[Short-term efficacy and safety of cardiac contractility modulation in patients with heart failure]

Objective: To investigate the short-term efficacy and safety of cardiac contractility modulation (CCM) in patients with heart failure. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of patients with heart failure who underwent CCM placement at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from February to June 2022. With a follow-up of 3 months, CCM sensation, impedance, percent output, and work time were monitored, and patients were compared with pre-and 3-month postoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) values, and 6-minute walk test distance and New York Heart Association (NYHA) cardiac function classification, and the occurrence of complications was recorded. Results: CCM was successfully implanted in all 9 patients. Seven(7/9) of them were male, aged (56±14) years, 3 patients had ischaemic cardiomyopathy and 6 patients had dilated cardiomyopathy. At 3-month postoperative follow-up, threshold was stable, sense was significantly lower at follow-up than before (right ventricle: (16.3±7.0) mV vs. (8.2±1.1) mV, P<0.05; local sense: (15.7±4.9) mV vs. (6.7±2.5) mV, P<0.05), and impedance was significantly lower at follow-up than before (right ventricle (846±179) Ω vs. (470±65) Ω, P<0.05, local sense: (832±246) Ω vs. (464±63) Ω, P<0.05). The CCM output percentage was (86.9±10.7) %, the output amplitude was (6.7±0.4) V, and the daily operating time was (8.6±1.0) h. LVEF was elevated compared to preoperative ((29.4±5.2) % vs. (38.3±4.3) %, P<0.05), the 6-minute walk test was significantly longer than before ((96.8±66.7)m vs. (289.3±121.7)m, P<0.05). No significant increase in the number of NYHA Class Ⅲ-Ⅳ patients was seen (7/9 vs. 2/9, P>0.05). The patient was not re-hospitalised for worsening heart failure symptoms, had no malignant arrhythmic events and experienced significant relief of symptoms such as chest tightness and shortness of breath. No postoperative complications related to pocket hematoma, pocket infection and rupture, electrode detachment, valve function impairment, pericardial effusion, or cardiac perforation were found. Conclusions: CCM has better short-term safety and efficacy in patients with heart failure.

[The efficacy and safety of laparoscopic radical gastrectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy and targeted therapy]

Objectives: To explore the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic radical gastrectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy and targeted therapy in patients with gastric cancer. Methods: A retrospective analysis of clinical and pathological data of 20 patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (clinical TNM stage T3-4aN+M0) admitted to the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from July 2021 to July 2023. All patients received 3 cycles of SOX (Oxaliplatin+S-1) regimen combined with immunotherapy (Trastuzumab) and targeted therapy (Apatinib) as neoadjuvant treatment followed by laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Surgical outcomes, postoperative pathological response, and postoperative recovery were observed. Quantitative data, except for age and operation time, were expressed using Median (range). Results: Among the 20 patients, there were 18 males and 2 females, aged 41 to 73 years [(60.6±9.7) years]. All 20 patients underwent laparoscopic surgical treatment after neoadjuvant therapy, with one patient undergoing laparoscopic conversion to open total gastrectomy with partial transverse colon resection due to tumor invasion into the transverse mesocolon. Eight patients underwent totally laparoscopic radical gastrectomy, all with Billroth Ⅱ+Braun anastomosis at the distal stomach. Eleven patients underwent laparoscopic-assisted radical gastrectomy, among which total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y anastomosis was performed in ten cases, and proximal gastrectomy with esophagogastrostomy overlap anastomosis was performed in one case. The mean operation time for the 20 patients was (165.0±34.1) minutes; intraoperative blood loss was 80 (20-100) ml; and the number of lymph nodes retrieved was 68 (21-89). Postoperative pathological TNM staging revealed stage T0N0M0 in six cases, stage Ⅰ in two cases, stage Ⅱ in three cases, and stage Ⅲ in nine cases. Six patients (30.0%) achieved pathological complete response, and nine patients (45.0%) achieved significant pathological response. The median postoperative time to flatus was 4 (1-5) days; oral intake resumed after 3 (2-5) days; and the median length of hospital stay was 13 (6-19) days. One patient developed colonic anastomotic leakage with intra-abdominal infection, and one patient developed duodenal stump leakage with intra-abdominal infection, both classified as Clavien-Dindo grade 3A complications, and improved after treatment and discharged. One patient developed gastric paresis, and two patients developed pleural effusion, classified as Clavien-Dindo grade 2 complications, and improved after treatment and discharged. There were no deaths within 30 days after discharge. Conclusions: Laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer after neoadjuvant treatment with the SOX regimen combined with immunotherapy and targeted therapy is safe and feasible, with satisfactory short-term efficacy. However, there is an increase in overall surgical risk and difficulty, and it is recommended to be performed in experienced gastric cancer centers.

Clinical outcomes of SMILE and WFG-LASIK used to treat myopia and astigmatism: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety, efficacy and postoperative visual quality of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and Wavefront-Guided Laser in situ keratomileusis (WFG-LASIK) and to analyze their efficacy in correcting astigmatism.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed using Cochrane Collaboration methodology. Databases searched included PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science. RevMan software version 5.3.0 was used for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 976 eyes were included in 8 studies, of which 539 eyes underwent SMILE and 437 eyes underwent WFG-LASIK. There were no statistically significant differences in the proportion of eyes achieving uncorrected distance visual acuity of 20/20 or better (P=0.18), the proportion of eyes within±0.50 diopter of target refraction postoperatively (P=0.10), or the postoperative magnitude of cylinder (P=0.10). Regarding the Alpins vector analysis of astigmatism, there was no statistically significant difference in the surgical magnitude of error (P=0.09) between the two groups. WFG-LASIK has a lower surgical angle of error (P= 0.002) and higher surgical correction index of cylinder (P=0.03) than SMILE. In terms of aberrations, higher order aberrations (P=0.46), spherical aberrations (P=0.22) and trefoil (P=0.56) were not statistically different, while WFG-LASIK induced less coma than SMILE surgery (P=0.02).

CONCLUSION

Both SMILE and WFG-LASIK are safe and effective ways to correct myopia and astigmatism. Compared with SMILE, WFG-LASIK has a lower surgical angle of error, higher surgical correction index of cylinder and induces less coma.

Electron Density Learning of Z-Bonds in Ionic Liquids and Its Application

Ionic liquids (ILs) exhibit fascinating properties due to special Z-bonds and have been widely used in electrochemical systems. The local Z-bond networks potentially cause a discrepancy in electrochemical properties. Understanding the correlations between the Z-bond energy (EZ-bond) and the electrochemical properties is helpful to identify appropriate ILs. It is difficult to estimate the correlations from single density functional theory calculations or molecular dynamic simulations. In this work, a machine learning model targeting the electronic density (ρBCP) of Z-bonds has been trained successfully, as expected for use in systems above the nanoscale size. The connection between the EZ-bond and the electrochemical potential window in ILs@TiO2, as well as that between the EZ-bond and the charge carrier mobility in ILs-PEDOT:Tos@SiO2, was separately investigated. This study highlights an efficient model for predicting ρBCP in nanoscale systems and anticipates exploring the connection between Z-bonds and the electrochemical properties of IL-based systems.

Relation disentanglement, the potential risk assessment, and source identification of heavy metals in the sediment of the Changzhao Reservoir, Zhejiang Province

Heavy metal contamination in the water body is a distinctly important issue for the water security of the reservoir. 114 sediment samples of Changzhao Reservoir were collected to investigate the spatial (horizontal and vertical) distribution characteristics, risk assessment, and source identification of heavy metals. The concentrations of heavy metals at the surface layer of sediment were slightly higher compared with that at the middle and bottom layer sediment in the most sampling sites. The concentration of Zn and Cd was significantly different in the different depths of sediment (P ≤ 0.01, Tukey HSD test). pH and Cd were identified as the key factors for TOC in the sediment by the Boruta algorithm. The proportion of "uncontaminated to moderately contaminated" for Cd, Zn, and As in the surface layer was 84.21%, 47.37%, and 34.21%, which indicated that the quality of sediment was mostly impacted by Cd, Zn, and As. The agricultural non-point source pollution is dominant according to the source identification method of APCS-MLR. Overall, this paper presents the distribution and conversion trends of heavy metals and provides the insights of the reservoir protection in the future work.

[Analysis of factors related to systemic embolism in patients≥75 years old with non-valvular atrial fibrillation]

Objective: To explore the related risk factors for systemic embolism (SE) in patients aged≥75 years with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Methods: A case-control study. NVAF patients aged≥75 years who were hospitalized at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from October 2018 to October 2020 were divided into no SE (n=1 127) and SE (n=433) groups according to the occurrence of SE after NVAF. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze SE-related factors in patients with NVAF without anticoagulation treatment. Results: In the multivariate model, the following factors were associated with an increased risk of SE in patients with NVAF: history of AF≥5 years [odds ratio (OR)=2.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.98-3.82, P<0.01], lipoprotein(a)>300 g/L (OR=2.07, 95%CI 1.50-2.84, P<0.01), apolipoprotein (Apo)B>1.2 g/L (OR=1.91, 95%CI 1.25-2.93, P=0.003), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 30%-49% (OR=2.45, 95%CI 1.63-3.69, P<0.01), left atrial diameter>40 mm (OR=1.54, 95%CI 1.16-2.07, P=0.003), and CHA₂DS₂-VASc score≥3 (OR=15.14, 95%CI 2.05-112.13, P=0.01). ApoAI>1.6 g/L was negatively correlated with the occurrence of SE (OR=0.28, 95%CI 0.15-0.51, P<0.01). Conclusions: History of AF≥5 years, lipoprotein(a)>300 g/L, elevated ApoB, left atrial diameter>40 mm, LVEF of 30%-49%, and CHA₂DS₂-VASC score≥3 are independent risk factors for SE whereas ApoAI>1.6 g/L is a protective factor against SE in patients with NVAF.

[Effects of vaccines on the viral negative conversion of children with COVID-19]

Objective: To explore the effect of vaccination on viral negative conversion of children with COVID-19. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. A cohort of 189 children aged 3-14 years with COVID-19 admitted to Renji Hospital (South branch) of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from April 7^th to May 19^th 2022 was enrolled in the study. According to the vaccination status, the infected children were divided into an unvaccinated group and a vaccinated group. Age, gender, severity, clinical manifestations, and laboratory tests, etc. were compared between groups, by rank sum test or chi-square test. The effects of vaccination on viral negative conversion were analyzed by a Cox mixed-effects regression model. Additionally, a questionnaire survey was conducted among the parents of unvaccinated children to analyze the reasons for not being vaccinated. Results: A total of 189 children aged 3-14 years were enrolled, including 95 males (50.3%) and 94 females (49.7%), aged 5.7 (4.1,8.6) years. There were 117 cases (61.9%) in the unvaccinated group and 72 cases (38.1%) in the vaccinated group. The age of the vaccinated group was higher than that of the unvaccinated group (8.8 (6.8, 10.6) vs. 4.5 (3.6, 5.9) years, Z=9.45, P<0.001). No significant differences were found in clinical manifestations, disease severity, and laboratory results between groups (all P>0.05), except for the occurrence rate of cough symptoms, which was significantly higher in the vaccinated group than in the non-vaccinated group (68.1% (49/72) vs. 50.4% (59/117),χ²=5.67, P=0.017). The Kaplan-Meier survival curve and Cox mixed-effects regression model showed that the time to the viral negative conversion was significantly shorter in the vaccinated group compared with the unvaccinated group (8 (7, 10) vs. 11 (9, 12) d, Z=5.20, P<0.001; adjusted HR=2.19 (95%CI 1.62-2.97)). For questionnaire survey on the reasons for not receiving a vaccination, 115 questionnaires were distributed and 112 valid questionnaires (97.4%) were collected. The main reasons for not being vaccinated were that parents thought that their children were not in the range of appropriate age for vaccination (51 cases, 45.5%) and children were in special physical conditions (47 cases, 42.0%). Conclusion: Vaccination can effectively shorten the negative conversion time of children with COVID-19 and targeted programs should be developed to increase eligible children's vaccination rate for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.

Ultralow Friction and High Robustness of Monolayer Ionic Liquids

Ultralow friction between interacting surfaces in relative motion is of vital importance in many pure and applied sciences. We found that surfaces bearing ordered monolayer ionic liquids (ILs) can have friction coefficient μ values as low as 0.001 at pressures up to 78 MPa and exhibit good structure recoverability. This extreme lubrication is attributed primarily to the ordered striped structure driven by the "atomic-locking" effect between carbon atoms on the alkyl chain of ILs and graphite. The longer alkyl chain has lower μ values, and the stripe periodicity is decisive in reducing energy dissipation during the sliding process. In combination with simulation, the alternate atomic-scale ordered and disordered ionic regions were recognized, whose ratio fundamentally determines the μ values and lubrication mechanism. This finding is an important step toward the practical utilization of ILs with negligible vapor pressure as superlubricating materials in future technological applications operating under extreme conditions.

Water-Controlled Structural Transition and Charge Transfer of Interfacial Ionic Liquids

Clarification of the water-induced structural transitions and electron transfer between ionic liquids (ILs) and a solid surface allows for establishing a unified view of the electrical properties of interfacial ILs via a hitherto unexplored pathway. Here, we propose a simple and effective method to quantitatively identify and extract the transferred electrons between ILs and a solid surface, while demonstrating the critical structural transition of interfacial ILs from ordered stripe structures to disordered aggregation structures. The formation of hydrated anions, rooted in the hydrogen bonds of O-H···O between the anion and water, lies at the tipping point where electron transfer ends and aggregation structure begins. In addition, it is discovered to what extent the hydrophilicity of substrates can affect electron transfer, and a regulation method based on the electric field is explored. These experimental findings may refresh our knowledge of interfacial ILs and provide an effective method for evaluating the intrinsic electrical features of the ILs-solid surface.

[Correlation between abnormal left atrial appendage function and thrombotic events in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation]

Objective: To investigate the association between abnormal left atrial appendage function and thrombotic events in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, and the independent risk factors affecting left atrial appendage function. Methods: Patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, who visited the Atrial Fibrillation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from June 1, 2019 to June 1, 2021, were selected. According to left atrial appendage flow velocity (LAAFV), they were divided into normal left atrial appendage function group (297 patients with LAAFV ≥ 40 cm/s) and abnormal left atrial appendage function group (85 patients with LAAFV<40 cm/s). Baseline data and transesophageal echocardiography images were collected from all the patients. The occurrence of thrombotic events was recorded. Univariate and multivariate unconditional logistic regression analyses were conducted to investigate the correlation between abnormal left atrial appendage function and the occurrence of thrombotic events. Results: There were significant differences in gender, type of atrial fibrillation, CHA₂DS₂-VASc score, anticoagulant therapy, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, international normalized ratio (INR), left atrial diameter, proportion of patients with right atrial enlargement, left ventricular ejection fraction, inner diameter, sum of inner diameter, depth, and sum of depth of all angles of the left atrial appendage, and incidence of thrombotic events between the two groups (all P<0.05). After adjusting for confounders, multivariate unconditional logistic regression analyses showed that abnormal left atrial appendage function was closely associated with thrombotic events (β=1.168 P=0.002), and left atrial diameter (OR=1.084, 95%CI 1.019-1.153, P=0.011) and persistent atrial fibrillation (OR=2.323, 95%CI 1.226-4.403, P=0.010) were independent risk factors affecting left atrial appendage function. Conclusions: Abnormal left atrial appendage function is closely associated with thrombosis. The left atrial diameter and persistent atrial fibrillation were independent risk factors affecting left atrial appendage function.

Insights into Ionic Liquids: From Z-Bonds to Quasi-Liquids

Ionic liquids (ILs) hold great promise in the fields of green chemistry, environmental science, and sustainable technology due to their unique properties, such as a tailorable structure, the various types available, and their environmentally friendly features. On the basis of multiscale simulations and experimental characterizations, two unique features of ILs are as follows: (1) strong coupling interactions between the electrostatic forces and hydrogen bonds, namely in the Z-bond, and (2) the unique semiordered structure and properties of ultrathin films, specifically regarding the quasi-liquid. In accordance with the aforementioned theoretical findings, many cutting-edge applications have been proposed: for example, CO₂ capture and conversion, biomass conversion and utilization, and energy storage materials. Although substantial progress has been made recently in the field of ILs, considerable challenges remain in understanding the nature of and devising applications for ILs, especially in terms of e.g. in situ/real-time observation and highly precise multiscale simulations of the Z-bond and quasi-liquid. In this Perspective, we review recent developments and challenges for the IL research community and provide insights into the nature and function of ILs, which will facilitate future applications.

Topological engineering of two-dimensional ionic liquid islands for high structural stability and CO2 adsorption selectivity

Ionic liquids (ILs) as green solvents and catalysts are highly attractive in the field of chemistry and chemical engineering. Their interfacial assembly structure and function are still far less well understood. Herein, we use coupling first-principles and molecular dynamics simulations to resolve the structure, properties, and function of ILs deposited on the graphite surface. Four different subunits driven by hydrogen bonds are identified first, and can assemble into close-packed and sparsely arranged annular 2D IL islands (2DIIs). Meanwhile, we found that the formation energy and HOMO–LUMO gap decrease exponentially as the island size increases via simulating a series of 2DIIs with different topological features. However, once the size is beyond the critical value, both the structural stability and electrical structure converge. Furthermore, the island edges are found to be dominant adsorption sites for CO₂ and better than other pure metal surfaces, showing an ultrahigh adsorption selectivity (up to 99.7%) for CO₂ compared with CH₄, CO, or N₂. Such quantitative structure–function relations of 2DIIs are meaningful for engineering ILs to efficiently promote their applications, such as the capture and conversion of CO₂.

Multi-scale simulations reveal the structure and properties of the two-dimensional ionic liquid islands supported by graphite, and the island edges show an ultrahigh adsorption selectivity for CO₂ compared with CH₄, CO, or N₂.

Effects of black carbon-based thin-layer capping for nitrogen-overloaded sediment remediation on microbial community assembly

Black carbon is considered as a promising material for thin-layer capping for sediment remediation. However, the effects of black carbon-based thin-layer capping on microbial communities have not been thoroughly studied. Here, the preparation conditions of capping material were optimized, and the interaction and assembly mechanisms of the microbial community in sediment under black carbon capping were studied. The results showed that concentration of NH₄⁺-N in the overlying water was stably lower than 0.5 mg/L after capping. The abundance of key genes related to nitrogen transformation in the sediment was increased. Denitrification was the dominant nitrogen removal pathway under coarse granule capping, while aromatic compound degradation was dominant under fine granule capping and dissimilatory N reduction to ammonium was regarded as the dominant nitrogen removal pathway. Community assembly was mainly driven by deterministic processes (≥ 80%). Interactions between rare and common operational taxonomic units were most frequent. The functional zoning of nitrogen transformation in the vertical aerobic, hypoxic, and anaerobic zones of the sediment was strengthened because of black carbon capping. Overall, these results expand our current understanding of the ecological significance of black carbon capping for remediating contaminated sediment.

UV response characteristics of mixed-phase MgZnO thin films with different structure distributions, high Iuv/Idark ratios, and fast speed MgZnO UV detectors with tunneling breakdown mechanisms

High-performance ultraviolet (UV) detectors with both high responses and fast speeds are hard to make on homogeneous crystal semiconductor materials. Here, the UV response characteristics of mixed-phase MgZnO thin films with different internal structure distributions are studied. The mixed-phase MgZnO-based detector with the given crystal composition has a high response at both deep UV light (96 A W-1 at 240 nm) and near UV light (80 A W-1 at 335 nm). Meanwhile, because of the quasi-tunneling breakdown mechanism within the device, the high-response UV detector also shows a fast response speed (tr = 0.11 μs) and recovery speed (td1 = 26 μs) at deep UV light, which is much faster than both low-response mixed-phase MgZnO-based UV detectors with other structure constitutions and reported high-response UV devices on homogenous crystal materials. The Idark of the device is just 4.27 pA under a 5 V bias voltage, so the signal-to-noise ratio of the device reached 23852 at 5.5 uW cm-2 235 nm UV light. The new quasi-tunneling breakdown mechanism is observed in some mixed-phase MgZnO thin films that contain both c-MgZnO and h-MgZnO parts, which introduce a high response, signal-to-noise ratio, and fast speed into mixed-phase MgZnO-based UV detectors at weak deep UV light.

Microbial community shift via black carbon: Insight into biological nitrogen removal from microbial assemblage and functional patterns

Understanding the ecological relationship of microbial community under external stimulation is crucial for environmental restoration. Black carbon (e.g., biochar) have been widely deemed as a strategy to enhance pollutants removal because of its structure and redox-active property. However, the underlying ecological mechanism of microbial community under black carbon addition is poorly understood. The major purposes of this study were to determine the microbial assemblage and functional patterns via null model test, network analysis, and function prediction. The results showed that the nitrate removal efficiency of modified black carbon system achieved 46.44%. Both deterministic and stochastic processes were significant for mediating the microbial assemblage and the deterministic process dominated (>95%) the assemblage of community. Keystone taxa in the black carbon systems, involving Sulfuricella, Allorhizobium, and Nitrospira, stimulated the shift of community composition regarding the nitrogen removal. The existence of black carbon and the biotic interactions increased biological nitrate utilization and promoted nitrogen removal. Overall, this study presents the mechanism of bacterial community assembly and provides insight into biological nitrogen removal from microbial ecological perspective.

[Ovarian Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors: DICER1 hotspot mutations and associated clinicopathological features]

Objective: To investigate DICER1 hotspot mutations in ovarian Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor (SLCT) and its associated clinicopathological features. Methods: Forty-three SLCTs and 40 other sex cord-stromal tumors (SCSTs) diagnosed between 2010 and 2017 at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center were examined for somatic DICER1 hotspot mutations by Sanger sequencing. The associations between mutation status and clinicopathological features, including patient age, tumor differentiation and recurrence, were analyzed. Results: Somatic DICER1 mutations were found in 51% (22/43) of SLCTs, while none in the other 40 SCSTs. The most common mutation of DICER1 was p.D1709N in exon 24 (41%, 9/22) and the second most common mutation of DICER1 was p.E1813K in exon 25 (14%, 3/22). A novel frameshift mutation (c.5464delG, p.M1837fs*16) was identified in one SLCT with microcystic pattern. Mutations were more likely to occur in patients under forty years of age (P=0.046), whereas no significant associations were found between DICER1 mutations and clinical symptoms, morphology or tumor recurrence. Conclusions: Somatic DCIER1 hotspot mutations are specifically found in SLCT and may serve as an ancillary marker in differential diagnosis of SLCT from other SCST. The mutations occur more often in young patients (<40 years old). Additional studies are warranted to examine the associations between DICER1 mutations and clinicopathological features and prognosis of SLCT.

Enhanced biological nitrogen removal from sediment by graphene derivative-mediated community assembly

Understanding the underlying mechanism that drives the microbial community mediated by graphene derivative is crucial for achieving the enhancement of biological nitrogen removal by external stimulation. The main objectives of this study were to identify the bacterial community assembly mechanism via null model test and molecular ecological network analysis in the sediment culture system. Results showed graphene derivative increased biological nitrogen removal efficiency by 125%. The high electron transfer efficiency and denitrifying enzyme activities were achieved. Deterministic assembly is dominate (>90%) in all the community assembly while the stochastic assembly process only existed in graphene derivative system (6.67%). The nitrogen removal was enhanced due to the intensification of the interaction on the microbial community between stochastic assembly and deterministic assembly. Keystone taxa in the graphene derivative systems, including Sulfuricella, Rhodobacter, and Comamonadaceae, drove the alteration of community structure relating to the nitrogen removal.

A novel hydroxofluorographene-coated melamine foam for efficient and repeatable oil removal from water

With the frequent occurrence of oil spill accidents and the continuous discharge of oily water during oil production and transportation, effective oil removal from environmental water by adsorption still faces severe challenges. Here, a novel absorbent hydroxofluorographene-coated melamine foam, namely G(OH)F@MF, with high affinity to oils was fabricated via stepwise assembly. The G(OH)F@MF absorbent achieved effective removal of various oils within 1 min with relatively high adsorption capacities for petrol (89.34 g/g), lubricating oil (89.60 g/g), and peanut oil (104.79 g/g). Furthermore, it could be regenerated by simply squeezing and reused for more than 10 times with an adsorption capacity exceeding 37.12 g/g. In addition, the results indicated that the G(OH)F@MF absorbent was suitable for oil cleanup at a wide range of pH values (4-12) and temperatures (5-45 °C). The adsorption performance of the material was stable in the presence of natural organic matter and even in different water environments. This study can provide a novel sorbent and method for the green, rapid, recyclable, and stable removal of oils from environmental water.

A space-confined strategy toward large-area two-dimensional crystals of ionic liquid

Understanding and manipulating nano-confined ionic liquids (ILs) has tremendous implications in nanotechnology and chemical engineering. Here, a peculiar growth phenomenon of a nano-confined [Bmim][NTFI] ionic liquid is revealed by utilizing two-dimensional channels in mica. The intercalated ILs underwent liquid-solid transition and self-assembled into a self-similar two-dimensional crystal in an epitaxial relation with the confining material. The terraced IL crystals, ranging from monolayer to bilayer to several dozen layers, are characterized by unexpectedly large areas extending to μm-scale and enhanced thermal stability with a melting temperature 73 K higher than that of the corresponding bulk IL. The notable asymmetric feature of the layered crystals hints at anisotropic growth under confinement, which produces a well-defined hexagonal geometric shape. Finally, a molecular scale growth mechanism of ordered ILs is qualitatively interpreted by a birth-and-spread model. Our findings have enabled new research on nanoconfined ILs and opened up an avenue to tailoring the structure of ILs for their applications under confinement.

Height-driven structure and thermodynamic properties of confined ionic liquids inside carbon nanochannels from molecular dynamics study

Understanding the structural transition of ionic liquids (ILs) confined in a nanospace is imperative for the application of ILs in energy storage, gas separation, and other chemical engineering techniques. In this work, the quantitative relations between the properties and height of the nanochannel (H) for the ([Emim]⁺[TF₂N]^-) IL are explored through molecular dynamics simulations. Interestingly, the entropy of the confined IL exhibits a nonmonotonic behavior as H increases: initially increasing for H < 1.0 nm and then decreasing for 1.0 < H < 1.1 nm, followed by increasing again for H > 1.1 nm; it finally approaches that of liquid bulk ILs. The vibrational spectrum of the confined IL is analyzed to investigate the nature of nonmonotonic entropy, showing that the liquidity and partial solidity will be respectively attenuated and enhanced as H decreases from 5.0 to 0.75 nm. Moreover, the hydrogen bond (HB) network and external force are also calculated, showing similar nonmonotonic behaviors when compared with the thermodynamic properties. The entropy gain of the confined IL originates from the reduced HB interactions, weaker external force, and partial solid nature, where more phase space sampling for ILs inside a bilayer graphene nanochannel (BLGC) can be achieved. All the above relations demonstrate that there exists a critical height of the nanochannel (H_CR = 1.0 nm) at which the confined IL possesses weaker HB interaction, higher entropy, and better stability. The critical height of the nanochannel is also identified in the analysis of the local structures of cation head groups and anions, indicating that the confined IL could have a faster in-plane diffusive ability. These factors can serve as key indicators in quantitatively characterizing the mechanism for the structural transition of ILs inside a nanochannel and facilitate the rational design of nanopores and nanochannels to regulate the properties and structures of ILs in practical application scenarios.

[Analysis of the KCNQ1 gene mutation in 2 families with congenital long QT syndrome type 1 in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region]

Objective: Present study analyzed the association betwen the postassium voltage-gated channel KQT-like subfamily member 1 gene (KCNQ1) mutation and the clinical and the electrocardiographic features in 2 pedigrees with congenital long QT syndrome type 1 (LQT1) in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Methods: Three family members were diagnosed as LQT1 patients in 2 Uygur congenital LQT1 families, these 3 LQT1 patients served as long QT group, 24 Uygur healthy volunteers served as control group. Electrocardiogram (ECG) and the gene detection were applied to compare the ECG and molecular genetic features between the long QT group and control group, and to explore the relationship between the KCNQ1 gene mutation and the clinical and the electrocardiographic features in these 2 families with congenital long QT syndrome type 1. Results: The LQT1 was diagnosed in 3 cases of the 2 pedigrees. The common features of ECG were QTc>480 ms, prolonged ST segment, and delayed T wave. The gene test evidenced a polymorphism of KCNQ1 gene exon 13:47G➝A(R16R). The mutation of 133G➝A9(G45S) of exon 16 resulted in the change of the original glycine (G) to serine (s). The ECG of the control group were normal, and there were no KCNQ1 gene mutations in control group. Conclusion: The exon sequencing results of KCNQ1 gene in 2 Xinjiang Uygur congenital long LQT1 families showed that exon16 missense changes (133G to A (G45S)) can lead to amino acid mutation, this mutation may be a pathogenic mutation. Subsequent validation of the expanded sample will provide a reference for revealing the relationship between the KCNQ1 gene and the pathogenesis of LQT1.

Response of nitrite accumulation and microbial characteristics to low-intensity static magnetic field during partial nitrification

Static magnetic field (SMF) with the intensity of 15 mT was applied during partial nitrification (PN) process to evaluate the impacts on nitrogen transformation and microbial characteristics. Results showed that the startup period of PN process at ambient temperature was markedly shortened by SMF, and the nitrite accumulation increased by 18% due to SMF exposure. The ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) amoA gene copy numbers in the reactor with SMF exposure were 40% higher than that without SMF exposure, indicating the AOB abundance was enriched by SMF exposure. The characteristics of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) changed accordingly. The extracellular protein increased by 30% due to SMF exposure, and it favored the aggregation of sludge flocs. The activated sludge with SMF exposure had a more compact structure, which was in favor of partial nitrification.

NHC-catalyzed regiodivergent syntheses of difunctionalized 3-pyrazolidinones from α-bromoenal and monosubstituted hydrazine

A formal [3 + 2] annulation of α-bromoenal with monosubstituted hydrazine could give 1,5 or 2,5-difunctionalized 3-pyrazolidinone regiodivergently by tuning the structure of the N-Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC) catalyst. Moderate to high yields, mild reaction conditions, good regioselectivity and potential biological significance of the final product have made this protocol attractive for the assembly of 3-pyrazolidinone.

[The relationship between LDL-C and ischemic stroke in 2 470 patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation in Xinjiang region]

Objective: To evaluate the association between LDL-C and ischemic stroke in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF). Method: A total of 2 470 patients with nonvalvular AF were included in the present study. The clinical data and laboratory examination results of the patients in the hospital were collected. The subjects were either divided into the ischemic stroke history (n=560), and non- ischemic stroke history groups (n=1 910), or divided into the low-middle risk (n=566) and high risk groups (n=1 904) based on CHA(2)DS(2) - VASc score. Results: There were significant differences in the proportion of Han, the ratio of gender, age, hemoglobin, hematocrit, ALT, serum uric acid, HDL-C and LDL-C between the patients with ischemic stroke history and without (all P<0.05). Similarly, there were significant differences in the proportion of Han, the ratio of gender, age, white blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet count, ALT, albumin, TG and LDL-C between subjects in the low-middle risk group and those in the high risk group (all P<0.05). A logistical regression analysis showed that LDL-C was an independent risk factor for both the ischemic stroke history (OR 2.089, 95% CI 1.860-2.347, P<0.05), and future ischemic stroke risk (OR 1.270, 95% CI 1.079-1.494, P<0.05) in patients with nonvalvular AF. Conclusion: LDL-C is associated with ischemic stroke in patients with nonvalvular AF, and it is also an independent risk factor for future ischemic stroke in these patients.

[Impact of 2013 American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologist guidelines on borderline immunostaining results for HER2: a retrospective study on HER2 FISH results in 1 780 cases of invasive breast cancers]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the impact of the revised 2013 American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologist(ASCO/CAP)HER2 testing guidelines on the status of HER2 and its clinical significance in invasive breast cancers by fluorescent in situ hybridization(FISH).

METHODS

One thousand seven hundred and eighty invasive breast cancer cases with equivocal 2+ immunostaining detected by FISH were retrospectively selected from 2010 to 2014, and the HER2/CEP17 dual-probe results were evaluated according to both the 2007 and 2013 ASCO/CAP guidelines for comparative analysis.

RESULTS

Among the 1 780 IHC HER2 (2+ ) invasive breast cancers, the number of HER2 positive, equivocal and negative case were 310(17.41%), 66(3.71%)and 1 404(78.88%) respectively, basing on the 2007 guidelines; whereas basing on the 2013 ASCO/CAP HER2 guidelines, the number of HER2 positive, equivocal and negative case was 360 (20.22%), 182 (10.23%)and 1 238 (69.55%) respectively. Compared with the 2007 guidelines, the proportion of positive and equivocal cases were higher in the 2013 guidelines (17.41% versus 20.22%, 3.71% versus 10.23% respectively), while the proportion of negative cases was lower(78.88% versus 69.55%).

CONCLUSIONS

Using the 2013 ASCO/CAP guidelines could lead to an increase in positive and equivocal cases, and a decrease in negative cases. The increase can probably be attributable to the inclusion of HER2 copy number besides HER2/CEP17 ratio as positive criteria, and it improves the accuracy and may be of important value for screening more population who benefit from HER2 targeting treatment; however the benefits for HER2 positive with low HER2 copy number and the clinical significance of the equivocal cases need to be further investigated.

Classification and phylogenetic analysis of Chinese hawthorn assessed by plant and pollen morphology

The Chinese hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida Bge. var. major N.E.Br.) is uniquely originated in northern China. The ecological and horticultural importance of Chinese hawthorn is considerable and some varieties are valued for their fruit or medicine extracts. Its taxonomy and phylogeny remain poorly understood. Apart from general plant morphological traits, pollen is an important trait for the classification of plants and their evolutionary origin. However, few studies have investigated the pollen of Chinese hawthorn. Here, an analysis of plant and pollen morphological characteristics was conducted in 57 cultivars from the Shenyang region. Thirty plant morphological characters and nine pollen grain characters were investigated. The plant morphological analysis revealed that the coefficient of variation for 13 traits was >20%, which indicates a high degree of variability. We also found that the pollen grains varied greatly in size, shape (from prolate to perprolate), and exine pattern (striate-perforate predominantly). The number of apertures was typically three. Based on these findings, we suggest that pollen morphology associated with plant morphological traits can be used for classification and phylogenetic analysis of Chinese hawthorn cultivars. In sum, our results provide new insights and constitute a scientific basis for future studies on the classification and evolution of Chinese hawthorn.

[A study on the evaluation of anticoagulation status comparing of CHADS2 versus CHA2DS2-VASc scores in patients with non valvular atrial fibrillation in Xinjiang area]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the current status of anticoagulation therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation(AF)in Xinjiang, and compare the two scoring systems(CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores) in determining the risk of strokes in AF patients in Xinjiang.

METHODS

Subjects with AF were collected by searching the electronic and paper medical records from 35 hospitals in Xinjiang area during October 2013 to October 2014, and followed up for the incident strokes after 10 to 12 months.

RESULTS

Totally, 5 953 AF patients were enrolled in the study with the age of (67.9±12.0) years old, and men to women ratio of 1.44. Most patients were in age groups of 60-69 (23.92%) and 70-79 years (37.81%). Among patients with a CHADS2 score of 1 or less, the CHA2DS2-VASc scores of these subjects ranged from 0 to 3. After 10 to 12 months of follow-up, 22 patients developed new strokes. Only 30.79% patients ( n=1 460) received the anticoagulation treatment among those (n=4 742) who need to be treated with anticoagulation drugs. In patients receiving anticoagulant therapy, 1 162 patients were treated with warfarin, and 298 patients with new oral anticoagulant drugs.Totally 1 110 patients treated with warfarin were monitored with international normalized ratio (INR). The median INR was 1.14 with only 97 cases meeting the recommended INR ranging of 2.0-3.0 in the guidelines. The compliance rate was 8.74%.

CONCLUSIONS

The current status of anticoagulation for AF in Xinjiang area is characterized by "low anticoagulation rate" and "low compliance rate". The CHA2DS2-VASc score is more suitable for predicting the risk of strokes in patients with non valvular atrial fibrillation in Xinjiang area.

Structural Signature of Plasticity Unveiled by Nano-Scale Viscoelastic Contact in a Metallic Glass

Room-temperature plasticity in metallic glasses (MGs) is commonly associated with local structural heterogeneity; however, direct observation of the subtle structural change caused by plasticity is vitally important but the data are extremely scarce. Based on dynamic atomic force microscopy (DAFM), here we show that plasticity-induced structural evolution in a Zr-Ni MG can be revealed via nano-scale viscoelastic contacts between an AFM tip and plastically deformed MG surface layers. Our experimental results clearly show a spatial amplification of the nano-scale structural heterogeneity caused by the distributed plastic flow, which can be linked to the limited growth, reorientation and agglomeration of some nano-scale energy-absorbing regions, which are reminiscent of the behavior of the defect-like regions with non-affine deformation as conceived in many theories and models. Furthermore, we are able to experimentally extract the thermodynamic properties of these nano-scale regions, which possess an energy barrier of 0.3–0.5 eV, about half of that for a typical shear transformation event that usually occurs at the onset of plasticity. The outcome of our current work sheds quantitative insights into the correlation between plasticity and structural heterogeneity in MGs.

Shear-banding Induced Indentation Size Effect in Metallic Glasses

Shear-banding is commonly regarded as the “plasticity carrier” of metallic glasses (MGs), which usually causes severe strain localization and catastrophic failure if unhindered. However, through the use of the high-throughput dynamic nanoindentation technique, here we reveal that nano-scale shear-banding in different MGs evolves from a “distributed” fashion to a “localized” mode when the resultant plastic flow extends over a critical length scale. Consequently, a pronounced indentation size effect arises from the distributed shear-banding but vanishes when shear-banding becomes localized. Based on the critical length scales obtained for a variety of MGs, we unveil an intrinsic interplay between elasticity and fragility that governs the nanoscale plasticity transition in MGs. Our current findings provide a quantitative insight into the indentation size effect and transition mechanisms of nano-scale plasticity in MGs.

Origin of Shear Stability and Compressive Ductility Enhancement of Metallic Glasses by Metal Coating

Metallic glasses (MGs) are notorious for the poor macroscopic ductility and to overcome the weakness various intrinsic and extrinsic strategies have been proposed in past decades. Among them, the metal coating is regarded as a flexible and facile approach, yet the physical origin is poorly understood due to the complex nature of shear banding process. Here, we studied the origin of ductile enhancement in the Cu-coating both experimentally and theoretically. By examining serrated shear events and their stability of MGs, we revealed that the thin coating layer plays a key role in stopping the final catastrophic failure of MGs by slowing down shear band dynamics and thus retarding its attainment to a critical instable state. The mechanical analysis on interplay between the coating layer and shear banding process showed the enhanced shear stability mainly comes from the lateral tension of coating layer induced by the surface shear step and the bonding between the coating layer and MGs rather than the layer thickness is found to play a key role in contributing to the shear stability.

Genetic variability and diversity of the main resources of lily assessed via phenotypic characters, pollen morphology, and ISSR markers

Lily (Lilium spp), which belongs to Lilium, is one kind of monocotyledon. As a perennial ornamental plant with extremely high esthetic, edible, and medicinal value, lily has gained much favor due to its mostly showy flowers of various colors and elegant shape. In this research, we studied experimental materials in a sample of 49 individuals including 40 cultivars, nine species of wild lily, and their variants. The collection of 40 cultivars covered all six hybrids in the genus, i.e., Asiatic hybrids, Oriental hybrids, Longiflorum hybrids, LA hybrids, LO hybrids, and OT hybrids. Genetic diversity and inter-relationships were assessed through analysis of phenotypic characteristics, pollen morphology, and ISSR molecular markers. Quantitative characters were selected to analyze phenotypic variation, with results indicating greater variability in petiole length as compared to other characters. Pollen morphological observations suggested that the largest variation coefficient between all hybrids and wild species was the lumina. ISSR makers demonstrated that both cultivars and wild species possess a high level of genetic diversity. Specifically, the genetic diversity of wild lily was higher than cultivars.

Clinical significance of hmgb1 expression in human gastric cancer

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) has been proved to be implicated in a variety of cell physiological and pathological behaviors including immune response, inflammation and cancer. Accumulating evidence suggests that HMGB1 plays a critical role in the development and progression of multiple malignancies. However, the clinical significance and prognosis of HMGB1 expression in some cancers remain controversial. The present study aimed to investigate whether overexpression of HMGB1 is an independent prognostic factor in patients with gastric cancer. The correlation of HMGB1 expression with clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis was assessed by immunohistochemical assay through tissue microarray procedure in 50 primary gastric cancer cases. Our results indicated that the positive expression of HMGB1 was significantly increased in the nucleus of gastric cancer tissues compared with the adjacent non-cancerous tissues (ANCT) (64.0&#x0025; vs 44.0&#x0025;, P=0.025), but was not linked to the clinicopathologic features, including the TNM stage (P=0.533) and metastatic lymph node (P=0.771), in patients with gastric cancer. Kapalan-Meier and log-rank analysis demonstrated that overexpression of HMGB1 did not exert significant impact on the overall survival of patients with gastric cancer (P=0.805). Furthermore, Cox regression analysis showed that high HMGB1 protein expression did not represent an independent risk factor for patients with gastric cancer (P=0.677). Taken together, our findings suggest that high expression of HMGB1 is not correlated with the clinicopathologic characteristics of gastric cancer, and cannot serve as an independent prognostic biomarker for patients with gastric cancer.

Dominant factor determining the conduction-type of nitrogen-doped ZnO film

Nitrogen-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) film has been grown by molecular beam epitaxy. The as-grown sample showed p-type conduction with a hole concentration of 3.1 x 10(17) cm(-3). After an annealing process in O2 at 600 degrees C for 30 min, p-type conduction was still remained, and the hole concentration of the film decreased to 6.8 x 10(16) cm(-3). Secondary ion mass spectroscopy revealed that the concentration of both nitrogen and hydrogen decreased after the annealing process. It is demonstrated that the intrinsic compensation source has been decreased after the annealing process. Because the variation trend of the hole concentration in the ZnO:N film is opposite to that of hydrogen and intrinsic defects, but in good accordance with nitrogen, the extrinsically substituted nitrogen (N(o)) should be the dominant factor that determines the conduction-type of the ZnO:N film.

Time-resolved optical reflectivity of the electron-doped Nd(2-x)Ce(x)CuO(4+δ) cuprate superconductor: evidence for an interplay between competing orders

We use pump-probe spectroscopy to measure the photoinduced reflectivity ΔR of the electron-doped cuprate superconductor Nd(2-x)Ce(x)CuO(4+δ) at a value of x near optimal doping, as a function of time, temperature, and laser fluence. We observe the onset of a negative ΔR signal at T(*)≈75 K, above the superconducting transition temperature, T(c), of 23 K. The relatively slow decay of ΔR, compared to the analogous signal in hole doped compounds, allows us to resolve time-temperature scaling consistent with critical fluctuations. A positive ΔR signal onsets at T(c) that we associate with superconducting order. We find that the two signals are strongly coupled below T(c), in a manner that suggests a repulsive interaction between superconductivity and another fluctuating order.

Pt magnetic polarization on Y3Fe5O12 and magnetotransport characteristics

Thin Pt films on an yttrium iron garnet (YIG = Y(3)Fe(5)O(12)) show ferromagneticlike transport properties, which may impact the functionality of Pt in spin current detection, but do not provide direct quantitative information on the Pt magnetization. We report magnetic x-ray magnetic circular dichroism measurements of YIG/Pt(1.5 nm) showing an average Pt moment of 0.054 μ(B) at 300 K and 0.076 μ(B) at 20 K. This observation indicates strong proximity effects and induced magnetic ordering in Pt on magnetic insulators and their contribution to the spin-related measurements should not be neglected. The transport characteristics also suggest considerable modifications in the Pt electronic structure due to magnetic ordering.

Optical properties of ZnMgO nanowalls grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy

ZnMgO nanowalls were prepared by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy without a catalyst on c-Al2O3 substrate. The obtained nanowalls have preferred orientation along c axis. The nanowalls are about 10 to 20 nm in thickness and about 50 nm in height. Only Zn, Mg, O and Al signals are detected in the nanowalls from the energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The Mg content is about 3% in ZnMgO nanowalls. The room temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectra shows the emission peak of the ZnMgO nanowalls at 3.346 eV. The origin of the ultraviolet emission is discussed with the help of temperature-dependent PL spectra. The ultraviolet emission band is free exiton recombination observed in the low temperature PL spectra (at 81 K). We also observe the free-to-acceptor (FA) emission of the ZnMgO nanowalls. The acceptor binding energy obtained from photoluminescence studies is about 123 meV. The results show that Mg doping leads to an increase of the acceptor binding energy. The possible growth mechanism of the ZnMgO nanowall networks was discussed.

A first-principle analysis on the phase stabilities, chemical bonds and band gaps of wurtzite structure A(x)Zn(1-x)O alloys (A = Ca, Cd, Mg)

The phase stabilities and structural and electronic properties of three zinc-based oxide alloy systems (Ca(x)Zn(1-x)O, Cd(x)Zn(1-x)O and Mg(x)Zn(1-x)O) are studied by first-principle methods. We examine all alloy configurations in three 16-atom supercells (1 × 1 × 2 B1 phase structure, 2 × 2 × 1 and 2 × 1 × 2 B4 phase structures) and utilize symmetry of the bulk materials to reduce the amount of calculation. Taking into account the contribution of the alloy statistics, we have drawn the regions of phase stability for Ca(x)Zn(1-x)O (0.25<x<0.375), Mg(x)Zn(1-x)O (0.375<x<0.5) and Cd(x)Zn(1-x)O (0.75<x<0.875). We have also analyzed lattice constants (a and c), structural parameter u and the bond lengths in the wurtzite phases. We found that the averaged lattice constants of Mg(x)Zn(1-x)O and Ca(x)Zn(1-x)O do not follow the Vegard rule and this is related to the degree of instability of the wurtzite MgO and CaO. Wurtzite CaO is not stable and turns into hexagonal CaO upon geometry optimization. The calculated band gaps are found to be consistent with the experimental values for alloys Cd(x)Zn(1-x)O and Mg(x)Zn(1-x)O. The bowing parameters for alloys Mg(x)Zn(1-x)O and Cd(x)Zn(1-x)O are estimated to be 0.87 and 1.30 eV, respectively.

Photoluminescence of ZnO nanocrystals embedded in BaF2 matrices by magnetron sputtering

This paper describes ZnO nanocrystals embedded in BaF2 matrices by the magnetron sputtering method in an attempt to use fluoride as a shell layer to embed ZnO nanocrystals core. BaF2 is a wide-band gap material, and can confine carriers in the ZnO films. As a result, the exciton emission intensity should be enhanced. The sample was annealed at 773 K, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that ZnO nanocrystals with wurtzite structure were embedded in BaF2 matrices. Raman-scattering spectra also confirmed the formation of ZnO nanoparticles. Abnormal longitudinal-optical (LO) phonon-dominant multiphonon Raman scattering was observed in the sample. Room-temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectra showed an ultraviolet emission peak at 374 nm. The origin of the ultraviolet emission is discussed here with the help of temperature-dependent PL spectra. The ultraviolet emission band was a mixture of free exciton and bound exciton recombination observed in the low temperature PL spectra (at 77 K). Abnormal temperature dependence of ultraviolet near-band-edge emission-integrated intensity of the sample was observed. The band tail state was observed in the absorption spectra, illustrating that the impurity-related defects were caused by the shell of the BaF2 grain layer. For comparison, ZnO films on BaF2 substrates were also fabricated by the magnetron sputtering method, and the same measurement methods were used.

[The effects of dentists'performance on the clinical effects of root canal preparation]

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effects of dentists'performance on the clinical efficacies of root canal preparation.

METHODS

164 teeth, including 66 vital teeth and 98 necrotic pulp teeth , were divided into two groups in random. All the root canals were prepared using ProTaper nickel-titanium rotary by two dentists with junior senior qualification. The incidence of instruments fracture, endodontic interappointment pain (EIP) and successful rates of root canal filling of the two groups were compared by X(2) test with SAS 6.2 software package.

RESULTS

Between the two groups, the difference of the incidence of instruments fracture in molar was significant (P<0.05). The incidence of EIP between the two groups had high significant difference (P<0.01); The difference of vital teeth and necrotic pulp teeth was significant (P<0.05) in junior dentist group. The successful rates of root canal filling had significant differences (P<0.05), especially in necrotic pulp molar teeth.

CONCLUSION

Skilled and accurate operation can improve the clinical efficacies of root canal preparation.

Expression and quantification of LYVE-1 in human colorectal cancer

The recent discovery of a new hyaluronan (HA) receptor, LYVE-1 (lymphatic vessel endothelial HA receptor), has been received with great interest regarding its specific expression in the lymphatic system. The process of lymphangiogenesis or the formation of new lymphatics in tumours is important because it serves as a major route for cancer metastasis. Therefore, methods to quantify lymphangiogenesis by measuring LYVE-1 have been studied extensively in searching for its possible role in cancer diagnosis, prognosis and even targeted treatment of lymphatic tumour metastasis. Here we report a quantitation study on lymphangiogenesis by either quantitative PCR or immunohistochemistry approaches in detecting LYVE-1 expression in human colorectal tumour. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RTQ-PCR) was carried out to quantify LYVE-1 levels in colorectal cancer samples. Also, the same specimen was observed for LYVE-1 expression by immunohistochemical stain. By RTQ-PCR amplification, LYVE-1 was highly expressed in colorectal specimens and LYVE-1 signal from non-cancer tissue of normal control was much weaker by conventional RTPCR. Immunohistochemical stain showed that LYVE-1 was significantly expressed in cancer tissues (especially in the margin region of cancer), whereas in non-cancer specimens fewer positive stains were revealed. The results suggested that the LYVE-1 molecule was expressed significantly in colorectal specimens, which may imply a new marker for a malignant situation.