The enhanced effect of magnetism on the thermoelectric performance of a CrI3 monolayer.

The effect of magnetism on the thermoelectric (TE) transformation efficiency has recently attracted a lot of attention. A CrI3 monolayer is a two-dimensional (2D) ferromagnetic (FM) semiconductor with a Curie temperature of 45 K. In this work, we employed first-principles calculations within the framework of density functional theory (DFT) combined with the non-equilibrium Green's function (NEGF) method and Landauer-Buttiker theory to study the effect of magnetism on the TE performance of a CrI3 monolayer. The stability, electronic structures, density of states (DOS) and TE parameters of a CrI3 monolayer are calculated. Our calculation results indicate that the TE performance of a CrI3 monolayer in a FM state is superior to that in a non-magnetic (NM) state. Namely, magnetism is beneficial to improving the TE performance. To further investigate the physical mechanism, the phonon group velocity, the electronic and phonon transmission spectra and the effective mass of a CrI3 monolayer in FM and NM states are analyzed in detail. For a CrI3 monolayer in a NM state, the maximum ZT value at 40 K is 0.09 and 0.16 for p-type and n-type doping, respectively. Relative to that in a NM state, the maximum ZT of a CrI3 monolayer in a FM state is largely improved, and can reach 0.23 and 1.58 for p-type and n-type doping. Our research provides a valuable reference by showing that magnetism is a possible factor for improving the TE efficiency.

Prediction of Gastric Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors before Operation: A Retrospective Analysis of Gastric Subepithelial Tumors.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), leiomyomas, and schwannomas are the most common gastric subepithelial tumors (GSETs) with similar endoscopic findings. Preoperative prediction of GSETs is difficult. This study analyzed and predicted GSET diagnosis through a retrospective review of 395 patients who underwent surgical resection of GISTs, leiomyomas, and schwannomas measuring 2-10 cm. GSETs were divided by size (group 2-5, >2 and ≤5 cm; group 5-10, >5 and ≤10 cm) for analysis. Demographics, clinical symptoms, and images were analyzed. A recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) was used to identify optimal classifications for specific GSET diagnoses. GIST patients were relatively older than other patients. Both groups had higher proportions of UGI bleeding, lower hemoglobin (Hb) levels, and a higher ratio of necrosis on their computed tomography (CT) scans. The RPA tree showed that (a) age ≤ 55, Hb ≥ 10.7, and CT necrosis; (b) age ≤ 55 and Hb < 10.7; (c) age >55 and Hb < 12.9; and (d) age >55 and CT hetero-/homogeneity can predict high GIST risk in group 2-5. Positive or negative CT necrosis, with age >55, can predict high GIST risk in group 5-10. GIST patients were older and presented with low Hb levels and tumor necrosis. In RPA, the accuracy reached 85% and 89% in groups 2-5 and 5-10, respectively.

Value of bedside echocardiography in predicting persistent patency of the ductus arteriosus during the early postnatal period in very low birth weight infants. / ç”ŸåŽæ—©æœŸåºŠæ—å¿ƒè„è¶ å£°é¢„æµ‹æžä½Žå‡ºç”Ÿä½“é‡å„¿åŠ¨è„‰å¯¼ç®¡æŒç»­å¼€æ”¾çš„ç ”ç©¶.

OBJECTIVES: To study the value of bedside echocardiography in predicting persistent patency of the ductus arteriosus during the early postnatal period in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed for 51 VLBW infants who were admitted from March 2020 to June 2021, with an age of ≤3 days and a length of hospital stay of ≥14 days. According to the diameter of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) on days 14 and 28 after birth, the infants were divided into three groups: large PDA group (PDA diameter ≥2 mm), small PDA group (PDA diameter <2 mm), and PDA closure group (PDA diameter =0 mm). The echocardiographic parameters measured at 72 hours after birth were compared among the three groups. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the value of the echocardiographic parameters in predicting persistent patency of the ductus arteriosus (PDA≥2 mm) at the ages of 14 and 28 days. RESULTS: On day 14 after birth, there were 17 infants in the large PDA group, 11 in the small PDA group, and 23 in the PDA closure group. On day 28 after birth, there were 14 infants in the large PDA group, 9 in the small PDA group, and 26 in the PDA closure group. There were significant differences in gestational age, birth weight, rate of pulmonary surfactant use, and incidence rate of hypotension among the three groups (P<0.05). PDA diameter, end-diastolic velocity of the left pulmonary artery, left ventricular output, and left ventricular output/superior vena cava flow ratio measured at 72 hours after birth were associated with persistent patency of the ductus arteriosus at the ages of 14 and 28 days (P<0.05), and the ratio of the left atrium to aorta diameter was associated with persistent patency of the ductus arteriosus at the age of 28 days (P<0.05). The ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve that the PDA diameter measured at 72 hours after birth predicting the persistent patency of the ductus arteriosus at the ages of 14 and 28 days was the largest (0.841 and 0.927 respectively), followed by end-diastolic velocity of the left pulmonary artery, with the area under the curve of 0.793 and 0.833 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The indicators obtained by beside echocardiography at 72 hours after birth, especially PDA diameter and end-diastolic velocity of the left pulmonary artery, can predict persistent patency of the ductus arteriosus at the ages of 14 and 28 days in VLBW infants, which provides a basis for the implementation of early targeted treatment strategy for PDA.

Identification of an MiRNA-mRNA Regulatory Network in Colorectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most prevalent cancer in the world. However, the molecular mechanism underlying CRC is largely unknown. OBJECTIVE: To explore the pathogenic mechanism of CRC and to facilitate better diagnosis and treatment of this disease. METHODS: Differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) and genes (DEGs) in CRC vs. Control samples from the miRNA expression data in GSE115513 and the miRNA and mRNA expression data in the TCGA-COAD dataset were screened, followed by the construction of the miRNAmRNA regulatory network. Functional and pathway enrichment analysis, protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis, and survival analysis were then performed for these DEGs and DEMs. RESULTS: We identified 64 DEMs from the GSE115513 dataset and 265 DEMs and 2218 DEGs from the TCGA-COAD dataset. miR-27a-3p was a hub DEM with the highest degree in the miRNA-mRNA network, while GRIN2B and PCDH10 were hub DEGs targeted by multiple miRNAs, including miR-27a-3p. SNAP25 and GRIN2B were also hub DEGs with the highest degree of interactions in the PPI network. These DEMs and DEGs were significantly enriched in multiple KEGG pathways, including proteoglycans expression and cAMP signaling pathway in cancer. Finally, seven DEGs, including FJX1 Dsc2, and hsa-miR-375, were revealed to be correlated with CRC prognosis. CONCLUSION: Aberrant expressions of genes and miRNAs were involved in the pathogenesis of CRC, probably by regulating proteoglycans expression and cAMP signaling. miR-27a-3p, PCDH10, GRIN2B, FJX1, Dsc2, and hsa-miR-375 were identified as potential targets for understanding the pathogenic mechanism of CRC. In addition, FJX1, Dsc2 and hsa-miR-375 were identified as potential predictive markers for CRC prognosis.

Majocchi's granuloma on the forearm caused by Trichophyton tonsurans in an immunocompetent patient.

Majocchi's granuloma is an uncommon fungal infection of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. The most frequently identified cause of Majocchi's granuloma is anthropophilic Trichophyton rubrum, and it is most commonly located on the anterior aspect of the lower limbs in women. Here, we report a case of Majocchi's granuloma on the forearm, a site that is rarely involved, in a 62-year-old woman who had been bitten by a dog. Histological examination revealed a dense dermal infiltrate composed of lymphoplasmacytic cells and neutrophils, with hyphae in the dermis. The presence of the fungus, Trichophyton tonsurans, was confirmed by mycological examination and molecular methods. Therefore, histological and mycological examination confirmed the diagnosis of Majocchi's granuloma. The patient was treated with local moxibustion and itraconazole, 200 mg/day, for 60 days, which facilitated a complete resolution of the lesions.

[Clinical features of neonatal enterovirus infection].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical features of neonatal enterovirus infection, especially severe enterovirus infection. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 244 neonates with enterovirus infection. According to the severity of infection, they were divided into a common infection group with 231 neonates and a severe infection group with 13 neonates. Clinical features were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Of the 244 neonates, 207 (84.8%) developed the disease in May to October, with the highest number of patients in June to July. Compared with the common infection group, the severe infection group had a significantly lower gestational age at birth and a significantly higher proportion of preterm infants (P<0.05). Compared with the common infection group, the severe infection group had a significantly earlier onset time (P<0.05) and significantly higher incidence rates of skin petechiae and ecchymosis, respiratory symptoms, sepsis-like manifestations (poor appetite, crying less, and less movement), concomitant diseases (such as pneumonia, myocarditis, necrotic hepatitis, and coagulation disorder), thrombocytopenia, prolonged prothrombin time, elevated creatine kinase-MB, and elevated alanine aminotransferase (P<0.05). The severe infection group had a significantly higher mortality rate than the common infection group (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There are significant differences in onset time, common clinical manifestations, and concomitant diseases between the neonates with common and severe enterovirus infection. In the enterovirus epidemic season, if the neonates have rashes and/or sepsis-like manifestations such as poor appetite and less movement, especially if the laboratory tests suggest liver damage and coagulation dysfunction, it is necessary to pay particular attention to the possibility of severe enterovirus infection.

[Emergency plan for inter-hospital transfer of newborns with SARS-CoV-2 infection].

Since December 2019, the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become the most serious public health issue. As the special population with immature immune function, newborns with COVID-19 have been reported. Newborns with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should be transferred to designated hospitals for isolation treatment. An emergency transfer response plan for newborns with COVID-19 has been worked out. This plan puts forward the indications for neonatal COVID-19 transfer, organization management, protection strategies for medical staff, work procedures, and disinfection methods for transfer equipment, in order to provide guidance and suggestions for the inter-hospital transfer of suspected or confirmed neonatal COVID-19.

[A 2-day-old neonate with hyperbilirubinemia and thrombocytopenia].

A girl was admitted to the hospital on day 2 after birth due to jaundice of the skin and sclera for half a day. The main clinical manifestations were persistent severe jaundice and thrombocytopenia, and she was finally diagnosed with congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Her conditions were improved after phototherapy, exchange transfusion, and infusion of fresh frozen plasma, red blood cells, and platelets. Gene detection showed a homozygous mutation of c.3650T>C(p.I1217T) in the ADAMTS13 gene, while her parents had a heterozygous mutation at this locus. Congenital TTP is a rare autosomal recessive disease, and timely infusion of fresh frozen plasma can achieve a good clinical outcome. This is the first case of congenital TTP caused by homozygous mutation at this locus reported in China and overseas.

Trazodone for the treatment of insomnia: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and tolerability of trazodone compared with placebo in patients with insomnia. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched and relevant reports were hand-screened to identify eligible trials. Only randomized placebo-controlled trials were included. Standardized mean differences (SMD) and the odds ratios (OR) were estimated using a random-effect model. Primary efficacy outcomes included sleep efficiency (SE%) and self-reported sleep quality (SQ). Secondary efficacy outcomes included sleep latency (SL), total sleep time (TST), the number of awakenings (NAs), waking time after sleep onset (WASO). Tolerability outcome was measured by the number of patients who discontinued for adverse events and acceptability outcome was measured by the number of patients who discontinued for all causes. RESULTS: Seven trials involving 429 patients were included. There was no significant improvement for trazodone in SE% (SMD = 0.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.19 to 0.38, P = 0.53) with a non-significant heterogeneity (I2 = 0%, P = 0.59). However, patients receiving trazodone perceived better SQ than those receiving the placebo (SMD = -0.41, 95% CI -0.82 to -0.00, P = 0.05) with a non-significantly moderate heterogeneity (I2 = 65%, P = 0.06). As to secondary efficacy outcomes, we only found a significant reduction for trazodone in NAs (SMD = -0.51, 95%CI -0.97 to -0.05) compared to the placebo, with non-significant differences found in SL, TST, or WASO between trazodone and placebo. Moreover, no significant difference was found in the outcome of tolerability or acceptability. CONCLUSIONS: Trazodone was effective in sleep maintenance by decreasing the number of early awakenings and it could significantly improve perceived sleep quality, although there were no significant improvements in sleep efficiency or other objective measures. Trazodone however, presented good tolerance in the short-term treatment of insomnia.

Prevalence and characteristics of dyspepsia among college students in Zhejiang Province.

AIM: To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of uninvestigated dyspepsia among college students in Zhejiang Province. METHODS: Young adult students attending undergraduate (within the 4-year program) and graduate (only first-year students) colleges in Zhejiang Province were recruited between November 2010 and March 2011 to participate in the self-report survey study. The questionnaire was designed to collect data regarding demographics (sex and age), general health [weight and height, to calculate body mass index (BMI)], and physical episodes related to gastrointestinal disorders. Diagnosis of dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) was made according to the Rome III criteria. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was defined by episodes of heartburn and/or acid reflux that occurred at least once a week, according to the Montreal definition. RESULTS: Of 2520 students recruited for survey participation, only 1870 (males: 967; age range: 17-32 years, mean age: 21.3 years) returned a completed questionnaire. One hundred and eight (5.67%) of the student participants fit the criteria for dyspepsia diagnosis. Stratification analysis of dyspepsia and non-dyspepsia cases showed no statistically significant differences in age or BMI; however, the prevalence of dyspepsia was significantly higher in women than in men (7.53% vs 4.14%, P < 0.05). Stratification analysis of dyspepsia by grade level showed that year 4 undergraduate students had a significantly higher prevalence of dyspepsia (10.00% vs undergraduate year 1: 5.87%, year 2: 3.53% and year 3: 7.24%, and graduate year 1: 3.32%). Nearly all (95.37%) students with dyspepsia reported symptoms of postprandial distress syndrome, but only a small portion (4.63%) reported symptoms suggestive of abdominal pain syndrome. The students with dyspepsia also showed significantly higher rates of IBS (16.67% vs non-dyspepsia students: 6.30%, P < 0.05) and GERD (11.11% vs 0.28%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although the prevalence of dyspepsia among Zhejiang college students is low, the significantly higher rates of concomitant IBS and GERD suggest common pathophysiological disturbances.

[An epidemiological study of functional bowel disorders in Zhejiang college students and its relationship with psychological factors].

OBJECTIVE: To study the epidemiologic features of functional bowel disorders (FBD) among medical students and science and engineering students in Zhejiang province, China, and to explore the relationship between psychological factors and FBD. METHODS: This study was a survey of random sampling based on the Rome III Diagnostic Questionnaire (Rome III-DQ) conducted from November 2010 to March 2011. The survey was carried out among medical students and science and engineering students respectively in two universities in Zhejiang province. Symptom Check List 90 (SCL-90) was used for psychological analysis. RESULTS: Among 1870 participants, 1033 were diagnosed as FBD based on Rome III criteria, with an overall incidence of 55.24%. The majority cases were unspecified functional bowel disorder, with an incidence of 26.58% (497/1870), others were functional constipation 16.95% (317/1870), irritable bowel syndrome 6.90% (129/1870), functional bloating 4.12% (77/1870) and functional diarrhea 0.70% (13/1870). The prevalence varied in different genders, majors and grades. In the multivariate analysis, women had a higher risk of any FBD than men [68.33% (617/903) vs 43.02% (416/967)] except for functional diarrhea; and medical students had a higher risk of any FBD than science and engineering students [68.53% (734/1071) vs 37.42% (299/799)]. Generally higher grade undergraduates had relatively higher risks than lower grade students, especially in medical students. Among the participants with FBD, 44.05% (455/1033) had other functional gastrointestinal disorders. In those overlapped parts, 9.00% (93/1033) had belching disorders, and 8.23% (85/1033) had functional dyspepsia. Students with FBD got higher scores in SCL-90 than healthy students. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed a high rate of FBD among college students in Zhejiang province. The prevalence varied in different majors, and female higher than male. Psychological factors also had close relationships with FBD.

[Relationship of protease-activated receptor-2 and mast cell in the rat model of small intestinal mucosal damage by short-term administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug].

OBJECTIVE: To identify the expression and significance of protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) and mast cell (MC) in the rat model of small intestinal mucosal damage by a short-term administration of diclofenac. METHODS: Twenty-four SD-rats were divided into 2 groups (control group and model group, 12 rats each) by random digit table. The rats in the control group were treated with 1 ml distilled water per 250 g, once a day while those in the model group diclofenac 7.5 mg/kg per day. Their terminal ileum was harvested at Day 5 after an intraperitoneal injection. Toluidine blue dyeing was employed to determine the distribution of MC and its count in intestinal mucous membrane. Immunohistochemistry, Western blot and real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) were employed analyze the location, expression and change of PAR-2 mRNA in intestinal mucous membrane. RESULTS: The count of MC was obviously higher in the model group than that in the control group (10.3 ± 2.2 vs 4.2 ± 1.2, P < 0.05). PAR-2 was expressed on the mucous surface, recesses epidermis and lamina propria inflammatory cells. And positive dyes were located within cytoplasm. As compared with the control group, the expression of PAR-2 mRNA was higher (2.63 ± 0.26 vs 1, P < 0.05) and its protein expression higher in the model group (24.3 ± 2.4 vs 17.5 ± 3.5, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both PAR-2 and mast cell are involved in the pathogenesis of small intestinal mucosa injury induced by diclofenac in rats. PAR-2 may be activated by tryptase released from mast cells and participate in the pathogenesis of small intestinal injury as induced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Endothelial differentiation of Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells in comparison with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

OBJECTIVE: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be isolated from umbilical cord Wharton's jelly (UC-MSC) and UC can be easily obtained, representing a noncontroversial source of MSCs. UC-MSCs are more primitive than other tissue sources. Previous studies showed that UC-MSCs were still viable and were not rejected 4 months after transplantation as xenografts without the need for immune suppression, indicating that they are favorable cell source for transplantation. In this study, UC-MSCs were induced to differentiate into endothelial-like cells and compared with bone marrow (BM)-MSCs for their endothelial differentiation potential. MATERIALS AND METHODS: UC-MSCs and BM-MSCs were characterized for expression of MSC-specific markers and osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation. They were induced to differentiate into endothelial-like cells and analyzed for expression of the endothelial-specific markers and functions. RESULTS: UC-MSCs and BM-MSCs showed similarities in expression of the MSC-specific markers and osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation. They showed similar low-density lipoprotein-uptaking capacity following endothelial differentiation. However, UC-MSCs had higher proliferative potential than BM-MSCs. Both real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemical analyses demonstrated that UC-MSCs had higher expression of the endothelial-specific markers than BM-MSCs following endothelial differentiation. Both Matrigel and coculture angiogenesis assays showed that UC-MSCs and BM-MSCs after endothelial differentiation were able to form the capillary network and differentiated UC-MSCs had significantly higher total tubule length, diameter, and area than differentiated BM-MSCs. CONCLUSION: These results showed that UC-MSCs had higher endothelial differentiation potential than BM-MSCs. Therefore, UC-MSCs are more favorable choice than BM-MSCs for neovascularization of engineered tissues.