Fucoidan from Ascophyllum nodosum and Undaria pinnatifida attenuate SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro and in vivo by suppressing ACE2 and alleviating inflammation

The global healthcare challenge posed by COVID-19 necessitates the continuous exploration for novel antiviral agents. Fucoidans have demonstrated antiviral activity. However, the underlying structure-activity mechanism responsible for the inhibitory activity of fucoidans from Ascophyllum nodosum (FUCA) and Undaria pinnatifida (FUCU) against SARS-CoV-2 remains unclear. FUCA was characterized as a homopolymer with a backbone structure of repeating (1 → 3) and (1 → 4) linked α-l-fucopyranose residues, whereas FUCU was a heteropolysaccharide composed of Fuc1-3Gal1-6 repeats. Furthermore, FUCA demonstrated significantly higher anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity than FUCU (EC50: 48.66 vs 69.52 μg/mL), suggesting the degree of branching rather than sulfate content affected the antiviral activity. Additionally, FUCA exhibited a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on ACE2, surpassing the inhibitory activity of FUCU. In vitro, both FUCA and FUCU treatments downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IFN-α, IFN-γ, and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and IFN-β) induced by viral infection. In hamsters, FUCA demonstrated greater effectiveness in attenuating lung and gastrointestinal injury and reducing ACE2 expression, compared to FUCU. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that only FUCU partially alleviated the gut microbiota dysbiosis caused by SARS-CoV-2. Consequently, our study provides a scientific basis for considering fucoidans as poteintial prophylactic food components against SARS-CoV-2.

Endogenous AND Logic DNA Nanomachine for Highly Specific Cancer Cell Imaging

Intracellular cancer-related biomarker imaging strategy has been used for specific identification of cancer cells, which was of great importance to accurate cancer clinical diagnosis and prognosis studies. Localized DNA circuits with improved sensitivity showed great potential for intracellular biomarkers imaging. However, the ability of localized DNA circuits to specifically image cancer cells is limited by off-site signal leakage associated with a single-biomarker sensing strategy. Herein, we integrated the endogenous enzyme-powered strategy with logic-responsive and localized signal amplifying capability to construct a self-assembled endogenously AND logic DNA nanomachine (EDN) for highly specific cancer cell imaging. When the EDN encountered a cancer cell, the overexpressed DNA repairing enzyme apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) and miR-21 could synergistically activate a DNA circuit via cascaded localized toehold-mediated strand displacement (TMSD) reactions, resulting in amplified fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) signal. In this strategy, both endogenous APE1 and miR-21, served as two "keys" to activate the AND logic operation in cancer cells to reduce off-tumor signal leakage. Such a multiplied molecular recognition/activation nanomachine as a powerful toolbox realized specific capture and reliable imaging of biomolecules in living cancer cells.

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

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

Logic Signal Amplification System for Sensitive Electrochemiluminescence Detection and Subtype Identification of Cancer Cells

Achieving sensitive detection and accurate identification of cancer cells is vital for diagnosing and treating the disease. Here, we developed a logic signal amplification system using DNA tetrahedron-mediated three-dimensional (3D) DNA nanonetworks for sensitive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) detection and subtype identification of cancer cells. Specially designed hairpins were integrated into DNA tetrahedral nanostructures (DTNs) to perform a catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) reaction in the presence of target microRNA, forming hyperbranched 3D nanonetworks. Benefiting from the "spatial confinement effect," the DNA tetrahedron-mediated catalytic hairpin assembly (DTCHA) reaction displayed significantly faster kinetics and greater cycle conversion efficiency than traditional CHA. The resulting 3D nanonetworks could load a large amount of Ru(phen)32+, significantly enhancing its ECL signal, and exhibit detection limits for both miR-21 and miR-141 at the femtomolar level. The biosensor based on modular logic gates facilitated the distinction and quantification of cancer cells and normal cells based on miR-21 levels, combined with miR-141 levels, to further identify different subtypes of breast cancer cells. Overall, this study provides potential applications in miRNA-related clinical diagnostics.

Simulation-Assisted DNA Nanodevice Serve as a General Optical Platform for Multiplexed Analysis of Micrornas

Small frame nucleic acids (FNAs) serve as excellent carrier materials for various functional nucleic acid molecules, showcasing extensive potential applications in biomedicine development. The carrier module and function module combination is crucial for probe design, where an improper combination can significantly impede the functionality of sensing platforms. This study explores the effect of various combinations on the sensing performance of nanodevices through simulations and experimental approaches. Variances in response velocities, sensitivities, and cell uptake efficiencies across different structures are observed. Factors such as the number of functional molecules loaded, loading positions, and intermodular distances affect the rigidity and stability of the nanostructure. The findings reveal that the structures with full loads and moderate distances between modules have the lowest potential energy. Based on these insights, a multisignal detection platform that offers optimal sensitivity and response speed is developed. This research offers valuable insights for designing FNAs-based probes and presents a streamlined method for the conceptualization and optimization of DNA nanodevices.

[To investigate the role of the AAC-8 scoring in predicting restenosis or occlusion of lower extremity arteries after dilatation and angioplasty with DCB]

Objective: To investigate the role of the Abdominal Aortic Calcification-8 (AAC-8) scoring system in predicting restenosis or occlusion of lower extremity arteries after dilatation and angioplasty with drug-coated balloon (DCB). Methods: In this retrospective study, 62 patients who underwent dilatation and angioplasty with DCB for lower limb atherosclerotic obliterans (ASO) were enrolled from September 2018 to June 2022 in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School. Among them who aged (73.9±11.3) years, 37 were males and 25 were females. Patients were divided into two groups according to the condition of the lower extremity arteries after dilatation and angioplasty with DCB: recurrence group (n=26) and patency group (n=36). Logistic regression was used to analyze the factors associated with restenosis or occlusion of lower extremity arteries after dilatation and angioplasty with DCB. The predictive value of the AAC-8 score for restenosis or occlusion of the lower extremity arteries after dilatation and angioplasty with DCB was analyzed using the receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC curves). Results: The postoperative follow-up was 16.30 (10.97, 24.10) months in the patency group and 9.03 (6.98, 15.31) months in the recurrence group. The results of multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that an elevated AAC-8 score (OR=1.388, 95%CI: 1.067-1.806, P=0.015) was an associated factor of restenosis or occlusion of the lower extremity arteries after dilatation and angioplasty with DCB. The ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of the AAC-8 score for predicting restenosis or occlusion of the lower extremity arteries after dilatation and angioplasty with DCB was 0.687 (95%CI: 0.550-0.824, P=0.013), with a cut-off value of 5.5 points, a sensitivity of 65.4% and a specificity of 69.5%. Conclusions: Elevated AAC-8 score is associated with restenosis or occlusion of the lower extremity arteries after dilatation and angioplasty with DCB. When the cut-off value is 5.5, the AAC-8 score predicts restenosis or occlusion of the lower extremity arteries after DCB dilation and angioplasty with a sensitivity of 65.4% and a specificity of 69.5%.

[Pay attention to the updates of 5th edition WHO classification of haematolymphoid tumours]

Two review articles summarizing the fifth edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of haematolymphoid tumours were officially published on Leukemia journal in 2022. This article briefly summarizes some important advances and changes in the fifth edition of WHO classification of haematolymphoid tumours, and describes how to apply the classification dialectically and reasonably in the daily practice of pathologists, so as to accurately guide clinical treatments.

[Interpretation of histiocytic/dendritic cell neoplasms and stromal-derived neoplasms of lymphoid tissues in the 5th edition of WHO classification of haematolymphoid tumors]

The 5th edition of the World Health Organization classification of hematolymphoid tumors (WHO Blue Book) is soon to be published. Significant revisions have been made in the chapters on histiocytic/dendritic cell neoplasms and stroma-derived neoplasms of lymphoid tissues, leading to the reclassification and renaming of specific diseases. This article provides a concise interpretation and summary of these updates, highlighting the differences from the fourth edition. Pertinent changes from clinical pathological diagnosis to treatment and prognosis are explored, with an emphasis on recent advancements in molecular genetics. Newly introduced disease classifications are discussed, and the section on follicular dendritic cell sarcoma contributed by the author is detailed to assist readers in quickly understanding and assimilating the new classification standards.

[Analysis of iodine nutritional status of children aged 8-10 years in Zhejiang Province from 2016 to 2021]

Objective: To analyze the iodine nutrition status of children aged 8 to 10 years in Zhejiang Province from 2016 to 2021. Methods: A multi-stage stratified sampling method was used to select non-residential children aged 8 to 10 years from 90 counties in Zhejiang Province. A total of 114 103 children were included in the study from 2016 to 2021. Direct titration method and arsenic-cerium catalytic spectrophotometry were used to detect salt iodine content and urinary iodine level, respectively, to evaluate the iodine nutritional status of children. Ultrasound was used to detect thyroid volume and analyze the current prevalence of goiter in school-age children. Results: The age of 114 103 children was (9.04 ± 0.81) years old, with 50.0% of (57 083) boys. The median of iodine content M (Q1, Q3) in children's household salt was 23.00 (19.80, 25.20) mg/kg, including 17 242 non-iodized salt, 6 173 unqualified iodized salt, and 90 688 qualified iodized salt. The coverage rate of iodized salt was 84.89%, and the coverage rate of qualified iodized salt was 79.48%. The proportion of non-iodized salt increased from 11.85% in 2016 to 16.04% in 2021 (χ2trend=111.427, P<0.001). The median of urinary iodine concentration M (Q1, Q3) in children was 182.50 (121.00, 261.00) μg/L, among which the proportions of iodine deficiency, iodine suitability, iodine over suitability, and iodine excess were 17.25% (19 686 cases), 39.21% (44 745 cases), 26.85% (30 638 cases), and 16.68% (19 034 cases), respectively. The median of urinary iodine concentration in children in inland areas [M (Q1, Q3): 190.90 (128.80, 269.00) μg/L] was significantly higher than that in children in coastal areas [M (Q1, Q3): 173.00 (113.00, 250.30) μg/L] (P<0.001). From 2016 to 2021, a total of 39 134 ultrasound examinations were conducted, and 1 229 cases of thyroid enlargement were detected. The goiter rate was 3.14% (95%CI: 2.97%-3.32%). The incidence of goiter in children in coastal areas [3.45% (95%CI: 3.19%-3.72%), 641/18 604] was higher than that in children in inland areas [2.86% (95%CI: 2.64%-3.10%), 588/20 530] (P=0.001). Conclusion: From 2016 to 2021, the iodine nutrition level of children aged 8-10 years in Zhejiang Province is generally suitable, and the rate of goiter in children meets the limit of iodine deficiency disease elimination standards.

Observation of the Exotic 0_{2}^{+} Cluster State in ^{8}He

We report here the first observation of the 0_{2}^{+} state of ^{8}He, which has been predicted to feature the condensatelike α+^{2}n+^{2}n cluster structure. We show that this state is characterized by a spin parity of 0^{+}, a large isoscalar monopole transition strength, and the emission of a strongly correlated neutron pair, in line with theoretical predictions. Our finding is further supported by the state-of-the-art microscopic α+4n model calculations. The present results may lead to new insights into clustering in neutron-rich nuclear systems and the pair correlation and condensation in quantum many-body systems under strong interactions.

[Clinical research of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children]

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics of children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) associated with SARS-CoV-2 in China, and to improve the understanding of MIS-C among pediatricians. Methods: Case series study.Collect the clinical characteristics, auxiliary examinations, treatment decisions, and prognosis of 64 patients with MIS-C from 9 hospitals in China from December 2022 to June 2023. Results: Among the 64 MIS-C patients, 36 were boys and 28 were girls, with an onset age being 2.8 (0.3, 14.0) years. All patients suffered from fever, elevated inflammatory indicators, and multiple system involvement. Forty-three patients (67%) were involved in more than 3 systems simultaneously, including skin mucosa 60 cases (94%), blood system 52 cases (89%), circulatory system 54 cases (84%), digestive system 48 cases (75%), and nervous system 24 cases (37%). Common mucocutaneous lesions included rash 54 cases (84%) and conjunctival congestion and (or) lip flushing 45 cases (70%). Hematological abnormalities consisted of coagulation dysfunction 48 cases (75%), thrombocytopenia 9 cases (14%), and lymphopenia 8 cases (13%). Cardiovascular lesions mainly affected cardiac function, of which 11 patients (17%) were accompanied by hypotension or shock, and 7 patients (12%) had coronary artery dilatation.Thirty-six patients (56%) had gastrointestinal symptoms, 23 patients (36%) had neurological symptoms. Forty-five patients (70%) received the initial treatment of intravenous immunoglobulin in combination with glucocorticoids, 5 patients (8%) received the methylprednisolone pulse therapy and 2 patients (3%) treated with biological agents, 7 patients with coronary artery dilation all returned to normal within 6 months. Conclusions: MIS-C patients are mainly characterized by fever, high inflammatory response, and multiple organ damage. The preferred initial treatment is intravenous immunoglobulin combined with glucocorticoids. All patients have a good prognosis.

An intelligent DNA nanomachine for amplified MicroRNA imaging and MicroRNA-Guided efficient gene silencing

The DNA nanomachines as excellent synthetic biological tools have been widely used for the sensitive detection of intracellular microRNA (miRNA) and DNAzyme-involved gene silencing. However, intelligent DNA nanomachines which have the ability to sense intracellular specific biomolecules and respond to external information in complex environments still remain challenging. Herein, we develop a miRNA-responsive DNAzyme cascaded catalytic (MDCC) nanomachine to perform multilayer cascade reactions, enabling the amplified intracellular miRNA imaging and miRNA-guided efficient gene silencing. The intelligent MDCC nanomachine is designed based on multiple DNAzyme subunit-encoded catalyzed hairpin assembly (CHA) reactants sustained by the pH-responsive Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) nanoparticles. After cellular uptake, the MDCC nanomachine degrades in acidic endosome and releases three hairpin DNA reactants and Zn2+, and the latter can act as an effective cofactor for DNAzyme. In the presence of miRNA-21, a catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) reaction is triggered, which produces a large number of Y-shaped fluorescent DNA constructs containing three DNAzyme modules for gene silencing. The construction of Y-shaped DNA modified with multisite fluorescence and the circular reaction realizes ultrasensitive miRNA-21 imaging of cancer cells. Moreover, miRNA-guided gene silencing inhibits the cancer cell proliferation through the DNAzyme-specific recognition and cleavage of target EGR-1 (Early Growth Response-1) mRNA, which is one key tumor-involved mRNA. The strategy may provide a promising platform for highly sensitive determination of biomolecules and accurate gene therapy of cancer cells.

[Clinical analysis of 244 cases with abdominal wall endometriosis]

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, outcomes and prognostic factors of abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE). Methods: A total of 265 AWE patients who underwent surgical treatment in The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from January 2010 to April 2023 were retrospectively selected, and 244 patients had complete follow-up data. According to different depth of lesions, the enrolled patients were divided into three types: type Ⅰ (subcutaneous fat layer, n=30), type Ⅱ (anterior sheath muscle layer, n=174) and type Ⅲ (peritoneum layer, n=40). The general clinical features, perioperative conditions, recurrent outcome and prognostic factors were analyzed in three types. Results: (1) Compared with type Ⅲ patients, the age of onset, parity and incidence of pelvic endometriosis were significantly decreased in type Ⅱ patients [(32.0±4.0) vs (30.0±4.6) years, 1.6±0.6 vs 1.4±0.5, 10.0% (4/40) vs 1.7% (3/174), respectively; all P<0.05], while the proportion of patients with transverse incision was significantly increased [37.5% (15/40) vs 67.3% (115/171); P<0.01]. The first symptoms of type Ⅰ and type Ⅱ were mainly palpable mass in the abdominal wall [73.3% (22/30), 63.2% (110/174), respectively], but the first symptom of type Ⅲ was pain in the abdominal wall [55.0% (22/40); all P<0.05]. (2) No matter the results of preoperative B-ultrasound or intraoperative exploration, the lesion diameters of type Ⅰ, type Ⅱ and type Ⅲ showed significant upward trends (all P<0.05). The proportions of lesion diameter≥3 cm in type Ⅱ and type Ⅲ [67.8% (118/174), 80.0% (32/40)] were significantly higher than that in type Ⅰ (all P<0.05). The median operation time and blood loss of type Ⅰ and Ⅱ were significantly lower than those of type Ⅲ (type Ⅰ vs type Ⅲ: 37.5 vs 50.0 minutes, 10 vs 20 ml, all P<0.05; type Ⅱ vs type Ⅲ: 35.0 vs 50.0 minutes, 10 vs 20 ml, all P<0.05). (3) The median follow-up time was 49 months, the overall symptom remission rate was 98.4% (240/244), and the recurrence rate was 7.0% (17/244). There were no significant differences in recurrence rate and recurrence free time among three types (all P>0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that the depth, number, diameter of lesions and postoperative adjuvant medication were not significant factors for postoperative recurrence (all P>0.05). Conclusions: The clinical manifestations of type Ⅲ are the most serious, including obvious abdominal pain symptoms, larger lesion diameter, prolonged operation time, increased intraoperative blood loss and increased incidence of pelvic endometriosis. Complete resection of lesions is an effective treatment for AWE, with high symptom remission rate and low recurrence rate. The depth, number, diameter of lesions and postoperative adjuvant medication are not risk factors for recurrence.

[Ⅱ ]

Objective: To investigate the role and related mechanism of ubiquitin-like protein FAT10 in the angiotensin Ⅱ (AngⅡ)-induced endothelial cell inflammatory responses. Methods: The Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of FAT10 in 16-weeks old WKY rat carotid artery, thoracic aorta artery, renal artery and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231). The optimal concentration and stimulation time of AngⅡ on inducing the highest FAT10 in HUVEC were determined. The following plasmids were constructed: control plasmid, overexpression FAT10 plasmid (Flag-FAT10), invalid interference plasmid, and interference FAT10 plasmid (sh-FAT10). These plasmids were then transfected into HUVEC cells and divided into following groups: control group, Flag-FAT10 group, invalid interference group, and sh-FAT10 group. After culturing with 100 nmol/L AngⅡ for 36 h, the control group and the Flag-FAT10 group were treated with reactive oxygen species scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine ​​(NAC), the protein expression levels of the inflammatory factor monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured. Laser confocal microscopy was used to detect the generation levels of reactive oxygen species in the cells of vrious groups. Results: FAT10 was expressed in carotid artery, thoracic aorta, and renal artery of normal blood pressure rats and expressed in HUVEC, VSMC, MDA-MB-231. The expression level of FAT10 gradually increased in proportion to the increase of the time and concentration of AngⅡ stimulation in HUVEC, and the expression level of FAT10 was the highest when the HUVEC was treated with 100 nmol/L AngⅡ for 36 h (P<0.01). The protein expression level of MCP-1 (P<0.001) and TNF-α (P<0.01) was higher in AngⅡ treated HUVEC with FAT10 overexpression, while the expression level of MCP-1 and TNF-α protein was lower in AngⅡ treated HUVEC with FAT10 knockdown (all P<0.01). The level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was significantly increased with FAT10 overexpression (P<0.001), and the level of ROS was decreased when the expression of FAT10 was interfered (P<0.05). The increased level of MCP-1 and TNF-α proteins in FAT10 overexpressed HUVEC was reversed by NAC (all P<0.05). Conclusion: FAT10 promotes the release of inflammatory factors induced by AngⅡ in endothelial cells by increasing the level of intracellular ROS production.

[Effect of ileostomy on the clinical outcomes of children with very early onset inflammatory bowel disease]

To explore the effect of ileostomy on clinical outcomes of children with very early onset inflammatory bowel disease(VEO-IBD). The clinical data of 11 children with VEO-IBD who underwent ileostomy in the Department of Gastroenterology of the Affiliated Children's Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2016 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, and the clinical characteristics and outcomes were analyzed. A total of 11 cases were included, including 7 males and 4 females, aged 3.0 (0.9, 8.0) months. The main clinical manifestations were fever and diarrhea, with L2 type the main lesion site (according to the Paris classification of childhood Crohn's disease). There were 7 cases of gene type interleukin (IL)-10RA. After VEO-IBD ileostomy, the disease site, incidence of growth disorders, the weighted children's Crohn's disease activity index, the simplified endoscopic score of Crohn's disease, and severe mucosal inflammation activity rate were all lower than those before ileostomy (all P<0.05). The postoperative inflammatory indicators and factors were lower than those before ileostomy (all P<0.05). The mucosal barrier indicators after ileostomy were increased than before (all P<0.05). The nutritional evaluation indicators after ileostomy were improved (P<0.05). Ileostomy can reduce inflammatory response of VEO-IBD, improve intestinal mucosal barrier, reduce disease activity, and improve nutritional status.

[A clinical cohort study of split and whole liver transplantations]

Objective: To investigate the surgical efficacy of split liver transplantation. Methods: Patients who underwent liver transplantation at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University between January 2015 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into split liver transplantation group (n=60) and whole liver transplantation group (n=765)according to graft types.In the split liver transplantation group, there were 23 males and 37 females, aged (52.5±10.2) years, and the body mass index was (22.4±3.3) kg/m2. In the whole liver transplantation group, there were 630 males and 135 females, aged (51.2±9.6) years, and body mass index was (24.5±3.7) kg/m2.The basic data of the two groups were matched 1∶1 using the propensity score matching method. The independent sample t test and χ2 test were used to compare the intraoperative and postoperative recovery of the two groups of donors and recipients. The overall survival rate and the graft survival rate of the two groups were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method and the cumulative survival rate was compared by the Log-rank test. Results: Fifty-one well-matched pairs of data with similar baseline characteristics were obtained. The ratio of graft mass to recipient body weight in the matched split liver transplantation group was (1.78±0.55)%. Operation time(M(IQR))(10.8(1.5)hours vs. 8.0(1.9)hours,U=6.608,P<0.01) and cold ischaemia time(5.4(1.3)hours vs. 4.6(2.2)hours,U=2.825,P=0.005) were significantly longer in the split liver transplantation group than those in the whole liver transplantation group. Intra-operative anhepatic phase(53.0(15.0)minutes vs. 57.0(24.0)minutes,U=1.048,P=0.295),bleeding volume(1 000(1 400)ml vs. 1 200(1 200)ml,U=0.966,P=0.334) and intraoperative instillation of red blood cells(9.0(6.5)U vs. 11.0(11.0)U,U=1.732,P=0.083) were not significantly different between the two groups. However,the split liver transplantation group showed significantly longer postoperative intensive care unit stay(5.0(3.0)days vs. 4.0(4.0)days,U=2.677,P=0.007) and postoperative hospital stay(30.0(15.0)days vs. 26.0(15.0)days,U=2.237,P=0.025) and significantly higher incidence of postoperative complications(56.8%(29/51) vs. 36.6%(19/51),χ2=3.935,P=0.047) than the whole liver transplantation group. Furthermore,levels of alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase were significantly higher on postoperative days 1,4 and 7 in the split liver transplantation group(all P<0.05) than in the whole liver transplantation group;however,there were no significant differences in these levels on postoperative days 14 and 28. The time to restoration of normal liver function in both groups(12.5(13.7)days vs. 9.0(12.5)days,U=1.607,P=0.108) was not statistically significant. Furthermore,the median follow-up time after surgery was 25.6 months in both groups. In postoperative years 1,2,3 and 5, the graft survival rates were 88.1%,80.8%,77.8% and 66.7% in the whole liver transplantation group and 80.3%,70.3%,67.3% and 60.5% in the split liver transplantation group(P=0.171),respectively. The patient survival rates in post-operative years 1,2,3 and 5 were 88.1%,80.8%,77.8% and 66.7% in the whole liver transplantation group and 80.3%,75.9%,70.3% and 63.3% in the split liver transplantation group,respectively(P=0.252). However,the differences of graft survival rates and patient survival rates between the two groups were not significant. Conclusion: Although it affects the early recovery of patients after liver transplantation,split liver transplantation has no effect on long-term survival rates and demonstrates surgical efficacy similar to that of whole liver transplantation.

[Clinical analysis of surgical treatment of infection after interventional operation for major iliac artery disease in 6 cases]

Objective: To explore the surgical treatment strategy of stent graft infection after interventional treatment of major iliac artery related diseases. Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 6 patients with secondary stent graft infection after interventional treatment for major iliac artery related diseases admitted to the Department of Vascular Surgery,Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital,Medical School of Nanjing University from November 2021 to August 2022.There were 5 males and 1 female,with a mean age of 64 years (range:49 to 79 years).The infection time was 53 to 3 165 days.All the 6 patients received surgical treatment,including 3 patients who underwent anatomic bypass grafting (axillary arterial-femoral artery bypass,femoral arterial-femoral artery bypass) using artificial vessels,and 3 patients who underwent in situ abdominal aorta reconstruction using bovine pericardium.The perioperative situation,postoperative infection and the occurrence of serious adverse events were recorded,and the safety of different treatment methods and materials was evaluated. Results: All patients successfully completed the operation and no death occurred during hospitalization.Intraoperative blood loss was 2 000~5 000 ml,and intraoperative blood transfusion was 1 600 to 5 350 ml.All the patients were followed up for 81 to 395 days after surgery,and the incision healed well,and no reinfection occurred.Postoperative gastrointestinal bleeding occurred in 1 patient,secondary surgery (retroperitoneal hematoma removal) was performed in 1 patient due to postoperative bleeding at the vascular anastomosis,both lower limb amputations were performed in 1 patient due to postoperative lower limb ischemia,and intermittent claudication occurred in 2 patients.All patients were alive at the last follow-up. Conclusion: For patients with aortic stent graft infection,when the infection is not serious and there is enough space to block the proximal and distal aorta,in situ aortic reconstruction is an effective treatment,and different materials can achieve satisfactory results in a short period of time.

[The effect of platelet infusion on the repair of bone marrow hematopoietic niche damage in mice induced by (60)Co radiation and hematopoietic reconstruction after bone marrow transplantation]

Objective: To observe the effect of platelets on hematopoietic stem cell (HSCs) implantation in mice with radiation-induced bone marrow injury and bone marrow transplantation models. Methods: ①Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into a single irradiation group and a radiation infusion group after receiving (60)Co semimyeloablative irradiation for 18-10 weeks. The irradiation infusion group received 1×10(8) platelets expressing GFP fluorescent protein. ② The allogeneic bone marrow transplantation model was established. The experimental groups included the simple transplantation group (BMT) and the transplantation infusion group (BMT+PLT). The BMT group was infused through the tail vein only 5 × 10(6) bone marrow cells, the BMT+PLT group needs to be infused with bone marrow cells at the same time 1× 10(8) platelets. ③ Test indicators included peripheral blood cell and bone marrow cell counts, flow cytometry to detect the proportion of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) and hematopoietic progenitor cells, bone marrow cell proliferation and apoptosis, and pathological observation of vascular niche damage and repair. Results: ①On the 3rd, 7th, 14(th), and 21st days after irradiation, the bone marrow cell count of the infusion group was higher than that in the single irradiation group (P<0.05), and the peripheral blood cell count was also higher. A statistically significant difference was found between the white blood cell count on the 21st day and the platelet count on the 7th day (P<0.05). In the observation cycle, the percentage of bone marrow cell proliferation in the infusion group was higher, while the percentage of apoptosis was lower. ② The results of bone tissue immunofluorescence after irradiation showed that the continuity of hematopoietic niche with red fluorescence was better in the irradiation infusion group. ③The chimerism percentage in the BMT+PLT group was always higher than that in the BMT group after transplantation.④ The BMT+PLT group had higher bone marrow cell count and percentage of bone marrow cell proliferation on the 7th and 28th day after transplantation than that in the BMT group, and the percentage of bone marrow cell apoptosis on the 14th day was lower than that in the BMT group (P<0.05). After the 14th day, the percentage of stem progenitor cells in the bone marrow cells of mice was higher than that in the BMT group (P<0.05). ⑤The immunohistochemical results of bone marrow tissue showed that the continuity of vascular endothelium in the BMT+PLT group was better than that in the BMT group. Conclusion: Platelet transfusion can alleviate the injury of vascular niche, promotes HSC homing, and is beneficial to hematopoietic reconstruction.

[A prospective cohort study on visual development in infants and young children]

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the trends and characteristics of early visual development in infants and young children. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted, including full-term infants born between 2008 and 2013 at the Maternal and Child Health Hospital in Sanhe City, Hebei Province, China. Visual acuity was assessed at three time points 42 days after birth, 9 months of age, and 18 months of age, using the Teller Acuity Card Ⅱ (TAC Ⅱ) grating visual acuity test. At 3 years of age, visual acuity was assessed using the Lea Symbols chart and converted to grating visual acuity. Visual acuity of both eyes was measured at 42 days, 9 months, and 18 months. For children at 9 and 18 months, monocular visual acuity was also assessed, while at 3 years of age, monocular visual acuity was measured. Visual acuity measurements at different time points and changes in visual acuity within each period were recorded. The visual development of the participants was analyzed and compared with previous literature results. Results: A total of 1 496 children were included in the study, including 773 males (51.67%) and 723 females (48.33%). The binocular visual acuity at 42 days, 9 months, and 18 months was 0.9 (0.6, 1.1), 6.4 (6.4, 9.6), and 9.6 (9.6, 9.6) cycles per degree (cpd), respectively, with statistically significant differences (P<0.001). Visual acuity increased by a factor of 3.21±0.70 between 42 days and 9 months, and by a factor of 0.23±0.48 between 9 and 18 months. At 9 months of age, the monocular visual acuity in the right and left eyes was 6.4 (4.8, 6.4) cpd, which remained the same at 18 months, and the median visual acuity at 3 years of age for both eyes was 18.75 cpd, with a Snellen visual acuity of 20/32 (20/40, 20/32). The differences in binocular visual acuity at each time point were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). At 9 months of age, 68.7%(633/921) of children had visual acuity of ≥6.5 cpd, which increased to 92.7%(342/369) at 18 months. Monocular visual acuity increased by a factor of 0.26±0.46 between 9 and 18 months, and by a factor of 1.36±0.52 between 18 months and 3 years. At 9 months of age, 72.01% (921 out of 1 279) of children who completed binocular visual acuity testing also underwent monocular visual acuity testing, while this proportion decreased to 35.83% (369 out of 1 030) at 18 months. Visual acuity improved with increasing age (P<0.001). The visual acuity of children at each age group in this study was higher than that reported in the literature for children in Guangzhou (P<0.001). Conclusions: The visual acuity of healthy infants and young children below 3 years of age improves with age. Visual development progresses rapidly before 9 months of age, slows down afterward, and then resumes rapid growth at 18 months of age.

Intracellular activated logic nanomachines based on framework nucleic acids for low background detection of microRNAs in living cells

DNA molecular machines based on DNA logic circuits show unparalleled potential in precision medicine. However, delivering DNA nanomachines into real biological systems and ensuring that they perform functions specifically, quickly and logically remain a challenge. Here, we developed an efficient DNA molecular machine integrating transfer-sensor-computation-output functions to achieve high fidelity detection of intracellular biomolecules. The introduction of pH nanoswitches enabled the nanomachines to be activated after entering the cell, and the spatial-confinement effect of the DNA triangular prism (TP) enables the molecular machine to process complex information at the nanoscale, with higher sensitivity and shorter response time than diffuse-dominated logic circuits. Such cascaded activation molecular machines follow the logic of AND to achieve specific capture and detection of biomolecules in living cells through a multi-hierarchical response, providing a new insight into the construction of efficient DNA molecular machines.

[Endovascular embolization hemoptysis in a patient with coronary artery as non-bronchial systemic artery: a case report]

The coronary artery as a responsible vessel for hemoptysis is very rare. This patient was admitted to the hospital with bronchiectasis and hemoptysis, and the right coronary artery was found to be one of the non-bronchial systemic arteries by computed tomography angiography, and the hemoptysis stopped immediately after successful embolization of all bronchial arteries and non-bronchial systemic arteries by bronchial artery embolization. However, the patient had a recurrence of a small amount of hemoptysis 1 month and 3 months after surgery. The patient underwent lobectomy of the lesion after multidisciplinary discussion and did not have any hemoptysis after surgery.

Improved Measurement of the Evolution of the Reactor Antineutrino Flux and Spectrum at Daya Bay

Reactor neutrino experiments play a crucial role in advancing our knowledge of neutrinos. In this Letter, the evolution of the flux and spectrum as a function of the reactor isotopic content is reported in terms of the inverse-beta-decay yield at Daya Bay with 1958 days of data and improved systematic uncertainties. These measurements are compared with two signature model predictions: the Huber-Mueller model based on the conversion method and the SM2018 model based on the summation method. The measured average flux and spectrum, as well as the flux evolution with the ^{239}Pu isotopic fraction, are inconsistent with the predictions of the Huber-Mueller model. In contrast, the SM2018 model is shown to agree with the average flux and its evolution but fails to describe the energy spectrum. Altering the predicted inverse-beta-decay spectrum from ^{239}Pu fission does not improve the agreement with the measurement for either model. The models can be brought into better agreement with the measurements if either the predicted spectrum due to ^{235}U fission is changed or the predicted ^{235}U, ^{238}U, ^{239}Pu, and ^{241}Pu spectra are changed in equal measure.

Visual analysis of Alzheimer disease biomarker via low-potential driven bipolar electrode

Developing a simple, economical, and accurate diagnostic method has positive practical significance for the early prevention and intervention of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Herein, combining a closed bipolar electrode (BPE) chip with multicolor electrochemiluminescence (ECL) imaging technology, we constructed a low-voltage driven portable visualized ECL device for the early screening of AD. By introducing parallel resistance, the total resistance of the circuit was greatly reduced. A classical mixture of Ir(ppy)₃ and Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ was used as multicolor emitters of the anode with TPrA as the co-reactant. Capture of amyloid-β (Aβ) through antigen-antibody recognition, and signal amplification by electroactive covalent organic frameworks (COF) probe at the cathode of BPE caused the significantly increased faradaic current. The electrical balance of the BPE system resulted in the change of the emission color from green to red at the anode. The ECL-BPE sensor shows good reproducibility and high sensitivity with detection limit of 1 pM by naked eye. The driving voltage is 3.0 V, which means the chip could be driven by two fifth batteries. The visualized ECL-BPE sensor provides a promising point-of-care testing (POCT) tool for the screening of Alzheimer's-related diseases in the early stage.

Precision Measurement of Reactor Antineutrino Oscillation at Kilometer-Scale Baselines by Daya Bay

We present a new determination of the smallest neutrino mixing angle θ_{13} and the mass-squared difference Δm_{32}^{2} using a final sample of 5.55×10^{6} inverse beta-decay (IBD) candidates with the final-state neutron captured on gadolinium. This sample is selected from the complete dataset obtained by the Daya Bay reactor neutrino experiment in 3158 days of operation. Compared to the previous Daya Bay results, selection of IBD candidates has been optimized, energy calibration refined, and treatment of backgrounds further improved. The resulting oscillation parameters are sin^{2}2θ_{13}=0.0851±0.0024, Δm_{32}^{2}=(2.466±0.060)×10^{-3}  eV^{2} for the normal mass ordering or Δm_{32}^{2}=-(2.571±0.060)×10^{-3}  eV^{2} for the inverted mass ordering.

[Effects of three-dimensional computed tomography angiography-assisted free medial sural artery perforator flap in repairing foot wounds]

Objective: To investigate the effects of three-dimensional computed tomography angiography (3D-CTA)-assisted free medial sural artery perforator flap in repairing foot wounds. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted. From May 2018 to August 2021, 18 patients with foot soft tissue defects who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the Department of Spine and Trauma Orthopedics of the Yidu Central Hospital of Weifang, including 13 males and 5 females, aged 19 to 55 years, with a wound area of 4.0 cm×3.0 cm-9.0 cm×8.0 cm at admission. Before the operation, CT scanner was used to scan the area from the supracondylar femur to the middle segment of the fibula of patients, and the obtained data were extracted into the Mimics16.0 software and analyzed to determine the pre-selected perforator, and then the image data of the pre-selected perforator side were analyzed further, and the body surface projection position of the perforating point of the medial sural artery in the calf region was marked. Based on the above examination, the flap was designed and cut according to the shape and area of the patient's foot tissue defect, and the area of flaps ranged from 5.0 cm×4.0 cm to 10.0 cm×9.0 cm. The donor sites were sutured directly or covered by skin grafting. The type of perforator, the diameters of perforator at the beginning and outlet point, and the location of the outlet point of perforator of the medial sural artery were observed under 3D-CTA examination before operation and compared to see if they were consistent with the observation under intraoperative condition. The survival of the flaps after operation was recorded. During follow-up, the satisfaction of patients with the wound repair effects, the sensory recovery of the recipient flaps, the healing of the donor wound, and whether there were complications affecting limb functions were recorded. Data were statistically analyzed with Kappa consistency test and equivalence test, and the 95% confidence intervals of measurement difference of perforator diameter and outlet point position of perforator were -0.50-0.50 mm and -2.0-2.0 cm, respectively. Results: The types of medial sural artery perforators observed during operation were type Ⅰ in 3 cases, type ⅡA in 6 cases, type ⅡB in 8 cases, and type Ⅲ in 1 case, which was consistent with the results of 3D-CTA before operation (Kappa=1.00, P<0.05). The blood vessel diameter detected by 3D-CTA before operation at the beginning of perforator of medial sural artery was (1.81±0.39) mm, and the blood vessel diameter at the outlet point of the perforator was (0.83±0.21) mm, which were close to the actual intraoperative measurement of (1.83±0.43) and (0.86±0.22) mm, respectively; equivalence test showed that the 95% confidence intervals of the measurement differences of diameter of medial sural artery perforator at beginning and outlet point were -0.18-0.22 and -0.08-0.14 mm, respectively, with both P values <0.05. The preoperative 3D-CTA detected that the perforating position at the deep fascia of the perforator of the medial sural artery, namely the vertical distance with the popliteal fold was (12.2±1.4) cm, and the horizontal distance with the posterior midline was (2.6±0.7) cm, which were respectively close to the actual intraoperative measurement of (12.4±1.4) and (2.6±0.7) cm; equivalence test showed that the 95% confidence intervals of the measurement differences in the vertical distance with the popliteal fold and the horizontal distance with the posterior midline of the outlet point of medial sural artery perforator were -1.06-1.26 and -0.46-0.66 cm, respectively, with both P values <0.05. After surgery, all flaps of 18 patients survived without vascular crisis. After 1 year of follow-up, the satisfaction degree of 16 patients was excellent and 2 patients was good with the wound repair effects, with a satisfaction ratio of 16/18; the sensory recovery of flap was evaluated as S3 in 11 cases and S2 in 7 cases; the donor wounds healed well without obvious scar or contracture, with no effect on limb joint functions. Conclusions: The medial sural artery perforator flap achieved good results in repairing foot wound with high degree of patient satisfaction. Preoperative application of 3D-CTA can realize the standardization, systematization, and visualization of artery perforator flap.

[Limbal stem cell-sparing lamellar keratoplasty for advanced keratoglobus in a patient with osteogenesis imperfecta: a case report]

This 15-year-old male patient has been diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta through genetic testing after birth and has poor vision. His full corneas in both eyes are unevenly thinned and bulging in a spherical shape, with the right eye being more severe. He underwent a limbal stem cell-sparing lamellar keratoplasty in the right eye, resulting in improved vision with a corrected visual acuity of 0.5, a decrease in corneal curvature, and a significant increase in corneal thickness. The surgery had a satisfactory outcome. The condition of the left eye is progressing and will require further surgical treatment.

Boron-enriched rice-like homologous carbon nanoclusters with a 51.5% photoluminescent quantum yield for highly sensitive determination of endogenous hydroxyl radicals in living cells

Exploring the ultrahigh quantum efficiency of a carbon-based probe via a green and simple technique, and utilisation of its sensing ability for highly bioactive molecule detection is still highly challenging. Herein, we prepared a novel boron-enriched rice-like homologous carbon nanoclusters (BRCNs) with an ultrahigh quantum efficiency of ∼51.5% by introduction of a conjugated structure attached to the CN bond and an electron-withdrawing boron active centre. Unexpectedly, the BRCNs obtained showed a stable dispersion of rice-like carbon nanograins, composed of small carbon dot assembled nanoclusters with an average diameter size of ∼30 nm, and containing boron units of ∼24.68 at%. What's exciting is that the BRCNs obtained exhibited an "on-off-on" three-state emission with the addition of an hydroxyl radical (OH˙) and its antioxidants. Thus, two distinctive fluorescent responses for OH˙ and antioxidants based on the BRCN probe had been developed, and the mechanism has been determined using TEM, XPS, FT-IR, FL, UV-vis spectrophotometry, UPS and fluorescent lifetimes. The OH˙, generated from the Fenton's reagent, preferentially attack the electron-deficient vacancy p orbit of the boron atom in the surface of the BRCNs, which results in the boron atom being easily substituted/attacked by OH˙, and leading to spontaneous aggregation induced quenching (AIQ) due to the existence of a strong intermolecular hydrogen bond between denatured BRCNs. Furthermore, the proposed method was also successfully applied to monitor endogenous OH˙ generation in HeLa cells by confocal imaging, which could be used for elucidating OH˙-induced oxidative damage to biological tissues and proteins.

[Correlation analysis of age and microbial characteristics in saliva and feces of high-risk population of upper gastrointestinal cancer]

Objective: To explore the correlation between age and diversity and microbial composition in saliva and feces microbiota in high-risk population of upper gastrointestinal cancer. Methods: Based on the national project on early diagnosis and early treatment of upper gastrointestinal cancer, 38 participants were enrolled in Linzhou in Henan province in August 2019. The participant information was collected by questionnaire. Saliva and feces specimens were collected from each participant for 16S rRNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. Spearman rank correlation was used to analyze the correlation between age and α diversity (Observed ASVs and Shannon index) and relative abundance of microbiota (phyla, genera, and species) in saliva and feces. Results: The median age (age range) of 38 participants was 54 (43-60) years old, and there were 16 males (42.1%). The Observed ASVs of saliva was negatively correlated with age (r_s=-0.35, P<0.05), but the observed ASVs of feces was not correlated with age. In saliva, the relative abundance of Treponema (r_s=‒0.44, P<0.05), Alloprevotella (r_s=‒0.42, P<0.05), and Porphyromonas (r_s=‒0.41,P<0.05) were significantly negatively correlated with age. At the species level, the relative abundance of Porphyromonas endodontalis, Alloprevotella tannerae, Haemophilus influenza, Moraxella bovoculi, Prevotella sp.oral clone ID019, and Prevotella sp.oral clone ASCG10 in saliva were significantly negatively correlated with age, and the r_s values were -0.50, -0.40, -0.38, -0.35, -0.33 and -0.33 (P<0.05), respectively. In feces, the relative abundance of Enterobacteria (r_s=-0.35, P<0.05), Escherichia (r_s=-0.33, P<0.05), and Bifidobacteria (r_s=0.33, P<0.05) were correlated with age. At the species level, the relative abundance of Romboutsia sedimentorum, Citrobacter murliniae, and bacteroides uniformis in feces were correlated with age, and the r_s values were -0.42, -0.37 and 0.36 (P<0.05), respectively. Conclusion: Age of the high-risk population of upper gastrointestinal cancer is correlated with the relative abundance of microbiota in saliva and feces.

Clinical efficacy of targeted therapy, immunotherapy combined with hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy (FOLFOX), and lipiodol embolization in the treatment of unresectable hepatocarcinoma

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of targeted therapy and immunotherapy combined with hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) of FOLFOX and lipiodol embolization in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Patients included in the study were those who received targeted therapy and immunotherapy combined with HAIC of FOLFOX and lipiodol embolization in Zhongshan People's Hospital from December 2020 to June 2021 for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Evaluation indicators included objective response rate (ORR), median progression-free survival (mPFS), median duration of response (mDOR), 1-year overall survival rate (OS), surgical conversion rate, and adverse events. Treatment response was assessed using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST and RECIST v1.1). A total of 35 patients were included in this study, 30 of whom completed treatment evaluation. According to mRECIST evaluation criteria, the objective response rate (ORR) was 83.3% (25/30); the complete response (CR) was 60% (18/30); the partial response (PR) was 23.3% (7/30), and stable disease (SD) was 16.7% (5/30). The mDOR was 10.3 months (95% Cl: 8.27-NE), and the mPFS was 13.2 months (95% CI: 10.3-NE); the surgical conversion rate was 30.0% (9/30). The 1-year OS was 96.7%. There were no serious surgical complications and grade 4 or 5 adverse events of targeted therapy, immunotherapy and HAIC. Some patients had grade 3 adverse reactions in gastrointestinal toxicity or hepatotoxicity, and the adverse reactions were improved after corresponding symptomatic treatment. We concluded that HAIC of FOLFOX and lipiodol embolization combined with targeted therapy and immunotherapy had a significant curative effect in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, with no serious adverse reactions and a high rate of surgical conversion rate.

Constraints on Sub-GeV Dark Matter-Electron Scattering from the CDEX-10 Experiment

We present improved germanium-based constraints on sub-GeV dark matter via dark matter-electron (χ-e) scattering using the 205.4  kg·day dataset from the CDEX-10 experiment. Using a novel calculation technique, we attain predicted χ-e scattering spectra observable in high-purity germanium detectors. In the heavy mediator scenario, our results achieve 3 orders of magnitude of improvement for m_{χ} larger than 80  MeV/c^{2} compared to previous germanium-based χ-e results. We also present the most stringent χ-e cross-section limit to date among experiments using solid-state detectors for m_{χ} larger than 90  MeV/c^{2} with heavy mediators and m_{χ} larger than 100  MeV/c^{2} with electric dipole coupling. The result proves the feasibility and demonstrates the vast potential of a new χ-e detection method with high-purity germanium detectors in ultralow radioactive background.

Exotic Dark Matter Search with the CDEX-10 Experiment at China's Jinping Underground Laboratory

A search for exotic dark matter (DM) in the sub-GeV mass range has been conducted using 205 kg day data taken from a p-type point contact germanium detector of the CDEX-10 experiment at China's Jinping underground laboratory. New low-mass dark matter searching channels, neutral current fermionic DM absorption (χ+A→ν+A) and DM-nucleus 3→2 scattering (χ+χ+A→ϕ+A), have been analyzed with an energy threshold of 160 eVee. No significant signal was found; thus new limits on the DM-nucleon interaction cross section are set for both models at the sub-GeV DM mass region. A cross section limit for the fermionic DM absorption is set to be 2.5×10^{-46}  cm^{2} (90% C.L.) at DM mass of 10  MeV/c^{2}. For the DM-nucleus 3→2 scattering scenario, limits are extended to DM mass of 5 and 14  MeV/c^{2} for the massless dark photon and bound DM final state, respectively.

[Value of multidetector computed tomography angiography and image analysis before bronchial artery embolization in the treatment of hemoptysis]

Objective: To estimate the value of multidetector computed tomography angiography (MDCTA) and image analysis before bronchial artery embolization (BAE) in the treatment of hemoptysis. Methods: A total of 165 patients with hemoptysis who underwent BAE at the Department of Interventional Radiology of Xiangyang Central Hospital from August 2017 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed and divided into two groups: MDCTA group [with preoperative MDCTA, 88 patients,63 males and 25 females,aged 23 to 87(62.6±12.3) years] and control group [77 patients, 52 males and 25 females, aged 26 to 83 (59.8±12.7) years]. The number of bronchial arteries and non-bronchial systemic arteries, and clinical success rate were compared between the two groups. Comparisons within groups were performed using the t-test or nonparametric paired Wilcoxon test for quantitative data with paired design, while comparisons between groups were performed using the t-test for the mean of two independent samples or the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test for independent samples and comparisons between groups were performed using the chi-square test. Results: The number of orthotopic and ectopic bronchial arteries found in BAE procedure in the MDCTA group was significantly higher than that in the control group [1.77±0.72 vs. 1.42±0.82, P=0.003; 0 (0, 0) vs. 0 (0, 0), P=0.033, respectively]; in the MDCTA group, the numbers of orthotopic and ectopic bronchial arteries found by MDCTA were significantly higher than those found in BAE procedure [2.22±0.63 vs. 1.77±0.72, P<0.001; 0 (0, 0) vs. 0 (0, 0), P=0.005, respectively]. The number of non-intercostal arteries found by MDCTA in the MDCTA group was significantly higher than that in the control group [0 (0, 0) vs. 0 (0, 0), P=0.038]. Hemostatic success was significantly higher in the MDCTA group than that in the control group (88.6% vs. 68.8%, P=0.002). Conclusions: MDCTA and image analysis help to detect more bronchial arteries and improve the hemostatic success rate before bronchial artery embolization in the treatment of hemoptysis.

[Efficacy of recombinant human growth hormone treatment in children born small for gestational age with syndromic and non-syndromic short stature]

Objective: To analyse the efficacy of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) treatment in children born small for gestational age (SGA) with syndormic and non-syndormic short stature. Methods: The clinical data of 59 children born SGA who were diagnosed as short stature and admitted to the Center of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism, Beijing Children's Hospital from July 2012 to June 2021 were collected and analyzed. According to the 2019 consensus on short stature, they were divided into syndromic group and non-syndromic group. Before treatment and 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after treatment, height standard deviation score (Ht-SDS), difference of height standard deviation (∆Ht-SDS) and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) were compared between groups, while Ht-SDS and HOMA-IR were compared before and after treatment. Independent t test or Kruskal-Wallis test were used for comparison between the 2 groups, and paired t test or Mann-Whitney U test were used for the intra-group comparison. Results: Among the 59 cases, 37 were males and 22 females, aged (5.5±2.3) years. There was no significant difference in Ht-SDS after 12 months of treatment between 2 groups (0.9±0.4 vs. 1.2±0.4, t=1.68, P=0.104) or in height SDS after 24 months of treatment (1.4±0.7 vs. 1.9±0.5, t=1.52, P=0.151). After 12 months of treatment, the insulin resistance index of the non-syndromic group was significantly higher than that of the syndromic group (2.29 (1.43, 2.99) vs. 0.90 (0.55, 1.40), Z=-2.95, P=0.003). There were significant differences in Ht-SDS between 6 months and before treatment, 12 months and 6 months in syndromic type (Z=7.65, 2.83 P<0.001, P=0.020), but all were significant differences in non-syndromic type between 6 months and before treatment, 12 months and 6 months, 18 months and 12 months, 24 months and 18 months (Z=11.95, 7.54, 4.26, 3.83, all P<0.001). Conclusion: The efficacy of rhGH treatment in children born SGA is comparable between syndromic and non-syndromic short stature cases, but non-syndromic children treated with rhGH need more frequent follow-up due to the risk of insulin resistance.

Simulations of neutral beam injection and ion cyclotron resonance heating synergy in high power EAST scenarios

The EAST plasmas heated with deuterium neutral beam injection and ion cyclotron resonance heating (ICRH) have been simulated by the TRANSP code. The analysis has been conducted using the full wave solver TORIC5, the radio frequency (RF)-kick operator, and NUBEAM to model the RF heating effects on fast ion velocity distribution. In this work, we present several simulated results compared with experiments for high power EAST scenarios, indicating that the interactions between ICRH and fast ions can significantly accelerate fast ions, which are confirmed by the increased neutron yield and broadened neutron emission spectrum measurements.

[A multicenter epidemiological study of acute bacterial meningitis in children]

Objective: To analyze the clinical epidemiological characteristics including composition of pathogens , clinical characteristics, and disease prognosis acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) in Chinese children. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical and laboratory data of 1 610 children <15 years of age with ABM in 33 tertiary hospitals in China from January 2019 to December 2020. Patients were divided into different groups according to age,<28 days group, 28 days to <3 months group, 3 months to <1 year group, 1-<5 years of age group, 5-<15 years of age group; etiology confirmed group and clinically diagnosed group according to etiology diagnosis. Non-numeric variables were analyzed with the Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, while non-normal distrituction numeric variables were compared with nonparametric test. Results: Among 1 610 children with ABM, 955 were male and 650 were female (5 cases were not provided with gender information), and the age of onset was 1.5 (0.5, 5.5) months. There were 588 cases age from <28 days, 462 cases age from 28 days to <3 months, 302 cases age from 3 months to <1 year of age group, 156 cases in the 1-<5 years of age and 101 cases in the 5-<15 years of age. The detection rates were 38.8% (95/245) and 31.5% (70/222) of Escherichia coli and 27.8% (68/245) and 35.1% (78/222) of Streptococcus agalactiae in infants younger than 28 days of age and 28 days to 3 months of age; the detection rates of Streptococcus pneumonia, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus agalactiae were 34.3% (61/178), 14.0% (25/178) and 13.5% (24/178) in the 3 months of age to <1 year of age group; the dominant pathogens were Streptococcus pneumoniae and the detection rate were 67.9% (74/109) and 44.4% (16/36) in the 1-<5 years of age and 5-<15 years of age . There were 9.7% (19/195) strains of Escherichia coli producing ultra-broad-spectrum β-lactamases. The positive rates of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture and blood culture were 32.2% (515/1 598) and 25.0% (400/1 598), while 38.2% (126/330)and 25.3% (21/83) in CSF metagenomics next generation sequencing and Streptococcus pneumoniae antigen detection. There were 4.3% (32/790) cases of which CSF white blood cell counts were normal in etiology confirmed group. Among 1 610 children with ABM, main intracranial imaging complications were subdural effusion and (or) empyema in 349 cases (21.7%), hydrocephalus in 233 cases (14.5%), brain abscess in 178 cases (11.1%), and other cerebrovascular diseases, including encephalomalacia, cerebral infarction, and encephalatrophy, in 174 cases (10.8%). Among the 166 cases (10.3%) with unfavorable outcome, 32 cases (2.0%) died among whom 24 cases died before 1 year of age, and 37 cases (2.3%) had recurrence among whom 25 cases had recurrence within 3 weeks. The incidences of subdural effusion and (or) empyema, brain abscess and ependymitis in the etiology confirmed group were significantly higher than those in the clinically diagnosed group (26.2% (207/790) vs. 17.3% (142/820), 13.0% (103/790) vs. 9.1% (75/820), 4.6% (36/790) vs. 2.7% (22/820), χ²=18.71, 6.20, 4.07, all P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the unfavorable outcomes, mortility, and recurrence between these 2 groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions: The onset age of ABM in children is usually within 1 year of age, especially <3 months. The common pathogens in infants <3 months of age are Escherichia coli and Streptococcus agalactiae, and the dominant pathogen in infant ≥3 months is Streptococcus pneumoniae. Subdural effusion and (or) empyema and hydrocephalus are common complications. ABM should not be excluded even if CSF white blood cell counts is within normal range. Standardized bacteriological examination should be paid more attention to increase the pathogenic detection rate. Non-culture CSF detection methods may facilitate the pathogenic diagnosis.

Translocation of Specific DNA Nanocarrier through an Ultrasmall Nanopipette: Toward Single-Protein-Molecule Detection with Superior Signal-to-Noise Ratio

The use of functional DNA nanostructures as carriers to ship proteins through solid-state nanopores has recently seen substantial growth in single-protein-molecule detection (SPMD), driven by the potential of this methodology and implementations that it may enable. Ultrasmall nanopores have exhibited obvious advantages in spatiotemporal biological detection due to the appropriate nanoconfined spaces and unique properties. Herein, a 6.8 nm DNA tetrahedron (TDN) with a target-specific DNA aptamer (TDN-apt) was engineered to carry the representative target of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) through an ultrasmall nanopipet with a 30 nm orifice, underpinning the advanced SPMD of AChE with good performance in terms of high selectivity, low detection limit (0.1 fM), and especially superior signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The kinetic interaction between TDN-apt and AChE was studied and the practical applicability of the as-developed SPMD toward real samples was validated using serum samples from patients with Alzheimer's disease. This work not only presented a feasible SPMD solution toward low-abundance proteins in complex samples and but also was envisioned to inspire more interest in the design and implementation of synergized DNA nanostructure-ultrasmall nanopore systems for future SPMD development.

[A case of ocular siderosis caused by iron ore]

A patient complained of vision loss of his left eye which was crushed by iron ore for 11 months. The cornea of the injured eye was thin and swollen, and a large amount of rust-like material was observed to be deposited. An intraocular foreign body was found by orbital CT. During vitrectomy, a piece of metal sheet was found near the ora serrate, and the intraocular structure was severely damaged, and characterized by vitreous brown turbidity, a white optic disc, occlusion of blood vessels in the fundus, and peripheral retinal atrophy with degeneration. The patient was diagnosed as ocular siderosis in the left eye.

First Measurement of High-Energy Reactor Antineutrinos at Daya Bay

This Letter reports the first measurement of high-energy reactor antineutrinos at Daya Bay, with nearly 9000 inverse beta decay candidates in the prompt energy region of 8-12 MeV observed over 1958 days of data collection. A multivariate analysis is used to separate 2500 signal events from background statistically. The hypothesis of no reactor antineutrinos with neutrino energy above 10 MeV is rejected with a significance of 6.2 standard deviations. A 29% antineutrino flux deficit in the prompt energy region of 8-11 MeV is observed compared to a recent model prediction. We provide the unfolded antineutrino spectrum above 7 MeV as a data-based reference for other experiments. This result provides the first direct observation of the production of antineutrinos from several high-Q_{β} isotopes in commercial reactors.

Near-infrared photothermally activated DNA nanotweezers for imaging ATP in living cells

By assembling nanotweezers with ATP-splitting aptamers on gold nanorods (AuT123L), we constructed a near-infrared-activated ATP sensing device that could time-controllably image ATP levels in living cells. By replacing the aptamers on the nanotweezers, the nanoplatform can be applied to other important biomolecules, opening up more possibilities for the study of time controllable nanodevices.

[Progress in the methods for evaluating depth of bone invasion and bone invasion of lower gingival squamous cell carcinoma]

The depth of invasion is a new index in the 8th edition of TNM classification and staging of oral cancer. Currently, there is no standardized evaluation method for the diagnosis of bone invasion and depth of invasion in lower gingival squamous cell carcinoma (LGSCC). The evaluation of LGSCC bone invasion depth not only provides a reference for surgical margin, but also determines the choice of surgical method, and is an independent prognostic factor for predicting cervical lymphatic metastasis. At present, the main evaluation methods of LGSCC bone invasion and invasion depth include X-ray, MRI, CT, positron emission tomography(PET)/CT, PET/MRI, singlephoton emission CT(SPECT)/CT and pathological examination. In this paper, the evaluation methods and effects of LGSCC bone invasion and invasion depth are summarized, and its advantages and disadvantages are analyzed in order to provide reference for clinical application.

[Effects of Agasicles hygrophila herbivory on the clonal integration of Alternanthera philoxeroides and A. sessilis]

Many alien invasive plants were clonal species. Examining the relationship between clonal integration characteristics and invasiveness of alien clonal plants is important for clarifying their ecological adaptability and invasion mechanisms. Here, with the invasive plant species Alternanthera philoxeroides and its native congener A. sessilis as the studying objects, we compared the effects of clonal integration on the growth and the biomass allocation of the apical ramets, basal ramets, and the whole fragment of both species under herbivory by the biocontrol beetle Agasicles hygrophila. The results showed that under herbivory by A. hygrophila, leaf number, stolon length, and ramet number of the apical ramets as well as the ground diameter of the whole fragment of A. philoxeroides were significantly higher under clonal integration treatment compared to that without clonal integration, whereas belowground biomass and total biomass of the basal ramets and the whole fragment of A. philoxeroides were conversely decreased by 78.2%, 60.9 % and 48.7%, 37.2%, respectively, under clonal integration treatment compared to that without clonal integration. Ground diameter of the apical ramets and leaf number of the whole fragment of A. sessilis were significantly higher, but the number of basal ramets was 21.7% lower under clonal integration treatment compared to that without clonal integration. The biomass of the apical ramets, basal ramets, and whole fragment of A. sessilis did not significantly differ between clonal integration and without clonal integration treatments. The results of cost-benefit analysis showed that the ramet number and biomass of the apical ramets of A. philoxeroides as well as the ramet number of the apical ramets of A. sessilis were significantly benefited from clonal integration, but the cost-benefit of the ramet number and biomass of the basal ramets of both species were not affected by clonal integration treatment. These results suggested that clonal integration could partly alleviate herbivory pressure by A. hygrophila on the apical ramets of both species, and that the clonal integration ability of A. philoxeroides was stronger than A. sessilis. However, both species seemed not able to gain significant benefits from cloning integration at the whole fragment level.

PltDB: a blood platelets-based gene expression database for disease investigation

MOTIVATION

Molecular profiling of blood-based liquid biopsies is a promising disease detection method, which overcomes the limitations of invasive diagnostic strategies. Recently, gene expression profiling of platelets reportedly provides valuable resource for developing new biomarkers for the detection of diseases, including cancer. However, there is no database containing RNAs in platelets.

RESULTS

In this study, we constructed PltDB (http://www.pltdb-hust.com), a platelets-based gene expression database featuring integration and visualization of RNA expression profiles based on RNA-seq and microarray data spanning both normal individuals and patients with different diseases. PltDB currently contains the expression landscape of mRNAs, lncRNAs, circRNAs, and miRNAs in platelets from patients with different disease types and healthy controls. Moreover, PltDB provides users with the tools for visualizing results of comparison and correlation analysis and for downloading expression profiles and analysis results. A submission interface for the scientific community is also embraced for uploading novel RNA expression profiles derived from platelet samples. PltDB will offer a comprehensive review of the clinical use of platelets, overcome technical problems when analyzing data from diverse studies and serve as a powerful platform for developing new blood biomarkers.

AVAILABILITY

PltDB is accessible at http://www.pltdb-hust.com.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Joint Determination of Reactor Antineutrino Spectra from ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu Fission by Daya Bay and PROSPECT

A joint determination of the reactor antineutrino spectra resulting from the fission of ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu has been carried out by the Daya Bay and PROSPECT Collaborations. This Letter reports the level of consistency of ^{235}U spectrum measurements from the two experiments and presents new results from a joint analysis of both data sets. The measurements are found to be consistent. The combined analysis reduces the degeneracy between the dominant ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu isotopes and improves the uncertainty of the ^{235}U spectral shape to about 3%. The ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu antineutrino energy spectra are unfolded from the jointly deconvolved reactor spectra using the Wiener-SVD unfolding method, providing a data-based reference for other reactor antineutrino experiments and other applications. This is the first measurement of the ^{235}U and ^{239}Pu spectra based on the combination of experiments at low- and highly enriched uranium reactors.

[The implementation of hour-1 bundle for sepsis in medical staff]

To determine the physicians'compliance of hour-1 bundle for sepsis. A management system of hour-1 bundle for sepsis was established. The clinical data of 286 sepsis patients were collected, who were classified into 3 months before the bundle (control group), 9 months during process (observation group) and 3 months after bundle (study group). The compliance of hour-1 bundle implementation was compared in three groups. The results showed that with the application and implementation of the management system, the compliance of hour-1 bundle for sepsis in the control group, observation group and study group was 58.3%(28/48), 69.1%(105/152) and 88.4%(76/86) respectively (χ²=7.053,P=0.029). The 28 day mortality in sepsis patients was 41.7%(20/48), 34.9%(53/152) and 23.3%(20/86) respectively (χ²=5.576,P=0.062).The management system of hour-1 bundle for sepsis can effectively improve the physicians' compliance.