Quantitative Analysis of Morphology and Function in the Fetal Heart with Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation by Speckle Tracking Imaging

Morphology and function in a fetal heart with severe tricuspid regurgitation remains challenging. The aim of this study was to assess cardiac morphology and function in fetuses with severe tricuspid regurgitation by fetal heart quantification (HQ) and to assess the practical value of fetal HQ. Clinical information was analyzed for 63 pregnant women who underwent fetal cardiac ultrasonography. The women were divided into those who had a fetus with severe tricuspid regurgitation (n = 20) and those with a normal fetus (n = 40). The global sphericity index (GSI), fractional area change (FAC), and global longitudinal strain (GLS) of both ventricles and the sphericity index (SI) and fractional shortening (FS) of 24 segments were quantified by fetal HQ using speckle tracking imaging. Fetuses with severe tricuspid regurgitation had a significantly lower GSI (1.14 ± 0.10 vs. 1.26 ± 0.08, p < 0.001) and a higher GSI Z-score (-0.98 ± 1.01 vs. 0.25 ± 0.87, p < 0.001) as well as a significantly lower right ventricular FAC (36.50 ± 7.34% vs. 45.19 ± 3.39%, p < 0.001), FAC Z-score (-1.02 ± 1.41 vs. 0.49 ± 0.74, p < 0.001), and GLS (-21.01 ± 5.66% vs. 45.19 ± 3.49%, p < 0.001). The SI and SI Z-score were significantly lower in segments 1-18 of the right ventricle in fetuses with severe tricuspid regurgitation (p < 0.05); furthermore, FS of segments 1-12 and 19-24 and the FS Z-score of segments 18-24 were significantly lower in fetuses with severe tricuspid regurgitation (p < 0.05). Fetal HQ is useful for evaluation of cardiac morphology and function in fetuses with severe tricuspid regurgitation and can provide important reference information for both clinical diagnosis and treatment.

QL1604 plus paclitaxel-cisplatin/carboplatin in patients with recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer: an open-label, single-arm, phase II trial

OBJECTIVE

QL1604 is a highly selective, humanized monoclonal antibody against programmed death protein 1. We assessed the efficacy and safety of QL1604 plus chemotherapy as first-line treatment in patients with advanced cervical cancer.

METHODS

This was a multicenter, open-label, single-arm, phase II study. Patients with advanced cervical cancer and not previously treated with systemic chemotherapy were enrolled to receive QL1604 plus paclitaxel and cisplatin/carboplatin on day 1 of each 21-day cycle for up to 6 cycles, followed by QL1604 maintenance treatment.

RESULTS

Forty-six patients were enrolled and the median follow-up duration was 16.5 months. An 84.8% of patients had recurrent disease and 13.0% had stage IVB disease. The objective response rate (ORR) per Response Evaluation Criteria in Advanced Solid Tumors (RECIST) v1.1 was 58.7% (27/46). The immune ORR per immune RECIST was 60.9% (28/46). The median duration of response was 9.6 months (95% confidence interval [CI]=5.5-not estimable). The median progression-free survival was 8.1 months (95% CI=5.7-14.0). Forty-five (97.8%) patients experienced treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs). The most common grade≥3 TRAEs (>30%) were neutrophil count decrease (50.0%), anemia (32.6%), and white blood cell count decrease (30.4%).

CONCLUSION

QL1604 plus paclitaxel-cisplatin/carboplatin showed promising antitumor activity and manageable safety profile as first-line treatment in patients with advanced cervical cancer. Programmed cell death protein 1 inhibitor plus chemotherapy may be a potential treatment option for the patient population who have contraindications or can't tolerate bevacizumab, which needs to be further verified in phase III confirmatory study. Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04864782.

Visible-Light-Initiated Catalyst-Free Radical Annulation Reactions of 1,6-Enynes and Aryl Sulfonyl Bromide to Assemble Sulfonation/Bromination Succinimide Derivatives

In the present study, the environment-friendly visible-light-promoted strategy is used to perform an efficient, simple, and straightforward photocatalytic succinimide derivative synthesis from the reaction of 1,6-enynes and aryl sulfonyl bromide at room temperature under air ambient conditions. This method features mild conditions, broad substrate scope, high yields, and excellent configurational selectivity. In addition, all the atoms of the substrates involved in the reaction converge in the product structures, showing a high atomic economy. Moreover, the most important characteristic of this study is that no photocatalyst and additives are used, while the key factor that triggers the reaction is visible light, indicating that this study has an important practical value.

Transformational Modulation of Fluorescence to Room Temperature Phosphorescence in Metal-Organic Frameworks with Flexible C-S-C Bonds

Photoluminescent metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been a subject of considerable interest for many years. However, the regulation of excited states of MOFs at the single crystal level remains restricted due to a lack of control methods. The singlet-triplet emissive property can be significantly influenced by crystal conformational distortions. This review introduces an intelligent responsive MOF material, denoted as LIFM-SHL-3a, characterized by flexible C-S-C bonds. LIFM-SHL-3a integrates elastic structural dynamics with fluorescence and room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) modulation under heating conditions. The deformable carbon-sulfur bond essentially propels the distortion of molecular conformation and alters the stacking mode, as illustrated by single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation detection. The deformation of flexible C-S-C bonds leads to different noncovalent interactions in the crystal system, thereby achieving modulation of the fluorescence (F) and RTP bands. In the final state structure, the ratio of fluorescence is 66.7%, and the ratio of RTP is 32.6%. This stands as a successful demonstration of modulating F/RTP within the dynamic MOF, unlocking potential applications in optical sensing and beyond. Especially, a PL thermometer with a relative sensitivity of 0.096-0.104%·K-1 in the range of 300-380 K and a H2S probe with a remarkably low LOD of 125.80 nM can be obtained using this responsive MOF material of LIFM-SHL-3a.

Intravesical chemotherapy synergize with an immune adjuvant by a thermo-sensitive hydrogel system for bladder cancer

Surgical resection remains the prefer option for bladder cancer treatment. However, the effectiveness of surgery is usually limited for the high recurrence rate and poor prognosis. Consequently, intravesical chemotherapy synergize with immunotherapy in situ is an attractive way to improve therapeutic effect. Herein, a combined strategy based on thermo-sensitive PLEL hydrogel drug delivery system was developed. GEM loaded PLEL hydrogel was intravesical instilled to kill tumor cells directly, then PLEL hydrogel incorporated with CpG was injected into both groins subcutaneously to promote immune responses synergize with GEM. The results demonstrated that drug loaded PLEL hydrogel had a sol-gel phase transition behavior in response to physiological temperature and presented sustained drug release, and the PLEL-assisted combination therapy could have better tumor suppression effect and stronger immunostimulating effect in vivo. Hence, this combined treatment with PLEL hydrogel system has great potential and suggests a clinically-relevant and valuable option for bladder cancer.

Tetraphenylethylene-Based Hydrogen-Bonded Organic Frameworks (HOFs) with Brilliant Fluorescence

By synergistically employing four key strategies: (I) introducing tetraphenylethylene groups as the central core unit with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties, (II) optimizing the π-conjugated length by extending the building block branches, (III) incorporating flexible groups containing ethylenic bonds, and (IV) applying crystal engineering to attain dense stacking mode and highly twisty conformation, we successfully synthesized a series of hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) exhibiting exceptional one/two-photon excited fluorescence. Notably, when utilizing the fluorescently superior building block L2, HOF-LIFM-7 and HOF-LIFM-8 exhibiting high quantum yields (QY) of 82.1 % and 77.1 %, and ultrahigh two-photon absorption (TPA) cross-sections of 148959.5 GM and 123901.1 GM were achieved. These materials were successfully employed in one and two-photon excited lysosome-targeting cellular imaging. It is believed that this strategy, combining building block optimization and crystal engineering, holds significant potential for guiding the development of outstanding fluorescent HOF materials.

Copper(I)-Catalyzed Radical Carbamylation/Cyclization of 2-Aryl-N-methacryloylindoles with Substituted Formamides to Assemble Amidated Indolo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-6(5H)-ones

An efficient synthesis of amidated indolo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-6(5H)-ones has been achieved via copper(I)-catalyzed radical carbamylation/cyclization of 2-aryl-N-methacryloylindoles with substituted formamides. In this reaction, an isoquinoline ring was constructed by carbamylation of a carbon-carbon double bond in 2-arylindoles. This strategy successfully introduces the substituted amide group into the indolo[2,1-a]isoquinoline skeleton and has advantages such as wide substituent scope, mild reaction conditions, high regioselectivity, and good to excellent yields.

Electrochemical Radical Reaction Construction of C-C Bonds: Access to 1,4-Dicarbonyl Compounds from Enol Acetates and 1,3-Diketones

As important substrates for the construction of heterocycles, a simple and efficient approach for synthesis of 1,4-diones is highly desirable. In this work, novel and efficient electrochemical radical reactions of enol acetates and 1,3-diketones have been developed to successfully achieve 1,4-diketones under catalyst-free and oxidant-free conditions. The wide range of substrates, good group tolerance, and simple operation process make the approach have important practical value. Moreover, the obtained 1,4-diketones can be easily further transformed to pyrrole and furan derivatives.

Radio- and Photosensitizing Os(II)-Based Nanocage for Combined Radio-/Chemo-/X-ray-Induced Photodynamic Therapies, NIR Imaging, and Drug Delivery

Integration of clinical imaging and collaborative multimodal therapies into a single nanomaterial for multipurpose diagnosis and treatment is of great interest to theranostic nanomedicine. Here, we report a rational design of a discrete Os-based metal-organic nanocage Pd6(OsL3)828+ (MOC-43) as a versatile theranostic nanoplatform to meet the following demands simultaneously: (1) synergistic treatments of radio-, chemo-, and X-ray-induced photodynamic therapies (X-PDT) for breast cancer, (2) NIR imaging for cancer cell tracking and tumor-targeting, and (3) anticancer drug transport through a host-guest strategy. The nanoscale MOC-43 incorporates high-Z Os-element to interact with X-ray irradiation for dual radiosensitization and photosensitization, showing efficient energy transfer to endogenous oxygen in cancer cells to enhance X-PDT efficacy. It also features intrinsic NIR emission originating from metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) as an excellent imaging probe. Meanwhile, its 12 pockets can capture and concentrate low-water-soluble molecules for anticancer drug delivery. These multifunctions are implemented and demonstrated by micellization of coumarin-loaded cages with DSPE-PEG2000 into coumarin ⊂ MOC-43 nanoparticles (CMNPs) for efficient subcellular endocytosis and uptake. The cancer treatments in vitro/in vivo show promising antitumor performance, providing a conceptual protocol to combine cage-cargo drug transport with diagnosis and treatment for collaborative cancer theranostics by virtue of multifunction synergism on a single-nanomaterial platform.

Mechanism of Polygonum capitatum intervention in pulmonary fibrosis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology: A review

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a serious interstitial disease that includes diffuse collagen deposition of lung tissue. Polygonum capitatum Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don (THL) is a traditional vaccine that has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. In this research, to investigate the mechanism of action of THL in the intervention of pulmonary fibrosis by network pharmacology and molecular docking related research methods, in order to provide a theoretical basis for expanding the scope of THL medication. A total of 49 active ingredients were analyzed and screened in Cephalus cephalusis, including 35 pulmonary fibrosis targets, and 10 key targets such as ALB, EGFR were screened after software analysis. The molecular docking results showed that there were 44 binding energies less than -3 kcal·mol-1 in the 60 docking results, indicating that most proteins had strong binding energies with compounds. The key targets of KEGG enrichment analysis were mainly enriched in 20 core action pathways, such as hemostasis-related pathway, regulation of kinase activity. This study shows that based on network pharmacology, the multicomponent-multitarget-multipathway effect of THL intervention in pulmonary fibrosis is discussed.

One/Two-Photon-Excited ESIPT-Attributed Coordination Polymers with Wide Temperature Range and Color-Tunable Long Persistent Luminescence

The multiple metastable excited states provided by excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) molecules are beneficial to bring temperature-dependent and color-tunable long persistent luminescence (LPL). Meanwhile, ESIPT molecules are intrinsically suitable to be modulated as D-π-A structure to obtain both one/two-photon excitation and LPL emission simultaneously. Herein, we report the rational design of a dynamic CdII coordination polymer (LIFM-106) from ESIPT ligand to achieve the above goals. By comparing LIFM-106 with the counterparts, we established a temperature-regulated competitive relationship between singlet excimer and triplet LPL emission. The optimization of ligand aggregation mode effectively boost the competitiveness of the latter. In result, LIFM-106 shows outstanding one/two-photon excited LPL performance with wide temperature range (100-380 K) and tunable color (green to red). The multichannel radiation process was further elucidated by transient absorption and theoretical calculations, benefiting for the application in anti-counterfeiting systems.

Trinuclear Re(I)-Coordinated Organic Cage as the Supramolecular Photocatalyst for Visible-Light-Driven CO2 Reduction

Photocatalytic reduction of excess CO₂ in the atmosphere to value-added chemicals by visible light can be an effective solution to fuel shortage and global warming. Considering these issues, we designed and successfully synthesized a trinuclear Re(I)-coordinated organic cage (Re-C₄^R) as the supramolecular photocatalyst. Photophysical, electrochemical properties, and photocatalytic performance comparison of Re-C₄^R and its mononuclear analogue Re-bpy are discussed in detail. Notably, the covalent linkage of three Re(I) subunits in Re-C₄^R leads to TON_CO = 691 (per Re(I) site in 4 h) more than three times as much as TON_CO = 208 of Re-bpy. Compared to Re-bpy, higher current enhancement in the control CV experiments under CO₂ was observed for Re-C₄^R. CO₂ adsorption process can be promoted because of the cryptand structure and multiple amine groups of Re-C₄^R. Moreover, decay lifetimes of Re-C₄^R are shorter than those of Re-bpy in the ultrafast transient absorption (TA) and photoluminescence (PL) decay spectra, indicating that the trinuclear cryptate structure of Re-C₄^R could facilitate electron transfer efficiency during CO₂ reduction.

Construction of Spiro[benzo[a]acridine-12,4'-imidazolidine]-2',5'-dione Derivatives via Ring-Opening and Recyclization of Isatins and C-OH Cleavage of 2-Naphthol

An efficient three-component reaction to access spiro[benzo[a]acridine-12,4'-imidazolidine]-2',5'-dione derivatives has been developed through the ring-opening and recyclization process of isatins and dehydroxylation of 2-naphthol, which is different from their conventional reaction modes. Experimental observations suggest that p-toluenesulfonic acid is the key factor that promotes the success of this synthetic strategy. The research provided a novel approach for the construction of spiro compounds from isatins and 2-naphthol in organic synthesis.

Release of Interface Confined Water Significantly Improves Dentin Bonding

Water residue and replacement difficulty cause insufficient adhesive infiltration in demineralized dentin matrix (DDM), which produces a defective hybrid layer and thus a bonding durability problem, severely plaguing adhesive dentistry for decades. In this study, we propose that the unique properties of a highly hydrated interface of the porous DDM can give rise to 1 new type of interface, confined liquid water, which accounts for most of the residue water and may be the main cause of insufficient infiltration. To prove our hypothesis, 3 metal ions with increasing binding affinity and complex stability (Na⁺, Ca²⁺, and Cu²⁺) were introduced respectively to coordinate negatively charged groups such as -PO₄^3-, -COO^- abundant in the DDM interface. Strong chelation of Ca²⁺ and Cu²⁺ rapidly released the confined water, significantly improving penetration of hydrophobic adhesive monomers, while Na⁺ had little effect. A significant decrease of defects in the hybrid layer and a much decreased modulus gap between the hybrid layer and the adhesive layer greatly optimized the microstructure and micromechanical properties of the tooth-resin bonding interface, thus improving the effectiveness and durability of dentin bonding substantially. This study paves the way for a solution to the core scientific issue of contemporary adhesive dentistry: water residue and replacement in dentin bonding, both theoretically and practically.

Visible-light-driven iron-based heterogeneous photo-Fenton catalysts for wastewater decontamination: A review of recent advances

Visible-light-driven heterogeneous photo-Fenton process has emerged as the most promising Fenton-derived technology for wastewater decontamination, owing to its prominent superiorities including the potential utilization of clean energy (solar light), and acceleration of ≡Fe(II)/≡Fe(III) dynamic cycle. As the core constituent, catalysts play a pivotal role in the photocatalytic activation of H₂O₂ to yield reactive oxidative species (ROS). To date, all types of iron-based heterogeneous photo-Fenton catalysts (Fe-HPFCs) have been extensively reported by the scientific community, and exhibited satisfactory catalytic performance towards pollutants decomposition, sometimes even exceeding the homogeneous counterparts (Fe(II)/H₂O₂). However, the relevant reviews on Fe-HPFCs, especially from the viewpoint of catalyst-self design are extremely limited. Therefore, this state-of-the-art review focuses on the available Fe-HPFCs in literatures, and gives their classification based on their self-characteristics and modification strategies for the first time. Two classes of representative Fe-HPFCs, conventional inorganic semiconductors of Fe-containing minerals and newly emerging Fe-based metal-organic frameworks (Fe-MOFs) are comprehensively summarized. Moreover, three universal strategies including (i) transition metal (TMs) doping, (ii) construction of heterojunctions with other semiconductors or plasmonic materials, and (iii) combination with supporters were proposed to tackle their inherent defects, viz., inferior light-harvesting capacity, fast recombination of photogenerated carriers, slow mass transfer and low exposure and uneven dispersion of active sites. Lastly, a critical emphasis was also made on the challenges and prospects of Fe-HPFCs in wastewater treatment, providing valuable guidance to researchers for the reasonable construction of high-performance Fe-HPFCs.

Interplay of Dual-Proton Transfer Relay to Achieve Full-Color Panel Luminescence in Excited-State Intramolecular Proton Transfer (ESIPT) Fluorophores

A new design was applied for the facile synthesis of pure organic photoluminescent molecules with dual excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) sites. In this novel class of emitters, full-color panel emission from blue, green, and yellow to red, including white light, can be achieved in different solvents as modulated by the enol-keto(1st)-keto(2nd) tautomer emissions. A comprehensive transient photophysical study verifies that keto(1st) and keto(2nd) have a precursor (<0.8 ps)-successor (∼20 ps)-relayed absorbance relationship, and then a fast equilibrium between the two is established, resulting in dual emissions in the nanosecond scale (∼1900 ps). Through the research on copper ions' selective PL response, the dual-ESIPT mechanism was further verified; in addition, the study of solid-state PL changes upon the stimulus of organic vapor manifests the potential application sensitivity of the molecules as dual-ESIPT sensors. Theoretical results including reaction potential energy surface analyses manifest the fact that dual-proton transfer goes along a sequential route with a smaller energy barrier, firmly supporting the experimental results. An intrinsic system that undergoes intramolecular double proton relayed transfer is thus established for the achievement of much broadened optical responses and full-color display, providing reference for the design and application of advanced dual-ESIPT optical materials.

New polychlorinated bibenzyls from Rhododendron minutiflorum

Five new polychlorinated bibenzyls (1-5) along with 3 known compounds (6-8) were isolated from the stems and leaves of Rhododendron minutiflorum. The chemical structures of all the isolates were determined by spectroscopic methods, and compounds 1 and 2 were further verified by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Compounds 1-5 were halogenated compounds which bear three to five chlorine atoms in their chemical structures. Biologically, compounds 2, 5 and 6 showed varying degrees of toxicity toward the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri) with LD₅₀ values 27.15, 17.02 and 16.20 mg/L, respectively. These values were comparable to the positive control matrine (LD₅₀ = 11.86 mg/L), which were calculated using observations on day 6. Meanwhile, compound 4 had α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ value of 17.87 ± 0.74 μM.

Effect of hydrodynamics on the transformation of nitrogen in river water by regulating the mass transfer performance of dissolved oxygen in biofilm

Biofilms drive crucial ecosystem processes in rivers. This study provided the basis for overall quantitative calculations about the contribution of biofilms to the nitrogen cycle. At the early stage of biofilm formation, dissolved oxygen (DO) could penetrate the biofilms. As the biofilm grew and the thickness increased, then the mass transfer of DO was restricted. The microaerobic layer firstly appeared in biofilm under the turbulent flow conditions, with the appearance of the microaerobic and anaerobic layer, the nitrification and denitrification reaction could proceed smoothly in biofilm. And the removal efficiency of total nitrogen (TN) increased as the biofilm matured. Under the turbulent flow conditions, mature biofilms had the smallest thickness, but the highest proportion the anaerobic layer to the biofilm thickness, the highest density, and the highest nitrogen removal efficiency. However, the nitrogen removal efficiency of biofilm was the lowest under laminar flow conditions. The difference of layered structure of biofilm and the DO flux in biofilm explained the difference of nitrogen migration and transformation in river water under different hydrodynamic conditions. This study would help control the growth of biofilm and improve the nitrogen removal capacity of biofilm by regulating hydrodynamic conditions.

Assessment of fetal left atrial volume and function using a novel left atrial volume tracking method

BACKGROUND

Several fetal cardiovascular structural defects may alter the hemodynamics of the cardiac chambers resulting in changes in chamber sizes. Quantitative measurements of the sizes of cardiac chambers can augment the diagnostic power of fetal echocardiography.

AIMS

Using a new left atrial volume tracking (LAVT) method, time-left atrial volume curves (TLAVCs) can be automatically obtained. The goal of this study was to examine whether this method can be used to evaluate left atrial volume (LAV) and provide reference values for LAV and indices of left atrial function in normal human fetuses.

METHODS

Two hundred and four normal human fetuses were enrolled. Using LAVT, the maximal left atrial volume (LAVmax) and minimal left atrial volume (LAVmin) were measured from TLAVCs. Left atrial ejection fraction (EF) was calculated. The maximal left atrial area (LAAmax) and minimal left atrial area (LAAmin) were measured using manual method tracing.

RESULTS

Between 21 and 40 weeks, mean LAVmax increased from 0.27 ml to 4.15 ml, and mean LAVmin increased from 0.13 ml to 2.26 ml, respectively, while the EF remained stable at around 0.43. From 21 to 40 weeks, mean LAAmax increased from 0.61 cm2 to 2.64 cm2, and mean LAAmin increased from 0.34 cm2 to 1.53 cm2.

CONCLUSIONS

This study establishes reference values for fetal LAV during the second half of gestation. The LAVT method appears to be feasible in estimating fetal LAV and shows potential for assessing left atrial function.

Observation of a Strongly Isospin-Mixed Doublet in ^{26}Si via β-Delayed Two-Proton Decay of ^{26}P

β decay of proton-rich nuclei plays an important role in exploring isospin mixing. The β decay of ^{26}P at the proton drip line is studied using double-sided silicon strip detectors operating in conjunction with high-purity germanium detectors. The T=2 isobaric analog state (IAS) at 13 055 keV and two new high-lying states at 13 380 and 11 912 keV in ^{26}Si are unambiguously identified through β-delayed two-proton emission (β2p). Angular correlations of two protons emitted from ^{26}Si excited states populated by ^{26}P β decay are measured, which suggests that the two protons are emitted mainly sequentially. We report the first observation of a strongly isospin-mixed doublet that deexcites mainly via two-proton decay. The isospin mixing matrix element between the ^{26}Si IAS and the nearby 13 380-keV state is determined to be 130(21) keV, and this result represents the strongest mixing, highest excitation energy, and largest level spacing of a doublet ever observed in β-decay experiments.

Low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin supplementation initiated at the onset of ovarian stimulation can improve oocyte quality without impairing endometrial receptivity: Case series

RATIONALE

Whether continuous low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) supplementation during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) can improve oocyte and embryo quality is still controversial in clinical practice.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We report the first case series of inadvertent COH in luteal-phase stimulation in the presence of endogenous or exogenous low-dose hCG.

DIAGNOSES

Patients were diagnosed with infertility.

OUTCOMES

The first two cases had inadvertent COH during preexisting pregnancy, and one of which produced more high-quality embryos (5 vs 1) in the presence of low hCG. Both cases had a live birth. The third case had 7 repeated failures of IVF, during which a total of 55 oocytes were obtained, but only 3 developed into transferable embryo. However, supplementation of 330 IU hCG per day from the onset of COH resulted in the recovery of one high-quality embryo and subsequent delivery of a healthy baby following fresh embryo transfer in eighth attemption.

LESSONS

In conclude, supplementation with low-dose hCG from the onset of ovarian stimulation can improve oocyte quality without impairing endometrial receptivity.

Preliminary study on the evaluation of mitral annulus displacement in normal fetuses by automated cardiac motion quantitation

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the characteristics of mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) in different longitudinal directions in normal fetuses using a new method, automatic cardiac motion quantification (aCMQ).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 164 fetuses with structurally normal hearts. The time-displacement curves of the septal mitral annulus (SMA) in three directions, including point A, B and C (MAPSE-SMA-A, MAPSE-SMA-B, MAPSE-SMA-C), were recorded by aCMQ. The time to peak (TTP) in three directions, including point A, B and C (TTP-SMA-A, TTP-SMA-B, TTP-SMA-C) were recorded. In the same way, various parameters of the lateral mitral annulus (LMA) were obtained including MAPSE-LMA-A, MAPSE-LMA-B, MAPSE-LMA-C, TTP-LMA-A, TTP-LMA-B and TTP-LMA-C. Free angle M-mode echocardiography (FAM) was used to obtain MAPSE of LMA (FAM-MAPSE). Finally, all the data were analyzed statistically.

RESULTS

MAPSE was positively correlated with gestational age, and the difference between the second- and third-trimester groups was statistically significant. MAPSE-LMA in point B and C were greater than those of SMA. MAPSE-LMA-C and MAPSE-SMA-A were the largest in three directions.The difference between point B and C were statistically significant (p < .05), with no significant difference at point A (p > .05). There was no significant difference found in all TTP (all p > .05). The MAPSE-LMA-C was less than the FAM-MAPSE, and the differences were found significantly (p < .05), but there was better correlation (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The longitudinal movement of the fetal mitral annulus is comprehensive, with multiple directions and different displacements. Perpendicular to the mitral annulus is the maximum displacement. It is positively related to the gestational age. From the second trimester, the longitudinal contraction of the left ventricle wall has good synchronization. It possesses clinical value in selecting different methods and parameters during evaluating left ventricular function.

Effects of hydrodynamic conditions on the composition, spatiotemporal distribution of different extracellular polymeric substances and the architecture of biofilms

Microbial biofilms are common on abiotic and biotic surfaces, especially in rivers, which drive crucial ecosystem processes. The microorganisms of biofilms are surrounded by a self-produced extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). In this study, we investigated the effects of different hydrodynamic conditions on the composition, spatiotemporal distribution of different extracellular polymeric substances, and the architecture of biofilms. Multidisciplinary methods offer complementary insights into complex architecture correlations in biofilms. The biofilms formed in turbulent flow with high shear force were thin but dense. However, the biofilms formed under laminar flow conditions were thick but relatively loose. The thickness and compactness of the biofilms formed in the transitional flow were different from those of the other biofilms. The compact structure of the biofilm helped to resist shear forces to minimize detachment. Under the turbulent flow condition, bacteria, exopolysaccharides, and extracellular proteins permeated through the biofilm, and more extracellular polysaccharides enveloped bacteria and extracellular proteins. However, under the transitional flow condition, the extracellular polysaccharides and proteins were fewer than those under the turbulent flow condition; bacteria and algae were seen more prominently in the upper layer of the biofilm. Under the laminar flow condition, the distribution of extracellular polysaccharides, extracellular proteins, and bacteria was relatively uniform throughout the biofilm. The number of extracellular polysaccharides was greater than that of extracellular proteins. The total number of EPS in the biofilm was the largest under turbulent flow condition, followed by that under transitional flow condition and then under laminar flow condition. This study also observed that soluble EPS (S-EPS) were secreted first, followed by loosely bound EPS (LB-EPS) and tightly bound EPS (TB-EPS). In particular, the adhesion of LB-EPS and flocculation capability of TB-EPS play some role in regulating biofilm formation. This study would help to perfect the five-stages theory of biofilm formation.

Polygenic risk scores for mood disorders predict future strokes in women: a Mendelian randomization study

Objectives

Mood disorders and strokes are often comorbid, and their health toll worldwide is huge. This study characterizes prognostic and etiological roles of mood disorders in stroke.

Methods

We tested if genetic susceptibilities for mood disorders could predict future strokes using the Malmö Diet and Cancer cohort (24 631 individuals). Additionally, Mendelian randomization was employed to further examine the causality using summary statistics from large genome wide association studies (mood disorders: up to 287,932 individuals; strokes: up to 446,696 individuals).

Results

Among 24,366 stroke-free participants at baseline, 2,632 individuals developed strokes, 2,172 of them ischemic, during a follow-up of up to 25 years. After all adjustments, participants in the highest quintile (5th quintile) of polygenic risk scores (PRS) for mood disorders had 1.46x (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.22–1.74) higher risk of strokes and 1.45x (95% CI: 1.19–1.77) higher risk of ischemic strokes compared to the lowest quintile (1st quintile) of PRS in women. Univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization analyses showed that mood disorders had causal effect on smoking (odds ratio (OR) = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.07–1.31), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D, OR=1.22, 95% CI: 1.04–1.43) and women's body mass index (BMI, coefficient = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.01–0.21), whereas causal effects for smoking, T2D and BMI on stroke/ischemic stroke were consistently observed.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that mood disorders can cause stroke through smoking, T2D and BMI. Using PRS, women, who benefit from prevention and treatment of smoking, T2D and BMI, could possibly be early identified to prevent mood disorders and strokes.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): Swedish Research Council, Swedish Heart and Lung Foundation, Skåne University Hospital Foundations, Lund University Diabetes Center - Industrial Research Center from the Swedish Foundation of Strategic Research, Region Skåne Grants, Swedish Stroke Foundation, Swedish society of medicine, Söderström König Foundation, Emil and Wera Cornell Foundation, Hjelt Foundation, and Diabetes Research and Wellness Foundation Sweden.

Switching from Oxygen Quenching Resistance to Linear Response by Smart Luminescent Iridium(III)-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks

In this study, we utilize a photo-active Ir-metalloligand, Ir(C^N)₂(L) (C^N = 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl) pyridine, L = [2,2'-bipyridine]-5,5'-dicarboxylic acid), to assemble with CdX₂ under hydrothermal conditions, yielding highly emissive crystals of two-dimensional metal-organic frameworks (2D MOFs) (named Ir-Cd₂X_2, X = Cl, Br). The Ir-Cd₂X₂ MOFs exhibit μs-level phosphorescence lifetimes and more than 55% quantum yield (QY) at room temperature because of the rigid framework connected by Cd₂X₂ clusters. By immersing Ir-Cd₂X₂ in water solution for 5 min, a new MOF (Ir-Cd) was obtained, which is given a structure with hydrolyzed Cd-nodes by complete removal of halogen bridges as elucidated by single-crystal diffraction. Although the phosphorescence emission of pristine CdX₂ MOFs exhibits oxygen quenching resistance, the converted Ir-Cd MOF possesses sensitively oxygen-responsive ³MLCT properties, showing a K_SV value as high as 14.5 with strictly linear relation (R² = 0.995). This work differs from the traditional method for improving oxygen-sensing metrics by enhancing QY and phosphorescence lifetime in Ir complexes, while also demonstrating that the transformation in the surrounding coordination environment on adjacent metal centers can also constitute key factors for improved photoluminescence stability or responsive properties in Ir-based heteronuclear MOFs, providing clues for the development of either oxygen quenching blockers or sensors suitable for different occasions.

Geographical distribution and phylogenetic analysis of Jingmen tick virus in China

Jingmen tick virus (JMTV) is a novel tick-borne segmented RNA virus that is closely related to un-segmental RNA virus in evolution. It has been confirmed that JMTV could be a causative agent of human disease. In this study, a total of 3658 ticks were sampled from 7 provinces of China and then divided into 545 pools according to the location and species. QRT-PCR and nested PCR were performed to confirm the presence of JMTV. The results showed JMTV was identified in 5 out of 7 provinces with an average infection rate of 1.4% (51/3658). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that all JMTV strains identified in this study were closely related to each other and formed a well-supported sub-lineage. Our results provide molecular evidence of JMTV in different species of ticks from endemic and non-endemic regions and demonstrate that JMTV, as a natural foci pathogen, may be widely distributed all over China.

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JMTV was first identified in unrecognized endemic regions of China

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Two complete genomes and 13 partial S1 segments of JMTV were sequenced and analyzed

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JMTV was relatively conservative in evolution

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JMTV was widely distributed in China as a potential health threat to humans and animals

Three-dimensional echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular volume in different heart diseases using a fully automated quantification software

BACKGROUND

HeartModel (HM) is a fully automated adaptive quantification software that can quickly quantify left heart volume and left ventricular function. This study used HM to quantify the left ventricular end-diastolic (LVEDV) and end-systolic volumes (LVESV) of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), coronary artery heart disease with segmental wall motion abnormality, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) to determine whether there were differences in the feasibility, accuracy, and repeatability of measuring the LVEDV, LVESV, LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and left atrial end-systolic volume (LAESV) and to compare these measurements with those obtained with traditional two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) methods.

AIM

To evaluate the application value of HM in quantifying left heart chamber volume and LVEF in clinical patients.

METHODS

A total of 150 subjects who underwent 2D and 3D echocardiography were divided into 4 groups: (1) 42 patients with normal heart shape and function (control group, Group A); (2) 35 patients with DCM (Group B); (3) 41 patients with LV remodeling after acute myocardial infarction (Group C); and (4) 32 patients with HCM (Group D). The LVEDV, LVESV, LVEF and LAESV obtained by HM with (HM-RE) and without regional endocardial border editing (HM-NE) were compared with those measured by traditional 2D/3D echocardiographic methods to assess the correlation, consistency, and repeatability of all methods.

RESULTS

(1) The parameters measured by HM were significantly different among the groups (P < 0.05 for all). Compared with Groups A, C, and D, Group B had higher LVEDV and LVESV (P < 0.05 for all) and lower LVEF (P < 0.05 for all); (2) HM-NE overestimated LVEDV, LVESV, and LAESV with wide biases and underestimated LVEF with a small bias; contour adjustment reduced the biases and limits of agreement (bias: LVEDV, 28.17 mL, LVESV, 14.92 mL, LAESV, 8.18 mL, LVEF, -0.04%). The correlations between HM-RE and advanced cardiac 3D quantification (3DQA) (r_s = 0.91-0.95, P < 0.05 for all) were higher than those between HM-NE (r_s = 0.85-0.93, P < 0.05 for all) and the traditional 2D methods. The correlations between HM-RE and 3DQA were good for Groups A, B, and C but remained weak for Group D (LVEDV and LVESV, r_s = 0.48-0.54, P < 0.05 for all); and (3) The intraobserver and interobserver variability for the HM-RE measurements were low.

CONCLUSION

HM can be used to quantify the LV volume and LVEF in patients with common heart diseases and sufficient image quality. HM with contour editing is highly reproducible and accurate and may be recommended for clinical practice.

A Redox-Active Supramolecular Fe4L6 Cage Based on Organic Vertices with Acid-Base-Dependent Charge Tunability for Dehydrogenation Catalysis

Supramolecular cage chemistry is of lasting interest because, as artificial blueprints of natural enzymes, the self-assembled cage structures not only provide substrate-hosting biomimetic environments but also can integrate active sites in the confined nanospaces for function synergism. Herein, we demonstrate a vertex-directed organic-clip chelation assembly strategy to construct a metal-organic cage Fe₄L₆⁸⁺ (MOC-63) incorporating 12 imidazole proton donor-acceptor motifs and four redox-active Fe centers in an octahedral coordination nanospace. Different from regular supramolecular cages assembled with coordination metal vertices, MOC-63 comprises six ditopic organic-clip ligands as vertices and four tris-chelating Fe(N∩N)₃ moieties as faces, thus improving its acid, base, and redox robustness by virtue of cage-stabilized dynamics in solution. Improved dehydrogenation catalysis of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline derivatives is accomplished by MOC-63 owing to a supramolecular cage effect that synergizes multiple Fe centers and radical species to expedite intermediate conversion of the multistep reactions in a cage-confined nanospace. The acid-base buffering imidazole motifs play a vital role in modulating the total charge state to resist pH variation and tune the solubility among varied solvents, thereby enhancing reaction acceleration in acidic conditions and rendering a facile recycling catalytic process.

Seasonal shift of water quality in China Yangtze River and its impacts on membrane fouling development during the drinking water supply by membrane distillation system

Membrane distillation (MD) technique is increasingly regarded as a promising process for drinking water supply and wastewater treatment owing to its great water purification and usage of renewable energy. Like other membrane separation processes, the membrane fouling issue is widely considered as the main obstacle for real applications of large-scale MD systems. Feedwater characteristics, as the predominant factors for membrane fouling layer formation, mostly determined the membrane fouling trend of MD. Thus the impacts of seasonal shifts of initial feedwater quality on the MD membrane fouling were detailedly researched in this study, and the biofilm development mechanism was especially explored. The bacterial community structure of membrane biofilms was clearly clarified in MD runs of Yangtze River waters that collected in four seasons. The results revealed that the winter run posed a quite sharp flux drop, while a relatively milder flux decline behaviour was seen for other groups despite of the higher bacteria concentration of initial feedwaters. The poorer water quality in winter induced the establishment of a rather thick biofilm on the MD membrane, in which the biofilm-forming bacteria (Gammaproteobacteria and Alphaproteobacteria) and organic matters (EPS) were remarkably observed. Comparatively, a relatively thin biofilm containing abundant live cells and fewer organics finally formed in summer and autumn runs, causing a mitigated flux decline trend. Hence, it can be inferred that the membrane flux decline of MD was likely to be more sensitive to the organic attachment on the membrane in comparison with the bacteria adhesion. Finally, a three-phase pretreatment method was suggested for MD fouling control, including heating course, sterilization course, and filtration course.

Thermally Activated Fluorescence vs Long Persistent Luminescence in ESIPT-Attributed Coordination Polymer

Excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) molecules demonstrating specific enol-keto tautomerism and the related photoluminescence (PL) switch have wide applications in displaying, sensing, imaging, lasing, etc. However, an ESIPT-attributed coordination polymer showing alternative PL between thermally activated fluorescence (TAF) and long persistent luminescence (LPL) has never been explored. Herein, we report the assembly of a dynamic Cd(II) coordination polymer (LIFM-101) from the ESIPT-type ligand, HPI2C (5-(2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)isophthalic acid). For the first time, TAF and/or color-tuned LPL can be achieved by controlling the temperature under the guidance of ESIPT excited states. Noteworthily, the twisted structure of the HPI2C ligand in LIFM-101 achieves an effective mixture of the higher-energy excited states, leading to ISC (intersystem crossing)/RISC (reverse intersystem crossing) energy transfer between the high-lying keto-triplet state (T_n(K*)) and the first singlet state (S₁(K*)). Meanwhile, experimental and theoretical results manifest the occurrence probability and relevance among RISC, ISC, and internal conversion (IC) in this unique ESIPT-attributed coordination polymer, leading to the unprecedented TAF/LPL switching mechanism, and paving the way for the future design and application of advanced optical materials.

Pamiparib Monotherapy for Patients with Germline BRCA1/2-Mutated Ovarian Cancer Previously Treated with at Least Two Lines of Chemotherapy: A Multicenter, Open-Label, Phase II Study

PURPOSE

Phase I results of this phase I/II study showed that pamiparib 60 mg twice a day had antitumor activity and an acceptable safety profile in Chinese patients with advanced cancer, including epithelial ovarian cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This open-label phase II study was conducted in China and enrolled adult (≥18 years) patients with platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer (PSOC; disease progression occurring ≥6 months after last platinum treatment) or platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC; disease progression occurring <6 months after last platinum treatment). Eligible patients had known or suspected deleterious germline BRCA mutation (gBRCAmut) and had previously received ≥2 lines of therapy. Pamiparib 60 mg orally twice a day was administered until disease progression, toxicity, or patient withdrawal. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR) assessed by independent review committee (IRC) per RECIST version 1.1.

RESULTS

In the total patient population (N = 113; PSOC, n = 90; PROC, n = 23), median age was 54 years (range, 34-79) and 25.6% of patients received ≥4 prior systemic chemotherapy lines. Median study follow-up was 12.2 months (range, 0.2-21.5). Eighty-two patients with PSOC and 19 patients with PROC were evaluable for efficacy. In patients with PSOC, 8 achieved a complete response (CR) and 45 achieved a partial response (PR); ORR was 64.6% [95% confidence interval (CI), 53.3-74.9]. In patients with PROC, 6 achieved a PR; ORR was 31.6% (95% CI, 12.6-56.6). Frequently reported grade ≥3 adverse events were hematologic toxicities, including anemia and decreased neutrophil count.

CONCLUSIONS

Pamiparib 60 mg twice a day showed antitumor activity with durable responses in patients with PSOC or PROC with gBRCAmut, and had a manageable safety profile.

[Prenatal diagnosis and clinical outcomes of 297 fetuses with conotruncal defects]

Objective: To analyze the prenatal diagnosis results and pregnancy outcomes of conotruncal defects (CTD) fetuses, and to explore the correlation between the CTD and chromosome diseases. Methods: A total of 297 cases of invasive prenatal diagnosis and chromosome analysis were collected at the Prenatal Diagnosis Center of Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center due to CTD from January 1st, 2011 to December 31th, 2019. According to ultrasonic diagnosis, CTD fetuses were divided into 6 subtypes: tetralogy of Fallot (109 cases), pulmonary atresia (30 cases), transposition of the great arteries (77 cases), double outlet right ventricle (53 cases), truncus arteriosus (14 cases) and interrupted aortic arch (14 cases). According to whether they were combined with intracardiac or extracardiac abnormalities, they were divided into simple group (134 cases), combined with other intracardiac abnormalities group (86 cases), combined with extracardiac abnormalities group (20 cases), combined with intracardiac and extracardiac abnormalities group (37 cases) and only combined with ultrasound soft marker group (20 cases), the last 4 groups were referred as non-simple types. The chromosome test results and pregnancy outcomes of each type and group were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Among the 297 CTD fetuses, the chromosome abnormality rate was 17.5% (52/297). There were 21 cases of abnormal chromosome number, 28 cases of pathogenetic copy number variantions and 3 cases of mosaics. All the 19 cases of micropathogenic fragments smaller than 5 Mb were detected by chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA). Among all the subtypes of CTD, the chromosomal abnormality rate of truncus arteriosus was the highest, at 7/14; while the rate of transposition of the great arteries was the lowest, at 5.2% (4/77). There were significant differences in the rate of chromosomal abnormalities between simple and non-simple types [10.4% (14/134) vs 23.3% (38/163); χ²=8.428, P=0.004]. In each group, the chromosomal abnormality rate was the highest in the combined with intracardiac and extracardiac abnormalities group, at 37.8% (14/37), and the lowest in the simple group, at 10.4% (14/134). There was no significant difference in the rate of chromosomal abnormalities in all subtypes of simple group (all P>0.05). Among 112 cases of live birth, 1 case was 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome, 5 cases of postnatal clinical diagnosis and prenatal ultrasound diagnosis were not completely consistent, 5 cases died after birth. Conclusions: The incidence of chromosomal abnormalities is high in fetuses with CTD. CTD fetuses with concurrent extrapardiac malformations are more likely to incorporate chromosomal abnormalities. CMA technology could be used as a first-line genetic detection method for CTD. After excluding chromosomal abnormalities, most of the children with CTD have good prognosis.