[Dynamic observation on capillarization of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells induced by Echinococcus multilocularis infection]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the capillarization of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and its association with hepatic fibrosis during the development of alveolar echinococcosis, so as to provide the basis for unraveling the mechanisms underlying the role of LSEC in the development and prognosis of hepatic injuries and hepatic fibrosis caused by alveolar echinococcosis.

METHODS

Forty C57BL/6 mice at ages of 6 to 8 weeks were randomly divided into a control group and 1-, 2- and 4-week infection groups, of 10 mice in each group. Each mouse in the infection groups was intraperitoneally injected with 2 000 Echinococcus multilocularis protoscoleces, while each mouse in the control group was given an equal volume of phosphate-buffered saline using the same method. All mice were sacrificed 1, 2 and 4 weeks post-infection and mouse livers were collected. The pathological changes of livers were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and hepatic fibrosis was evaluated through semi-quantitative analysis of Masson's trichrome staining-positive areas. The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition were examined using immunohistochemical staining of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1), and the fenestrations on the surface of LSECs were observed using scanning electron microscopy. Primary LSECs were isolated from mouse livers, and the mRNA expression of LSEC marker genes Stabilin-1, Stabilin-2, Ehd3, CD209b, GATA4 and Maf was quantified using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay.

RESULTS

Destruction of local liver lobular structure was observed in mice 2 weeks post-infection with E. multilocularis protoscoleces, and hydatid cysts, which were surrounded by granulomatous tissues, were found in mouse livers 4 weeks post-infection. Semi-quantitative analysis of Masson's trichrome staining showed a significant difference in the proportion of collagen fiber contents in mouse livers among the four groups (F = 26.060, P < 0.001), and a higher proportion of collagen fiber contents was detected in mouse livers in the 4-week infection group [(11.29 ± 2.58)%] than in the control group (P < 0.001). Immunohistochemical staining revealed activation of a few HSCs and ECM deposition in mouse livers 1 and 2 weeks post-infection, and abundant brown-yellow stained α-SMA and COL1A1 were deposited in the lesion areas in mouse livers 4 weeks post-infection, which spread to surrounding tissues. Semi-quantitative analysis revealed significant differences in α-SMA (F = 7.667, P < 0.05) and COL1A1 expression (F = 6.530, P < 0.05) in mouse levers among the four groups, with higher α-SMA [(7.13 ± 3.68)%] and COL1A1 expression [(13.18 ± 7.20)%] quantified in mouse livers in the 4-week infection group than in the control group (both P values < 0.05). Scanning electron microscopy revealed significant differences in the fenestration frequency (F = 37.730, P < 0.001) and porosity (F = 16.010, P < 0.001) on the surface of mouse LSECs among the four groups, and reduced fenestration frequency and porosity were observed in the 1-[(1.22 ± 0.48)/μm2 and [(3.05 ± 0.91)%] and 2-week infection groups [(3.47 ± 0.10)/μm2 and (7.57 ± 0.23)%] groups than in the control group (all P values < 0.001). There was a significant difference in the average fenestration diameter on the surface of mouse LSECs among the four groups (F = 15.330, P < 0.001), and larger average fenestration diameters were measured in the 1-[(180.80 ± 16.42) nm] and 2-week infection groups [(161.70 ± 3.85) nm] than in the control group (both P values < 0.05). In addition, there were significant differences among the four groups in terms of Stabilin-1 (F = 153.100, P < 0.001), Stabilin-2 (F = 57.010, P < 0.001), Ehd3 (F = 31.700, P < 0.001), CD209b (F = 177.400, P < 0.001), GATA4 (F = 17.740, P < 0.001), and Maf mRNA expression (F = 72.710, P < 0.001), and reduced mRNA expression of Stabilin-1, Stabilin-2, Ehd3, CD209b, GATA4 and Maf genes was quantified in three infection groups than in the control group (all P values < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

E. multilocularis infections may induce capillarization of LSECs in mice, and result in a reduction in the expression of functional and phenotypic marker genes of LSECs, and capillarization of LSECs occurs earlier than activation of HSC and development of hepatic fibrosis.

Dietary bile acids supplementation improves the growth performance and alleviates fatty liver in broilers fed a high-fat diet via improving the gut microbiota

This experiment aims to evaluate the effect of bile acids (BAs) in alleviating fatty liver disease induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) in broilers, and the modulation of the gut microbiota involved in this process. A total of 192 one-day-old Arbor Acres (AA) commercial male broilers were randomly divided into 4 groups and treated with the following diet: a basal-fat diet (BFD), a basal-fat diet plus bile acids (BFD + BAs), an HFD, and a high-fat diet plus bile acids (HFD + BAs). Bile acids were supplemented at the early growth stage (3-7 d), middle stage (17-21 d), and late stage (31-35 d). Results showed that BAs treatment had a significant effect on body weight on 14 d and 35 d, and increased the breast muscle weight and its index, but decreased the liver weight and abdominal fat weight on 35 d (P < 0.05). The supplementation of BAs significantly improved the serum lipid profile and decreased the level of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TCHO), and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) on 35 d (P < 0.05). Dietary BAs supplementation significantly alleviated the hepatic TG deposition induced by HFD (P < 0.05), which was accompanied by upregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) gene expression (P < 0.05). Moreover, the expression levels of hepatic gene adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), and apolipoprotein B (APOB) were greatly increased by BAs treatment. The analysis of 16S rRNA sequencing showed that the microbial diversity of the cecal digesta was increased by BAs in broilers with elevated abundances of Firmicutes, Lactobacillus, Anaerostipes, Sellimonas, and CHKCI002 and decreased abundances of Barnesiella and Akkermansia genus (P < 0.05). Hepatic TG content was positively correlated with the abundance of Oscillospiraceae, but it was negatively correlated with the abundance of Lactobacillus in cecal digesta (P < 0.05). These results indicate that dietary BAs can improve growth performance and alleviate fatty liver disease induced by an HFD via modulating gut microbiota in broilers.

Synergistic defect and doping engineering building strong bonded S-scheme heterojunction for photocatalysis

Photocatalytic degradation of pollutants is considered a promising approach for wastewater treatment, but is hampered by low efficiency and limited understanding of degradation pathways. A novel oxygen-doped porous g-C3N4/oxygen vacancies-rich BiOCl (OCN/OVBOC) heterostructure was prepared for photocatalytic degradation of bisphenol A (BPA). The synergistic defect and doping engineering favor the formation of strong bonded interface for S-scheme mechanism. Among them, 0.3 OCN/OVBOC showed the most excellent degradation rate, which was 8 times and 4 times higher than that of pure g-C3N4 and BiOCl, respectively. This excellent performance is mainly attributed to the significantly enhanced charge separation via strong bonded interface and redox capability of the S-scheme heterojunction structure, by tuning the coordination excitation and electron localization of the catalyst via O doping and vacancies. This work provides important insights into the role of synergistic defect and doping engineering in facilitating the formation of strong bonded S-scheme heterojunction and ultimately sheds new light on the design of efficient photocatalysts.

Significantly anisotropic Raman response of the (110) surface in quasi-one-dimensional system (TaSe4)2I by polarized Raman spectroscopy

Quasi-one-dimensional materials are usually characterized by optical response spectroscopy methods, which show significant polarization dependence. Herein, we report a systematical investigation of polarized Raman scattering on the (110) crystal surface of the layered (TaSe₄)₂I compound. Taking into account group theory analysis of the crystal structure and the Raman tensor transformation technique, the vibrational mode of the Raman peaks can be differentiated by the angular dependence of the Raman peak intensity in parallel and vertical polarization Raman scattering tests. Moreover, density functional perturbation theory (DFPT) calculation confirmed the form of the Raman tensor of the (110) crystal surface, which was consistent with the result of the Raman tensor transformation technique, and the Raman spectrum and phonon dispersion curve calculations were also performed based on the Vienna ab initio simulation package (VASP). This new method provides useful insight for accurately identifying the lattice vibration behavior in new 2D layered structures.

[Preliminary survey report on the clinical validation of in-use electronic sphygmomanometers in China]

Objective: To explore the percentage of in-use electronic sphygmomanometers independently validated clinically in China. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey and Beijing, Shenzhen, Shijiazhuang, Datong, and Shihezi were selected according to the geographical location and economic level. In each site, one tertiary hospital, two community health centers, and 20 families with electronic sphygmomanometers in use were chosen. The information of electronic sphygmomanometers including brand, model, manufacturer and production date were obtained by the trained staff. Ten electronic sphygmomanometers from each hospital, five electronic sphygmomanometers from each community health center, and one electronic sphygmomanometer from each family were surveyed, and the user's subjective judgment results and judgment basis on the accuracy of the electronic sphygmomanometer measurement were collected. We searched six registration websites (Medaval, Stride BP, dabl Educational Trust, British and Irish Hypertension Society, American Medical Association and Hypertension Canada) and two research databases (PubMed and CNKI) for the clinical validation status of each electronic sphygmomanometer. Results: A total of 200 electronic sphygmomanometers were investigated in this study, of which only 29.0% (58/200) passed independent clinical validation. When stratified by users, the percentage of being clinical validated was 46.0% (23/50) for electronic sphygmomanometers in hospitals, 42.0% (21/50) for those in community health centers and 14.0% (14/100) for those in home use, respectively, and the proportions between the three groups were significantly difference (P<0.001). Doctors in tertiary hospitals and community health service centers judged the accuracy of electronic sphygmomanometers mainly on the basis of "regular correction" (41.0% (41/100)) and "comparison with other electronic sphygmomanometers" (20.0% (20/100)), while among home users, 41.0% (41/100) were not clear about the accuracy of electronic sphygmomanometers, and 40.0% (40/100) made the judgment by "comparison with the devices in hospitals". Conclusion: The clinical validation of in-use electronic sphygmomanometers in China is low. Most of users, including healthcare professionals, are not aware of clinical validation of electronic sphygmomanometers.

A prognostic model based on ferroptosis-related long non-coding RNA signatures and immunotherapy responses for non-small cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVE

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) ranks high in the incidence of malignant tumors, with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. Ferroptosis is a newly discovered cell death mechanism based on iron and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The role of ferroptosis-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and associated prognostic mechanisms in NSCLC require investigation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We constructed a prognostic multi-lncRNA signature based on ferroptosis-related differentially expressed lncRNAs in NSCLC. The levels of ferroptosis-related lncRNA in normal lung cells and lung adenocarcinoma cells were verified by RT-PCR.

RESULTS

We identified eight differentially expressed lncRNAs associated with NSCLC prognosis. The expression of AC125807.2, AL365181.3, AL606489.1, LINC02320, and AC099850.3 was upregulated, while SALRNA1, AC026355.1, and AP002360.1 were downregulated in NSCLC cell lines. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that a high-risk patient group was associated with poor NSCLC prognosis. A risk assessment model based on ferroptosis-related lncRNAs was superior to NSCLC prognosis based on traditional clinicopathological features. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) identified immune- and tumor-related pathways in low-risk group patients. In addition, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) showed that T cell function during APC co-inhibition, APC co-stimulation, chemokine receptor (CCR), MHC class I, parainflammation, T cell co-inhibition, and check-point expression differed significantly between low- and high-risk groups. M6A-related mRNA comparisons between these groups also revealed significant differences in ZC3H13, RBM15, and METTL3 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Our new model of lncRNA-associated ferroptosis effectively predicted NSCLC prognoses.

Visualizing Catalytic Dynamics Process via Synchrotron Radiation Multi-Techniques

The importance of catalysts today as workhorses in most modern industrial fields cannot be downplayed. As a result, rational design and engineering of targeted catalysts have emerged as key objectives and are dependent on in-depth understanding of complex catalytic dynamics, such as phase transformation, structural reconstruction, electronic evolution, and differentiation in surface and bulk. The synchrotron radiation (SR) light sources with rich advanced experimental methods are being recognized as a comprehensive characterization platform, which could draw a full picture on such multiparameter-involved catalysis under actual working conditions. Herein, we summarize the recent progress of catalytic dynamics process studied by the means of various SR-techniques. In particular, the SR-based spectroscopic, scattering and imaging investigations on true catalysts are firstly introduced with the potential of in situ and operando characterizations. Apparently, the limitations from single SR-technique naturally prompt a simple combination of SR-techniques to better understand the whole catalysis process. Moreover, the discrepancies among various online testing facilities and batches of samples, along with random/systematic errors introduced by traditional intermittent/asynchronous measurement make it imperative to develop more prolific system, complementary of multiple SR-techniques for deep probing of dynamic catalytic processes from atomic, molecular and electronic levels. We believe that booming new light sources will further enrich the current multiple SR-techniques by offering more synchronous (Femto-microsecond time scale in the same experiment), fine (∼nm spatial resolution and ∼meV energy resolution) and real (actual atmosphere, pressure, temperature, etc.) catalytic conditions, and thus may realize the true visualization on future catalytic dynamic processes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

[Immunoprotective effect of recombinant peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase from Babesia microti against B. microti infection in mice]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the immunoprotective effect of active immunization with recombinant peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase from Babesia microti against B. microti infection in mice.

METHODS

Female BALB/c mice at 6 weeks of age, each weighing approximately 20 g, were divided into the recombinant protein immunization group, the infection control group and the normal control group, of 25, 18, 15 mice in each group, respectively. Mice in the recombinant protein immunization group were given active immunization with recombinant BmPPIase protein, and 18 mice with the highest antibody titers were intraperitoneally injected with 100 μL of B. microti-infected whole blood 2 weeks after the last immunization. Mice in the infection control group were intraperitoneally injected with 100 μL of B. microti-infected whole blood, while 15 mice in the normal control group received no treatment. Blood samples were collected from mice in the recombinant protein immunization group and the infection control group on days 0 to 30 post-immunization for detection of B. microti infection, and blood samples were collected on days 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 post-immunization for routine blood tests with a blood cell analyzer and for detection of serum cytokines using cytometric bead array.

RESULTS

Anti-BmPPIase antibodies were detected in 25 mice in the recombinant protein immunization group 2 weeks after the last immunization, with titers of 5 × 10³ to 8 × 10⁴. B. microti infection rate peaked in mice in both the recombinant protein immunization and the infection control group on day 7 post-immunization, with positive infection rates of 13.3% and 50.0%, and there were significant differences between the two groups in terms of B. microti infection rate on days 3 (χ²= 113.18, P < 0.01), 5 (χ² = 475.22, P < 0.01), 7 (χ² = 465.98, P < 0.01) and 9 post-infection (χ²= 18.71, P < 0.01), while the B. microti infection rate tended to be 0 in both groups on day 11 post-immunization. Routine blood tests showed higher red blood cell counts [(5.30 ± 0.50) × 10¹² to (9.87 ± 0.24) × 10¹² counts/L)] and hemoglobin levels [(89.67 ± 22.80) to (148.60 ± 3.05) g/L)] in the recombinant protein immunization group than in the infection control group on days 0 to 28 post-immunization. Cytometric bead array detected higher serum interferon-γ [(748.59 ± 17.56) to (3 858.28 ± 1 049.10) fg/mL], tumor necrosis factor-α [(6 687.34 ± 1 016.64) to (12 708.13 ± 1 629.79) fg/mL], interleukin (IL)-6 [(611.05 ± 75.60) to (6 852.68 ± 1 554.00) fg/mL] and IL-17a [(167.68 ± 185.00) to (10 849.27 ± 355.40) fg/mL] and lower IL-10 levels [(247.65 ± 138.00) to (18 787.20 ± 2 830.22) fg/mL] in the recombinant protein immunization group than in the infection control group during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

Recombinant BmPPIase protein induces up-regulation of interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α and presents a high immunoprotective activity against B. microti infection in mice, which is a potential vaccine candidate protein.

V-Doped Cu2 Se Hierarchical Nanotubes Enabling Flow-Cell CO2 Electroreduction to Ethanol with High Efficiency and Selectivity

CO₂ electrocatalytic reduction (CO₂ ER) to multicarbon (C₂₊ ) products is heavily pursued because of their commercial values, and the efficiency and selectivity have both attracted tremendous attention. A flow-cell is a device configuration that can greatly enhance the conversion efficiency but requires catalysts to possess high electrical conductivity and gas permeability; meanwhile, the catalysts should enable the reaction pathway to specific products. Herein, it is reported that V-doped Cu₂ Se nanotubes with a hierarchical structure can be perfectly compatible with flow-cells and fulfil such a task, achieving CO₂ electroreduction to ethanol with high efficiency and selectivity. As revealed by the experimental characterization and theoretical calculation, the substitutional vanadium doping alters the local charge distribution of Cu₂ Se and diversifies the active sites. The unique active sites promote the formation of bridge *CO_B and its further hydrogenation to *COH, and, as such, the subsequent coupling of *COH and *CO_L eventually generates ethanol. As a result, the optimal Cu_1.22 V_0.19 Se nanotubes can electrocatalyze CO₂ to ethanol with a Faradaic efficiency of 68.3% and a partial current density of -207.9 mA cm^-2 for the single liquid product of ethanol at -0.8 V in a flow-cell. This work provides insights into the materials design for steering the reaction pathway toward C₂₊ products, and opens an avenue for flow-cell CO₂ ER toward a single C₂₊ liquid fuel.

[Mechanism of hepatic fibrosis associated with Echinococcus: a review]

Echinococcosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by Echinococcus infections, and this disorder may cause fibrosis of multiple vital organs, which may further progress into cirrhosis. Early-stage hepatic fibrosis is reversible, and unraveling the mechanisms underlying hepatic fibrosis induced by Echinococcus infections is of great significance for the prevention and treatment of early-stage hepatic fibrosis. Recently, the studies pertaining to hepatic fibrosis associated with Echinococcus infections focus on cytokines and immune cells. This review summarizes the advances in the mechanisms underlying host immune cells- and cytokines-mediated hepatic fibrosis in humans or mice following Echinococcus infections.

Supramolecular confinement pyrolysis to carbon-supported Mo nanostructures spanning four scales for hydroquinone determination

Metal nanostructures with high atom utilization, abundant active sites, and special electron structures should be beneficial to the electrochemical monitoring of hydroquinone (HQ), a highly toxic environmental pollutant. However, traditional nanostructures, especially non-noble metals generally suffer from severe aggregation, or consist of a mixture of nanoparticles and nanoclusters, resulting in low detection sensitivity. Herein, we precisely control the size of Mo-based nanostructures spanning four scales (viz. Mo₂C nanoparticles, Mo₂C nanodots, Mo nanoclusters and Mo single atoms) anchored on N, P, O co-doped carbon support. The detection sensitivity of four samples toward the HQ follows the orders of Mo single atoms＞Mo₂C nanodots＞Mo nanoclusters＞Mo₂C nanoparticles. The catalytic ability of four catalysts is investigated, also showing the same order. The supported Mo single atoms show superior electro-sensing performance for HQ with wide linear range (0.02-200 μM) and low detection limit (0.005 μM), surpassing most previously reported catalysts. Moreover, the coexistence of dihydroxybenzene isomers of catechol (CC) and resorcinol (RC) does not interfere with the detection of HQ on the Mo single-atom sensor. This work opens up a polyoxometalate-based confinement pyrolysis approach to constructing ultrafine metal-based nanostructures spanning multiple-scales for efficient electrochemical applications.

Advances in the study of molecular identification technology of Echinococcus species

The larvae of Echinococcus (hydatidcyst) can parasitize humans and animals, causing a serious zoonotic disease-echinococcosis. The life history of Echinococcus is complicated, and as the disease progresses slowly after infection, early diagnosis is difficult to establish. Due to the limitations of imaging and immunological diagnosis in this respect, domestic and foreign scholars have established a variety of molecular detection techniques for the pathogen Echinococcus over recent years, mainly including nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), multiplex PCR, real-time quantitative PCR, and nucleic acid isothermal amplification technology. In this article, the research progress of molecular detection technology for Echinococcus infection currently was reviewed and the significance of these methods in the detection and diagnosis of hydatid and hydatid diseases was also discussed.

A Stacked Plasmonic Metamaterial with Strong Localized Electric Field Enables Highly Efficient Broadband Light-Driven CO2 Hydrogenation

Light utilization largely governs the performance of CO₂ photoconversion, whereas most of the materials that are implemented in such an application are restricted in a narrow spectral absorption range. Plasmonic metamaterials with a designable regular pattern and facile tunability are excellent candidates for maximizing light absorption to generate substantial hot electrons and thermal energy. Herein, a concept of coupling a Au-based stacked plasmonic metamaterial with single Cu atoms in alloy, as light absorber and catalytic sites, respectively, is reported for gas-phase light-driven catalytic CO₂ hydrogenation. The metamaterial structure works in a broad spectral range (370-1040 nm) to generate high surface temperature for photothermal catalysis, and also induces strong localized electric field in favor of transfer of hot electrons and reduced energy barrier in CO₂ hydrogenation. This work unravels the significant role of a strong localized electric field in photothermal catalysis and demonstrates a scalable fabrication approach to light-driven catalysts based on plasmonic metamaterials.

Feasibility of an ultra-low dose contrast media protocol for coronary CT angiography

AIM

To evaluate the feasibility of an ultra-low volume contrast media (CM) protocol for coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In total, 214 patients receiving coronary CTA were enrolled prospectively and divided into group A (n=107) receiving a conventional dose of CM and group B (n=107) receiving an ultra-low dose. CT values of the right coronary artery (RCA), left anterior descending artery (LAD), and left circumflex artery (LCX) were measured and radiation doses recorded. The image quality was compared between the groups. Changes in renal function indices and proteinuria before, 24, and 72 hours after coronary CTA among those with chronic kidney disease (CKD) were also assessed.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in CT values and radiation doses between groups A and B. In group A, the average RCA, LAD, and LCX CT values were 412.5 ± 79.2, 423.5 ± 73.7, and 422.0 ± 88.1 HU, respectively. In group B, the average RCA, LAD, and LCX CT values were 275.2 ± 16.2, 277.8 ± 16.4, and 278.9 ± 16.5 HU, respectively. The radiation dose in the ultra-low protocol recipients (118.70 ± 18.52 mGy·cm) was significantly lower than that used in conventional coronary CTA (131.75 ± 20.96 mGy·cm). The image quality of group B was comparable to that of group A, satisfying the diagnostic requirement. In patients with mild CKD, there were no significant differences in renal functions after coronary CTA.

CONCLUSION

An ultra-low CM protocol was established for coronary CTA, providing comparable image quality and diagnostic yields but significantly lower radiation dose compared with a conventional protocol. This new protocol might be applicable to patients with mild CKD.

Association between Sleep Duration and Mild Cognitive Impairment at Different Levels of Metabolic Disease in Community-Dwelling Older Chinese Adults

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS), sleep duration and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in community-dwelling older Chinese adults.

METHODS

The study comprised of 1367 community-dwelling Chinese participants (563 men; mean age: 71.0 years) recruited from Tianjin and Shanghai, China who were invited to participate in a comprehensive geriatric assessment. The International Diabetes Federation metabolic syndrome guidelines were used to define MetS. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scale were used for the initial classification of patients with MCI. We divided sleep duration into five groups (≤6 h, 6-8 h which was used as the reference, 8-9 h, 9-10 h, and >10 h). Nutritional status was assessed by Mini Nutrition Assessment Short Form.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of metabolic syndrome was 46.7%, the overall incidence of mild cognitive impairment was 17.4%. In logistic regression analysis model, after adjusting for multiple confounding factors such as nutritional status and physical activity level, there was a significant positive association between long sleep duration (> 10h) and mild cognitive impairment in general population and metabolic syndrome population (p<0.05), but the association was not significant in non-metabolic syndrome group. In addition, in the long sleep duration group, the components of metabolic syndrome, elevated blood glucose were significantly associated with mild cognitive impairment (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Long sleep duration was significantly associated with increased risk of MCI in older adults with MetS, but not in those without MetS. The prevention of MCI may be more effective in the population of MetS with long sleep duration.

Mediating Effects of Malnutrition on the Relationship between Depressive Symptoms Clusters and Muscle Function Rather than Muscle Mass in Older Hemodialysis Patients

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association and mediation pathways among muscle mass, muscle function (muscle strength and physical performance), and malnutrition with depressive symptoms clusters in the older hemodialysis patients.

DESIGN

A multi-center cross-sectional study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

A total of 499 patients aged ≥ 60 on hemodialysis from seven facilities in Shanghai of China from 2020 to 2021.

MEASUREMENTS

Muscle mass was assessed by skeletal muscle index(SMI). Muscle strength was measured by handgrip strength, and physical performance was measured via gait speed and Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT). Nutritional status was assessed by Malnutrition Inflammation Score (MIS). Depressive symptoms were evaluated by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Logistic regression and mediation analyses fully adjusted for all potential confounding factors.

RESULTS

Among 499 participants (312 men, mean age 69.2±6.6 years), 108 (21.6%) had depressive symptoms. The muscle strength, physical performance and malnutrition were associated with depressive symptoms. Furthermore, malnutrition significantly mediated the association of muscle function with total, cognitive-affective symptoms. The association of the muscle function with somatic symptoms were mediated by the nutritional status. The mediated proportions of malnutrition in the relationship between physical performance and depressive symptoms clusters were stronger in somatic symptoms than in cognitive-affective symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that muscle function rather than muscle mass may contribute substantially to the development of depressive symptoms clusters in the hemodialysis via malnutrition. The malnutrition mediated stronger in the association of muscle function with somatic symptoms. These findings may help guide clinicians to better diagnose and manage depression in the context of concomitant muscle function and malnutrition.

Machine Learning Driven Synthesis of Few-Layered WTe2 with Geometrical Control

Reducing the lateral scale of two-dimensional (2D) materials to one-dimensional (1D) has attracted substantial research interest not only to achieve competitive electronic applications but also for the exploration of fundamental physical properties. Controllable synthesis of high-quality 1D nanoribbons (NRs) is thus highly desirable and essential for further study. Here, we report the implementation of supervised machine learning (ML) for the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) synthesis of high-quality quasi-1D few-layered WTe₂ NRs. Feature importance analysis indicates that H₂ gas flow rate has a profound influence on the formation of WTe₂, and the source ratio governs the sample morphology. Notably, the growth mechanism of 1T' few-layered WTe₂ NRs is further proposed, which provides new insights for the growth of intriguing 2D and 1D tellurides and may inspire the growth strategies for other 1D nanostructures. Our findings suggest the effectiveness and capability of ML in guiding the synthesis of 1D nanostructures, opening up new opportunities for intelligent materials development.

Advances in research on the relationship between the gut microbiome and cancer

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review is to provide currently available information on the relationship between the gut microbiome and cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this mini-review, we explored the PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar electronic databases, with regards to the searching terms "gut microbiome, cancer, intestinal flora, immunotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitor". By reviewing and analyzing the literature, we analyzed how the bacterial microbiome influences the immune system and cancer, as well as how changes in symbiotic flora may be applied to improve the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.

RESULTS

The microbiota is related to the development of tumors and may promote canceration. In recent years, a number of studies have confirmed the influence of intestinal flora on immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer patients, and studies have also shown the link between the intestinal microbiome and treatment-related immune toxicity. Antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors, and hormones affect the composition of the gut microbiota.

CONCLUSIONS

Intestinal flora is closely related to cancer. Intestinal flora has a certain impact on cancer occurrence, cancer treatment, cancer immunotherapy efficacy, and side effects.

[Construction of a cDNA library for Sparganum mansoni and screening of diagnostic antigen cadidates]

OBJECTIVE

To construct a cDNA library of Sparganum mansoni and immunoscreen antigen candidates for immunodiagnosis of sparganosis mansoni.

METHODS

Total RNA was extracted from S. mansoni, and reversely transcribed into cDNA, which was ligated into the phage vector. These recombinant vectors were packaged in vitro to construct the SMART cDNA library of S. mansoni. Then, the cDNA library was immunoscreened with sera from patients with sparganosis mansoni to yield positive clones. The inserted fragments of positive clones were sequenced and subjected to homology analyses, and the structure and functions of the coding proteins were predicted.

RESULTS

The SMATR cDNA library of S. mansoni was successfully constructed. The titer of the cDNA library was 6.25 × 10⁶ pfu/mL, with a recombinant efficiency of 100%, and the mean length of the inserted fragments in the library was larger than 1 100 bp. A total of 12 positive clones were obtained by immunoscreening, and were categorized into Sm-I (Sm60-1), Sm-II (Sm58-1), Sm-III (Sm20-1) and Sm-IV (Sm22-3), with 1 134, 1 063, 883 bp and 969 bp long inserted fragments. Their coding proteins were highly homologous with the Spirometra erinaceieuropaei antigenic polypeptide, cytoplasmic antigen, ribosomal protein S4-like protein and unnamed protein product, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

A SMART cDNA library of S. mansoni has been successfully constructed and 4 categories of positive clones have been identified, which provides a basis for further studies on diagnostic antigens for sparganosis mansoni.

[The possibility of neoadjuvant chemotherapy course adjustment for delayed operation of patients with esophageal cancer in special period]

Objective: To investigate the effect of the neoadjuvant chemotherapy course adjustment on the patients with esophageal cancer underwent delayed operation. Methods: The clinical data of patients with esophageal cancer treated in Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from 2019-2020, who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy strategy adjustment (multiple course chemotherapy group) or not (control group), were retrospectively studied. The clinical pathological characteristics and postoperative complication of these two group were compared and analyzed. Results: The cases who underwent the interval between chemotherapy and operation more than 4 weeks in multiple course chemotherapy group and control group were 17 and 6, with significant difference (P<0.05). The average operative blood loss of these two groups were 88.6 ml and 46.1 ml, the average postoperative hospital stays were 14.7 days and 10.0 days, with significant difference (P<0.05). The incidence rate of postoperative complication in the multiple course chemotherapy group was 40.9% (9/22), not significantly different from 31.8% (7/22) of control group (P>0.05). There were no death within postoperative 7 days and 30 days in both groups. Cases with apparent tumor regression [tumor regression grade (TRG) 1 to 3] in multiple course chemotherapy group were 14, with marginal tumor regression (TRG 4 to 5) were 8, while there were 7 and 15 in the control group, respectively, with significant difference (P<0.05). After multiple neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the imaging examination of patients indicated an almost total tumor degradation and the postoperative pathology showed no residual malignant tumor tissue was observed. Conclusions: Increased neoadjuvant chemotherapy course for patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer can obtain more obvious tumor degradation response. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy adjustment according to the operation schedule is recommended.

[Progress in diagnosis and treatment of lung adenocarcinomas imaging manifesting as radiological part-solid nodule]

The incidence and mortality of lung cancer ranked the first in China. China had 787, 000 new cases of lung cancer in 2015, and a majority of these patients with advanced lung cancer. With the development and popularization of high-resolution computed tomography, more and more early-stage lung adenocarcinomas are found in screening. The imaging finding of early-stage lung adenocarcinomas often manifests as part solid nodule (PSN) containing ground glass opacity (GGO). Although the imaging manifestation of the nodules can't accurately predict the pathologic type of nodules, the parts of solid nodule and GGO still have some pathologic indications, and the prognostic evaluation effect of the maximum diameter of PSN is superior to that of the whole nodule. With the development of the molecular radiography and molecular pathology, the relationship of imaging manifestation of the PSN and metastasis were focused on. Some PSNs with special nature are more active and rapidly progressed than the pure GGOs. While compared to the pure solid nodules, the aggressiveness of PSNs are insufficient, with lower metastatic rates of lymph node and better prognoses. Currently, international acknowledge recommends to take active intervention measure for PSNs which are highly suspected to be malignant. We focus on the diagnosis and treatment of PSNs, systemically depict their staging, follow-up, surgical treatment, gene detection and immunotherapy.

[COⅠ and 16S rDNA Sequence Identification of Common Necrophagous Flies in Fujian Province]

Abstract

Objective To identify the species of common necrophagous flies in Fujian Province by gene fragment sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit Ⅰ （COⅠ） and 16S ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid （16S rDNA）, and to explore the identification efficacy of these two molecular markers. Methods In total 22 common necrophagous flies were collected from the death scenes in 9 different regions in Fujian Province and DNA was extracted from the flies after morphological identification. The gene fragments of COⅠ and 16S rDNA were amplified and sequenced. All the sequences were uploaded to GeneBank and BLAST and MEGA 10.0 software were used to perform sequence alignment, homology analysis and intraspecific and interspecific genetic distance analysis. The phylogenetic trees of DNA fragment sequences of COⅠ and 16S rDNA of common necrophagous flies in Fujian Province were established by unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic means （UPGMA）, respectively. Results The flies were classified into 6 species, 5 genera and 3 families by morphological identification. The results of gene sequence analysis showed that the average number of interspecific and intraspecific genetic distance of 16S rDNA ranged from 1.8% to 8.9% and 0.0% to 2.4%, respectively. The average number of interspecific and intraspecific genetic distance of COⅠ ranged from 7.2% to 13.6% and 0.0% to 6.3%, respectively. Conclusion The gene sequences of COⅠ and 16S rDNA can accurately identify the species of different necrophagous flies, and 16S rDNA showed higher value in species identification of common calliphoridae necrophagous flies in Fujian Province.

2D PtS nanorectangles/g-C3N4 nanosheets with a metal sulfide-support interaction effect for high-efficiency photocatalytic H2 evolution

Cocatalyst design is a key approach to acquire high solar-energy conversion efficiency for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Here a new in situ vapor-phase (ISVP) growth method is developed to construct the cocatalyst of 2D PtS nanorectangles (a length of ∼7 nm, a width of ∼5 nm) on the surface of g-C₃N₄ nanosheets. The 2D PtS nanorectangles/g-C₃N₄ nanosheets (PtS/CN) show an unusual metal sulfide-support interaction (MSSI), which is evidenced by atomic resolution HAADF-STEM, synchrotron-based GIXRD, XPS and DFT calculations. The effect of MSSI contributes to the optimization of geometrical structure and energy-band structure, acceleration of charge transfer, and reduction of hydrogen adsorption free energy of PtS/CN, thus yielding excellent stability and an ultrahigh photocatalytic H₂ evolution rate of 1072.6 μmol h^-1 (an apparent quantum efficiency of 45.7% at 420 nm), up to 13.3 and 1532.3 times by contrast with that of Pt nanoparticles/g-C₃N₄ nanosheets and g-C₃N₄ nanosheets, respectively. This work will provide a new platform for designing high-efficiency photocatalysts for sunlight-driven hydrogen generation.

Concomitant botanical medicine use among patients participating in commercial prostate cancer trials

OBJECTIVES

Patients with cancer frequently use botanical medications. The concomitant use of such medications by patients on commercial trials has not been well-described, despite the importance of these trials for evaluating the safety and efficacy of new agents. We sought to describe the use of botanical medications taken by patients with prostate cancer enrolled on global commercial trials.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

Regulatory repository of commercial clinical trial data.

INTERVENTIONS

Anti-cancer therapy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Botanical and medication use data were pooled across six international commercial randomized trials for metastatic prostate cancer with detailed information on medication and indications. Botanical products were considered to have potential for drug interaction if they led to a change in drug exposure in human trials. Potential for interaction was ascertained by PubMed review. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis.

RESULTS

Of 7318 enrolled patients, 700 (10 %) reported botanical use at any time and 653 (9%) reported use of botanical products while on trial. Nearly half of botanical product types were not classified by plant (43 %). The highest proportion of botanical use was among patients in Asian countries (32 %), followed by patients in North America (13 %). Eighty-six different types of botanical products were used; of these, nineteen had a patient-reported anti-cancer indication.

CONCLUSIONS

Botanical medicine use among patients with prostate cancer in commercial trials is moderate, although it varies by region. Practitioners should be aware of the use of botanical interventions in a clinical trial context.

A Tandem 0D/2D/2D NbS2 Quantum Dot/Nb2 O5 Nanosheet/g-C3 N4 Flake System with Spatial Charge-Transfer Cascades for Boosting Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution

The relatively high recombination rate of charges remains the most critical limiting factor for solar-driven water splitting for hydrogen generation. Herein, a tandem 0D/2D/2D NbS₂ quantum dot/Nb₂ O₅ nanosheet/g-C₃ N₄ flake (NSNOCN) system is designed. Owing to the unique spatial-arrangement and elaborate morphology of 0D NbS₂ , 2D Nb₂ O₅ , and 2D g-C₃ N₄ in the newly designed NSNOCN, plenty of spatial charge-transfer cascades from g-C₃ N₄ to NbS₂ via Nb₂ O₅ are formed to accelerate separation and transfer of charges significantly, thus contributing to a high photocatalytic H₂ generation rate of 13.99 mmol h^-1 g^-1 (an apparent quantum efficiency of 10.8% at 420 nm), up to 107.6 and 43.7 times by contrast with that of g-C₃ N₄ and Nb₂ O₅ , respectively. This work can provide a new platform in the design of artificial photocatalytic systems with high charge-transfer efficiency.

Blockage of PAK1 alleviates the proliferation and invasion of NSCLC cells via inhibiting ERK and AKT signaling activity

PURPOSE

P21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1), a serine/threonine protein kinase which functions downstream of RAC and CDC42 GTPase, is activated by a variety of stimuli, including RAS and other growth signaling factors. The extracellular signal kinase (ERK) and protein kinase B (AKT) signal pathways have been implicated in the pathogenesis of cancers. Whether PAK1 is sensitive to KRAS mutation signals and plays a role through ERK and AKT signaling pathways in NSCLC needs to be studied.

METHODS

The expression of PAK1, ERK and AKT was detected in both lung cancer cell lines and clinical samples. PAK1 RNA interference and specific inhibitor of PAK1(IPA-3) were applied to lung cancer cell lines and mouse xenograft tumors. Cell growth was measured by MTT and colony formation assays. Cell migration and invasion were detected by wound healing and transwell assays. RAS mutation was detected by Taqman probe method. Correlation between KRAS, PAK1, ERK and AKT activities was analyzed in lung cancer patients.

RESULTS

PAK1 was highly expressed not only in RAS mutant but also in RAS wild-type lung cancer cells. Using specific inhibitor of PAK1, IPA-3 and PAK1 RNA interference, cell proliferation, migration and invasion of lung cancer cells were reduced significantly, accompanied by decreased activities of ERK and AKT. Dual inhibition of ERK and AKT suppressed these cellular processes to levels comparable to those achieved by reduction in PAK1 expression. In NSCLC patients, PAK1 was not correlated with KRAS mutation but was significantly positively correlated with pERK and pAKT.

CONCLUSION

PAK1 played roles in NSCLC proliferation and invasion via ERK and AKT signaling and suggested a therapeutic target for NSCLC.

[Treatment and prognostic analysis of patients with primary esophageal small-cell carcinoma]

Objective: The study aimed to analyze the clinicopathological features, treatment, and prognosis factors of primary esophageal small-cell carcinoma (PESC). Methods: The clinical records and follow-up data of 100 patients with PESC were collected, and the clinicopathological features and treatments were examined. Log-rank test and Cox regression model were performed to identify the independent prognostic factors. Results: Progressive dysphagia, weight loss, and abdominal pain were the most common initial symptoms in the 100 patients with PESC. The primary tumor site mainly occurred in the middle of the chest (51%, 51/100), and the ulcer type was the most common under gastroscope (31%, 31/100). One or more positive markers of epithelial origin were present in all of the enrolled patients. At the time of diagnosis, 80 cases had limited disease (LD) and 20 cases had extensive disease (ED). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of PESC patients were 57.0%, 18.0%, and 11.0%, respectively, with a median survival time (MST) of 13.8 months. In all PESC patients, multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that the significant prognostic factors included the lesion length (OR=2.661, P<0.001), TNM staging (OR=1.464, P=0.016), and treatment methods (OR=0.333, P<0.001). Besides, in patients with LD, the lesion length (OR=2.638, P=0.001) and treatment methods (OR=0.285, P<0.001) were independent prognostic factors. The MST of patients in surgery + chemotherapy group (21.6 months) was longer than that of the surgery only group (8.3 months, P=0.021), while patients in surgery+ chemotherapy+ radiotherapy group were also associated with a longer MST than the chemotherapy + radiotherapy group (31.0 months, 9.8 months, respectively; P<0.001). Conclusions: PESC is a rare esophageal malignant tumor with poor prognosis. Our findings reveal that the lesion length, TNM staging, and treatment method are independent prognostic factors for PESC patients. Moreover, surgery-based comprehensive treatments may prolong the survival of patients with LD.

Phase-controllable growth of ultrathin 2D magnetic FeTe crystals

Two-dimensional (2D) magnets with intrinsic ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic (FM/AFM) ordering are highly desirable for future spintronic devices. However, the direct growth of their crystals is in its infancy. Here we report a chemical vapor deposition approach to controllably grow layered tetragonal and non-layered hexagonal FeTe nanoplates with their thicknesses down to 3.6 and 2.8 nm, respectively. Moreover, transport measurements reveal these obtained FeTe nanoflakes show a thickness-dependent magnetic transition. Antiferromagnetic tetragonal FeTe with the Néel temperature (TN) gradually decreases from 70 to 45 K as the thickness declines from 32 to 5 nm. And ferromagnetic hexagonal FeTe is accompanied by a drop of the Curie temperature (TC) from 220 K (30 nm) to 170 K (4 nm). Theoretical calculations indicate that the ferromagnetic order in hexagonal FeTe is originated from its concomitant lattice distortion and Stoner instability. This study highlights its potential applications in future spintronic devices.

[The clinical characteristics and surgical management of ciliated muconodular papillary tumor]

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics and surgical management based on the clinical manifestation, pathological feature and the medical imaging finding of ciliated muconodular papillary tumor (CMPT). Methods: The data of clinical manifestation, pathological feature and the medical imaging finding of 15 patients with CMPT who received surgical treatment from January 2017 to April 2019 were collected and retrospectively analyzed. Results: CMPT generally occurred in the elderly people. Most of the diameter of the tumor was less than 1 cm, while the diameters of other 3 patient were 1~2 cm. The computed tomography (CT) scan of 9 patients displayed solid nodule, while 4 displayed ground glass opacity (GGO), and other 2 showed no significant abnormal. Thirteen patients received minimally invasive video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), the other 2 received open surgery. Eight patients received lobectomy, 3 received thoracoscopic anatomical partial-lobectomy, 4 received wedge resection. The frozen section diagnostic results of 8 patients were adenocarcinoma, including 3 mucinous adenocarcinoma. Other 5 patients were diagnosed as CMPT and 2 were reported as infection nodule. During the perioperative period, 2 patients occurred cardiac arrhythmia, 1 occurred pulmonary infection. None of the patients had local recurrence or distant metastasis during the follow-up. Conclusions: CMPT usually presents as solitary peripheral lung nodules without obvious symptoms. Most CMPTs are incidentally detected by routine CT scan. Some of the cases are accompanied by primary lung cancer probably. Surgical treatment is the major therapy for CMPT. The imaging feature of CT scam usually shows a solid nodule or a GGO locates in peripheral pulmonary. Frozen section diagnosis for CMPTs can be easily confused with adenocarcinoma or mucinous adenocarcinoma.

Confining Tiny MoO2 Clusters into Reduced Graphene Oxide for Highly Efficient Low Frequency Microwave Absorption

Herein, a supermolecular-scale cage-confinement pyrolysis strategy is proposed to build two dielectric electromagnetic wave absorbents, in which MoO₂ nanoparticles are sandwiched uniformly between porous carbon shells and reduced graphene oxide (RGO). Both sandwich structures are derived from hybrid hydrogels doped by two different crosslinkers (with/without oxygen bridge), which can precisely confine Mo source (e.g., PMo₁₂ ). Without adding magnetic components, both absorbents exhibit excellent low frequency absorption performance in combination with electrically tunable ability and enhanced reflection loss value, which is superior over other relative 2D dielectric absorbers and satisfies the requirements of portable electronics. Notably, introducing oxygen bridges in the crosslinker generates a more stable confining configuration, which in turn renders its corresponding derivative exhibiting an extra multifrequency electromagnetic wave absorption trait. The intrinsic electromagnetic wave adjustment mechanism of the ternary hybrid absorbent is also explored. The result reveals that the elevated electromagnetic wave absorbing property is attributed to moderate attenuation constant and glorious impendence matching. The cage-confinement pyrolysis route to fabricate 2D MoO₂ -based dielectric electromagnetic wave absorbents opens a new path for the design of electromagnetic wave absorbents used in multi/low frequency.

Molecular-scale cage-confinement pyrolysis route to size-controlled molybdenum carbide nanoparticles for electrochemical sensor

Herein, size-controllable molybdenum carbide nanoparticles (Mo₂C NPs) encapsulated by N, P-codoped carbon shells which simultaneously wrapping on the surface of carbon nanotube (Mo₂C@NPC/CNT) is synthesized through a molecular-scale cage-confinement pyrolysis route. Such confinement achieves a good coating and protection of Mo₂C and the effective control over the size of Mo₂C NPs ranging from 2.5 to 10 nm facilitates a rational investigation into their electrochemical sensor behavior at nanometer scales. The optimized structure consisting of Mo₂C nanoparticles with size of ~5 nm showed an outstanding electrochemical response toward dopamine (DA) and acetaminophen (AC) with detection limits (S/N = 3) of 0.008 μM for AC and 0.01 μM for DA.

Oxygen doped MoS2 quantum dots for efficient electrocatalytic hydrogen generation

In this study, we report an oxygen-doped MoS₂ quantum dot (O-MoS₂ QD) hybrid electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The O-MoS₂ QDs were prepared with a one-pot microwave method by hydrazine-mediated oxygen-doping. The synthetic method is straightforward, time-saving, and can be applied in large scale preparation. Ultra-small O-MoS₂ QDs with the average size of 5.83 nm and 1-4 layers can be uniformly distributed on the surface of reduced graphene oxide (RGO). Benefited from the unique structure and the doping effect of oxygen in the MoS₂ QDs and the great number of active sites, the O-MoS₂ QD hybrid displayed outstanding electrocatalytic performance toward HER. A low overpotential of 76 mV at 10 mA/cm² and a Tafel slope of 58 mV/dec were obtained in an acidic solution toward HER. Additionally, the resultant O-MoS₂ QD hybrid also exhibited excellent stability and durability toward HER, displaying negligible current density loss after 1000 cycles of cyclic voltammetry. The design and synthesis of the electrocatalyst in this work open up a prospective route to prepare active and stable electrocatalysts toward substituting precious metals for hydrogen generation.

Parasitological and molecular detection of human fascioliasis in a young man from Guizhou, China

A 24-year-old man born in Guizhou province was diagnosed with obstructive jaundice and bile duct stones in 2013. Four living trematodes were found during laparotomy and cholecystectomy. Based on the morphology and molecular genetics analysis of internal transcribed spacer and pcox1 genes of the flatworm specimens, the trematodes from the patient were confirmed to be Fasciola hepatica. This report provided the clinical and molecular diagnosis information on human fascioliasis, which is an emerging sanitary problem still ignored in China. Human fascioliasis constantly occurs due to climatic changes and frequency of human travel. Therefore, it deserves more attention from physicians working in both developing and developed countries.

Achieving Efficient Alkaline Hydrogen Evolution Reaction over a Ni5 P4 Catalyst Incorporating Single-Atomic Ru Sites

Developing efficient electrocatalysts for alkaline water electrolysis is central to substantial progress of alkaline hydrogen production. Herein, a Ni₅ P₄ electrocatalyst incorporating single-atom Ru (Ni₅ P₄ -Ru) is synthesized through the filling of Ru³⁺ species into the metal vacancies of nickel hydroxides and subsequent phosphorization treatment. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, X-ray-based measurements, and electron microscopy observations confirm the strong interaction between the nickel-vacancy defect and Ru cation, resulting in more than 3.83 wt% single-atom Ru incorporation in the obtained Ni₅ P₄ -Ru. The Ni₅ P₄ -Ru as an alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction catalyst achieves low onset potential of 17 mV and an overpotential of 54 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm^-2 together with a small Tafel slope of 52.0 mV decade^-1 and long-term stability. Further spectroscopy analyses combined with density functional theory calculations reveal that the doped Ru sites can cause localized structure polarization, which brings the low energy barrier for water dissociation on Ru site and the optimized hydrogen adsorption free energy on the interstitial site, well rationalizing the experimental reactivity.

MR Diffusional Kurtosis Imaging-Based Assessment of Brain Microstructural Changes in Patients with Moyamoya Disease before and after Revascularization

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Conventional imaging examinations are insufficient to accurately assess brain damage in patients with Moyamoya disease. Our aim was to observe brain microstructural changes in patients with Moyamoya disease by diffusional kurtosis imaging and provide support data for application of this technique in individualized assessment of disease severity and surgical outcome among patients with Moyamoya disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 64 patients with Moyamoya disease and 15 healthy volunteers underwent diffusional kurtosis imaging, and a second scanning was offered to surgical patients 3-4 months after revascularization. The diffusional kurtosis imaging parameter maps were obtained for mean kurtosis, axial kurtosis, radial kurtosis, fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity. The parameter values were measured in sensory pathway-related regions for all subjects. Differences in diffusional kurtosis imaging parameters of these brain regions were examined for healthy volunteers, patients without acroparesthesia, and asymptomatic and symptomatic sides of patients with acroparesthesia. Changes in diffusional kurtosis imaging parameters of patients with Moyamoya disease before and after revascularization were compared.

RESULTS

Compared with healthy volunteers, patients with Moyamoya disease showed decreased mean kurtosis, axial kurtosis, radial kurtosis, and fractional anisotropy in the corona radiata. Similarly, mean kurtosis, radial kurtosis, and fractional anisotropy decreased in the posterior limb of the internal capsule, whereas axial kurtosis decreased and radial kurtosis increased in the thalami of patients with Moyamoya disease compared with healthy volunteers. Compared with the asymptomatic contralateral hemisphere, the symptomatic group showed increased mean kurtosis in the contralateral primary somatosensory cortex, increased fractional anisotropy in the contralateral corona radiata and posterior limb of the internal capsule, and decreased axial kurtosis in the contralateral thalamus. Among patients with Moyamoya disease with acroparesthesia, mean kurtosis decreased in the primary somatosensory cortex on the operated side following revascularization.

CONCLUSIONS

The diffusional kurtosis imaging technique is applicable to patients with Moyamoya disease for detecting brain microstructural changes in white and gray matter before and after revascularization; this feature is useful in the assessment of disease severity and surgical outcome.

Carbon Microtube Aerogel Derived from Kapok Fiber: An Efficient and Recyclable Sorbent for Oils and Organic Solvents

A carbon microtube aerogel (CMA) with hydrophobicity, strong adsorption capacity, and superb recyclability was obtained by a feasible approach with economical raw material, such as kapok fiber. The CMA possesses a great adsorption capacity of 78-348 times its weight. Attributed to its outstanding thermal stability and excellent mechanical properties, the CMA can be used for many cycles of distillation, squeezing, and combustion without degradation, which suggests a potential practical application in oil-water separation. In addition, the adsorption capacity still retained 98% by distillation, 97% by squeezing, and 90% by combustion after 10 cycles. Therefore, the obtained CMA has a broad prospect as an economical, efficient, and environmentally friendly adsorbent.

[The influence of TP53 mutation on the therapeutic effect of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor and prognosis of EGFR mutant non-small cell lung cancer patients]

Gene mutations can impair the sensitivity of cancer cells to targeted drugs, and lead to individual differences of clinical therapeutic effects. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation plays an important role in therapeutic decision-making. Furthermore, some co-existing gene mutations, such as TP53 mutation, can also affect the therapeutic effect and prognosis of patients. Whether EGFR mutation combined with TP53 mutation affects the sensitivity of lung cancer cells to tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) and long-term prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients is still unknown and has attracted more attentions. However, in the current clinical practice, TP53 mutation is not a key factor of therapeutic decision-making, so further studies are needed to clarify the impact of TP53 mutation (including each subtype) on the potential benefits of EGFR-targeted therapy of NSCLC.

Combined Effect of Osteoporosis and Poor Dynamic Balance on the Incidence of Sarcopenia in Elderly Chinese Community Suburban-Dwelling Individuals

OBJECTIVES

Given the increasing prevalence of osteoporosis and the important role dynamic balanced plays in the assessment of muscle function, we aimed to examine the joint and separate effects of osteoporosis and poor dynamic balance on the incidence of sarcopenia in Chinese elderly individuals.

DESIGN

This study was conducted on 658 (44.4% male) Chinese suburban-dwelling participants with a mean age of 68.42 ± 5.43 years who initially had no sarcopenia and were aged ≥60 years. A quantitative ultrasound scan of each participant's calcaneus with a T score less than -2.5 was used to identify the prevalence of osteoporosis. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria. We assessed dynamic balance using the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT). Participants who scored in the top 20% on the TUGT were defined as having poor dynamic balance.

RESULTS

After a follow-up of three years, the incidence of sarcopenia in the general population was 8.1% (9.6% in males, 6.8% in females). The incidence of sarcopenia was progressively greater in people suffering from both osteoporosis and poor dynamic balance (OR=2.416, 95%CI=1.124-5.195) compared to those who only had osteoporosis (OR=0.797, 95%CI=0.378-1.682) or poor dynamic balance (OR=1.226, 95%CI=0.447-3.363) in models without adjustments. Even after adjusting for potential confounders, the result still held true (OR=2.431, 95%CI=1.053-5.614).

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, we found individuals who suffered from both osteoporosis and poor dynamic balance simultaneously had a significantly higher incidence of sarcopenia than those who suffered from either one or the other.

The Predictive Value of Sarcopenia and Its Individual Criteria for Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality in Suburb-dwelling Older Chinese

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study is to investigate the associations between the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) sarcopenic definition, and its individual criteria, and risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality in the Chinese elderly.

METHODS

Longitudinal analysis of 1,264 participants aged 60 years or older at baseline (2013-2014) living in suburban areas, China. Sarcopenia was defined according to the recommended algorithm of AWGS. Muscle mass was measured by a direct segmental multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis. Muscle strength was assessed by handgrip strength, and physical performance measured via usual walking speed.

RESULTS

Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the risk of CVD and all-cause mortality. After 40 months of follow-up, forty-eight deaths (4.2%) died in this cohort. The mortality rate with sarcopenia was 4.7% in men and 3.8% in women. After adjusting for potential confounders, the risk of all-cause death was 4.15 times higher in subjects with sarcopenia. Furthermore, low muscle mass (HR: 2.62, 95% CI 1.34-5.13) and low grip strength (HR: 5.79; 95% CI 2.28-14.71), but not walking speed, were found to be significantly associated with all-cause mortality. Risk of CVD mortality was significantly greater in sarcopenia. Low grip strength and low walking speed were associated with 11 times (HR: 11.03, 95% CI 1.58-77.02) and 13 times (HR: 13.02; 95% CI 1.18-143.78) higher risk of CVD mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Sarcopenia and components of sarcopenia were associated with greater CVD and all-cause mortality. Pertinent prevention or rehabilitation programs projects should look to promote healthy aging in different types of sarcopenia group.

Complicated intraoral defects: reconstruction using a three-paddle perforator free flap. A case report

A 34-year-old woman presented with a progressive oral ulcer, and redness and swelling of the skin over the mandible. Radiological and histological examination showed adenoid cystic carcinoma of the mandible and floor of the mouth with extensive invasion. We radically resected the tumour with sufficient margins, and cut off segments of fibula, reshaped them and fixed them into the mandibular angles bilaterally. We used three perforator flaps, (the soleus muscle, the third, and fourth perforator flaps) to reconstruct the defects of the tongue, mentum, and oral floor, respectively. Recovery was good postoperatively, and there was no infection or any other complications.