Ultra-high photoelectric conversion efficiency and obvious carrier separation in photovoltaic ZnIn2X4 (X = S, Se, and Te) van der Waals heterostructures.

The need for low-carbon solar electricity production has become increasingly urgent for energy security and climate change mitigation. However, the bandgap and carrier separation critical requirements of high-efficiency solar cells are difficult to satisfy simultaneously in a single material. In this work, several van der Waals ZnIn2X4 (X = S, Se, and Te) heterostructures were designed based on density functional theory. Our results suggest that both ZnIn2S4/ZnIn2Se4 and ZnIn2Se4/ZnIn2Te4 heterostructures are direct bandgap semiconductors at the Γ point. Besides, obvious carrier spatial separations were observed in the ZnIn2S4/ZnIn2Se4 and ZnIn2Se4/ZnIn2Te4 heterostructures. Interestingly, the ZnIn2S4/ZnIn2Se4 heterostructure has a suitable bandgap of 1.43 eV with good optical absorption in the visible light range. The calculated maximum theoretical photoelectric conversion efficiency of ZnIn2S4/ZnIn2Se4 heterostructure was 32.1%, and it can be further enhanced to 32.9% under 2% tensile strain. Compared to single-layer ZnIn2X4 materials, the electron effective mass of the ZnIn2S4/ZnIn2Se4 heterostructure is relatively low, which results in high electron mobility in the heterostructure. The suitable bandgap, obvious carrier separation, high electron mobility, and excellent theoretical photoelectric conversion efficiency of the ZnIn2S4/ZnIn2Se4 heterostructure make it a promising candidate for novel 2D-based photoelectronic devices and solar cells.

Enhanced OER catalytic activity of single metal atoms supported by the pentagonal NiN2 monolayer: insight from density functional theory calculations.

Two-dimensional material-supported single metal atom catalysts have been extensively studied and proved effective in electrocatalytic reactions in recent years. In this work, we systematically investigate the OER catalytic properties of single metal atoms supported by the NiN2 monolayer. Several typical transition metals with high single atom catalytic activity, such as Fe, Co, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ir, and Pt, were selected as catalytic active sites. The energy calculations show that transition metal atoms (Fe, Co, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ir, and Pt) are easily embedded in the NiN2 monolayer with Ni vacancies due to the negative binding energy. The calculated OER overpotentials of Fe, Co, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ir and Pt embedded NiN2 monolayers are 0.92 V, 0.47 V, 1.13 V, 0.66 V, 1.25 V, 0.28 V, and 0.94 V, respectively. Compared to the 0.57 V OER overpotential of typical OER noble metal catalysts IrO2, Co@NiN2 and Ir@NiN2 exhibit high OER catalytic activity due to lower overpotential, especially for Ir@NiN2. The high catalytic activity of the Ir embedded NiN2 monolayer can be explained well by the d-band center model. It is found that the adsorption strength of the embedded TM atoms with intermediates follows a linear relationship with their d-band centers. Besides, the overpotential of the Ir embedded NiN2 monolayer can be further reduced to 0.24 V under -2% biaxial strain. Such findings are expected to be employed in more two-dimensional material-supported single metal atom catalyzed reactions.

How spin state and oxidation number of transition metal atoms determine molecular adsorption: a first-principles case study for NH3.

Understanding how the electronic state of transition metal atoms can influence molecular adsorption on a substrate is of great importance for many applications. Choosing NH3 as a model molecule, its adsorption behavior on defected SnS2 monolayers is investigated. The number of valence electrons n is controlled by decorating the monolayer with different transition metal atoms, ranging from Sc to Zn. Density-Functional Theory based calculations show that the adsorption energy of NH3 molecules oscillates with n and shows a clear odd-even pattern. There is also a mirror symmetry of the adsorption energies for large and low electron numbers. This unique behavior is mainly governed by the oxidation state of the TM ions. We trace back the observed trends of the adsorption energy to the orbital symmetries and ligand effects which affect the interaction between the 3σ orbitals (NH3) and the 3d orbitals of the transition metals. This result unravels the role which the spin state of TM ions plays in different crystal fields for the adsorption behavior of molecules. This new understanding of the role of the electronic structure on molecular adsorption can be useful for the design of high efficiency nanodevices in areas such as sensing and photocatalysis.

The Role of Water Molecules on Polaron Behavior at Rutile (110) Surface: A Constrained Density Functional Theory Study.

Understanding the behavior of a polaron in contact with water is of significant importance for many photocatalytic applications. We investigated the influence of water on the localization and transport properties of polarons at the rutile (110) surface by constrained density functional theory. An excess electron at a dry surface favors the formation of a small polaron at the subsurface Ti site, with a preferred transport direction along the [001] axis. As the surface is covered by water, the preferred spatial localization of the polarons is moved from the subsurface to the surface. When the water coverage exceeds half a monolayer, the preferred direction of polaron hopping is changed to the [110] direction toward the surface. This characteristic behavior is related to the Ti3d-orbital occupations and crystal field splitting induced by different distorted structures under water coverage. Our work describes the reduced sites that might eventually play a role in photocatalysis for rutile (110) surfaces in a water environment.

[High-intensity laser therapy combined with targeted hand function training for the treatment of grade 1-2 thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore clinical effect of high-intensity laser therapy(HILT) combined with targeted hand function training on pain and lateral pinch force in grade 1-2 thumb carpometacarpal(CMC) osteoarthritis(OA). METHODS: From April 2020 and April 2022, 42 female patients with thumb CMC OA grade 1 to 2, aged from 58 to 80 years old with an everage of (68.90±7.58) years old were divided into observation group of 21 patients who received HILT and targeted hand function training for 4 weeks, and 21 patients in control group who received ultrashort wave therapy combined with using of an orthosis for 4 weeks. Visual analogue scale(VAS) was applied to evaluate degree of pain, function of finger was evaluated by dynamometer to measure lateral pinch force at baseline, immediately following intervention at 4 and 12 weeks following intervention. RESULTS: VAS and lateral pinch force at immediately and 12 weeks after intervention betwwen two groups were better than that of before intervention(P<0.05). Compared with control group, the degree of pain in observation group improved more(immediately after intervention t=3.37, P<0.05, 12 weeks after intervention t=9.05, P<0.05), lateral pinch force higher than that of control group (immediately after intervention t=-2.55, P<0.05, 12 weeks after intervention t=9.51, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: High-intensity laser therapy combined with targeted hand function training is more effective than traditional methods in improving pain and lateral pinch force in grade 1-2 thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis.

Enhanced optical absorption in two-dimensional Ruddlesden-Popper (C6H5CH2NH3)2PbI4 perovskites via biaxial strain and surface doping.

Two-dimensional Ruddlesden-Popper (2D RP) perovskites can form layered protective materials using long organic cations as "barrier" caps, which is expected to solve the problem of instability of perovskites in the working environment. In this work, we systematically studied the 2D Ruddlesden-Popper (C6H5CH2NH3)2PbI4 hybrid perovskites using density functional theory. The results reveal that the 2D (C6H5CH2NH3)2PbI4 perovskites are semiconductors with band gaps of 2.22 eV. The optical absorption peak of the 2D (C6H5CH2NH3)2PbI4 perovskite structure is located at 532 nm in the visible region. Interestingly, the optical absorption spectrum of the 2D (C6H5CH2NH3)2PbI4 perovskite structure enhanced under suitable strains. The highest optical absorption peak appears in 2D (C6H5CH2NH3)2PbI4 under a -2% strain, and its theoretical photoelectric conversion efficiency is 28.5%. More interestingly, the replacement of surface I atoms with Br is another ways to enhance the optical absorption spectrum of the 2D (C6H5CH2NH3)2PbI4 perovskite structure. The optical absorption peak blue-shifts to the high energy region, which has higher solar energy flux density than the low energy region. The good stability, tuneable band gap and excellent theoretical photoelectric conversion efficiency of the 2D (C6H5CH2NH3)2PbI4 perovskite structure make it a promising candidate for novel 2D hybrid perovskite based photoelectronic devices and solar cells.

Pathogen Distribution, Drug Resistance Risk Factors, and Construction of Risk Prediction Model for Drug-Resistant Bacterial Infection in Hospitalized Patients at the Respiratory Department During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Objective: To investigate the distribution and drug resistance of pathogens among hospitalized patients in the respiratory unit during the COVID-19 pandemic, analyze the risk factors of drug resistance, construct a risk prediction model. Methods: This study isolated 791 strains from 489 patients admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University, who were retrospectively enrolled between December 2019 and June 2021. The patients were divided into training and validation sets based on a random number table method (8:2). The baseline information, clinical characteristics, and culture results were collected using an electronic database and WHONET 5.6 software and compared between the two groups. A risk prediction model for drug-resistant bacteria was constructed using multi-factor logistic regression. Results: K. pneumoniae (24.78%), P. aeruginosa (17.19%), A. baumannii (10.37%), and E. coli (10.37%) were the most abundant bacterial isolates. 174 isolates of drug-resistant bacteria were collected, ie, Carbapenem-resistant organism-strains, ESBL-producing strains, methicillin-resistant S. aureus, multi-drug resistance constituting 38.51%, 50.57%, 6.32%, 4.60%, respectively. The nosocomial infection prediction model of drug-resistant bacteria was developed based on the combined use of antimicrobials, pharmacological immunosuppression, PCT>0.5 ng/mL, CKD stage 4-5, indwelling catheter, and age > 60 years. The AUC under the ROC curve of the training and validation sets were 0.768 (95% CI: 0.624-0.817) and 0.753 (95% CI: 0.657-0.785), respectively. Our model revealed an acceptable prediction demonstrated by a non-significant Hosmer-Lemeshow test (training set, p=0.54; validation set, p=0.88). Conclusion: K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, A. baumannii, and E. coli were the most abundant bacterial isolates. Antimicrobial resistance among the common isolates was high for most routinely used antimicrobials and carbapenems. COVID-19 did not increase the drug resistance pressure of the main strains. The risk prediction model of drug-resistant bacterial infection is expected to improve the prevention and control of antibacterial-resistant bacterial infection in hospital settings.

P-block atom modified Sn(200) surface as a promising electrocatalyst for two-electron CO2 reduction: a first-principles study.

Low activity and poor product selectivity of CO2 reduction have seriously hampered its further practical application. Introducing p-block atoms to the catalyst is regarded as a promising strategy due to the versatility of p orbitals and diversity of p-block elements. Here, we systematically studied the influence of p-block atom X (X = C, N, O, S, and Se) on CO2 catalytic properties on a Sn(200) surface by first-principles calculation. Our work shows that all the p-block atoms are relative stable with Ef in the range of -5.11 to -3.59 eV. Further calculation demonstrates that the diversity of the p-block atoms results in unique CO2 electrocatalytic activity and product selectivity. Interestingly, the p-block C atom shows bi-functional activity to form two-electron products HCOOH and CO, with the corresponding energy barriers remarkably low at about 0.19 eV and 0.28 eV. In particular, the p-block S(Se) atom appears to have striking HCOOH selectivity, with the energy barrier to form HCOOH only a quarter of that to form the CO product. This unusual behavior is mainly attributed to the adsorption strength and frontier orbital interaction between the p-block atom and intermediates. These findings can effectively provide a valuable insight into the design of highly efficient CO2 electrocatalyst.

The unique photoelectronic properties of the two-dimensional Janus MoSSe/WSSe superlattice: a first-principles study.

Designing photocatalysts with suitable band alignment and considerable carrier mobility is extremely important. Here, by means of first-principles calculation, we systematically investigated the structural, photoelectronic, and carrier mobility behavior of the two-dimensional Janus MoSSe/WSSe superlattice. The results show that both armchair-type (AN-SL) and zigzag-type (ZN-SL) superlattices are relatively stable with negative Ef values in the range of -2.35 to -1.16 eV. Band gap and band edge position calculations demonstrate that these superlattices are completely suitable for water splitting by visible light. Particularly, the interface contact of the superlattice can be spontaneously changed from type-I to type-II when N > 4, facilitating separation of photogenerated carriers. Furthermore, the hole carrier mobility (µh) in AN-SL can be effectively regulated from 1200 to 2200 cm2 V-1 s-1, much larger than that of the isolated components. Interestingly, the disparity of hole/electron carrier mobility is remarkably large with an approximately 20-fold difference, showing the potential in prohibiting the recombination of photogenerated carriers. This unique behavior is further illustrated by the relaxation times of carriers, where the lifetime of hole carriers is about 7 times larger than that of electron carriers. These findings suggest that forming a Janus superlattice is a promising approach for regulating the photoelectronic properties of semiconductors, providing a promising way to design high efficiency photocatalysts.

Crucial Role of Crystal Field on Determining the Evolution Process of Janus MoSSe Monolayer: A First-Principles Study.

Two-dimensional Janus MXY materials have been successfully synthesized from their parent species by CVD, SEAR, or PLD techniques. However, their detailed evolution process and underlying atomistic mechanism are far from understood conclusively, which are prompts for further research. Here, taking Janus MoSSe as a representation, the evolution process from MoS2 is systematically investigated by first-principles calculation. The simulation shows that the lowest formation energy of MoS(2-δ)Seδ increases with selenylation ratio δ. Unexpectedly, Se atoms prefer to form a pair in next-nearest neighboring state (Se-NN-Se), eventually transferred into a growth rule of (6n + 1) during the evolution process. Particularly, it is demonstrated that the stability of the intermediate is mainly governed by the Mo 4d orbitals in different distorted triangular crystal fields, rendering a different degree of orbital splitting. Both the occupied and unoccupied Mo 4d orbitals of Se-NN-Se are farther from the Fermi level than other cases, which is clearly illustrated by d-band center theory. These findings will be helpful to understand the evolution process and the underlying atomistic mechanism of Janus MXY.

Primary or metastatic lung cancer? Sebaceous carcinoma of the thigh: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Sebaceous carcinoma (SC), a malignancy primarily characterized by aggressive growth, affects cutaneous tissues of the periocular region. Extraocular SC is extremely rare, especially in the extremities, as evidenced by only a handful of reported cases. CASE SUMMARY: A 65-year-old man presented with a rapidly enlarging swelling on the left inner thigh, which was initially misdiagnosed as a subcutaneous abscess. The lesion had appeared two months prior to admission. Clinical examination revealed a cauliflower-like swollen content, with an ulcerated and infected mass located on his left thigh. At the same time, we observed solitary nodular lesions in his lungs and brain, with biopsy pathology of the lung lesions found to be consistent with the mass in the thigh. The patient received chemotherapy comprising cis-platinum with fluorouracil, followed by targeted therapy with anlotinib hydrochloride and chemotherapy with vinorelbine, implantation of iodine-125 seeds in the thigh and pulmonary tumor. The initial stage intervention achieved partial remission. The efficacy of maintenance treatment was evaluated as stable disease after the first 5 cycles; however, the patient developed a new brain lesion after the sixth cycle of treatment, which resulted in progressive disease and he received whole brain gamma knife radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: We analyzed the clinical presentation, imaging features, pathology and treatment of a rare case of lung, brain and lymph node metastasis of SC located in the thigh. It is evident that cis-platinum combined with fluorouracil, vinorelbine combined with anlotinib hydrochloride may be an effective therapeutic regimen in advanced SC. However, brain metastatic lesions should receive early radiotherapy.

The role of permanent and induced electrostatic dipole moments for Schottky barriers in Janus MXY/graphene heterostructures: a first-principles study.

The Schottky barrier height (ESBH) is a crucial factor in determining the transport properties of semiconductor materials and it directly regulates the carrier mobility in opto-electronics devices. In principle, van der Waals (vdW) Janus heterostructures offer an appealing avenue for controlling the ESBH. However, the underlying atomistic mechanisms are far from understood conclusively, which prompts further research in the topic. To this end, here we carry out an extensive first-principles study of the electronic properties and ESHB of several vdW Janus MXY/graphene (M = Mo, W; X, Y = S, Se, Te) heterostructures. The results of the simulations show that by changing the composition and geometry of the heterostructure's interface, it is possible to control its electrical contact, and thence electron transport properties, from ohmic to Schottky with up to a factor seven variation in the ESBH. Detailed analysis of the simulations enables rationalization of this highly attractive property on the basis of the interplay between the permanent dipole moment of the Janus MXY sheet and the induced one due to interfacial charge redistribution at the MXY/Gr interface. Such an interplay is shown to be highly effective in altering the electrostatic potential difference across the vdW Janus heterostructure, determining its ESBH, and thence Schottky (ohmic) contact type. These computational findings contribute guidelines to control the electrical contacts in Janus heterostructures towards the rational design of electrical contacts in nanoscale devices.

Effects of free range-of-motion upper limb exercise based on mirror therapy on shoulder function in patients after breast cancer surgery: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder function complications are common after treatment for breast cancer. Quite a few survivors still report a limited shoulder range of motion, even though the free range-of-motion upper limb exercise is helpful to restore shoulder function. Mirror therapy (MT) is a classical and effective rehabilitation technique to recover motor and sensory function for the limbs; in addition, studies have reported that MT has an influence on patients with shoulder functional dysfunction including increasing shoulder range of motion, improving shoulder function scores, and decreasing pain scores. Here, we describe a protocol of a randomized controlled trial to explore if free range-of-motion upper limb exercise based on MT has efficacy on shoulder function in survivors after surgery of breast cancer. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a prospective, single-blind, two-arm randomized controlled trial. An estimated 70 participants will be randomly allocated to (1) the MT group or (2) the control group. The participants in the control group receive free range-of-motion upper limb exercise, and participants in the MT group will engage in free range-of-motion upper limb exercise based on MT. The intervention will start on the first day after surgery and be completed at 8 weeks after surgery. The primary outcome in this protocol is shoulder range of motion (ROM), while the Constant-Murley Score (CMS); Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire (DASH); Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (13-item TSK); visual analog scale (VAS); grip strength; arm circumference; and lymphedema are the secondary outcomes. Assessment will be conducted before allocation (baseline) and at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks after surgery. DISCUSSION: Based on the results that MT has an influence on shoulder function immediately after intervention in patients without nerve injury, this randomized controlled trial is to observe the efficacy of MT on shoulder function after a long-term intervention in breast cancer survivors. We look forward to the innovation of this study for both breast cancer rehabilitation and MT. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ( ChiCTR ) ChiCTR2000033080. Registered on 19 May 2020.

The unique carrier mobility of monolayer Janus MoSSe nanoribbons: a first-principles study.

Charge-carrier mobility is a determining factor of the transport properties of semiconductor materials and is strongly related to the optoelectronic performance of nanoscale devices. Here, we investigate the electronic properties and charge carrier mobility of monolayer Janus MoSSe nanoribbons by means of first-principles simulations coupled with deformation potential theory. These simulations indicate that zigzag nanoribbons are metallic. Conversely, armchair nanoribbons are semiconducting and show oscillations in the calculated band gap as a function of edge-width according to the 3p < 3p + 1 < 3p + 2 rule, with p being the integer number of repeat units along the non-periodic direction of the nanoribbon. Although the charge-carrier mobility of armchair nanoribbons oscillates with the edge-width, its magnitude is comparable to its two-dimensional sheet counterpart. A robust room-temperature carrier mobility is calculated for 3.5 nm armchair nanoribbons with values ranging from 50 cm2 V-1 s-1 to 250 cm2 V-1 s-1 for electrons (e) and holes (h), respectively. A comparison of these values with the results for periodic flat sheet (e: 73.8 cm2 V-1 s-1; h: 157.2 cm2 V-1 s-1) reveals enhanced (suppressed) hole (electron) mobility in the Janus MoSSe nanoribbons. This is in contrast to what was previously found for MoS2 nanoribbons, namely larger mobility for electrons in comparison with holes. These differences are rationalized on the basis of the different structures, edge electronic states and deformation potentials present in the MoSSe nanoribbons. The present results provide the guidelines for the structural and electronic engineering of MoSSe nanoribbon edges towards tailored electron transport properties.

[Clinical results of critical rehabilitation pathway after total knee arthroplasty].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical results of the application of critical rehabilitation pathway in the rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty. METHODS: From March 2015 to December 2019, 67 patients with total knee arthroplasty (TKA) were included. There were 49 females and 18 males, 42 cases on the left and 25 cases on the right, with an average age of 60 to 81(70.72±5.92) years old. Critical rehabilitation paths included intensive strength and gait rehabilitation exercises. All patients were evaluated before operation and 3, 12 months after operation. The evaluation indexes included stair climbing test (SCT), six minute walk test (6MWT), quadriceps and hamstring strength, range of motion, visual pain scale (VAS), Western Ontario McMasterUniversity Osteoarthritis score(WOMAC). RESULTS: All the patients completed the entire pathway and the assessment. The results of pre-operative, 3 months after surgery and 12 months after surgery were as follows respectively. SCT-up: (16.32±3.58) s, (18.16±2.46) s, (11.00±1.29) s, F=193.448, P<0.05;SCT-down:(17.40±2.94) s, (18.96±2.61) s, (12.16± 1.91) s, F=208.028, P<0.05;6MWT:(276.00±57.70) m, (318.00±46.18) m, (435.12±57.36) m, F=326.408, P<0.05;Quadriceps strength: (70.08±8.17) N, (52.40±6.67) N, (78.84±4.56) N, F=286.375, P<0.05;Hamstring muscle strength: (44.88± 7.53) N, (44.28 ±4.63) N, (47.04 ±4.77) N, F =3.620, P <0.05;Knee flexion angle: (115.56 ±13.04) ° , (113.16 ±8.84) ° , (120.28±5.23) °, F=11.228, P<0.05;Knee extension angle:(2.16±3.51) °, (-0.28±2.05) °, (-0.72±1.21) °, F=45.460, P< 0.05;VAS 7.52±1.26, 3.44±0.87, 1.76±0.60, F=723.110, P<0.05;WOMAC pain index:7.88±1.05, 3.60±0.65, 1.96±0.54, F=1 186.196, P<0.05;WOMAC stiffindex:3.00±0.50, 2.20±0.50, 1.68±0.56, F=177.944, P<0.05;WOMAC function index: 30.24±1.76, 26.16±2.08, 13.52±1.53, F=2 227.287, P<0.05. CONCLUSION: Critical rehabilitation path is safe and effective. The knee function of patients who receive critical rehabilitation path after TKA is significantly improved in the first 12 months after operation.

Effect of Baduanjin exercise intervention on cognitive function and quality of life in women with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: More than 50% cognitive impairment was reported by cancer patients before and after medical treatment. However, there are no effective interventions to manage the cognitive problem in women with breast cancer. This pilot study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of Baduanjin exercise on cognitive function and cancer-related symptoms in women with early-stage breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. METHOD: A single-blinded, randomized control trial was designed. The trial will recruit 70 patients with early-stage breast cancer scheduled to receive chemotherapy from Shanghai in China. All participants will be randomly assigned to (1:1) the supervised Baduanjin group (5 times/week, 30 min each time) or the wait-list control group for 3 months. The effect of Baduanjin exercise intervention will be evaluated by outcome measures including subjective and objective cognitive function, symptoms (fatigue, depression, and anxiety), and health-related quality of life at pre-intervention (T0), 8 weeks (T1), and 12 weeks (T2). The PCI score in the FACT-Cog as the primary cognitive outcome will be reported descriptively, while effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) will be calculated. The collected data will be analyzed by using an intention-to-treat principle and linear mixed-effects modeling. DISCUSSION: This is the first randomized clinical trial to investigate whether Baduanjin exercise will have a positive role in improving cognitive function in women with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy. If possible, Baduanjin exercise will be a potential non-pharmacological intervention to manage cognitive dysfunction and promote survivorship care among breast cancer survivors. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) ChiCTR2000033152 . Registered on 22 May 2020.

Identification of prognostic splicing factors and exploration of their potential regulatory mechanisms in pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD), the most common subtype of pancreatic cancer, is a highly lethal disease. In this study, we integrated the expression profiles of splicing factors (SFs) of PAAD from RNA-sequencing data to provide a comprehensive view of the clinical significance of SFs. A prognostic index (PI) based on SFs was developed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) COX analysis. The PI exhibited excellent performance in predicting the status of overall survival of PAAD patients. We also used the percent spliced in (PSI) value obtained from SpliceSeq software to quantify different types of alternative splicing (AS). The prognostic value of AS events was explored using univariate COX and LASSO COX analyses; AS-based PIs were also proposed. The integration of prognosis-associated SFs and AS events suggested the potential regulatory mechanisms of splicing processes in PAAD. This study defined the markedly clinical significance of SFs and provided novel insight into their potential regulatory mechanisms.

Comparison of fungal communities among ten macrophyte rhizospheres.

The fungal community composition, size and several physico-chemical properties were individually investigated in ten macrophyte rhizospheric substrates using nested PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and soil chemical methods. Results indicated that both Dothideomycetes and Sordariomycetes were dominant fungi in macrophyte rhizospheric substrates, and denitrifying fungi (Fusarium graminearum) was found in nine of ten macrophyte rhizospheres. Fungal Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H) and richness (S) in Thalia dealbata, Typha latifolia, Iris hexagona and Hemerocallis aurantiaca rhizospheres were higher than those in other six rhizospheres. Fungal number and biomass were 1.91 × 103 CFUs g-1 dw and 1.53 µg ergosterol g-1 dw in Iris pseudacor rhizosphere, and were greater than in other nine rhizospheres. The correlation analysis showed that fungal number and biomass significantly and positively correlated to total soil phosphorus, while fungal H and S were significantly and negatively correlated to total organic carbon. The principal components analysis (PCA) showed that the fungal community significantly divided ten macrophyte rhizospheres into four groups, showing the significant difference of fungal communities among ten rhizospheric substrates. The current study revealed for the first time the importance of rhizospheric fungal community in distinguishing macrophyte rhizospheres, thus will undoubtedly widen our insight into fungal communities in aquatic rhizospheres.

Efficacy of indoor air purification in treating Artemisia (mugwort) pollen allergic rhinitis: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a worldwide health problem. Allergen avoidance is strongly recommended for AR patients. Air purification can reduce concentrations of particles in indoor air, including those of allergens. Air purifiers have been recommended by clinicians for AR patients, but few studies have focused on the removal of airborne allergens from home environments. Such studies have been limited by a lack of blinding, small samples, or a failure to measure allergen levels, disease activity, or a combination of these factors. This study investigates the efficacy of a high-efficiency air purifier in reducing disease activity in the homes of AR patients sensitive to the allergens produced by Artemisia (mugwort) pollen. METHODS: This is a randomized, double-blind, clinical controlled trial that will test active and inactive versions of an air purifier (Atmosphere®; Amway China). Sixty AR patients sensitive to the allergens produced by Artemisia pollen will be assigned randomly to two groups of equal numbers. All patients will undergo a 4-week treatment period and a 4-week observation period. Evaluation will be conducted at baseline (day 0) and on days 7, 14, 21, 28, and 56. The primary outcome measure will be the difference in visual analog scale scores from baseline. Secondary outcomes will be changes from baseline in nasal symptoms, allergy symptom scores, responses to the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire, Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores, and tolerability scores for the air purifier. Side effects of treatment will be recorded. DISCUSSION: Reducing exposure to allergens can reduce the risk of conditions such as AR. We hypothesise that AR patients sensitive to the allergens produced by Artemisia pollen will not suffer symptoms in a pollen-free environment. AR patients can remove pollen from their homes using air purifiers, decreasing the risk of symptoms. We expect that our study results will provide reliable evidence for determining the effects of air-purification therapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR-INR-17012481 . (Retrospectively registered 26 August 2017).

[The Effect of Sodium Ferulate in Experimental Pulmonary Fibrosis via NALP3 Inflammasome].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the activation of NALP3 inflammasome in the process of experimental pulmonary fibrosis (PF), and evaluate the effect of sodium ferulate (SF) in the relationship of NALP3 and PF. METHODS: Establishing PF experimental model via bleomycin (BLM) intratracheal injection (BLM group, SF group), treated with SF daily (SF group) or PBS [BLM group, control (CON) group] and mice were executed on day 21. Ashcroft score was used to assess lung fibrosis in mice PF model. The content of hydroxyproline (HYP) in lung tissue was determined by alkaline hydrolysis. Fibroblast NIH-3T3 was treated with H2O2 to trigger cell oxidative stress in vitroexperiments (H2O2group). Cell was pre-administrated with SF 2 h before H2O2 stimulation in H2O2+SF group. Blank group without any treatments, was set as control. Real time-PCR was used to investigate the expressions of three elements of inflammasome[NALP3, caspase-1, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC)], collagen-1 and α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) mRNA in both lung tissue and fibroblast. Western blot was used to detect protein level of NALP3 in mice lung tissue and collagen-1, α-SMA in fibroblast as well. Meanwhile, IL-1ß content in lung tissue and cell supernatant was measured by ELISA. RESULTS: in vitro experiment, SF treated mice showed lower Ashcroft score and HYP content and decreased NALP3, ASC, caspase-1 mRNA expressions and IL-1ß production, NALP3 protein level compared with BLM group (P<0.05). in vitroexperiment, H2O2 increased NALP3 (P<0.05), ASC (P<0.01), caspase-1 (P<0.05) expressions and IL-1ß releasing (P<0.05)and promoted the expressions of collagen-1 and α-SMA in both gene and protein levels (P<0.05) in NIH-3T3. NALP3 activation was partly inhibited in H2O2+SF group (P<0.05). The mRNA expression levels of collagen-1 and α-SMA were reduced in H2O2+SF group (P<0.05) and the protein expressions of α-SMA and collagen-1 were decreased (P<0.05) compared with those of H2O2 group. CONCLUSION: Sodium ferulate may suppress oxidative stress mediated NALP3 activation to inhibit fibroblast activation in the anti-fibrosis effect.