[Clinical analysis of adverse reactions in patients with multidrug-resistant and rifampicin-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis treated with delamanid-containing regimen].

Objective: To explore the characteristics of adverse drug reactions during the 24-week therapy with delamanid-containing regimen for patients with multidrug-resistant and rifampicin-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis (MDR/RR-PTB). Methods: The prospective multicenter study was conducted from June 2020 to June 2023. A total of 608 eligible patients with MDR/RR-PTB were enrolled in 26 tuberculosis medical institutions in China including 364 males and 79 females, aged 39.6(19.0-68.0) years. Patients were treated with chemotherapy regimens containing delamanid. Patients were closely supervised during treatment of medication, and all adverse reactions occurring during treatment were monitored and recorded. The clinical characteristics of adverse reactions were evaluated by descriptive analysis. Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the related factors of QTcF interval prolongation (QT corrected with Fridericia's formula). Results: Of the 608 patients enrolled in this study, 325 patients (53.5%) reported 710 adverse events within 24 weeks of treatment. The top 6 most common complications were hematological abnormalities (143 patients, 23.5%), QT prolongation (114 patients, 18.8%), liver toxicity (85 patients, 14.0%), gastrointestinal reaction (41 patients, 6.7%), peripheral neuropathy (25 patients, 4.1%) and mental disorders (21 patients, 3.5%). The prolongation of QT interval mostly occurred in the 12th week after the first dose of medication. Serious adverse reactions occurred in 21 patients (3.5%). There were 7 patients (1.2%) with mental disorders, including 2 patients (0.3%) with severe mental disorders. Conclusions: The safety of dalamanid-based regimen in the staged treatment of MDR/RR-PTB patients was generally good, and the incidence of adverse reactions was similar to that reported in foreign studies. This study found that the incidence of QT interval prolongation in Chinese patients was higher than that reported overseas, suggesting that the monitoring of electrocardiogram should be strengthened when using drugs containing delamanid that may cause QT interval prolongation.

Brain targeting efficacy of novel drug delivery system in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

OBJECTIVE: Alzheimer's disease (AD), a common degenerative disease of the central nervous system in the elderly, has become the third largest health killer after cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and tumors. Based on the fact that Alzheimer's disease is a disease with multiple etiologies and complex pathology, a single target is bound to have a limited curative effect, and the synergy of multiple links and multiple targets is expected to achieve a better curative effect. The aim of this study is to investigate the brain targeting of a drug modified by chitosan, based on the new nanodrug delivery system for treating Alzheimer's disease developed by the research group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chitosan with good biocompatibility, biosorption, and degradation products that can protect and promote the regeneration of nerve cells was selected to combine with galantamine, a natural representative cholinesterase inhibitor, to develop a new nano drug delivery system for nasal delivery of anti-Alzheimer's disease with a multi-target synergistic effect. Synchronous analysis was conducted on the blood and brain tissue drug concentrations after intravenous and nasal administration of the original drug solution and system solution. The brain targeting index (DTI) is used to evaluate the brain targeting effect of the nano-drug delivery system after intranasal administration. RESULTS: The blood concentration of galantamine original drug solution and galantamine system solution after intravenous injection and nasal show that in the two administration methods of intravenous injection and nasal administration, under the same administration method, the time point of the system reaching the highest blood drug concentration is much higher than that of the original drug. The content of galantamine in plasma samples and tissue samples indicate that after intravenous administration and intranasal administration of the galantamine system, at the same time point, the drug concentration in brain tissue was far greater than that of the original drug of galantamine, and the duration was also longer. The concentration of drugs in brain tissue decreased gradually in the order of olfactory bulb, olfactory tract, brain, and cerebellum. In the brain tissues of the olfactory bulb, olfactory tract, cerebrum, and cerebellum, the drug concentration of the galantamine system after intravenous injection is lower than that after nasal administration. CONCLUSIONS: This study concludes that compared with the original drug solution, the nano drug delivery system has significant brain targeting for nasal administration, and intravenous injection also has brain targeting. In the olfactory bulb, olfactory tract, brain, and cerebellum, the brain targeting index at the olfactory bulb is the highest, and the targeting is the best.

[Predictive value of neck circumference for cardiometabolic risk in children].

Objective: To investigate the predictive value of neck circumference on cardiometabolic risk in children. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of natural sources. As the prediction cohort, clinical data were collected from 3 443 children aged 5-14 years who underwent physical examination in the Department of Child Healthcare, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from July 2021 to September 2022. As the validation cohort for external validation, clinical data were collected from 604 children aged 5-14 years who underwent physical examination in the Department of Child Healthcare, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from October 2022 to March 2023. Height, weight, neck circumference, waist circumference and body composition were measured in both groups, and body mass index, neck circumference to height ratio (NHtR), waist circumference to height ratio, body fat percentage and skeletal muscle percentage were calculated. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, blood lipid and uric acid and other cardiovascular and metabolic risk indicators were collected in both groups. The prediction cohort was further stratified into clustered and non-clustered groups based on the clustering of cardiometabolic risk factors (CCRF). Various variables between these 2 groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. Pearson correlation and binary Logistic regression were conducted to investigate the correlations between neck circumference and cardiovascular metabolic risk factors. The accuracy of NHtR in predicting the CCRF was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC). The cutoff value was determined using the Youden index. The validation cohort was then divided into groups above and below the cutoff value, and the detection rate of CCRF between the 2 groups was compared using the χ2 test for validation. Results: In the prediction cohort of 3 443 children (2 316 boys and 1 127 girls), 1 395 (40.5%) children were overweight or obese, and 1 157 (33.6%) children had CCRF. Pearson correlation analysis revealed all significant positive correlations (all P<0.01) between neck circumference and systolic blood pressure (r=0.47, 0.39), diastolic blood pressure (r=0.27, 0.21), uric acid (r=0.36, 0.30), and triglycerides (r=0.20, 0.20) after adjusting for age in both males and females. Among both males and females, neck circumference both showed significant negative correlation (both P<0.01) with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r=-0.27, -0.28), and no correlation with fasting glucose levels (r=0.03, -0.03, both P>0.05). After adjusting for gender, age, and body fat percentage, increased body mass index, neck circumference, or waist circumference increased the risks of hypertension (OR=1.23, 1.39, 1.07, all P<0.001), hyperuricemia (OR=1.16, 1.23, 1.05, all P<0.001), hypertriglyceridemia (OR=1.08, 1.16, 1.02, all P<0.01), low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR=1.10, 1.27, 1.03, all P<0.01), and the CCRF (OR=1.51, 1.73, 1.15, all P<0.01). The areas under the ROC curves of NHtR in predicting CCRF was 0.73, with sensitivity and specificity at 0.66 and 0.71, respectively. The corresponding optimal cut-off value was 0.21. Validation with 604 children confirmed that the detection of CCRF in the NHtR≥0.21 group was 3.29 times (60.5% (112/185) vs. 18.7% (79/422),χ2=107.82, P<0.01) higher compared to the NHtR <0.21 group. Conclusions: Neck circumference is associated with cardiovascular metabolic risks such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and hyperuricemia in children. When the NHtR is ≥0.21, there is an increased likelihood of CCRF.

Synthesis of novel silver-loaded clay AgF@Hec for the prevention of dental cariesin vitro.

Dental caries, a chronic infectious disease characterized by tooth mineral loss caused by plaque, is one of the major global public health problems. Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has been proven to be a highly effective anti-caries drug due to its high bacterial inhibition and remineralization ability. However, the SDF solution is unstable, which immensely limits its clinical application. Therefore, new silver-load clay named AgF@Hec was designed by replacing the NH3with hectorite in this study. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction spectroscopy were employed to confirm the structure of AgF@Hec. Dynamic light scattering analysis was used to reveal the effect of different hectorite concentrations on the stability of AgF@Hec. Moreover, AgF@Hec exhibits significant remineralization and hardness recovery of the initial carious lesions. Bacteriostatic experiments also proved that it has a significant inhibitory effect onA. Viscosus, S. mutans, S. sanguinis, S. salivarius, Lactobacillus sp.and both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. We therefore believed that AgF@Hec should be a promising biomaterial that can be applied in the prevention of dental caries.

[Safety of double and a half layered esophagojejunal anastomosis in radical gastrectomy: A prospective, multi-center, single arm trial].

Objective: To evaluate the safety of double and a half layered esophagojejunal anastomosis in radical gastrectomy. Methods: This prospective, multi-center, single-arm study was initiated by the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University in June 2021 (CRAFT Study, NCT05282563). Participating institutions included Nanyang Central Hospital, Zhumadian Central Hospital, Luoyang Central Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Henan Polytechnic University, First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University, Luohe Central Hospital, the People's Hospital of Hebi, First People's Hospital of Shangqiu, Anyang Tumor Hospital, First People's Hospital of Pingdingshan, and Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) gastric adenocarcinoma confirmed by preoperative gastroscopy;(2) preoperative imaging assessment indicated that R0 resection was feasible; (3) preoperative assessment showed no contraindications to surgery;(4) esophagojejunostomy planned during the procedure; (5) patients volunteered to participate in this study and gave their written informed consent; (6) ECOG score 0-1; and (7) ASA score I-III. Exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) history of upper abdominal surgery (except laparoscopic cholecystectomy);(2) history of gastric surgery (except endoscopic submucosal dissection and endoscopic mucosal resection); (3) pregnancy or lactation;(4) emergency surgery for gastric cancer-related complications (perforation, hemorrhage, obstruction); (5) other malignant tumors within 5 years or coexisting malignant tumors;(6) arterial embolism within 6 months, such as angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, and cerebrovascular accident; and (7) comorbidities or mental health abnormalities that could affect patients' participation in the study. Patients were eliminated from the study if: (1) radical gastrectomy could not be completed; (2) end-to-side esophagojejunal anastomosis was not performed during the procedure; or (3) esophagojejunal anastomosis reinforcement was not possible. Double and a half layered esophagojejunal anastomosis was performed as follows: (1) Open surgery: the full thickness of the anastomosis is continuously sutured, followed by embedding the seromuscular layer with barbed or 3-0 absorbable sutures. The anastomosis is sutured with an average of six to eight stitches. (2) Laparoscopic surgery: the anastomosis is strengthened by counterclockwise full-layer sutures. Once the anastomosis has been sutured to the right posterior aspect of the anastomosis, the jejunum stump is pulled to the right and the anastomosis turned over to continue to complete reinforcement of the posterior wall. The suture interval is approximately 5 mm. After completing the full-thickness suture, the anastomosis is embedded in the seromuscular layer. Relevant data of patients who had undergone radical gastrectomy in the above 12 centers from June 2021 were collected and analyzed. The primary outcome was safety (e.g., postoperative complications, and treatment). Other studied variables included details of surgery (e.g., surgery time, intraoperative bleeding), postoperative recovery (postoperative time to passing flatus and oral intake, length of hospital stay), and follow-up conditions (quality of life as assessed by Visick scores). Result: [1] From June 2021 to September 2022,457 patients were enrolled, including 355 men and 102 women of median age 60.8±10.1 years and BMI 23.7±3.2 kg/m2. The tumors were located in the upper stomach in 294 patients, mid stomach in 139; and lower stomach in 24. The surgical procedures comprised 48 proximal gastrectomies and 409 total gastrectomies. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was administered to 85 patients. Other organs were resected in 85 patients. The maximum tumor diameter was 4.3±2.2 cm, number of excised lymph nodes 28.3±15.2, and number of positive lymph nodes five (range one to four. As to pathological stage,83 patients had Stage I disease, 128 Stage II, 237 Stage III, and nine Stage IV. [2] The studied surgery-related variables were as follows: The operation was successfully completed in all patients, 352 via a transabdominal approach, 25 via a transhiatus approach, and 80 via a transthoracoabdominal approach. The whole procedure was performed laparoscopically in 53 patients (11.6%), 189 (41.4%) underwent laparoscopic-assisted surgery, and 215 (47.0%) underwent open surgery. The median intraoperative blood loss was 200 (range, 10-1 350) mL, and the operating time 215.6±66.7 minutes. The anastomotic reinforcement time was 2 (7.3±3.9) minutes for laparoscopic-assisted surgery, 17.6±1.7 minutes for total laparoscopy, and 6.0±1.2 minutes for open surgery. [3] The studied postoperative variables were as follows: The median time to postoperative passage of flatus was 3.1±1.1 days and the postoperative gastrointestinal angiography time 6 (range, 4-13) days. The median time to postoperative oral intake was 7 (range, 2-14) days, and the postoperative hospitalization time 15.8±6.7 days. [4] The safety-related variables were as follows: In total, there were 184 (40.3%) postoperative complications. These comprised esophagojejunal anastomosis complications in 10 patients (2.2%), four (0.9%) being anastomotic leakage (including two cases of subclinical leakage and two of clinical leakage; all resolved with conservative treatment); and six patients (1.3%) with anastomotic stenosis (two who underwent endoscopic balloon dilation 21 and 46 days after surgery, the others improved after a change in diet). There was no anastomotic bleeding. Non-anastomotic complications occurred in 174 patients (38.1%). All patients attended for follow-up at least once, the median follow-up time being 10 (3-18) months. Visick grades were as follows: Class I, 89.1% (407/457); Class II, 7.9% (36/457); Class III, 2.6% (12/457); and Class IV 0.4% (2/457). Conclusion: Double and a half layered esophagojejunal anastomosis in radical gastrectomy is safe and feasible.

Correlation research of serum substance P, CCK-8, and 5-HT values with depression levels in stroke survivors.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the correlation of serum octapeptide cholecystokinin-8 (CCK-8), substance P (SP), and 5-hydroxytryptryptamine (5-HT) values with depression levels in patients with post-stroke depression (PSD). It also aimed to explore the potential approach for the early diagnosis of PSD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A correlation research between patients' biochemical indicators and depression levels was performed among 70 stroke patients during hospitalization from June 2021 to February 2022. The 70 stroke patients were selected and divided into post-stroke depression and non-depression groups according to the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) score. The concentrations of CCK-8, SP, and 5-HT in both groups were measured, and the relationship between the values of CCK-8, SP, 5-HT and the depression levels was analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 70 stroke survivors, 35 were in the depression group and 35 were in the non-depression group. Significant differences were observed in the concentration of CCK-8, SP, and 5-HT between the patients in the depression and non-depression group (p < 0.05). Accompanied by an increase in the depression level, the SP value gradually increased, but the CCK-8 and 5-HT values gradually decreased. Spearman correlation analysis indicated that the order of the correlation between CCK-8, 5-HT, SP, and the depression levels was CCK-8 > SP > 5-HT. CONCLUSIONS: All the CCK-8, SP and 5-HT values were correlated with the depression levels in stroke survivors. Furthermore, the correlation between CCK-8, SP, and post-stroke depression levels was higher than that of 5-HT, suggesting that the early diagnosis of PSD may be reflected more precisely through the detection of CCK-8, and SP values, thus providing potential priority for biochemical detection in the diagnosis of PSD.

[Study on the consistency of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 of peripheral whole blood and venous serum in children].

This study aimed to explore the consistency of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) by detecting peripheral whole blood and venous serum among children. As a cross-sectional study, children who were aged 0-14 as well as received physical examinations in the Child Healthcare Department of the Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University during January 2022 to April 2022 were enrolled in this study. Meanwhile, both of peripheral whole blood and venous serum samples were collected, and the levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 were assayed individually via chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA). Additionally, linear regression equation was used to analyze the correlation of results between two categories of samples, while Inter-class Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was used to evaluate the consistency of test results among two types of samples. The change trends of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 with age were analyzed at the same time. A total of 203 valid matched samples were collected, including 117 boys and 86 girls. Peripheral whole blood was well correlated with serum IGF-1 (r=0.986, P<0.001) and IGFBP-3 (r=0.974, P<0.001), and the linear regression equation is shown as follows: (IGF-1) venous serum =1.047×(IGF-1) peripheral whole blood-6.840; (IGFBP-3) venous serum=0.924×(IGFBP-3) peripheral whole blood+0.396. The correlation and consistency were still persisted after being stratified by sex and age. ICC of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 were 0.983 and 0.967, respectively which provided an excellent strength of agreement. The levels of IGF-1 or IGFBP-3 in boys' and girls' peripheral whole blood and serum showed significant statistical differences among various age groups (all P<0.001), and also increased significantly with age (all P trend<0.001). In conclusion, the results of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 in peripheral whole blood and venous serum had positive comparability that could be mutually recognized. The detection of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 in peripheral whole blood had great potential for young age children by providing guidance for nutritional intervention, growth and development assessment.

[The correlations of abdominal adipose tissue with anthropometric and metabolic parameters in obese children by magnetic resonance imaging].

Objective: To explore abdominal fat mass distribution and contents among obese children via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and analyze the correlations of abdominal adipose tissue with anthropometric and metabolic parameters. Methods: Cross-sectional study. There were 60 obese children admitted to the Children's Health Care Department and Endocrinology Department at Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from July 2016 to December 2018. Children's gender, age, height, weight, body composition, waist circumference and blood pressure were recorded. The levels of fasting blood glucose, lipids, insulin were measured, and liver ultrasound was performed, and the body mass index Z score (BMI-Z), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were calculated. In addition, contents of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and total abdominal adipose tissue (TAAT) were calculated according to feedback of abdominal MRI scan images. The associations between the contents of abdominal adipose tissue, physical examination status and metabolic disorders among obese children were analyzed through correlation analysis and regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to compare the accuracy of fat mass in different parts of the abdomen in predicting their metabolic disorders. Results: A total of 60 children were enrolled in the study, included 44 boys and 16 girls, with age of (9.2±1.4) years. The contents of SAT, VAT and TAAT among the 60 children were positively associated with BMI-Z (r=0.60, 0.46, 0.59), body fat percentage (r=0.64, 0.67, 0.68) and waist-to-height ratio (r=0.60, 0.57, 0.61) (all P<0.01). Meanwhile, contents of SAT and TAAT were also positively correlated with systolic blood pressure (r=0.47, 0.49), triglyceride (r=0.33, 0.35) and HOMA-IR (r=0.33, 0.28)(all P<0.05). In order to adjust the confounding effects among various variables, regression analysis was applied and the result showed that the body fat percentage (ß=0.59, 0.66, 0.65) and waist-to-height ratio (ß=0.53, 0.63, 0.59) were most related to abdominal fat contents (all P<0.01), including SAT, VAT and TAAT among obese children. According to ROC, SAT had outstanding evaluation performances for the diagnosis of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, while VAT had excellent evaluation performances for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (area under curve=0.68, 0.69, 0.69, 95%CI 0.54-0.82, 0.55-0.84, 0.53-0.85, P=0.017, 0.014, 0.019). Conclusions: As one of the best indexes, body fat percentage and WHtR can be used to predict the contents of SAT, VAT and TAAT among obese children. With the increase of abdominal SAT or VAT, the risks for insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease would increase. Assessment of abdominal fat and metabolic risks in obese children should combine BMI-Z with waist circumference and body composition analysis.

LncRNA PCAT1 enhances cell proliferation, migration and invasion by miR-508-3p/NFIB axis in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

OBJECTIVE: In previous studies, PCAT1 has been proved to be a key carcinogenic driver in hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the regulatory mechanism of PCAT1 remains poorly understood in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The expression of PCAT1, miR-508-3p and NFIB in DLBCL was detected by RT-qPCR assay. CCK-8 assay and transwell assay were used to measure cell proliferation, migration and invasion of DLBCL cells. Western blot assay was used to explore the protein expression of NFIB. Dual-Luciferase reporter assay was applied to measure the correlation between PCAT1, miR-508-3p and NFIB. RESULTS: PCAT1 was demonstrated to be upregulated in DLBCL tissues and cell lines. Besides, PCAT1 expression was associated with clinical stage and IPI score of DLBCL patients. Moreover, overexpression of PCAT1 promoted DLBCL cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro. Mechanistic investigation displayed that PCAT1 interplayed with miR-508-3p, while NFIB was a target gene of miR-508-3p. Further, miR-508-3p was in a downtrend while NFIB was increased in DLBCL tissues and cell lines. MiR-508-3p overexpression repressed DLBCL cell growth and metastasis, while PCAT1 overexpression reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-508-3p on the progression of DLBCL. Moreover, NFIB silencing suppressed DLBCL cell proliferation, migration and invasion, whereas PCAT1 vector or miR-508-3p knockdown destroyed the inhibitory of si-NFIB on the progression of DLBCL. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our findings validated that PCAT1 acted as completive endogenous RNA by sponging miR-508-3p and upregulating NFIB to facilitate DLBCL cell proliferation, migration and invasion.

Superconductivity in a unique type of copper oxide.

The mechanism of superconductivity in cuprates remains one of the big challenges of condensed matter physics. High-T c cuprates crystallize into a layered perovskite structure featuring copper oxygen octahedral coordination. Due to the Jahn Teller effect in combination with the strong static Coulomb interaction, the octahedra in high-T c cuprates are elongated along the c axis, leading to a 3dx 2-y 2 orbital at the top of the band structure wherein the doped holes reside. This scenario gives rise to 2D characteristics in high-T c cuprates that favor d-wave pairing symmetry. Here, we report superconductivity in a cuprate Ba2CuO4-y , wherein the local octahedron is in a very exceptional compressed version. The Ba2CuO4-y compound was synthesized at high pressure at high temperatures and shows bulk superconductivity with critical temperature (T c ) above 70 K at ambient conditions. This superconducting transition temperature is more than 30 K higher than the T c for the isostructural counterparts based on classical La2CuO4 X-ray absorption measurements indicate the heavily doped nature of the Ba2CuO4-y superconductor. In compressed octahedron, the 3d3z 2-r 2 orbital will be lifted above the 3dx 2-y 2 orbital, leading to significant 3D nature in addition to the conventional 3dx 2-y 2 orbital. This work sheds important light on advancing our comprehensive understanding of the superconducting mechanism of high T c in cuprate materials.

Li(Cd,Mn)P: a new cadmium based diluted ferromagnetic semiconductor with independent spin & charge doping.

We report a new diluted ferromagnetic semiconductor Li1+y(Cd,Mn)P, wherein carrier is doped via excess Li while spin is doped by isovalence substitution of Mn2+ into Cd2+. The extended Cd 4d-orbitals lead to more itinerant characters of Li1+y(Cd,Mn)P than that of analogous Li1+y(Zn,Mn)P. A higher Curie temperature of 45 K than that for Li1+y(Zn,Mn)P is obtained in Li1+y(Cd,Mn)P polycrystalline samples by Arrott plot technique. The p-type carriers are determined by Hall effect measurements. The first principle calculations and X-ray diffraction measurements indicate that occupation of excess Li is at Cd sites rather than the interstitial site. Consequently holes are doped by excess Li substitution. More interestingly Li1+y(Cd,Mn)P shows a very low coercive field (<100 Oe) and giant negative magnetoresistance (~80%) in ferromagnetic state that will benefit potential spintronics applications.

Wound Age Estimation by Neutrophil Migration Distance.

ABSTRACT: Objective To explore the application of neutrophil migration distance for wound age estimation of skeletal muscles in rats, and to provide methodological basis for follow-up study in future. Methods The skeletal muscle contusion model was established in rats, and the control group and the 2, 4, 6 h post-traumatic groups were set. The law of response of neutrophils that participated in the inflammation after injury was detected by immunohistochemical staining, and the relationship between neutrophil migration distance and injury time was detected by TissueFAXS PLUS software. Results The skeletal muscle was obviously infiltrated with neutrophils 2-6 h after injury. The positive rate of neutrophil was （28.75±0.94）% at 2 h post-traumatic, and reached the peak （45.50±3.63）% at 4 h post-traumatic, then decreased to （31.92±1.56）% at 6 h post-traumatic. The neutrophil migration distances increased with the progress of inflammation, and reached （124.80±12.32） µm, （229.03±21.45） µm and （335.04±16.75） µm at 2 h, 4 h and 6 h, respectively. Conclusion There is a relationship of neutrophil infiltrated number and migration distance and wound age within the 2-6 h after skeletal muscle injury, which could be used for the inference of skeletal muscle wound age.

IL-10 targets Th1/Th2 balance in vascular dementia.

OBJECTIVE: The pathogenesis of vascular dementia (VD) is not fully elucidated. Th1/Th2 balance may change in VD, leading to numerous inflammatory cytokines secretion. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is an immune suppressor, while its function in VD and correlation with Th1/Th2 balance are still unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The healthy male rats were randomly divided into three groups, including sham group, model group, and IL-10 group. Th1 and Th2 cytokines IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expressions in the serum were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). IL-10 expression in brain tissue and peripheral blood was detected by Real-Time PCR and ELISA. The correlation relationship between IL-10 and T helper cells 1/2 (Th1/Th2) cytokines was analyzed. Hippocampus cell apoptosis was determined by caspase 3 activity kit. Nuclear transcription factor 2 κB (NF-κB) expression was evaluated by Western blot. RESULTS: IL-10 levels were decreased, caspase 3 activity was enhanced, NF-κB expression was declined, IL-2 and TNF-α secretion were up-regulated, while IL-4 and IL-6 secretion were reduced in hippocampus tissue and peripheral blood from VD model rat compared to sham group (p<0.05). IL-10 significantly attenuated caspase 3 activity, up-regulated NF-κB expression, reduced IL-2 and TNF-α secretion, and enhanced IL-4 and IL-6 secretion (p<0.05). IL-10 was negatively correlated with Th1 cytokines and positively correlated with Th2 cytokines (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: IL-10 expression declined in VD and participated in regulating Th1/Th2 balance. IL-10 participated in VD incidence and development through regulating cell apoptosis and NF-κB expression.

[Prognostic significance of combined TERT and IDH gene mutation analysis in diffusely infiltrating gliomas].

Objective: To investigate the status and prognostic significance of TERT and IDH1/2 genes mutations in diffusely infiltrating gliomas. Methods: Hot spot mutations of TERT and IDH1/2 genes were detected by DNA sequencing in 236 cases of gliomas at West China Hospital from 2012 to 2016, including pilocytic astrocytoma (WHO grade Ⅰ, 16 cases), diffuse astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma (WHO grade Ⅱ, 89 cases), anaplastic astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma (WHO grade Ⅲ, 72 cases) and glioblastoma (WHO grade Ⅳ, 59 cases). The prognostic significance of TERT and IDH1/2 hot spot mutations was evaluated. Results: No IDH or TERT mutations were detected in pilocytic gliomas. TERT promoter mutation frequency was higher in patients aged ≥40 years(60.8%, 93/153) than in patients aged <40 years (32.8%, 22/67; P<0.01). TERT promoter mutation rate was also significantly higher in oligodendroglioma (87.5% , 56/64) than that in astrocytoma(37.8%, 59/156; P<0.01). Young age (<40 years), oligodendroglioma and IDH1 mutation were favorable prognostic factors for diffusely infiltrating astrocytic and oligodendroglial tumors. TERT mutation alone was not of prognostic significance. Diffusely infiltrating astrocytic and oligodendroglial tumors were divided into four molecular subtypes according to TERT and IDH1 mutation status: IDH(+ )/TERT(+ ), IDH(+ )/TERT(-), IDH(-)/TERT(-) and IDH(-)/TERT(+ ). There was significant prognostic difference among the 4 subtypes. Conclusions: Combined IDH and TERT gene mutation analysis may be useful for prognostic subgrouping. Notably, IDH1 wild-type cases can be further subdivided into TERT(+ ) or (-) subgroups with significant prognostic difference.

[Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of dengue in China].

Dengue is the most prevalent and rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral disease. As a dengue non-endemic country, China has experienced several dengue outbreaks in recent years. However, dengue patients in China displayed distinct clinical characteristics compared to patients in endemic countries. To standardize the diagnosis and treatment of dengue fever, the experts of the Society of Infectious Diseases, Society of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology of Chinese Medical Association, and the Society of Emergency Medicine, China Association of Chinese Medicine have reached this guideline based on guidelines for diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control of dengue (World Health Organization, 2009); guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of dengue (National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China, 2014, Edition 2), health industry standard of the People's Republic of China "diagnosis for dengue fever (WS216-2018)" and systemic reports on dengue. The guideline includes 8 aspects: introduction, terminology, epidemiology and prevention, etiology and pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and problems to be solved.

Association between cystatin C and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in elderly Chinese patients.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 50 % of patients with heart failure have a preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Cystatin C has been reported to be associated with cardiovascular events. This study was carried out to investigate whether cystatin C is associated with cardiac function and cardiac diastolic properties in elderly Chinese HFpEF patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 381 elderly Chinese HFpEF patients (81 women, average age 82 ± 6 years) was conducted. Serum concentrations of cystatin C and the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification were assessed and early (E) to late (A) transmitral flow velocity ratios (E/A ratio) were measured to assess cardiac diastolic properties. RESULTS: Cystatin C levels, N­terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels and age were significantly correlated to the NYHA class (r = 0.605 P < 0.001, r = 0.333 P < 0.001 and r = 0.254 P < 0.001, respectively). Cystatin C levels, age and body mass index (BMI) were negatively correlated to the E/A ratio (r = -0.224 P = 0.005, r = -0.258 P = 0.001 and r = -0.258 P = 0.003, respectively). The patients with cystatin C concentrations below 1.3 mg/l had a higher E/A ratio compared to those with cystatin C concentrations higher than 1.3 mg/l. Cystatin C was also significantly associated with both the NYHA classification and the E/A ratio even after adjustment for the creatinine clearance rate (CCr). CONCLUSION: Both cystatin C and NT-proBNP were found to be correlated to the NYHA classification. Independent of renal function, higher serum concentrations of cystatin C were associated with a worse NYHA classification and abnormal cardiac diastolic properties in elderly Chinese HFpEF patients.

MiR-144 functions as tumor suppressor by targeting PIM1 in gastric cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most prevalent types of malignant disease Worldwide. Mounting evidence has demonstrated the involvement of miRNAs in the development of GC. One of these miRNAs, miR-144 has been found aberrantly expressed in a variety of human malignancies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: GC tissues were collected from patients, and the level of miR-144 was determined by qRT-PCR. GC cell lines SGC7901 and AGS were used as model cell lines and the anti-tumor effect of miR-144 in both cells were examined. The level of miR-144 was restored in GC cells using miR-144 mimic. Moreover, the target gene of miR-144 wad identified. RESULTS: In this study, our results showed that low miR-144 level significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis stage, TNM stage and differentiation degree. In addition, we found that miR-144 acted as a tumor suppressor in GC. Moreover, our findings showed that miR-144 exerted an anti-tumor effect by directly targeting RLIP76. CONCLUSIONS:   miR-144 acts as a tumor suppressor in GC and it is a potential therapeutic target for GC treatment.

Effects of ultraviolet disinfection on antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli from wastewater: inactivation, antibiotic resistance profiles and antibiotic resistance genes.

AIMS: To evaluate the effect of ultraviolet (UV) disinfection on antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli. METHODS AND RESULTS: Antibiotic-resistant E. coli strains were isolated from a wastewater treatment plant and subjected to UV disinfection. The effect of UV disinfection on the antibiotic resistance profiles and the antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) of antibiotic-resistant E. coli was evaluated by a combination of antibiotic susceptibility analysis and molecular methods. Results indicated that multiple-antibiotic-resistant (MAR) E. coli were more resistant at low UV doses and required a higher UV dose (20 mJ cm-2 ) to enter the tailing phase compared with those of antibiotic-sensitive E. coli (8 mJ cm-2 ). UV disinfection caused a selective change in the inhibition zone diameters of surviving antibiotic-resistant E. coli and a slight damage to ARGs. The inhibition zone diameters of the strains resistant to antibiotics were more difficult to alter than those susceptible to antibiotics because of the existence and persistence of corresponding ARGs. CONCLUSIONS: The resistance of MAR bacteria to UV disinfection at low UV doses and the changes in inhibition zone diameters could potentially contribute to the selection of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in wastewater treatment after UV disinfection. The risk of spread of antibiotic resistance still exists owing to the persistence of ARGs. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Our study highlights the acquisition of other methods to control the spread of ARGs.

Superconductivity in HfTe5 across weak to strong topological insulator transition induced via pressures.

Recently, theoretical studies show that layered HfTe5 is at the boundary of weak &strong topological insulator (TI) and might crossover to a Dirac semimetal state by changing lattice parameters. The topological properties of 3D stacked HfTe5 are expected hence to be sensitive to pressures tuning. Here, we report pressure induced phase evolution in both electronic &crystal structures for HfTe5 with a culmination of pressure induced superconductivity. Our experiments indicated that the temperature for anomaly resistance peak (Tp) due to Lifshitz transition decreases first before climbs up to a maximum with pressure while the Tp minimum corresponds to the transition from a weak TI to strong TI. The HfTe5 crystal becomes superconductive above ~5.5 GPa where the Tp reaches maximum. The highest superconducting transition temperature (Tc) around 5 K was achieved at 20 GPa. Crystal structure studies indicate that HfTe5 transforms from a Cmcm phase across a monoclinic C2/m phase then to a P-1 phase with increasing pressure. Based on transport, structure studies a comprehensive phase diagram of HfTe5 is constructed as function of pressure. The work provides valuable experimental insights into the evolution on how to proceed from a weak TI precursor across a strong TI to superconductors.