP production, and elevated intracellular inorganic phosphate (Pi) level, recapitulating the mitochondrial dysfunction observed in the PBMCs isolated from the FBC patients. Morphologically, the cristae architecture of the Cmpk2-KO murine neurons was also impaired. Notably, calcification developed in a progressive manner in the homozygous Cmpk2-KO mice thalamus region as well as in the Cmpk2-knock-in mice bearing the patient mutation, thus phenocopying the calcification pathology observed in the patients. Together, our study identifies biallelic variants of CMPK2 as novel genetic factors for FBC; and demonstrates how CMPK2 deficiency alters mitochondrial structures and functions, thereby highlighting the mitochondria dysregulation as a critical pathogenic mechanism underlying brain calcification.

Boosting the Enantioselectivity of Conjugate Borylation of α,β-Disubstituted Cyclobutenones with Monooxides of Chiral C2 -Symmetric Bis(phosphine) Ligands

Chiral bis(phosphine) monooxides (BPMOs) derived from C₂ -symmetric bis(phosphines) have been found to induce superior levels of enantioselection in copper-catalyzed conjugate borylation of α,β-disubstituted cyclobutenones. More precisely, enantiomeric excesses as well as chemical yields are exceedingly high with (R,R)-Bozphos as the chiral ligand while these values are low with parent (R,R)-Me-Duphos. A similar yet less pronounced effect was seen in the corresponding 1,6-addition to para-quinone methides.

[Pattern evolution and impact factor of Jiuduansha Wetland at the Yangtze Estuary during 1989-2020]

Affected by the changes of drainage basin and marine environment and human activities, estuarine wetland is fragile, sensitive, and complex in evolution. Jiuduansha Wetland is the largest estuarine shoal wetland in the Yangtze Estuary, and is undergoing rapid changes due to the reduction of sediment inputs and the invasion of alien species Spartina alterniflora. In this study, the changes of Jiuduansha Wetland from 1989 to 2020 were analyzed through remote sensing interpretation, field investigation, and topographic data analysis. The impacts of watershed sediment reduction and S. alterniflora invasion on Jiuduansha Wetland were analyzed based on the hydrological data of Datong station and the invasion history of S. alterniflora. The results showed that the total area of Jiuduansha Wetland (above -5 m) first increased and then decreased since 1991, reaching its maximum in 2005 (421.16 km²). The area of tidal flat wetland (above 0 m) and wetland vegetation increased continuously from 1989 to 2020, with 1.5 times and 47.1 times increases, respectively. The decreases of sediment supply led to a decrease in the total area of Jiuduansha Wetland (above -5 m) and a decrease growth rate of tidal flat wetland area above 0 m and vege-tation area. The invasive species S. alterniflora had expanded rapidly, occupied the space of native species, and became the dominant species in Jiuduansha Wetland since it was introduced in 1997. Sediment reduction and S. alterniflora invasion had led to the rapid changes of Jiuduansha Wetland structure. In order to avoid the degradation of ecological service, wetland protection and restoration should be taken to maintain the stability and health of Jiu-duansha Wetland.

[Progress in research of 2019-nCoV infection in children and adolescents]

As 2019-nCoV vaccine is widely used in the adult population, children and adolescents have gradually become an important susceptible population to 2019-nCoV due to their low coverage of the vaccine and high contact degree. Understanding the characteristics of 2019-nCoV infection in minors is vital. This paper summarized the progress in the research of 2019-nCoV in minors by using the data from the retrieval of recently published literature. Furthermore, the key characteristics of 2019-nCoV infection in minors, including the susceptibility, transmissibility, prognosis and immune response were analyzed and the progress in child and adolescent vaccine development was introduced.

[Decoding the evolution of preventive chemotherapy schemes for schistosomiasis in China to improve the precise implementation of the WHO guideline on control and elimination of human schistosomiasis]

Preventive chemotherapy is one of the pivotal interventions for the control and elimination of schistosomiasis, which is effective to reduce the morbidity and prevalence of schistosomiasis. In order to promote the United Nations' sustainable development goals and the targets set for schistosomiasis control in the Ending the neglect to attain the Sustainable Development Goals: a road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021-2030, WHO released the guideline on control and elimination of human schistosomiasis in 2022, with major evidence-based updates of the current preventive chemotherapy strategy for schistosomiasis. In China where great success has been achieved in schistosomiasis control, the preventive chemotherapy strategy for schistosomiasis has been updated several times during the past seven decades. This article reviews the evolution of the WHO guidelines on preventive chemotherapy and Chinese national preventive chemotherapy schemes, compares the current Chinese national preventive chemotherapy scheme and the recommendations for preventive chemotherapy proposed in the 2022 WHO guideline on control and elimination of human schistosomiasis, and proposes recommendations for preventive chemotherapy during the future implementation of the 2022 WHO guideline, so as to provide insights into schistosomiasis control among public health professionals engaging in healthcare foreign aid.

[Single center experience of transcatheter aortic valve replacement with a simplified operative protocol]

Objective: To summarize the single center experience of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) with a simplified operative protocol. Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent transfemoral TAVR (TF-TAVR) from July 2020 to December 2020 in Fuwai Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. We compared the baseline characteristic, procedure information, 30-day follow-up outcomes of the patients who underwent TF-TAVR without the simplified operative protocol (routine group) or with the simplified operative protocol (simplified protocol group). Results: 93 patients were collected, 42 patients belonging to routine group, 51 patients belonging to simplified protocol group. In simplified protocol group, there were 51 patients planned to use ultrasound-guided femoral access puncture, procedure was successful in all 51 patients (100%). There were 49 patients planned to use the radial artery as the secondary access, procedure was successful in 45 patients (92%). There were 48 patients planned to use the strategy of avoidance of urinary catheter, this strategy was achieved in 35 patients (73%). There were 12 patients planned to use the left ventricular guidewire to pace, procedure was successful in 11 patients (92%). There were no differences in baseline characteristics, major clinical endpoints and 30-day follow-up outcomes between the two groups. Meanwhile, the procedure time ((62.5±17.9)min vs. (78.3±16.7)min, P<0.001), operation room time ((133.7±25.1)min vs. (159.2±42.6)min, P<0.001), X-ray exposure time ((17.2±6.5)min vs. (20.2±7.7)min, P=0.027) were significantly shorten in simplified protocol group compared with the routine group. Conclusion: Our study results indicate that the simplified operative protocol of TF-TAVR is as effective and safe as the routine operative protocol, meanwhile using the simplified operative protocol can significantly increase the operative efficiency of TF-TAVR.

Morphology and Phylogeny Reveal Five Novel Species in the Genus Cordyceps (Cordycipitaceae, Hypocreales) From Yunnan, China

The current study was aimed to introduce five new species of Cordyceps from Yunnan, with morphological descriptions, illustrations, color photographs, phylogenetic placement, associated host, and a comparison with allied taxa. The five new species were morphologically distinct from all other Cordyceps sensu lato species, and it was also suggested that they should differ from other species in the genus Cordyceps based on combined multigene analyses. Employing DNA nucleotide sequences of the nrLSU, nrSSU, tef-1α, rpb1, and rpb2, the five new species were recognized in the clade of Cordyceps by using molecular phylogenetic analyses, including five well-supported subclades: three new species, Cordyceps bullispora, Cordyceps longiphialis, and Cordyceps nabanheensis, were found in the subclade of C. pruinosa, and two new species, Cordyceps pseudotenuipes and Cordyceps simaoensis, were located in the subclade of C. tenuipes. The five novel species shared similar morphologies to other species in the genus Cordyceps, with fleshy and brightly pigmented stromata; perithecia superficial to completely immersed, ordinal in arrangement; and hyaline asci, with thickened cylindrical ascus apex. The morphological characteristics of 66 species in Cordyceps sensu stricto, namely, 5 novel species and 61 known taxa, were also compared.

[Initial clinical experience of left bundle branch pacing after transcatheter aortic valve implantation]

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of left bundle branch pacing(LBBP) in patients after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Methods: This is a retrospective study. A total of 35 patients underwent TAVI and received pacemaker implantation from January 2018 to December 2020 in Beijing Fuwai Hospital were enrolled. Patients were divided into LBBP group (n=12) and right ventricular apex pacing (RVAP) group (n=23) according to the pacing position. The success rate of operation in LBBP group was calculated, and the occurrence of complications were observed, and the parameters of pacemaker were measured on the 3rd day and 1, 3 and 6 months after operation. The N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), echocardiographic and ECG indexes were compared between the two groups on the 3rd day and 1, 3, and 6 months after pacemaker implantation. Result: A total of 35 patients were included, The age was (76.4±7.7) years, including 19 males (54.3%). The procedure time ((86.58±17.10)min vs. (68.74±9.18)min, P<0.001) and fluoroscopy duration ((20.08±4.44)min vs. (17.00±2.26)min, P<0.001) were significantly longer in LBBP group compared with RVAP group. The operation success rate of LBBP group was 11/12. There was no serious operation related complications such as pneumothorax, hemothorax, electrode dislocation, infection, and lower limb bleeding. The patients were followed up for 7.43 (5.21, 9.84) months. The programmed parameters of pacemaker were in the ideal range and stable during follow-up. At 3 and 6 months after operation, the left ventricular ejection fraction in LBBP group was higher than that in RVAP Group (at 3 months: (60.75±2.89)% vs. (57.35±3.33)%, P=0.004; at 6 months: (63.17±3.33)% vs. (56.17±3.97)%, P<0.001), NT-proBNP values was lower in LBBP group than that in RVAP Group (at 3 months: 822 (607, 1 150)ng/L vs. 1 052 (902, 1 536)ng/L, P=0.006; at 6 months: 440 (330,679)ng/L vs. 783 (588, 1 023)ng/L, P=0.001). At 1, 3 and 6 months after operation, the QRS duration was shorter in LBBP group than that in RVAP group (1 month: 99 (97, 107)ms vs. 126(124, 130)ms, P<0.001; 3 months: 98(96, 105)ms vs. 129(128, 133)ms, P<0.001; 6 months: 96(94, 104)ms vs. 130(128, 132)ms, P<0.001). Conclusions: For patients with permanent pacemaker indications after TAVI, LBBP is feasible, safe and reliable. It could improve the cardiac function in the short term, the long-term effect of LBBP needs to be further observed.

[Efficacy and safety of Kangbingdu granules in the treatment of influenza: a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, positive-drug parallel control multicenter clinical trial]

Objective: To observe the efficacy and safety of Kangbingdu granules (KBD) in the treatment of influenza. Methods: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, and positive-drug parallel control trial was conducted in 27 Grade ⅢA hospitals in China and the subjects were randomly assigned to the KBD test group or the oseltamivir phosphate capsule control group at a ratio of 1∶1. 200 subjects were planned to be enrolled in each group. The experimental group was given KBD (18g each time, 3 times a day) and oseltamivir phosphate simulator orally, while the control group was given oseltamivir phosphate capsule (75 mg each time, twice a day) and KBD simulator orally for 5 days. The primary efficacy indicators included the remission time of major clinical symptoms and the time of complete defervescence. The secondary efficacy indicators included dosage of acetaminophen, the change of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score and the remission time of other important clinical symptoms. The efficacy of KBD in the test group and Oseltamivir phosphate control group were compared. Adverse events or adverse reactions were observed at the same time to evaluate the safety of KBD Granules. Results: A total of 393 subjects from 27 Grade ⅢA hospitals in China were enrolled. The experimental group included 195 subjects and 191 subjects (97.95%) completed the trial, While the control group included 198 subjects and 195 subjects (98.48%) completed the trial. There was no significant difference in the shedding rate and rejection rate between the two groups (P>0.05). In the Full Analysis Set (FAS), the mean age of the experimental group was (34.9±14.4) years old, with 83 males (42.78%). The mean age of the control group was (33.3±13.5) years old, with 78 males (39.59%). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in demographic data, physical examination, viral pathogen detection, total score of TCM syndromes and scores of each symptom at baseline (P>0.05). In the FAS, the remission time M (Q₁, Q₃) of major clinical symptoms was 3.0 (3.0, 4.0) days in the experimental group and 3.0 (3.0, 4.0) days in the control group, and the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The time M (Q₁, Q₃) of complete defervescence was 34.0 (20.3, 49.0) hours in the experimental group and 36.5 (19.6, 48.8) hours in the control group, and the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). KBD granules had the same effect as Oseltamivir phosphate capsule (P>0.05) in terms of acetaminophen dosage, TCM syndrome effect and disappearance rate of most important clinical symptoms. Meanwhile, the disappearance rate of dizziness and chest distress on day 3 in the KBD granules group was better than that of oseltamivir phosphate capsule (P<0.05). Conclusion: KBD granules have the same efficacy as Oseltamivir Phosphate capsule in the treatment of influenza and the drug safety is good.

[Evaluation and embolization strategy by ASITN/SIR grade for injured internal carotid artery of nasopharyngeal carcinoma]

Objective: To study the strategy of endovascular treatment for patients with the risks of internal carotid artery (ICA) rupture and bleeding during the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) based on American Society of Intervention and Therapeutic Neuroradiology/Society of Interventional Radiology (ASITN/SIR) grade of collateral circulation. Methods: A total of 56 patients (45 males and 11 females, aged from 28 to 76 years old) diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma and admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University from July 2018 to January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 15 cases of ASITN/SIR grade 4, 24 cases of ASITN/SIR grade 3, 5 cases of ASITN/SIR grade 2, 5 cases of ASITN/SIR grade 1, and 7 cases of ASITN/SIR grade 0. The events of stroke and death were analyzed statistically. Results: ALL patients with ASITN/SIR grade 4 or 3 and some of patients with ASITN/SIR grades 2-0 passed balloon occlusion test and electrophysiological monitoring. ICA pseudoaneurysm was found in 35 patients, and one-stage ICA embolization was performed in 29 patients after evaluation. Among them, 8 cases of ASITN/SIR grade 4 and 10 cases of ASITN/SIR grade 3 with obvious posterior circulation compensation obtained successful one-stage ICA embolization without cerebral ischemia; cerebral ischemic events occurred in 5 (55.6%) of 9 patients with ASITN/SIR grade 3 and in 1(50.0%) of 2 patients with ASITN/SIR grade 2. The total incidence of ischemic events was 20.7% (6/29) and 1 case was disabled (1/29, 3.4%). Among patients with ASITN/SIR 3, there were statistically significant differences in stroke event rate between patients with obvious posterior circulation compensation and patients with slight or without posterior circulation compensation (0/10 vs. 5/9, χ(2)=4.95, P=0.026). Follow-up time was 10.1±7.8 months, and 46 patients were survival (46/56, 82.1%) and 10 patients died (10/56, 17.9%) with a mean survival time of 2.6±1.4 months. Conclusions: For NPC patients with ICA invasion, ASITN/SIR based on DSA can simplify the assessment process of cerebral blood flow compensation. ICA can be embolized directly in patients with ASITN/SIR 4 or 3 with obvious posterior communicating compensation.

[Effect of integrated schistosomiasis control measures in Hunan Province from 2004 to 2019]

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effect of the integrated schistosomiasis control measures in Hunan Province from 2004 to 2019, so as to provide insights into the development of the schistosomiasis elimination strategy.

METHODS

The integrated schistosomiasis control measures implemented by the health, agriculture, water resources, forestry, land and resources sectors were retrospectively collected in Hunan Province from 2004 to 2019, and the completion of each measure, cost of control measures, Schistosoma japonicum infections in humans and bovines, and snail status were analyzed each year. An index system for assessing the integrated schistosomiasis control effect was constructed using the Delphi method to calculate the integrated schistosomiasis control effect index. In addition, a cost-effect analysis was performed in terms of the decline in the prevalence of S. japonicum infections in humans and bovines, areas with snails in inner embankments, and areas with infected snails.

RESULTS

A total of 7 110 926 500 Yuan were invested into the integrated schistosomiasis control program of Hunan Province from 2004 to 2019. During the 16-year period, a total of 277 437.12 hm² snail habitats received molluscicidal treatments, 6 927 230 person-times given expanded chemotherapy, 2 116 247 bovine-times given expanded chemotherapy, 954 850 harmless toilets built, 290 359 bovines fenced, 136 666 bovines eliminated, 141 905 machines used to replace bovines, 39 048.63 hm² water lands improved as dry lands, 724.12 km irrigation regions improved, 3 994 300 populations covered with safe water, 191 102.89 hm² forests planted and 38 535.27 hm² lands leveled. The prevalence of S. japonicum infections was 4.29% in humans and 4.48% in bovines in Hunan Province in 2004, with 2 449.37 hm² snail habitats in inner embankments and 3 423.74 hm² infected snail areas. In 2019, the prevalence of S. japonicum infections reduced to 0 in both humans and bovines, and areas of snail habitats reduced to 540.92 hm² (77.92% reductions), while the areas with infected snails reduced to 0. The overall integrated schistosomiasis control effect index appeared a tendency towards a rise over years since 2004, and the integrated schistosomiasis control effect index was 97.35 in 2019; the annual mean costs for a 1% reduction in the prevalence of S. japonicum infections in 100 populations and 100 bovines were 70.11 Yuan and 4 204.78 Yuan, and the annual mean costs for a 1% reduction in the snail areas in inner embankments and infected snail areas were 2 010.20 Yuan and 1 298.09 Yuan, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The integrated control measures achieve remarkable effectiveness for schistosomiasis control in Hunan Province, with a remarkable decline in the prevalence of S. japonicum infections in humans and bovines and great shrinking of snail areas in inner embankments and infected snail areas. Adequate fund investment is required to improve the integrated schistosomiasis control measures and consolidate the control achievements.

[Endemic situation of schistosomiasis in national surveillance sites of Hunan Province from 2015 to 2019]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the changes in the endemic situation of schistosomiasis in national surveillance sites of Hunan Province, so as to provide scientific basis for the development of the schistosomiasis elimination programme in the province.

METHODS

According to the requirements of the National Guidelines for Schistosomiasis Surveillance in China (2014 version), a total of 41 national schistosomiasis surveillance sites were assigned in all disease-endemic counties (districts) across Hunan Province. During the period between 2015 and 2019, Schistosoma japonicum infections were monitored in local residents, mobile populations and livestock, and snail status was monitored. The morbidity due to schistosomiasis and snail status was compared between years.

RESULTS

The sero-prevalence of S. japonicum infections was 2.57% and 1.56% in local residents and mobile populations in national surveillance sites of Hunan Province from 2015 to 2019, respectively, and the sero-prevalence appeared a tendency towards a decline over years. A higher sero-prevalence rate of S. japonicum infections was seen in men than in women (P < 0.01). During the 5-year study period, the sero-prevalence rate of human S. japonicum infections appeared a tendency towards a decline in the marshland, embankment, inner embankment and hilly types of endemic areas over years. There were 44 and 19 egg -positives detected in local residents and 5 and 1 egg-positives in mobile populations in 2015 and 2016 respectively. A total of 9 346 domestic animals were monitored from 2015 to 2019, and 6 egg-positives were detected in 2015 and 2016 (all were bovine). A total of 0.155 billion m² settings were surveyed from 2015 to 2019, and the mean density of living snails appeared a tendency towards a decline over years, with a 45.79% reduction in 2019 as compared to 2015. However, no S. japonicum infections were identified in snails during the 5-year period. A total of 1 469 mixed snail samples were detected using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and 6 positive snail samples were identified in 2015 (one sample) and 2017 (5 samples).

CONCLUSIONS

The overall endemic situation of schistosomiasis appears a tendency towards a decline in Hunan Province, and the prevalence of S. japonicum infections is at a low level in humans and livestock; however, there is still a risk of schistosomiasis transmission. Improvements of health education, intensification of schistosomiasis examinations in mobile populations and reinforcement of the surveillance-response system is required to consolidate the achievements of schistosomiasis control in Hunan Province.

Influenza a virus and Streptococcus pneumonia coinfection potentially promotes bacterial colonization and enhances B lymphocyte depression and reduction

Influenza has frequently been epidemic in recent years. However, the mechanisms of severe pneumonia with postinfluenza Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) secondary infection have not been fully understood. In this study, we explored the mechanisms of pneumonia in postinfluenza A virus (IAV) infection via a mouse model. Mice were intranasally inoculated with SP three days after IAV inoculation. We then collected samples at three time points to dynamically observe the pathological progression. In IAV infection alone, lymphocyte infiltration and widened alveolar intervals were observed. In the blood, levels of the CD19+, CD19+CD21+ and CD19+CD79β+B lymphocyte subpopulations were reduced, and IFN-γ and IL-10 were elevated. Slight atrophy was seen in the spleen, which was due to splenic B lymphocyteinitiated apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway. When SP infection occurred after IAV infection, the pulmonary inflammation was significantly aggravated; a fair number of lymphocytes and neutrophils infiltrated simultaneously with exfoliated bronchial epithelial cells, vascular endothelial cells, widened alveolar septum and hemorrhaging. Increasing edema fluid and bacteria accumulated in the alveolar cavity. Decreased CD19+, CD19+CD21+ and CD19+CD79β+B lymphocyte subpopulations and increased interferon gamma (IFN-γ) or interleukin 10 (IL-10) were more prominent compared to those with viral infection alone. Spleen atrophy resulting from coinfection was more obvious because of massive splenic B lymphocyte apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway compared to viral infection alone. This study shows that although inflammation caused by SP infection alone was temporary, preceding IAV infection provided favorable conditions for SP colonization and multiplication by destroying lung structure and suppressing humoral immunity. Synergistic IAV-SP coinfection is likely to facilitate more SP colonization and promote B lymphocyte-suppression and reduction. Eventually, the pneumonia worsened.

Overexpression of paralogues of the wheat expansin gene TaEXPA8 improves low-temperature tolerance in Arabidopsis

Low temperature is one of the important factors limiting wheat yield in cold regions. Expansins are nonenzymatic proteins that loosen cell walls and play important roles in diverse biological processes related to cell wall modification, including development and stress tolerance. Many studies have shown that expansins are involved in resistance to various abiotic stresses, such as heat and drought. However, the role of expansins in response to low-temperature stress remains unclear. Based on our previous transcriptome data of a winter wheat cultivar Dongnongdongmai 2 (DN2), we found that one of the expansin genes, TaEXPA8, was significantly induced by low temperature, indicating a role for TaEXPA8 in cold resistance. In this study, the paralogous TaEXPA8 genes TaEXPA8-A, TaEXPA8-B and TaEXPA8-D were cloned by RT-PCR. These three genes were then transformed into Arabidopsis by the floral dip method. Expression patterns of TaEXPA8 genes in different tissues and in response to several abiotic stresses and hormones were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The results showed that TaEXPA8-A and TaEXPA8-B were expressed mainly in roots, while TaEXPA8-D was expressed predominantly in flowers. TaEXPA8 genes were induced by low-temperature and drought. The overexpression of TaEXPA8-B and TaEXPA8-D enhanced low-temperature resistance and had increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activity and soluble protein, MDA and proline content. In summary, our study suggested that the expansins TaEXPA8-B and TaEXPA8-D are involved in the response to low temperature and possibly play a role in cold resistance by activating the protective enzyme system.

Magnetism study on a triangular lattice antiferromagnet Cu2(OH)3Br

Magnetism of Cu₂(OH)₃Br single crystals based on a triangular lattice is studied by means of magnetic susceptibility, pulsed-field magnetization, and specific heat measurements. There are two inequivalent Cu²⁺ sites in an asymmetric unit. Both Cu²⁺ sublattices undergo a long-range antiferromagnetic (AFM) order at [Formula: see text] K. Upon cooling, an anisotropy crossover from Heisenberg to XY behavior is observed below 7.5 K from the anisotropic magnetic susceptibility. The magnetic field applied within the XY plane induces a spin-flop transition of Cu²⁺ ions between 4.9 T and 5.3 T. With further increasing fields, the magnetic moment is gradually increased but is only about half of the saturation of a Cu²⁺ ion even in 30 T. The individual reorientation of the inequivalent Cu²⁺ spins under field is proposed to account for the magnetization behavior. The observed spin-flop transition is likely related to one Cu site, and the AFM coupling among the rest Cu spins is so strong that the 30 T field cannot overcome the anisotropy. The temperature dependence of the magnetic specific heat, which is well described by a sum of two gapped AFM contributions, is a further support for the proposed scenario.

[Impact of Land Use Type on the Stability and Organic Carbon Content of Soil Aggregates in the Weibei Dryland]

Soil aggregates are important indicators of soil quality and sustainable land utilization, and impact the retention abilities of water and fertilizers and the release of nutrients in soil. This study aimed to understand the effects of two land use types (an orchard and farmland) on the distribution, stability, and organic carbon content of soil aggregates, and provides a theoretical basis for the optimal management of the soil carbon pool in the Weibei Dryland of the Loess Plateau. We examined the soils from an orchard and from farmland by simultaneous sampling and wet sieving; the proportions of large macroaggregates (>2 mm), small macroaggregates (0.25-2 mm), microaggregates (0.053-0.25 mm), and silt and clay (<0.053 mm) were then determined; the content of organic carbon in each aggregate fraction at soil depths of 0-40 cm were also measured, and the total organic carbon content of all aggregates fractions was determined for each soil. The results showed that the type of agricultural land use had a significant effect on the distribution and stability of soil aggregates in the 0-20 cm soil layer, with the relative proportions of the different sized aggregates (>2, 0.25-2, 0.053-0.25, and<0.053 mm) being 12.9%, 51.3%, 28.8%, and 7.0% in the orchards, respectively, and 8.3%, 49.7%, 33.6%, and 8.4% on the farmland, respectively. The proportion of macro-aggregates (>0.25 mm) was significantly higher in the orchard soils than in the farmland soils. Mean weight diameter (MWD) and geometric mean diameter (GMD) are important indicators of the soil aggregate stability; the MWD and GWD of the farmland soils were significantly lower than the orchard soils in the 0-40 cm depth zone (P<0.05). The effects of different land use types on the organic carbon content of soil aggregates was most marked in the 0-10 cm layer. Compared with farmland, the organic carbon content in the large aggregates, intermediate aggregates, micro-aggregates, and the silt and clay fraction of orchard soils were relatively increased by 56.0% (P<0.05), 57.1% (P<0.05), 40.8% (P>0.05), and 13.0% (P>0.05), respectively. Organic carbon storage in each aggregate class (excluding the<0.053 mm fraction) in the orchard soils was higher than in the farmland soils. In the orchard soils, the proportion of soil macro-aggregates (>0.25 mm) and the associated organic carbon content was elevated, damage to aggregates was reduced, and the organic carbon stability was enhanced. In general, the soil aggregate stability and organic carbon content of orchard soils were higher than for the farmland soils. Orchards appear to enhance the physical stability of aggregates with respect to soil organic carbon, contribute to soil organic carbon accumulation, and thus promote soil carbon sequestration.

Discrete Superconducting Phases in FeSe-Derived Superconductors

A general feature of unconventional superconductors is the existence of a superconducting dome in the phase diagram. Here we report a series of discrete superconducting phases in the simplest iron-based superconductor, FeSe thin flakes, by continuously tuning the carrier concentration through the intercalation of Li and Na ions with a solid ionic gating technique. Such discrete superconducting phases are robust against the substitution of 20% S for Se, but they are vulnerable to the substitution of 2% Cu for Fe, highlighting the importance of the iron site being intact. The superconducting phase diagram for FeSe derivatives is given, which is distinct from that of other unconventional superconductors.

MicroRNA-200a Affects the Proliferation of Airway Smooth Muscle Cells and Airway Remodeling by Targeting FOXC1 via the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway in Ovalbumin-Induced Asthmatic Mice

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The etiology of asthma, which is a complicated disorder with various symptoms, including wheezing, coughing, and airflow obstruction, remains poorly understood. In addition, the effects of microRNAs (miRs) have not been explored. This study explored the effect of microRNA-200a (miR-200a) on airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) and airway remodeling in asthmatic mice. Furthermore, we speculated that miR-200a achieves its effect by targeting FOXC1 via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway based on differentially expressed gene screening, target miR predictions and a bioinformatics analysis.

METHODS

Eighty mice were assigned to a saline group or an ovalbumin (OVA) group, and the OVA group was transfected with a series of inhibitors, activators, and siRNAs to test the established mouse model. Airway reactivity and the ratio of eosinophils (EOSs) to leukocytes were detected. An ELISA was adopted to measure the levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and immunoglobulin E (IgE). Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blotting were used to determine the expression of FOXC1, PI3K, AKT, NF-κB, cyclin D1, TGF-β1 and p-AKT in ASMCs. Finally, CCK-8 assays were performed to detect cell proliferation and flow cytometry to detect apoptosis and cell cycle entry.

RESULTS

The bioinformatics analysis indicated that miR-200a mediated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by targeting FOXC1. In addition, mouse models of asthma were established. An elevated expression of miR-200a, a decreased mRNA and protein expression of FOXC1, PI3K, AKT, NF-κB, cyclin D1 and TGF-β1, a decreased expression of p-AKT, suppressed cell proliferation, accelerated apoptosis, and an increased number of cells at the G0/G1 phase were observed following the upregulation of miR-200a and downregulation of FOXC1.

CONCLUSION

The overexpression of miR-200a may downregulate FOXC1, thereby inhibiting the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and ultimately suppressing ASMC proliferation and airway remodeling in asthmatic mice. This evidence supports the potential that miR-200a represents a new approach to treating asthma.

[Clinical efficacy of of endoscopic assisted open pathway combined with radiotherapy in the treatment of advanced maxillary sinus malignant tumor]

Objective:The aim of this study is to analyze the clinical effect of endoscopic assisted open pathway combined with radiotherapy in the treatment of patients with advanced maxillary sinus malignant tumor.Method:A retrospective analysis was performed on the survival of 29 patients with advanced maxillary sinus malignant tumor treated by endoscopic assisted open approach combined with radiotherapy.Result:A total of twenty nine patients with cancer lesions were successfully resected, of which 7 cases underwent preoperative radiotherapy plus surgery plus postoperative radiotherapy, 22 cases were treated by surgery plus radiotherapy after operation. The median follow up time was 60 months (23-129 months). The 3 year and 5 year survival rate of the patients was 72% and 61%, respectively (90% and 80% was in Ⅱ stage respectively. 63% and 51% was in Ⅲ+Ⅳ stage respectively).Conclusion:Endoscopic assisted open pathway combined with radiotherapy is an effective method for the treatment of maxillary sinus carcinoma, and it can still be well treated with preoperative radiotherapy in patients with stage Ⅳ without distant metastasis.

The association between subclass-specific IgG Fc N-glycosylation profiles and hypertension in the Uygur, Kazak, Kirgiz, and Tajik populations

Hypertension results from the interaction of genetic and acquired factors. IgG occurs in the form of different subclasses, of which the effector functions show significant variation. The detailed differences between the glycosylation profiles of the individual IgG subclasses may be lost in a profiling method for total IgG N-glycosylation. In this study, subclass-specific IgG Fc glycosylation profile was investigated in the four northwestern Chinese minority populations, namely, Uygur (UIG), Kazak (KZK), Kirgiz (KGZ), and Tajik (TJK), composed of 274 hypertensive patients and 356 healthy controls. The results showed that ten directly measured IgG N-glycan traits (i.e., IgG1G0F, IgG2G0F, IgG2G1FN, IgG2G1FS, IgG2G2S, IgG4G0F, IgG4G1FS, IgG4G1S, IgG4G2FS, and IgG4G2N) representing galactosylation and sialylation are significantly associated with hypertension, with IgG4 consistently showing weaker associations of its sialylation, across the four ethnic groups. We observed a modest improvement on the AUC of ROC curve when the IgG Fc N-glycan traits are added into the glycan-based model (difference between AUCs, 0.044, 95% CI: 0.016-0.072, P = 0.002). The AUC of the diagnostic model indicated that the subclass-specific IgG Fc N-glycan profiles provide more information reinforcing current models utilizing age, gender, BMI, and ethnicity, and demonstrate the potential of subclass-specific IgG Fc N-glycosylation profiles to serve as a biomarker for hypertension. Further research is however required to determine the additive value of subclass-specific IgG Fc N-glycosylation on top of biomarkers, which are currently used.

Field-Driven Quantum Criticality in the Spinel Magnet ZnCr_{2}Se_{4}

We report detailed dc and ac magnetic susceptibilities, specific heat, and thermal conductivity measurements on the frustrated magnet ZnCr_{2}Se_{4}. At low temperatures, with an increasing magnetic field, this spinel material goes through a series of spin state transitions from the helix spin state to the spiral spin state and then to the fully polarized state. Our results indicate a direct quantum phase transition from the spiral spin state to the fully polarized state. As the system approaches the quantum criticality, we find strong quantum fluctuations of the spins with behaviors such as an unconventional T^{2}-dependent specific heat and temperature-independent mean free path for the thermal transport. We complete the full phase diagram of ZnCr_{2}Se_{4} under the external magnetic field and propose the possibility of frustrated quantum criticality with extended densities of critical modes to account for the unusual low-energy excitations in the vicinity of the criticality. Our results reveal that ZnCr_{2}Se_{4} is a rare example of a 3D magnet exhibiting a field-driven quantum criticality with unconventional properties.

Evidence of an Improper Displacive Phase Transition in Cd_{2}Re_{2}O_{7} via Time-Resolved Coherent Phonon Spectroscopy

We have used a combination of ultrafast coherent phonon spectroscopy, ultrafast thermometry, and time-dependent Landau theory to study the inversion symmetry breaking phase transition at T_{c}=200  K in the strongly spin-orbit coupled correlated metal Cd_{2}Re_{2}O_{7}. We establish that the structural distortion at T_{c} is a secondary effect through the absence of any softening of its associated phonon mode, which supports a purely electronically driven mechanism. However, the phonon lifetime exhibits an anomalously strong temperature dependence that decreases linearly to zero near T_{c}. We show that this behavior naturally explains the spurious appearance of phonon softening in previous Raman spectroscopy experiments and should be a prevalent feature of correlated electron systems with linearly coupled order parameters.

Three-dimensional magnetic interactions in quasi-two-dimensional PdAs2O6

Millimeter-sized PdAs₂O₆ single crystals are grown using the vapor transport technique. The magnetic order at [Formula: see text] K is studied by measuring magnetic properties, specific heat, and neutron single crystal diffraction. The anisotropic magnetic susceptibility and a metamagnetic transition observed in magnetic fields above 20 kOe suggest that the magnetic moment lies in the ab plane, consistent with the magnetic structure determined by neutron single crystal diffraction. Below 140 K, Pd²⁺ ions order ferromagnetically in the ab plane but antiferromagnetically along the crystallographic c axis. The ordered moment is refined to be 2.09(2) [Formula: see text]/Pd²⁺ using the fitted magnetic form factor of Pd²⁺ . A weak λ-type anomaly around T _N was observed in specific heat and the magnetic entropy change across T _N is 1.72 J mol^-1 K.This small entropy change and the temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility support the presence of short range correlations in a wide temperature range [Formula: see text] 250 K. The comparison with SrRu₂O₆ suggests that the magnetic interactions in PdAs₂O₆ are dominated by Pd-(O-[Formula: see text]-O)-Pd super-superexchange and three dimensional despite the quasi-two-dimensional arrangement of magnetic ions. The comparison with NiAs₂O₆ suggests that increasing covalency of isostructural compounds is an effective approach to design and to discover new materials with higher magnetic order temperatures in the localized regime.

Connexin 43 enhances oxaliplatin cytotoxicity in colorectal cancer cell lines

Oxaliplatin, a platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent, is an important first-line drug in the treatment of colorectal cancers, but drug resistance causes treatment failure. It has been reported that gap junctional communication can enhance the cytotoxicity of platinum drugs.  The gap junction formed of connexin proteins provides a direct pathway for electrical and metabolic cell-cell interaction. The voltage-dependent gating of gap junction allows small hydrophilic molecules and ions to permeate to adjacent cells. Connexin 43 is a diagnostic marker for cancer therapy and the predominant connexin isoform in many cell types. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of connexin 43 in oxaliplatin activity by using colorectal cancer cell lines. LoVo and HCT116 cell lines were used for analysis. Connexin 43 expression was confirmed by western blot and immunocytochemistry. MTT, western blot, "Parachute" dye-coupling assays and reactive oxygen species measurement were used to detect cytotoxicity and the inhibition of connexin 43 expression induced by oxaliplatin. Results showed that connexin 43 enhanced oxaliplatin cytotoxicity through gap junctional communication function and high concentration of oxaliplatin inhibited connexin 43 expression to counteract its cytotoxicity. This study suggested that connexin 43 could be considered a molecular target of oxaliplatin activity in colorectal cancer.

[Analysis of newborn screening for galactosemia and genotype-phenotype of confirmed galatosemia cases]

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of galactosemia(GAL), and the characteristics of genotype and phenotype of newborns who were confirmed with GAL in newborn screening in Zhejiang province. Method: The number of all live births, newborn screened infants and all clinical data of confirmed newborns with GAL from October 2013 to March 2015 were retrospectively analyzed by reviewing the data of Zhejiang Province screening center database. And the characteristics of genes and the clinical data of GAL cases who were confirmed by correlative gene test and enzyme activity measurement were analyzed. Result: The prevalence of GAL in Zhejiang province was 1/189 857. Among them, there was 1 case confirmed with GAL typeⅠ (prevalence, 1/759 428), with mutations of c. 904+ 1G>T and c. 687G>A, the enzyme activity of galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT) was 56.4% of controls. And there was 1 case of GAL typeⅡ(prevalence, 1/759 428), with mutations of c. 85G>T and c. 502G>A. There were 2 cases confirmed with GAL type Ⅲ(prevalence, 1/379 714), with mutations of c. 505C>T, c. 452G>A, c. 280G>A and c. 925G>A, the enzyme activity of UDP-galactose-4'-epimerase (GALE) were 42% and 38% of controls, respectively. All cases had different abnormal biochemical marks of liver function, and 1 case had combined hyperlactacidemia or hyperammonemia or increase of multiple kinds of amino acids, respectively. The newborn of GAL type Ⅱ had phacoscotasmus before treatment. All the cases were fed with lactose free milk powder, and all the abnormal parameters were improved during following up. Conclusion: The disease of GAL is rare in Zhejiang province, and its genotype distribution is scattered with comparatively mind clinical manifestations, and the cases with early treatment with lactose free milk powder have good prognosis. All cases needed to be treated and followed up for a life-long time. It is recommended that the high risk cases with GAL should be screened as soon as possible.

[Copy number variants analysis in whole-genome of patients with lipoma tethered cord syndrome]

Objective: To explore the abnormality of chromosomes of patients with lipoma tethered cord syndrome and the probable association between Copy Number Variations (CNV) and lipoma tethered cord syndrome. Methods: By using the Agilent SurePrint G3 Human CGH 8×60K Microarray Kit, we performed genome-wide screening for CNV on 11 patients with lipoma tethered cord syndrome adopted by the Neurosurgery Department of Chinese PLA General Hospital and their healthy parents from March 2015 to May 2015. We analyze CNVs got by the kit against the gene databases. Unrelated confirmed polymorphisms contained in Database of Genomic Variants (DGV) were discarded. Database of Chromosomal Imbalance and Phenotype in Humans using Ensemble Resources (DECIPHER) helps us with similarity inquiry, and UCSC Genome Browser helps in identification of non-polymorphic CNV. Biological process, cellular component and molecular function enrichment of these genes were conducted to confirm the association between the CNV and lipoma tethered cord syndrome. Results: 17 CNV were discovered by aCGH in 11 patients. Chr8: 39258894-39386158 and Chr15: 20481702-22509254 showed a high frequency of 5/11. Angelman syndrome and Prader-Wolli syndrome were found to be associated with the CNV of Chr15. Gene function enrichment analysis revealed that ADAM5P and ADAM3A contained in CNV obtained from patients with lipoma tethered cord syndrome was also associated with orofacial clefts. Conclusions: CNV in Chr8 and Chr15 of patients with lipoma tethered cord syndrome had a higher frequency than that of common human. It revealed that there is probable association between these two pieces of CNV and lipoma tethered cord syndrome. To explorer related genes or CNV, focusing on certain type of NTDs may increase the research efficiency and get more accurate results.

[Clinical, biochemical and gene mutation characteristics of short chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency by neonatal screening]

Objective: To investigate the incidence, clinical, biochemical and gene mutation characteristics of short chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency (SCADD). Method: From January, 2009 to October, 2015, a retrospective analysis of the urine organic acids and acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase (ACADS) gene mutation characteristics of patients diagnosed as SCADD by newborn screening using tandem mass spectrometry in Department of Genetics and Metabolism (Newborn screening Center of Zhejiang Province), Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine. Dietary guidance, life management and supplementation of L-carnitine were conducted, and growth and intelligence development were observed during follow-up among the SCADD patients. Result: A total of 1 430 024 neonates, seventeen cases were diagnosed with SCADD with an incidence of 1/84 117. All patients had no clinical symptoms, and intelligence and physical development were normal. Blood butylacyl-carnitine (C4) levels and the ratios increased, C4 0.713.14 μmol/L(reference value 0.03-0.48 μmol/L), C4/C2 0.07-0.23(reference value 0.01-0.04), C4/C3 0.65-2.04(reference value 0.05-0.39). Thirteen with increased urinary ethyl malonic acid (9.30-90.99 mg/g creatinine (reference value 0-6.20 mg/g creatinine )), one patient was accompanied by increased methyl succinic acid (12.33 mg/g creatinine(reference value 0-6.40 mg/g creatinine)), one subject with increased acetylglycine (3.52 mg/g creatinine(reference value 0-0.70 mg/g creatinine)). A total of 13 known mutations were detected in the ACADS gene, 1 homozygous mutation (c.1031A>G), the others are compound heterozygous mutations. One frameshift mutation (c.508_509delGC) and 12 missense mutations were detected. Common mutation were c. 1031A>G(35.3%), c. 164C>T(20.6%) and c. 991G>A(11.8%). SCADD in newborn screening program had no clinical symptoms and normal growth development after 8-42 months follow-up. Conclusion: Cases with SCADD had no clinical symptoms with an incidence of 1/84117. The c. 164C>T and c. 1031A>G may be the common mutations.

A new method to induce molecular low bias negative differential resistance with multi-peaks

According to a first-principles study of the transport properties of two thiolated anthracene-9,10-diono molecules sandwiching ethyl, a new method to induce molecular low bias negative differential resistance with multi-peaks for strong n- or p-type molecules is proposed. The anthracene-9,10-diono molecule shows strong n-type characteristics when in contact with Au and Ag electrodes via a thiolate. The multiple negative differential resistance effect originated from the molecule-electrode couple is different between Ag and Au electrodes. Our investigations may promise potential for applications in molecular devices with low power dissipation and multifunction in the future.