Discovery of New Isotopes ^{160}Os and ^{156}W: Revealing Enhanced Stability of the N=82 Shell Closure on the Neutron-Deficient Side

Using the fusion-evaporation reaction ^{106}Cd(^{58}Ni,4n)^{160}Os and the gas-filled recoil separator SHANS, two new isotopes _{76}^{160}Os and _{74}^{156}W have been identified. The α decay of ^{160}Os, measured with an α-particle energy of 7080(26) keV and a half-life of 201_{-37}^{+58}  μs, is assigned to originate from the ground state. The daughter nucleus ^{156}W is a β^{+} emitter with a half-life of 291_{-61}^{+86}  ms. The newly measured α-decay data allow us to derive α-decay reduced widths (δ^{2}) for the N=84 isotones up to osmium (Z=76), which are found to decrease with increasing atomic number above Z=68. The reduction of δ^{2} is interpreted as evidence for the strengthening of the N=82 shell closure toward the proton drip line, supported by the increase of the neutron-shell gaps predicted in theoretical models.

Occupancy of orbitals and the quadrupole collectivity in 45Sc nucleus

In the present work, the Doppler Shift Attenuation method (DSAM) was used to analyze the observed lineshapes of transitions from excited states in ⁴⁵Sc, populated in the reaction ³⁶Ar + ¹²C at a beam energy of 145 MeV. The interpretation and comparison of the experimental results have been performed with large-scale shell model calculations, involving different interactions like: GX1A, GX1J, FPD6, KB3 and ZBM2. KB3 and FPD6 (present work) interactions in the negative parity states, and in positive parity states ZBM2 are most pre-eminent in reproducing the results, due to the large configuration space describing strong collective effects. Furthermore, the present work also looks at the details of the shell model helping in improving the understanding for the occupancy of orbitals. The present investigation suggests the observation of stronger collectivity for positive parity states over negative parity states with predicted enhanced collectivity of states in ⁴⁵Sc nucleus.

Mass Measurement of Upper fp-Shell N=Z-2 and N=Z-1 Nuclei and the Importance of Three-Nucleon Force along the N=Z Line

Using a novel method of isochronous mass spectrometry, the masses of ^{62}Ge, ^{64}As, ^{66}Se, and ^{70}Kr are measured for the first time, and the masses of ^{58}Zn, ^{61}Ga, ^{63}Ge, ^{65}As, ^{67}Se, ^{71}Kr, and ^{75}Sr are redetermined with improved accuracy. The new masses allow us to derive residual proton-neutron interactions (δV_{pn}) in the N=Z nuclei, which are found to decrease (increase) with increasing mass A for even-even (odd-odd) nuclei beyond Z=28. This bifurcation of δV_{pn} cannot be reproduced by the available mass models, nor is it consistent with expectations of a pseudo-SU(4) symmetry restoration in the fp shell. We performed ab initio calculations with a chiral three-nucleon force (3NF) included, which indicate the enhancement of the T=1 pn pairing over the T=0 pn pairing in this mass region, leading to the opposite evolving trends of δV_{pn} in even-even and odd-odd nuclei.

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

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

Interaction between glycolysis‒cholesterol synthesis axis and tumor microenvironment reveal that gamma-glutamyl hydrolase suppresses glycolysis in colon cancer

Background

Metabolic reprogramming is a feature of cancer. However, colon cancer subtypes based on the glycolysis‒cholesterol synthesis axis have not been identified, and little is known about connections between metabolic features and the tumor microenvironment.

Methods

Data for 430 colon cancer cases were extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas, including transcriptome data, clinical information, and survival outcomes. Glycolysis and cholesterol synthesis-related gene sets were obtained from the Molecular Signatures Database for a gene set variation analysis. The relationship between the genomic landscape and immune landscape were investigated among four metabolic subtypes. Hub genes were determined. The clinical significance of candidate hub gene was evaluated in 264 clinical samples and potential functions were validated in vitro and in vivo.

Results

Colon cancer cases were clustered into four metabolic subtypes: quiescent, glycolytic, cholesterogenic, and mixed. The metabolic subtypes differed with respect to the immune score, stromal score, and estimate score using the ESTIMATE algorithm, cancer-immunity cycle, immunomodulator signatures, and signatures of immunotherapy responses. Patients in the cholesterogenic group had better survival outcomes than those for other subtypes, especially glycolytic. The glycolytic subtype was related to unfavorable clinical characteristics, including high mutation rates in TTN, APC, and TP53, high mutation burden, vascular invasion, right colon cancer, and low-frequency microsatellite instability. GGH, CACNG4, MME, SLC30A2, CKMT2, SYN3, and SLC22A31 were identified as differentially expressed both in glycolytic-cholesterogenic subgroups as well as between colon cancers and healthy samples, and were involved in glycolysis‒cholesterol synthesis. GGH was upregulated in colon cancer; its high expression was correlated with CD4⁺ T cell infiltration and longer overall survival and it was identified as a favorable independent prognostic factor. The overexpression of GGH in colon cancer-derived cell lines (SW48 and SW480) inhibited PKM, GLUT1, and LDHA expression and decreased the extracellular lactate content and intracellular ATP level. The opposite effects were obtained by GGH silencing. The phenotype associated with GGH was also validated in a xenograft nude mouse model.

Conclusions

Our results provide insight into the connection between metabolism and the tumor microenvironment in colon cancer and provides preliminary evidence for the role of GGH, providing a basis for subsequent studies.

[Chinese expert consensus on management of dyslipidemia in the elderly]

Dyslipidemia is an important risk factor of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Statins delay the occurrence and development of ASCVD, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and death. Due to safety concerns, there exist insufficient use of lipid-lowering agents and a high withdrawal rate of the agents in the elderly. To promote the prevention and treatment of ASCVD, this expert consensus is issued and focuses on the management of dyslipidemia of Chinese elderly basing on the clinical evidence of the use of lipid-lowering drugs by the elderly, and the lipid management guidelines and expert consensus recommendations at home and abroad.

[Effectiveness, safety and cost of urinary follicle stimulating hormone in controlled ovarian stimulation in China: multi-center retrospective cohort study of 102 061 in vitro fertilization cycles]

Objective: To explore the effectiveness, safety and cost between urinary follicle stimulating hormone (uFSH) and recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (rFSH) in controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) in China. Methods: Data were collected from 16 reproductive centers in China covering oocytes collection time from May 1, 2015 to June 30, 2018. Eligible patients were over 18 years old, adopting COS with uFSH (uFSH group) or rFSH (rFSH group) as start gonadotropins (Gn), and using in vitro fertilization (IVF) and (or) intracytoplasmic sperm injection for fertilisation, excluding frozen embryo recovery cycle. Generalised estimating equation was used to address the violation of independency assumption between cycles due to multiple IVF cycles for one person and clustering nature of cycles carried out within one center. Controlling variables included age, body mass index, anti-Müllerian hormone level, cause of infertility, ovulation protocol, type of fertilisation, number of embryos transferred, number of days of Gn use. Results: Totally 102 061 cycles met eligibility criteria and were included in the analyses. In terms of effectiveness, after controlling relevant unbalanced baseline characteristics, compared with rFSH group, the high oocyte retrieval (>15 oocytes was considered high retrieval) rate of uFSH group significantly decreased in gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist protocol (OR=0.642, P<0.01) and in gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist protocol (OR=0.556, P=0.001), but the clinical pregnancy rate per transfer cycle and the live birth rate per transfer cycle significantly increased (OR=1.179, OR=1.169, both P<0.01) in both agonist and antagonist protocols. For safety, multiple analysis result demonstrated that in the agonist protocol, compared with rFSH group, the incidence of moderate to severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome of uFSH group significantly decreased (OR=0.644, P=0.002). The differences in ectopic pregnancy rate and multiple pregnancy rate between the uFSH and rFSH groups were not significant (P=0.890, P=0.470) in all patients. In terms of cost, compared with rFSH group, the uFSH group had lower total Gn costs for each patient (P<0.01). Conclusion: For patients who underwent COS, uFSH has better safety, and economic profiles over rFSH in China.

Probing ^{93m}Mo Isomer Depletion with an Isomer Beam

The isomer depletion of ^{93m}Mo was recently reported [Chiara et al., Nature (London) 554, 216 (2018)NATUAS0028-083610.1038/nature25483] as the first direct observation of nuclear excitation by electron capture (NEEC). However, the measured excitation probability of 1.0(3)% is far beyond the theoretical expectation. In order to understand the inconsistency between theory and experiment, we produce the ^{93m}Mo nuclei using the ^{12}C(^{86}Kr,5n) reaction at a beam energy of 559 MeV and transport the reaction residues to a detection station far away from the target area employing a secondary beam line. The isomer depletion is expected to occur during the slowdown process of the ions in the stopping material. In such a low γ-ray background environment, the signature of isomer depletion is not observed, and an upper limit of 2×10^{-5} is estimated for the excitation probability. This is consistent with the theoretical expectation. Our findings shed doubt on the previously reported NEEC phenomenon and highlight the necessity and feasibility of further experimental investigations for reexamining the isomer depletion under low γ-ray background.

[Application and progress of data mining in study of compatibility law of traditional Chinese medicine]

Data mining is an important method to obtain the key information from a large amount of data, and it is widely applied in the research on the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). The compatibility law of herbs is a key issue in the research of TCM prescriptions. This reflects the flexibility and effectiveness of TCM prescriptions, and it is also a crucial link to the development of TCM modernization. Therefore, it is the core purpose of the research on TCM prescriptions to find the compatibility law of herbs and clarify the scientific connotation. Data mining, as an effective method and an important approach, has formed a standardized system in the research of compatibility law of herbs, which can reveal the relationship between different Chinese herbs and summarize the internal rules in compatibility. Two hundred and twenty two effective papers were sorted out and categorized in this article. The results showed that data mining was mainly applied in finding the core Chinese herb pairs, summarizing the utility and attributes of TCM prescriptions, revealing the relationship between prescriptions, Chinese herbs and syndromes, finding the optimal dose of Chinese herbs, and producing the new prescriptions. The problems of data mining in research of herbs compatibility rules were summarized, and its development and trend in current researches were discussed in this article to provide useful references for the in-depth study of data mining in the compatibility law of Chinese herbs.

[Long-term efficacy and safety of simultaneous integrated boost radiotherapy in non-operative esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a multicenter retrospective data analysis (3JECROG R-05)]

Objective: To analyze the survival benefits and treatment related toxic effects of simultaneous integrated boost intensity-modulated radiotherapy (SIB-RT) for non-operative esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients. Methods: The data of 2 132 ESCC patients who were not suitable for surgery or rejected operation, and underwent radical radiotherapy from 2002 to 2016 in 10 hospitals of Jing-Jin-Ji Esophageal and Esophagogastric Cancer Radiotherapy Oncology Group (3JECROG) were analyzed. Among them, 518 (24.3%) cases underwent SIB (SIB group) and 1 614 (75.7%) cases did not receive SIB (No-SIB group). The two groups were matched with 1∶2 according to propensity score matching (PSM) method (caliper value=0.02). After PSM, 515 patients in SIB group and 977 patients in No-SIB group were enrolled. Prognosis and treatment related adverse effects of these two groups were compared and the independent prognostic factor were analyzed. Results: The median follow-up time was 61.7 months. Prior to PSM, the 1-, 3-, and 5-years overall survival (OS) rates of SIB group were 72.2%, 42.8%, 35.5%, while of No-SIB group were 74.3%, 41.4%, 31.9%, respectively (P=0.549). After PSM, the 1-, 3-, and 5-years OS rates of the two groups were 72.5%, 43.4%, 36.4% and 75.3%, 41.7%, 31.6%, respectively (P=0.690). The univariate survival analysis of samples after PSM showed that the lesion location, length, T stage, N stage, TNM stage, simultaneous chemoradiotherapy, gross tumor volume (GTV) and underwent SIB-RT or not were significantly associated with the prognosis of advanced esophageal carcinoma patients who underwent radical radiotherapy (P<0.05). Cox model multivariate regression analysis showed lesion location, TNM stage, GTV and simultaneous chemoradiotherapy were independent prognostic factors of advanced esophageal carcinoma patients who underwent radical radiotherapy (P<0.05). Stratified analysis showed that, in the patients whose GTV volume≤50 cm(3), the median survival time of SIB and No-SIB group was 34.7 and 30.3 months (P=0.155), respectively. In the patients whose GTV volume>50 cm(3), the median survival time of SIB and No-SIB group was 16.1 and 20.1 months (P=0.218). The incidence of radiation esophagitis and radiation pneumonitis above Grade 3 in SIB group were 4.3% and 2.5%, significantly lower than 13.1% and 11% of No-SIB group (P<0.001). Conclusions: The survival benefit of SIB-RT in patients with locally advanced esophageal carcinoma is not inferior to non-SIB-RT, but without more adverse reactions, and shortens the treatment time. SIB-RT can be used as one option of the radical radiotherapy for locally advanced esophageal cancer.

The effect of redox potential on the removal characteristic of divalent cations during activated carbon-based capacitive deionization

The main objective of the study is to explore the removal characteristics of Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ ions in activated carbon-based capacitive deionization (CDI). In this work, CDI experiments were performed to remove divalent ions (e.g., Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Ca²⁺) from single- and multicomponent aqueous solutions. As evidenced, divalent heavy metals could be successfully removed by charging the CDI cell at 1.2 V. Notably, the preferential removal of Cu²⁺ ions over Zn²⁺ and Ca²⁺ ions was observed in the charging step. The removal capacities for Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Ca²⁺ ions in a competitive environment were 29.6, 19.6, and 13.8 μmol/g, respectively. In contrast, the regeneration efficiencies for the removal of Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ were much lower than that of Ca²⁺, suggesting the occurrence of irreversible Faradaic reactions on the cathode. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis demonstrated that Cu²⁺ ions were reduced to Cu(I) and Zn²⁺ ions were transformed to ZnO/Zn(OH)₂ on the cathode. Therefore, there were two major mechanisms for the removal of divalent heavy metal ions: capacitive electrosorption and cathodic electrodeposition. Specifically, the reduction potential played a crucial role in determining the removal characteristics. When regarding divalent cations with similar hydrated sizes, the divalent cation with a higher reduction potential tended to be separated by cathodic electrodeposition rather than double-layer charging, indicating the high removal selectivity of activated carbon-based CDI. This paper constitutes a significant contribution to promoting the application of CDI for contaminant sequestration.

New α-Emitting Isotope ^{214}U and Abnormal Enhancement of α-Particle Clustering in Lightest Uranium Isotopes

A new α-emitting isotope ^{214}U, produced by the fusion-evaporation reaction ^{182}W(^{36}Ar,4n)^{214}U, was identified by employing the gas-filled recoil separator SHANS and the recoil-α correlation technique. More precise α-decay properties of even-even nuclei ^{216,218}U were also measured in the reactions of ^{40}Ar, ^{40}Ca beams with ^{180,182,184}W targets. By combining the experimental data, improved α-decay reduced widths δ^{2} for the even-even Po-Pu nuclei in the vicinity of the magic neutron number N=126 are deduced. Their systematic trends are discussed in terms of the N_{p}N_{n} scheme in order to study the influence of proton-neutron interaction on α decay in this region of nuclei. It is strikingly found that the reduced widths of ^{214,216}U are significantly enhanced by a factor of two as compared with the N_{p}N_{n} systematics for the 84≤Z≤90 and N<126 even-even nuclei. The abnormal enhancement is interpreted by the strong monopole interaction between the valence protons and neutrons occupying the π1f_{7/2} and ν1f_{5/2} spin-orbit partner orbits, which is supported by the large-scale shell model calculation.

Large Isospin Asymmetry in ^{22}Si/^{22}O Mirror Gamow-Teller Transitions Reveals the Halo Structure of ^{22}Al

β-delayed one-proton emissions of ^{22}Si, the lightest nucleus with an isospin projection T_{z}=-3, are studied with a silicon array surrounded by high-purity germanium detectors. Properties of β-decay branches and the reduced transition probabilities for the transitions to the low-lying states of ^{22}Al are determined. Compared to the mirror β decay of ^{22}O, the largest value of mirror asymmetry in low-lying states by far, with δ=209(96), is found in the transition to the first 1^{+} excited state. Shell-model calculation with isospin-nonconserving forces, including the T=1, J=2, 3 interaction related to the s_{1/2} orbit that introduces explicitly the isospin-symmetry breaking force and describes the loosely bound nature of the wave functions of the s_{1/2} orbit, can reproduce the observed data well and consistently explain the observation that a large δ value occurs for the first but not for the second 1^{+} excited state of ^{22}Al. Our results, while supporting the proton-halo structure in ^{22}Al, might provide another means to identify halo nuclei.

[Efficacy analysis of the radiotherapy and chemotherapy in patients with stage Ⅳ esophageal squamous carcinoma: a multicenter retrospective study of Jing-Jin-Ji Esophageal and Esophagogastric Cancer Radiotherapy Oncology Group (3JECROG R-01F)]

Objective: To evaluate the survival and prognostic factors of radiotherapy in patient with Ⅳ stage esophageal squamous carcinoma treated with radiation or chemoradiation. Methods: The medical records of 608 patients with stage Ⅳ esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who met the inclusion criteria in 10 medical centers in China from 2002 to 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. The overall survival and prognostic factors of all patients at 1, 3 and 5 years were analyzed. Results: The 1-, 3-, 5- year overall survival (OS) rates was 66.7%, 29.5% and 24.3% in stage ⅣA patients, and 58.8%, 29.0% and 23.5% in stage ⅣB patients. There was no statistical difference between the two groups (P=0.255). Univariate analysis demonstrated that the length of lesion, treatment plan, planned tumor target volume (PGTV) dose, subsequent chemotherapy, and degrees of anemia, radiation esophagitis, radiation pneumonia were related to the prognoses of patients with Ⅳ stage esophageal carcinomas after radiotherapy and chemotherapy (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that PGTV dose (OR=0.693, P=0.004), radiation esophagitis (OR=0.867, P=0.038), and radiation pneumonia (OR=1.181, P=0.004) were independent prognostic factors for OS. Conclusions: For patients with stage Ⅳ esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, chemoradiotherapy followed by sequential chemotherapy is recommended, which can extend the total survival and improve the prognosis of the patients. PGTV dose more than 60 Gy has better efficacy.

[Prognostic analysis of definitive radiotherapy for early esophageal carcinoma(T1-2N0M0): a multi-center retrospective study of Jing-Jin-ji Esophageal and Esophagogastric Cancer Radiotherapy Oncology Group]

Objective: To evaluate the prognostic factors of T1-2N0M0 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) treated with definitive radiotherapy. Methods: The clinical data of 196 patients with T1-2N0M0 ESCC who were treated with definitive radiotherapy in 10 hospitals were retrospectively analyzed. All sites were members of Jing-Jin-Ji Esophageal and Esophagogastric Cancer Radiotherapy Oncology Group (3JECROG). Radiochemotherapy were applied to 78 patients, while the other 118 patients received radiotherapy only. 96 patients were treated with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) and 100 treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). The median dose of plan target volume(PTV) and gross target volume(GTV) were both 60 Gy. The median follow-up time was 59.2 months. Log rank test and Cox regression analysis were used for univariat and multivariate analysis, respectively. Results: The percentage of normal lung receiving at least 20 Gy (V(20)) was (18.65±7.20)%, with average dose of (10.81±42.05) Gy. The percentage of normal heart receiving at least 30 Gy (V(30)) was (14.21±12.28)%. The maximum dose of exposure in spinal cord was (39.65±8.13) Gy. The incidence of radiation pneumonia and radiation esophagitis were 14.80%(29/196) and 65.82%(129/196), respectively. The adverse events were mostly grade 1-2, without grade 4 toxicity. Median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 70.1 months and 62.3 months, respectively. The 1-, 3- and 5-year OS rates of all patients were 75.1%、57.4% and 53.2%, respectively. The 1-, 3- and 5-year PFS rates were 75.1%、57.4% and 53.2%, respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that patients'age (HR=1.023, P=0.038) and tumor diameter (HR=1.243, P=0.028)were the independent prognostic factors for OS, while tumor volume were the independent prognostic factor for PFS. Conclusions: Definitive radiotherapy is a promising therapeutic method in patients with T1-2N0M0 ESCC. Patients' age, tumor diameter and tumor volume may impact patients' prognosis.

[Analysis on prognosis and influencing factors of postoperative low anterior resection syndrome for rectal cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic anus-preserving radical resection]

Objective: To investigate the prognosis and influencing factors of postoperative low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) for rectal cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic sphincter-preserving radical resection. Methods: A retrospective case-control study was used in this study. Clinical data of 268 rectal cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic sphincter-preserving radical resection at Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery of The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College from January 2016 to January 2018 were retrospectively collected. Inclusion criteria: (1) operation procedure was total mesorectal excision (TME) and sphincter-preserving radical resection; (2) rectal cancer was confirmed by postoperative pathology; (3) age of patient was ≥ 18 years old. Exclusion criteria: (1) patient who had history of pelvic surgery and pelvic fractures, which would affect the anorectal function; (2) patient who had history of preoperative chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome, which would affect defecation; (3) patient who developed postoperative complications, such as anastomotic leakage, which would affect defecation function; (4) patient who received long-term use of drugs, which would affect the function of gastrointestinal tract or anus; (5) patient suffered from mental illness, who was unable to communicate properly; (6) patient who was lack of clinical data or had incomplete clinical data. Patients were followed up at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively, and LARS was diagnosed and graded according to the LARS score scale. The LARS score ranged from 0 to 42 points, and 0 to 20 was difined as no LARS, 21 to 29 was mild LARS, and 30 to 42 was severe LARS. LARS score >20 points at any time point was defined as postoperative LARS. Severe LARS transferring into mild LARS and mild LARS transferring into no LARS was defined as symptom improvement. Incidence and outcomes of LARS were evaluated. The factors associated with LARS outcomes were analyzed using χ(2) test and logistic regression model. Results: A total of 268 patients were enrolled. The incidence of LARS was 42.9% (115/268), 32.5% (87/268) and 20.1% (54/268) at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively respectively, and no new case of LARS was found after 3 months postoperatively. The incidence of mild LARS was 25.7% (69/268), 17.2% (46/268) and 8.6% (23/268) at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively respectively, and mild LARS incidence at 6 months was significantly lower than that at 3 months (χ(2)=5.857, P=0.016), and was significantly higher than that at 12 months (χ(2)=8.799, P=0.003). The incidence of severe LARS was 17.2% (46/268), 15.3% (41/268) and 11.6% (31/268) at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively respectively, without significant difference among 3 time points (all P>0.05). The improvement rate within one year after surgery in patients with mild LARS diagnosed at 3 months was significantly higher than that in patients with severe LARS (88.4% vs. 32.6%, χ(2)=38.340, P<0.001). Univariate analysis showed that female, distance from anastomosis to anal verge < 5 cm and tumor diameter ≥ 5 cm were associated with unsatisfied LARS outcomes (all P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that distance from anastomosis to anal verge <5 cm was an independent risk factor for LARS outcome (OR=3.589, 95% CI: 1.163 to 2.198, P<0.001). Conclusions: The incidence of LARS after laparoscopic sphincter-preserving radical resection decreases with time. The improvement rate within postoperative 1-year of severe LARS is lower than that of mild LARS. Low anastomotic position may lead to impaired improvement of LARS.

Synthesis of high quality silver nanowires and their applications in ultrafast photonics

Silver nanowires are widely used in catalysts, surface enhanced Raman scattering, microelectronic equipment, thin film solar cells, microelectrodes and biosensors for their excellent conductivity, heat transfer, low surface resistance, high transparency and good biocompatibility. However, the optical nonlinearity of silver nanowires has not been further explored yet. In this paper, three silver nanowire samples with different concentrations are produced via a typical hydrothermal method. Their applications to fiber lasers are implemented to prove the optical nonlinearity of silver nanowires for the first time. Based on three kinds of silver nanowires, the mode-locked operation of fiber lasers is successfully realized. Moreover, the fiber laser based on the silver nanowire with a concentration of 2 mg/L demonstrates the shortest pulse duration of 149.3 fs. The experiment not only proves the optical nonlinearity of silver nanowires, but also has some enlightenment on the selection of the optimum concentration of silver nanowires in the consideration of ultrashort pulse output.

[Analysis on the characteristics of postural blood pressure changes recorded with continuous non-invasive arterial pressure monitoring system and the correlative factors in elderly hospitalized patients]

Objective: To explore the characteristics of postural blood pressure changes in elderly inpatients and the related factors of orthostatic hypotension (OH). Methods: This study was a clinical case control study. Two hundred and sixty-six elderly patients (≥60 years old), who were hospitalized between April 2016 and November 2017 in Geriatric Department of Peking University First Hospital, were included. They were divided into direct standing group and indirect standing group. Direct standing group involved 102 patients, they changed posture from supine directly to standing position, and the blood pressures at the moments of supine, immediately after standing and the first, second, and third minute after standing were recorded by continuous noninvasive arterial pressure (CNAP) system. Indirect standing group involved 164 patients, and they changed posture from supine to sitting for 3 minutes, and then changed to standing position. Blood pressures at the moments of supine, immediately after sitting, the third minute after sitting, immediately after standing and the third minute after standing was recorded by CNAP. Blood pressure changes after different postural changes mode and the rates of OH were compared. The related factors of OH was analyzed by binary logistic regression analysis. Results: The lowest systolic blood pressures (SBP) mostly occurred immediately after postural change: immediately after standing for direct standing group (86.3%(88/102)), and immediately after sitting for indirect standing group (59.1%(97/164)). The lowest diastolic blood pressures (DBP) mostly occurred immediately after standing in the two groups: 87.3%(89/102) for direct standing group and 43.3% (71/164) for indirect standing group. The maximum SBP drop (SBP of supine minus the lowest SBP during postural changes) of direct standing group was significantly higher than indirect standing group (median 20.5(14.0, 29.3) vs. 18.0(11.0, 26.0) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa, P<0.05). The rates of OH occurred immediately and within 3 minutes from supine to standing position were significantly higher in direct standing group than in indirect standing group (65.7% (67/102) vs. 43.9% (72/164), and 70.6% (72/102) vs. 49.4% (81/164), both P<0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity was positively associated with OH after a transition from supine to standing position (immediately and within 3 minutes, OR=1.002 (95%CI 1.000-1.004), 1.003 (95%CI 1.001-1.006), P=0.014, 0.006) in direct standing group. Conclusions: OH is common in elderly hospitalized patients. The most obvious blood pressure changes are likely to occur immediately after position changes. Adding a sitting position during the transition of supine to standing position may decrease the amplitude of SBP drop. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity is associated with OH after the transition from the supine to standing position in the elderly inpatients.

Nonlinear optical properties of MoS2-WS2 heterostructure in fiber lasers

As a saturable absorption material, the heterostructure with the van der Waals structure has been paid much attention in material science. In general, the heterogeneous combination is able to neutralize, or even exceed, the individual material's advantages in some aspects. In this paper, which describes the magnetron sputtering deposition method, the tapered fiber is coated by the MoS₂-WS₂ heterostructure, and the MoS₂-WS₂ heterostructure saturable absorber (SA) is fabricated. The modulation depth of the prepared MoS₂-WS₂ heterostructure SA is measured to be 19.12%. Besides, the theoretical calculations for the band gap and carrier mobility of the MoS₂-WS₂ heterostructure are provided. By employing the prepared SA, a stable and passively erbium-doped fiber laser is implemented. The generated pulse duration of 154 fs is certified to be the shortest among all fiber lasers based on transition mental dichalcogenides. Results in this paper provide the new direction for the fabrication of ultrafast photon modulation devices.

[Analysis of 20-year survival rate and prognostic indicators of systemic lupus erythematosus]

Objective: To analyze the 20-year survival rate, causes of death and predictors of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 217 newly SLE patients who were diagnosed and treated by Peking University People's Hospital before June 2008. The clinical features and serologic data were studied. Survival rate of SLE patients over time, living conditions, causes of death and prognostic indicators of mortality were studied. Results: The 10-, 15-and 20-year cumulative survival rate was 90.3%,88.1%and 79.6%, respectively. Infection and lupus encephalopathy were the main causes of death. Cox regression analysis revealed that lupus nephritis, neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus and age at the diagnosis were independent risk determinants for mortality. Conclusion: Prognosis of SLE remains to be improved. Early diagnosis, control of SLE organ damage and infection prevention are critical to improve survival of SLE patients.

Absolute Infrared Absorption Cross Section of the Simplest Criegee Intermediate Near 1285.7 cm-1

The ν₄ fundamental of the simplest Criegee intermediate, CH₂OO, has been monitored with high-resolution infrared (IR) transient absorption spectroscopy under total pressures of 4-94 Torr. This IR spectrum provides an unambiguous identification of CH₂OO and is potentially useful to determine the number density of CH₂OO in various laboratory studies. Here we utilized an ultraviolet (UV) and IR coupled spectrometer to measure the UV and IR absorption spectra of CH₂OO simultaneously; the absolute IR cross section can then be determined by using a known UV cross section. Due to significant pressure broadening in the studied pressure range, we integrated the IR absorption spectra between 1285.2 and 1286.4 cm^-1 (covering the Q branch), and then we converted this integrated absorbance to the absolute integral IR cross section of CH₂OO (for the Q branch); its absolute value is (3.7 ± 0.6) × 10^-19 cm·molecule^-1 or 2.2 ± 0.4 km·mol^-1. The whole rotational band (P, Q, and R branches) can be adequately simulated by using the precise spectroscopic parameters from the literature, yielding the absolute integral IR cross section (full ν₄ band) to be 19.2 ± 3.5 km·mol^-1. For a practical detection of CH₂OO, this work also reports the peak cross section as a function of total pressure (4-94 Torr O₂). At low pressure (≤4 Torr), where the pressure broadening is insignificant, the absorption cross section of the highest peak is (6.2 ± 0.9) × 10^-18 cm²·molecule^-1 (at the system line width of 0.004 cm^-1 fwhm).

[Airway foreign body caused by aspiration of artificial nasal sponge: a case report]

57-year-old male was admitted to hospital for severe headache and seizure attacks on November 6th, 2016. After radiology and spinal fluid examination, he was diagnosed with viral encephalitis and treated with antiviral medicine, antibiotics and mannitol, but he was in sustained unconsciousness and weak in expectorating. The patient was given oxygen through artificial nasal after bedside tracheotomy. At 1:00 am on January 12th, 2016, there was a sudden drop in blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen saturation with left lung breath sounds slightly lower than the other side. The patient was connected to a ventilator with tidal volume of 300-500 mL and airway pressure of 16-24 cmH₂O (1 cmH₂O=0.098 kPa). In the meanwhile, the left side sponge of artificial nasal was found missing. Bedside chest X-ray showed no significant atelectasis. At that time the evidence of airway foreign body aspiration was not sufficient, so no urgent bronchoscopy was performed. At 9:00 am on January 14th, 2016, there was another sudden decline in oxygen saturation with diminished left lung breath sounds and decreased left thoracic activity. Since left atelectasis could not be ruled out, bedside bronchoscopy was performed. In the operation, two sponge-like objects were found at the left main bronchus and the opening of left upper lobe bronchial. Foreign body forceps were used to remove them. The foreign bodies were proved to be the left sponge of artificial nasal afterwards. Symptoms and signs caused by aspiration of foreign body in adults were widely various and depending on the nature of the foreign body, site, time and whether there was infection or not. Foreign body aspiration caused by artificial nasal sponge was rare in clinical practice. This case was a living reminder to perform bronchoscopy when foreign body aspiration was suspected. For the unconscious and elderly patient, whose history of foreign body aspiration usually could not be clearly provided, when atelectasis was suspected, bronchoscopy should be performed progressively, and more effective measures should be taken to prevent sponge of artificial nasal displacement.

Predictors of high on-aspirin platelet reactivity in elderly patients with coronary artery disease

Objectives

Previous studies have illustrated the link between high on-aspirin platelet reactivity (HAPR) with increasing thrombotic risks. The aim of our study was to investigate relative risk factors of HAPR in elderly patients with coronary artery disease.

Methods

Elderly, hospitalized coronary artery disease patients on regular aspirin treatment were enrolled from January 2014 to September 2016. Medical records of each patient were collected, including demographic information, cardiovascular risk factors, concomitant drugs and routine biological parameters. Arachidonic acid (AA, 0.5 mg/mL) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP, 5 µmol/L) induced platelet aggregation were measured via light transmission assay (LTA) to evaluate antiplatelet responses, referred as LTA–AA and LTA–ADP.

Results

A total of 275 elderly patients were included, with mean age of 77.2±8.1 years, and males accounted for 81.8%. HAPR was defined as LTA–AA in the upper quartile of the enrolled population. HAPR patients tended to have lower renal function (P=0.052). Higher serum uric acid (SUA) level, as well as lower platelet count, hemoglobin and hematocrit were observed in HAPR patients, with a higher proportion of diuretics use (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that SUA (OR: 1.004, 95% CI: 1.000–1.007, P=0.048), platelet count (OR: 0.994, 95% CI: 0.989–1.000, P=0.045), hematocrit (OR: 0.921, 95% CI: 0.864–0.981, P=0.011) and concomitant P2Y12 receptor inhibitors use (OR: 1.965, 95% CI: 1.075–3.592, P=0.028) were correlated with HAPR. Spearman’s correlation analysis demonstrated an inverse association of LTA–AA with hematocrit (r=−0.234, P<0.001), hemoglobin (r=−0.209, P<0.001) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (r=−0.132, P=0.031).

Conclusion

SUA, platelet count, hematocrit and P2Y12 receptor inhibitors use were independently correlated with HAPR. These parameters might provide novel therapeutic targets for optimizing antiplatelet therapy.

[The prevalence of blindness caused by primary angle closure glaucoma in middle-aged Chinese population: a systematic review and meta-analysis]

Objective: To evaluate the rate of blindness caused by primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) in Chinese population of more than 40 years old, and to explore the effectiveness of a prevention and treatment system on PACG. Methods: We searched the databases of Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Springer Link, CNKI and Wanfang Data and collected all the original studies of the prevalence and blindness of angle closure glaucoma in China. The population was limited to over 40 years old. The research site was limited to the community-based, while the published time was not limited. Two researchers completed the literature search, data extraction and methodological quality assessment independently, with same criteria. Meta analysis was performed using R software. Results: Five papers were included in this study finally. A total of 26 437 cases of natural population over the age of 40 were observed, and 306 cases of angle closure glaucoma were found, of which 113 cases had binocular or monocular blindness caused by PACG. The random effect model meta-analysis results showed that the overall blindness rate was 38.3% [95%CI (28.1%, 49.6%)]. In Beijing, where the prevention and treatment system was well established, the blindness rate was far lower than that in the areas where the system was poorly established. Compared with the past, the blindness rate caused by PACG in Beijing decreased sharply. Conclusions: The rate of blindness caused by PACG is still high in the mainland of China. The prevention and treatment system is effective and worth promoting. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2017, 53: 373-377).

Validation of aspirin response-related transcripts in patients with coronary artery disease and preliminary investigation on CMTM5 function

Aspirin is widely used in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, but the antiplatelet responses vary from one patient to another. To validate aspirin response related transcripts and illustrate their roles in predicting cardiovascular events, we have quantified the relative expression of 14 transcripts previously identified as related to high on-aspirin platelet reactivity (HAPR) in 223 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) on regular aspirin treatment. All patients were followed up regularly for cardiovascular events (CVE). The mean age of our enrolled population was 75.80±8.57years. HAPR patients showed no significant differences in terms of co-morbidities and combined drugs. Besides, the relative expression of HLA-DQA1 was significantly lower in low on-aspirin platelet reactivity (LAPR) patients, when compared with HAPR and high normal (HN) group (p=0.028). What's more, the number of arteries involved, HAPR status and the relative expression of CLU, CMTM5 and SPARC were independent risk factors for CVE during follow up (p<0.05). In addition, overexpression of CMTM5 attenuated endothelial cells (ECs) migration and proliferation, with significantly decreased phosphorylated-Akt levels, while its inhibition promoted these processes in vitro (p<0.05).Our study provides evidence that circulating transcripts might be potential biomarkers in predicting cardiovascular events. CMTM5 might exert anti-atherosclerotic effects via suppressing migration and proliferation in the vessel wall. Nevertheless, larger-scale and long-term studies are still needed.

[Hybrid surgery for complex symptomatic intracranial fistulas: a technical note]

Objective: To explore the efficacy of hybrid management of complex symptomatic intracranial fistulas in neurovascular hybrid operating room. Methods: From March 2014 to January 2015, 2 complex dural arteriovenous fistulas and 1 carotid cavernous fistulas were managed by hybrid surgeries in the PLA Rocket Force General Hospital.With first attempts with endovascular treatment failed, all cases were finally managed by hybrid surgery.Dural arteriovenous fistulas were approached via meningeal artery followed craniotomy.The carotid cavernous fistulas were treated by direct puncture into the left cavernous sinus after craniotomy. Results: Post-operative angiography demonstrated complete occlusion for 2 cases and nearly complete occlusion for 1 case.All 3 cases had no complications.On discharge 2 patients presented no symptoms and 1 greatly improved.Within the follow-up (1-33 months), 1 patient had recurrence after 21 months and received re-embolization with complete occlusion. Conclusion: Hybrid surgery is a promising method to manage complex intracranial fistulas.

[Dose-response of aspirin on platelet function in very elderly patients]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the consequences of switching aspirin dosage from 100 mg/d to 40 mg/d on cardiovascular benefit, bleeding risk and platelet aggregation in very elderly patients.

METHODS

Arachidonic acid induced platelet aggregation(AA-Ag) was measured in 537 patients aged 80 or older treated with aspirin (100 mg/d). In the study, 100 patients with low on-treatment platelet aggregation and at high risk of bleeding and low risk of cardiovascular events, were switched to aspirin (40 mg/d) and their platelet aggregation was measured again 7 days later.Their bleeding and upper gastrointestinal symptoms were also recorded in following 3 months.

RESULTS

The study observed a heterogeneous distributed aspirin 100 mg/d AA-Ag (range: 0.42% to 28.78%)in the 537 very elderly patients.Aspirin 100 mg/d AA-Ag before the switch in aspirin 40 mg/d group was 5.00%±2.32% and the rate of the patients with low on-treatment platelet aggregation was 71.00%. The rates of melena or occult blood positive, other minimal bleeding,upper gastrointestinal symptoms and a history of gastrointestinal bleeding in 40 mg/d group were higher than those in 100 mg/d group. On a regimen of aspirin 40 mg/d, AA-Ag increased to 11.21%±4.95%(range: 2.12% to 28.84%) with 95.00%of the patients with AA-Ag<20% and the rate of the patients with low on-treatment platelet aggregation was 15.00%. Multiple variable analysis revealed that aspirin 40 mg/d AA-Ag was significantly influenced by aspirin 100 mg/d AA-Ag, BMI and platelet counts. The rate of gastrointestinal bleeding decreased from 12.00% to 5.00%,and upper gastrointestinal symptoms decreased from 59.00% to 21.00% after the switch in 40 mg/d group.

CONCLUSION

Switching aspirin dosage from 100 mg/d to 40 mg/d reduces the bleeding events and improves upper gastrointestinal symptoms, thus inhibiting platelet aggregation effectively in very elderly patients.

[Association between ambulatory arterial stiffness index with left ventricular mass index in the elderly hypertensive patients]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between ambulatory arterial stiffness index (AASI) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in the elderly hypertensive patients. Methods: This study population consisted of 332 elderly hypertensive patients, who hospitalized in our department from January 2012 to December 2014.AASI was calculated from 24 h ambulatory BP monitoring recordings and LVMI from echocardiography examination.According to the median value of AASI, patients were divided to less than the AASI median group (low AASI group) and equal to or above the AASI median group (high AASI group). Differences between two groups were evaluated using the Student's t-test and Chi-square test.Univariate association was assessed by the Pearson correlation analyses.Multivariate linear regression models were performed to analyze the correlation between AASI and LVMI. Results: LVMI was significantly higher in high AASI group compared with low AASI group ( (115.91±21.36) g/m² vs.(104.11±17.24) g/m^2,P=0.008). Pearson correlation analyses showed that AASI and 24 h pulse pressure were positively correlated to LVMI (r=0.332, P<0.001; r=0.169, P=0.002). In multivariate linear regression model, AASI(β=44.48, P<0.001), LDL-C(β=-5.97, P<0.001) and UA (β=0.02, P=0.045)showed significant association with LVMI. Conclusion: AASI independently associated with LVMI, and AASI might be one predictor of left ventricular hypertrophy in hospitalized elderly hypertensive patients.

High-dose calcium channel blocker (CCB) monotherapy vs combination therapy of standard-dose CCBs and angiotensin receptor blockers for hypertension: a meta-analysis

In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of high-dose calcium channel blocker (CCB) monotherapy and standard-dose CCBs combined with angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) for patients with hypertension. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was performed in December 2015. Randomized controlled trials designed to identify the above goal were included. Thirteen trials including 2371 patients were identified. The standard-dose CCB/ARB combination resulted in a greater reduction of systolic blood pressure (WMD -2.52, 95% confidence interval (CI): -3.76 to -1.28) and diastolic blood pressure (weighted mean difference (WMD) -2.07, 95% CI: -3.73 to -0.42) compared to high-dose CCB monotherapy. The overall hypertension control rate for the CCB/ARB combination was higher than that for CCB monotherapy (relative risk (RR): 1.17, 95% CI: 1.08-1.26). Furthermore, the CCB/ARB combination treatment yielded significantly fewer overall adverse events (RR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.74-0.95), oedema (RR: 0.31; 95% CI: 0.18-0.52) and rash (RR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.08-0.96, P=0.04) than did CCB monotherapy. The standard-dose CCB/ARB combination is superior to high-dose CCB monotherapy for lowering blood pressure and reducing adverse events in hypertensive patients. Future research should focus on the cost-effectiveness and long-term effects of these two treatment strategies for patients with hypertension.

Serum uric acid level and left ventricular hypertrophy in elderly male patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Recent studies have suggested that serum uric acid (SUA) induces oxidative stress and inflammation, which are involved in the mechanism of cardiac hypertrophy. In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), comorbidity of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) exacerbates cardiac function. In this study, we investigated the association between SUA and cardiac hypertrophy in AF patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Initially, 1296 consecutive elderly patients (age >60) with nonvalvular AF were retrospectively selected from the inpatient clinic between January 2012 and April 2015. Demographic, clinical, and echocardiographic characteristics were carefully recorded. The final study population was 577 patients. The mean SUA level was significantly higher in patients with LVH than those without LVH. Compared with the non-LVH group, the LVH group was older, had a higher percentage of female patients, and had lower hemoglobin levels and estimated glomerular filtration rates. Patients in the LVH group also had a higher rate of coronary heart disease and fewer had history of radiofrequency ablation compared with the non-LVH group. In the hyperuricemia group, B-type natriuretic peptide levels, left atrial diameter, left ventricular mass index, and percentage of NYHA (New York Heart Association) class III/IV were significantly higher than the SUA normal group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated the independent risk factors for LVH in elderly AF patients included SUA, age, male sex, the presence of coronary heart disease, and diuretic therapy. Subgroup analysis identified SUA as a significant risk factor associated with LVH in men.

CONCLUSIONS

SUA was independently associated with LVH in elderly male patients with nonvalvular AF.

[A large-scale, multicenter, retrospective study on efficacy of bivalirudin use during peri-percutaneous coronary intervention period for Chinese patients with coronary heart disease]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the efficacy and safety of bivalirudin use in Chinese patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) during the peri-percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI) period.

METHODS

A total of 3 271 patients who underwent PCI and received periprocedural bivalirudin treatment between July 2013 and October 2015 from 88 centers of China were involved in this study. The primary outcome was 30-day net adverse clinical events (NACE a composite of major adverse cardiac or cerebral events (MACE, all-cause death, reinfarction, urgent target vessel revascularization, or stroke) or bleeding), the secondary outcome was stent thrombosis at 30 days.

RESULTS

The mean age of enrolled patients was (65.12±12.44) years old, 27.4%(889/3 244) of them were female. Percent of stable coronary disease (SCD), non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) and ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) was 5.0%(162/3 248), 44.6%(1 450/3 248) and 50.4%(1 636/3 248) respectively. Radial access was performed in 89.5% (2 879/3 271) patients, and 9.7% (316/3 271) and 34.1% (1 115/3 271) patients also received ticagrelor and tirofiban medication. 69.3% (2 266/3 271) patients received post-procedural bivalirudin infusion, in which 46.3% (1 050/2 266) was treated at PCI-does, with a median duration of 2.5(1.0, 4.0) h. During the 30-day follow-up, NACE occurred in 3.45% (103/2 988) patients, the incidence of MACE, death was 2.17% (65/2 994) and 1.03% (31/3 017), respectively and bleeding events were recorded in 1.37% (41/2 996) patients. Four cases (0.13%) of stent thrombosis (3 acute stent thrombosis) were recorded.

CONCLUSION

Peri-PCI Bivalirudin use is safe and related with low bleeding risk in Chinese CHD patients.

Saligenin cyclic-o-tolyl phosphate (SCOTP) induces autophagy of rat spermatogonial stem cells

Tri-ortho-cresyl phosphate (TOCP) has been widely used as plasticizers, plastic softeners, and flame-retardants in industry, which can be metabolized to High-toxic saligenin cyclic-o-tolyl phosphate (SCOTP). Our previous results found that TOCP could disrupt the seminiferous epithelium in the testis and induce autophagy of rat spermatogonial stem cells. Little is known about the toxic effect of SCOTP on rat spermatogonial stem cells. The present study showed that SCOTP decreased viability of rat spermatogonial stem cells in a dose-dependent manner. Both LC3-II and the ratio of LC3-II/LC3-I were significantly increased; autophagy proteins atg5 and Beclin 1 were also markedly increased after treatment with SCOTP, indicating SCOTP could induce autophagy of the cells. Ultrastructural observation under the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated that there were autophagic vacuoles in the cytoplasm in the SCOTP-treated cells. However, cell cycle arrest was not observed by flow cytometry; and the mRNA levels of p21, p27, p53 and cyclin D1 in the cells were also not affected by SCOTP. Meanwhile, SCOTP didn't induce apoptosis of the cells. In summary, we showed that SCOTP could induce autophagy of rat spermatogonial stem cells, without affecting cell cycle and apoptosis.

Uric acid promotes chemokine and adhesion molecule production in vascular endothelium via nuclear factor-kappa B signaling

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Hyperuricemia is an important risk factor for atherosclerosis, yet the potential mechanisms are not well understood. Migration and adhesion of leukocytes to endothelial cells play key roles in initiation and development of atherosclerosis. We investigated monocyte-endothelial cell interactions and potential signaling pathways under uric acid (UA)-stimulated conditions.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured and exposed to different concentrations of UA for various periods. Experimental hyperuricemia rat models were established. Expression of chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin 8 (IL-8), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) were evaluated. Monocyte-endothelial cell interactions were elucidated by chemotaxis and adhesion assays, and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway was studied using fluorescent microscopy and electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Results showed that high concentration of UA stimulated generation of chemokines and adhesion molecules in ex vivo and in vivo experiments. Migration and adhesion of human monocytic leukemia cell line THP-1 cells to HUVECs were promoted and activated NF-κB was significantly increased. UA-induced responses were ameliorated by organic anion transporter inhibitor probenecid and NF-κB inhibitor BAY11-7082. It was also observed that human endothelial cells expressed urate transporter-1, which was not regulated by UA.

CONCLUSION

High concentration of UA exerts unfavorable effects directly on vascular endothelium via the NF-κB signaling pathway, the process of which requires intracellular uptake of UA.

Tri-ortho-cresyl phosphate induces autophagy of rat spermatogonial stem cells

Tri-ortho-cresyl phosphate (TOCP) has been widely used as plasticizers, plastic softeners, and flame retardants in industry and reported to have a deleterious effect on the male reproductive system in animals besides delayed neurotoxicity. Our preliminary results found that TOCP could disrupt the seminiferous epithelium in the testis and inhibit spermatogenesis, but the precise mechanism is yet to be elucidated. This study shows that TOCP inhibited viability of rat spermatogonial stem cells in a dose-dependent manner. TOCP could not lead to cell cycle arrest in the cells; the mRNA levels of p21, p27, p53, and cyclin D1 in the cells were also not affected by TOCP. Meanwhile, TOCP did not induce apoptosis of rat spermatogonial stem cells. After treatment with TOCP, however, both LC3-II and the ratio of LC3-II/LC3-I were markedly increased; autophagy proteins ATG5 and beclin 1 were also increased after treatment with TOCP, indicating that TOCP could induce autophagy in the cells. Ultrastructural observation under the transmission electron microscopy indicated that autophagic vesicles in the cytoplasm containing extensively degraded organelles such as mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum increased significantly after the cells were treated with TOCP. In summary, we have shown that TOCP can inhibit viability of rat spermatogonial stem cells and induce autophagy of the cells, without affecting cell cycle and apoptosis.

Revealing the contribution of Cytochrome P450 to salt-sensitive hypertension using DNA microarray

BACKGROUND

Salt sensitivity is an important cause of hypertension which is a major public health problem. This study aimed to investigate the contribution of Cytochrome P450 (CYP) to salt-sensitive hypertension with microarray data and bioinformatics analysis.

METHODS

Gene expression data set GSE4800 was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus database, including 6 gene chips from 3 Dahl salt sensitive (DS) rat samples and 3 Lewis (LEW) rat samples. Raw data were preprocessed and normalized, and then differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified with Limma package. Interaction network was constructed by employing STRING (Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes) tool. GO (Gene Ontology) enrichment analysis was performed using FuncAssociate tool and pathway analysis was carried out by EASE (Expressing Analysis Systematic Explorer). BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool) was applied to explore the sequence homology among CYP3A genes in rat and human based on multiple alignments.

RESULTS

A total of 1264 DEGs, including 1082 up-regulated genes and 182 down-regulated genes were identified between DS and LEW samples. CYP3A2 and CYP3A9 were selected to construct the protein interaction network, which comprised 1653 pairs of interaction relationship among 100 genes. Functional analysis showed that CYP3A2 and CYP3A9 were most significantly related to oxidation reduction and metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450. Furthermore, the CYP3A2 and CYP3A9 genes in rats had high homology with genes CYP3A4and CYP3A5 in human beings.

CONCLUSIONS

CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 may contribute to salt-sensitive hypertension in human which may act as biomarkers for this disease.

Deaths of tuberculosis patients in urban China: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The case-fatality rate for tuberculosis (TB) remains high in China, whereas risk factors for deaths among TB cases are still unclear.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort study of all pulmonary TB patients registered in four districts of Shanghai from 2004 to 2008. Data were derived from the China National TB Surveillance System. A total of 4271 patients were followed up in communities. Data were analysed using Cox regression.

RESULTS

The percentage of all-cause deaths in the study population was 15% 2-6 years after the most recent TB diagnosis. TB was responsible for only 17% of all deaths; male sex was significantly associated with all-cause deaths. After adjustment for sex, age and treatment history, four factors were significantly and independently associated with increased risk of death: psychopathy, chronic bronchitis, cancer and the presence of multiple diseases. TB was responsible for 7.2 potential years of life lost (PYLL); PYLL was higher in females (8.2) than males (5.3).

CONCLUSIONS

TB remains a significant problem in urban China. Implementation of improved clinical management, prevention strategies and other public health programmes should target TB patients with chronic conditions, particularly those with multiple diseases.

Enhancement of sperm-zona pellucida (ZP) binding capacity by activation of protein kinase A and C pathways in certain infertile men with defective sperm-ZP binding

BACKGROUND

Defective sperm-zona pellucida (ZP) binding (DSZPB) is a common cause of failure of fertilization in vitro. This study was to determine if DSZPB is caused by defective pathways upstream of protein kinase A (PKA) and C (PKC), or reduced protein tyrosine phosphorylation (TP).

METHODS

Infertile men with DSZPB and either normal sperm morphology (NSM) > or = 14% (n = 15) or < or =5% (n = 15) were studied. Sperm-ZP binding test was performed by incubation of motile sperm with oocytes for 2 h with or without dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dbcAMP, PKA activator) or phorbol myristate acetate (PMA, PKC activator). TP of capacitated sperm in medium was assessed by immunofluorescence with an anti-phosphotyrosine monoclonal antibody.

RESULTS

For normal sperm with normal sperm-ZP binding, both PMA and dbcAMP significantly enhanced sperm-ZP binding in a dose-response manner. Only dbcAMP, but not PMA, significantly increased TP of capacitated sperm. In DSZPB men with severe teratozoospermia (NSM < or = 5%), neither PMA nor dbcAMP enhanced sperm-ZP binding, despite dbcAMP significantly increasing the TP of capacitated sperm for all samples. In contrast, for DSZPB with NSM > or = 14%, PMA caused significantly increased sperm binding up to normal levels (> or =40 sperm bound/ZP) in five men, and dbcAMP had a similar result in two men. Again TP was significantly enhanced only by dbcAMP, but not by PMA.

CONCLUSIONS

There is defective signalling in pathways upstream of PKC and PKA in some men with DSZPB and normal semen analysis. Stimulation of TP by dbcAMP does not enhance sperm-ZP binding capacity in DSZPB men with low TP, regardless of sperm morphology.

Hyperactivation of capacitated human sperm correlates with the zona pellucida-induced acrosome reaction of zona pellucida-bound sperm

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between human sperm hyperactivation (HA), sperm-zona pellucida (ZP) binding and the ZP-induced acrosome reaction (AR) of ZP-bound sperm in vitro.

METHODS

Sperm samples from 129 infertile men were studied. Motile sperm (2 x 10(6)) selected by Pure sperm were incubated with four oocytes in 1 ml human tubal fluid supplemented with 10% human serum. After 2-h incubation, the number of sperm bound to the ZP and the AR of ZP-bound sperm were examined. Velocities and HA of sperm in insemination medium were assessed by Hamilton-Thorn Sperm Analyzer.

RESULTS

The HA was highly correlated with the ZP-induced AR in all the subjects (rho = 0.626, P < 0.001). In the 69 men with < or = 100 sperm bound/ZP, allowing accurate counts, HA was not significantly correlated with sperm-ZP binding. Men with <7% HA sperm were more likely to have very low ZP-induced AR. Only normal sperm morphology was significantly correlated with sperm-ZP binding (rho = 0.346 and 0.446 in semen and insemination medium, respectively, both P < 0.001). Sperm motility and velocities were significantly correlated with sperm morphology but not with either sperm-ZP binding or the ZP-induced AR.

CONCLUSIONS

The correlation of HA with the ZP-induced AR of ZP-bound sperm suggests a mechanistic link between HA and the physiological AR in humans. Assessment of HA of capacitated sperm in vitro may be a useful clinical test for male infertility associated with defective ZP-induced AR that does not require the use of human oocytes.

Investigating spiritual care perceptions and practice patterns in Hong Kong nurses: results of a cluster analysis

AIM

Nurses' spiritual care perceptions and practices are explored by identifying profiles of nurses studying in a part-time baccalaureate course in a local Hong Kong university. Relationships between nurses' spiritual care perceptions and their practices are explored.

RESEARCH METHOD

Hundred and ninety three nurses completed a structured questionnaire.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Spiritual care perceptions and practices.

RESULTS

Two-step cluster analysis yielded three clusters. Clusters A, B, and C consisted of 15.0% (n = 29), 44.6% (n = 86), and 40.4% (n = 78), respectively. Cluster A nurses were characterized by relatively negative spiritual care perceptions and practices. Cluster C nurses reported positive perceptions, but negative practices; they mainly chose 'uncertain' for most items on both scales. Cluster B was a large group of nurses holding both positive spiritual care perceptions and practices. Significant differences towards spiritual care were found among clusters. Nurses' perceptions were significant positively correlated with practices (r = 0.62). High positive correlations were found between the two scales (r = 0.83) for nurses in Cluster A, for nurses in Clusters B and C, low positive correlations (r = 0.37) were found.

CONCLUSION

Three clusters of Hong Kong nurses were differentiated. They showed differences in the level of their spiritual care perceptions and practices. Despite their level of spiritual care perceptions, nurses seldom incorporated spiritual care practices into their daily nursing care, and the level of spiritual care awareness of some nurses was low. Findings may be used to improve support of nurses, to ensure sensitive spiritual care in their daily practices, and to enhance nursing curricula.

Associations between HDL oxidation and paraoxonase-1 and paraoxonase-1 gene polymorphisms in families affected by familial combined hyperlipidemia

BACKGROUND AND AIM

It has been shown in vitro that the HDL-bound enzyme paraoxonase-1 (PON1) protects LDL against oxidation, and PON1 and PON1 gene polymorphisms may affect the oxidation of HDL particles. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between in vitro HDL oxidation parameters, endogenous PON1 and PON1 genotypes in families affected by asymptomatic FCHL.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Serum arylesterase (ARE) and PON1 activities, PON1 mass, PON1 genotypes and the kinetics of CuSO4-induced HDL oxidation in vitro were measured in 150 members of FCHL families free of clinical CAD. At univariate analysis, log PON1/apoA-I and the PON1 mass/apoA-I ratio significantly correlated with lag time, maximum diene formation and the propagation rate. The oxidation parameters also correlated with PON1 genotypes. Multivariate analysis showed that the associations between PON1 mass/unit apoA-I and the oxidation parameters were independent of the other variables. The lag time of HDL oxidation was also associated with the PON1 genotype 192QR.

CONCLUSIONS

Endogenous PON1 may have protective effects on the different stages of HDL oxidation in the members of families affected by FCHL. This protective effect is independent of other biochemical factors, but may be influenced by the PON1 gene polymorphism. The endogenous PON1 content of HDL seems to be an important determinant of the anti-atherogenicity of this lipoprotein.

Analysis of competitive binding of ligands to human serum albumin using NMR relaxation measurements

The competitive binding of two ligands, ibuprofen (IBP) and salicylic acid (SAL), to human serum albumin (HSA) was studied by using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation measurements. When the concentration of one ligand was increased in the solution containing IBP, SAL and HSA, the fractions of free IBP and SAL were increased because of the competitive binding. The 1H relaxation rates (R1) of both ligands were subsequently decreased. If a ligand is in fast exchanging between the free and bound forms, the observed 1H relaxation rate is a weighted average of that for the free ligand and the protein-ligand complex. The concentrations of the free and bound ligands can be quantitatively derived from the relaxation rates. The results presented in this work revealed that IBP and SAL shared certain low-affinity binding sites on the HSA molecule, in addition to the same high-affinity binding site of AIII.