Dynamics of the Deformable Fluid Interface Interacting with an Approaching Solid under the Electrostatic Field.

A theoretical model was developed to describe the dynamics of a deformable fluid interface interacting with an approaching solid without contact by both the attractive electrostatic and van der Waals (i.e., vdW) interaction, analogous to the situation in the experiments by electric force microscopy (i.e., EFM) or electric-surface force apparatus (i.e., E-SFA) involved in the soft fluid interface. On the basis of this model, a numerical study of the deformation of the fluid interface, the force-vs-separation behavior, and the critical limiting conditions of contact has systematically been carried out. Our results show that the surface pressure induced by the electrostatic interaction plays a more prominent role in the deformation of the fluid interface than the vdW interaction does, and there exists a principal length scale associated with the relative strength of the electrostatic field to the surface tension, affecting the fluid interface shape under the electrostatic field. It was also shown that both the force-distance curves and the corresponding curves of fluid interface deformation peak versus distance for various electrostatic fields satisfy the universal scaling power law. Moreover, an analytical solution to the Euler-Lagrange differential equation governing the deformation of the fluid interface under the external electric field is obtained, and two extended formulas for explicitly describing the principal length scales that respectively characterize the lateral and longitudinal deformations of the fluid interface were determined.

[Analysis of long-term prognosis and risk factors in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy].

Objective: To investigate the risk factors and long-term prognosis of major adverse cardiovascular events(MACEs) in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Methods: This study was a single-center retrospective cohort study. Clinical information from 300 patients with DCM hospitalized in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from April 2013 to April 2023 was collected. Based on echocardiography results, the patients were divided into two groups: isolated DCM and DCM with left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC). The MACEs, including major heart failure events, severe ventricular arrhythmias, and cardiovascular death, were recorded by outpatient or telephone follow-up. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to analyze the risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients with DCM. Kaplan-Meier curve and log-rank were used for survival analysis to compare the difference in the incidence of cardiovascular events between the two groups. Results: The included 300 DCM patients were (47.8±16.8) years old, with 197 males (65.7%), of which 237 (79.0%) were isolated DCM and 63 (21.0%) were DCM with LVNC. The follow-up time was 4.0 (1.9, 6.2) years. A total of 142 (47.3%) MACEs occurred, including 117 (39.0%) major heart failure events, 20 (6.7%) severe ventricular arrhythmia events, and 53 (17.7%) cardiovascular death events. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed that increased left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (HR=1.21, 95%CI: 1.01-1.44, P=0.042), moderate or severe mitral regurgitation (HR=1.71, 95%CI: 1.19-2.47, P=0.004), increased ln (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) (HR=1.30, 95%CI: 1.10-1.54, P=0.002) were independent risk factors for dverse cardiovascular events in DCM patients, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI)/angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)/angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) treatment (HR=0.45, 95%CI: 0.26-0.78, P=0.004) was independent protective factor. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis found no significant difference in the risk of MACEs between isolated DCM and DCM with LVNC (P=0.22). Similarly, there were no significant differences in the incidence of major heart failure, severe ventricular arrhythmia, and cardiovascular death between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusion: An increase in left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, moderate or severe mitral regurgitation, elevated N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, and non use of ACEI/ARB/ARNI are independent predictors of cardiovascular events in DCM patients. There was no significant risk of MACEs in patients with isolated DCM and DCM with LVNC, and suggested that LVNC may be a unique phenotype and should be accurately managed in combination with genetic background.

[Epidemiological study of bone and joint injury based on urban medical insurance database].

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence rate of bone and joint injury in China and to describe the three-dimension distribution of the disease (area, time and people). METHODS: Based on a cross-sectional design, a retrospective study was conducted by using Chinese basic medical insurance database from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2017 to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of bone and joint injury. The prevalence rate of bone and joint injury in each city was calculated, and then using meta-analyses to estimate the pooled prevalence of each area and the whole country. The pooled prevalence rates were compared among the different groups of populations, in terms of geographical area, time and population characteristics (age and gender). RESULTS: A total of 28 419 264 subjects were included in this study, including 705 793 patients with bone and joint injury. From 2013 to 2017, in Chinese basic medical insurance database, the overall prevalence rate of bone and joint injury was 141.5(95%CI: 90.4－203.7) per 10 000 population, and the prevalence rates of non-specific or polyarticular disease, knee disease, and shoulder disease were 101.6 (95%CI: 63.5－148.4)per 10 000 population, 22.5(95%CI:15.1－31.4)per 10 000 population and 10.9 (95%CI: 6.4－16.4)per 10 000 population. The prevalence rates varied across the areas, the highest rate was observed in North China, with the prevalence of 310.6 (95%CI: 12.6－989.7) per 10 000 population, and the lowest rate was observed in Southwest China, with the prevalence of 59.0 (95%CI: 37.5－85.2) per 10 000 population. The prevalence rate of bone and joint injury increased over the study period, from 111.1 (95%CI: 56.0－182.5)per 10 000 population in 2013 to 175.5 (95%CI: 116.8－245.5)per 10 000 population in 2017. The prevalence of bone and joint injury in the female population was 149.1 (95%CI: 94.2－215.9) per 10 000 population, which was higher than that of men [133.6(95%CI: 86.2－190.9) per 10 000 population]. The higher prevalence of knee disease, unspecified or polyarticular disease, and bone and joint injury were observed in people aged 60 years and older, while the prevalence of shoulder disease peaked in 40－59 years old people [20.6 (95%CI: 12.5－30.5) per 10 000 population]. CONCLUSION: This study reported a relative low prevalence of bone and joint injury in China from 2013 to 2017. The prevalence increased over the study period, and the highest prevalence rate was observed in North China. The prevalence rate showed differences among different groups of populations, and higher rates were observed in females and people aged 60 years and older.

[Comorbidities and concomitant medication use in adult patients with chronic hepatitis C: a descriptive epidemiological analysis].

Objective: To analyze the comorbidity and concomitant medications use in adult patients with chronic hepatitis C. Methods: A descriptive epidemiological methods was carried out in adult patients with chronic hepatitis C and data from 2013 to 2015 were accessed through the China Medical Insurance database. Results: Among a chronic HCV cohort of 2 958 cases, the top five comorbidities were diabetes, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, gastroduodenitis, and co-infection with HBV and HCV. The three most common concomitant medications prescribed for mentioned comorbidities were acarbose, metformin and repaglinide (Diabetes), nifedipine, amlodipine and metoprolol (Hypertension), aspirin, nifedipine and amlodipine (Ischemic heart disease), omeprazole, pantoprazole and levolfoxacin (Gastroduodenitis), ribavirin, pegylated interferon alpha-2a and alpha-2b ( Co- infected with hepatitis B and C virus). Conclusion: The five most frequent comorbidities in adult patients with chronic hepatitis C are diabetes, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, gastroduodenitis, and co-infection with HBV and HCV. A concomitant medication use in those patients with comorbidities causes potential drug-drug interactions.

Chemotherapeutic effect of Zerumbone on melanoma cells through mitochondria-mediated pathways.

BACKGROUND: Zerumbone (ZER) is a phytochemical that appears to regulate cell proliferation and apoptosis. It has been reported to have an anti-tumour effect in various malignant cells; however, the effect and the mechanism of ZER on melanoma cells needs to be clarified. AIM: To explore whether ZER has an effect on human melanoma cells and to identify the mechanisms involved. METHODS: We determined the chemotherapeutic action of ZER on the human malignant melanoma (MM) A375 cell line by CCK-8 immunohistochemistry, Hoechst 33342 staining and flow cytometry analysis. We also investigated the signalling pathways by which ZER induces apoptosis in A375 cells, using western blotting, reverse transcription PCR and caspase-3 activity analysis. RESULTS: ZER induced significant cytotoxic action in A375 cells. Hoechst 33342 staining and flow cytometry apoptosis analysis further demonstrated that ZER induced apoptosis in A375 cells. Treatment with ZER downregulated Bcl-2 gene and protein levels, upregulated Bax and Cytochrome c gene and protein levels, and activated Caspase-3. CONCLUSIONS: ZER might have a chemotherapeutic effect on human melanoma cells through mitochondria-mediated pathways.

[Determination of trace bismuth by atomic fluorescence spectrometry in blood].

Objective: To establish a method for determination trace bismuth in blood by atomic fluorescence spectrometry (AFS) . Methods: 4.0 ml nitric acid and 1.0 ml perchloric acid was added into 1.0 ml blood sample then through automation graphite digestion instrument digested, after that 1.0 ml thiocarbamide-vitamin (10%) was injected, 8% HCl constant volume to 10.0 ml, the bismuth was detected by atomic fluorescence spectrometry with 5.0 ml digestive sample. Results: The method showed a linear relationship within the range of 0.4-50.0 µg/L (r=0.999 7) . The within-run and between-run relative standard deviations (RSD) of repetitive measurement at 10.0, 20.0, 40.0 µg/L concentration levels were 2.2%-4.9% and 3.0%-4.0%. The detection limit was 0.032 µg/L. The recoveries of bismuth were 93.0%-103.9%. Conclusion: This method is low detection limit, good accurate and high sensitivity. It has been applied for determination of trace bismuth in blood samples those who need occupation health examination or poisoning diagnosis.

[Determination of trace gallium by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry in urine].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a method for determination trace gallium in urine by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). METHODS: The ammonium dihydrogen phosphate was matrix modifier. The temperature effect about pyrolysis (Tpyr) and atomization temperature were optimized for determination of trace gallium. The method of technical standard about within-run, between-run and recoveries of standard were optimized. RESULTS: The method showed a linear relationship within the range of 0.20~80.00 µg/L (r=0.998). The within-run and between-run relative standard deviations (RSD) of repetitive measurement at 5.0, 10.0, 20.0 µg/L concentration levels were 2.1%~5.5% and 2.3%~3.0%. The detection limit was 0.06 µg/L. The recoveries of gallium were 98.2%~101.1%. CONCLUSION: This method is simple, low detection limit, accurate, reliable and reproducible. It has been applied for determination of trace gallium in urine samples those who need occupation health examination or poisoning diagnosis.

Full-length coding sequences of three major histocompatibility complex class I-related chain A alleles, MICA*019, MICA*027 and MICA*045, identified by sequence-based typing in Chinese individuals.

Full-length coding sequences of three major histocompatibility complex class I-related chain A alleles, MICA*019, MICA*027 and MICA*045.

HLA-DQB1*05:10, a variant of HLA-DQB1*05:01, detected in a Chinese individual by cloning and sequencing.

A novel HLA-DQB1 allele, DQB1*05:10, was detected in a Chinese individual by cloning and sequencing.

Identification of a novel HLA allele, HLA-A* 24:02:90, in a Han Chinese individual.

HLA-A*24:02:09 shows one nucleotide difference from HLA-A*24:02:01:01 at position 408 in exon 3 (codon 112 GGG>GGC).

Full-length coding sequences of two MICA alleles, MICA*002:01 and MICA*012:01, identified by sequence-based typing in Chinese individuals.

Full-length coding sequences of MICA*002:01 and MICA*012:01, were identified by sequence-based typing in Chinese individuals.

Genomic full-length sequence of two HLA-A*11 alleles, identified by cloning and sequencing.

Genomic full length sequences of HLA-A*11:01:01 and A*11:02:01 were identified by cloning and sequencing from two different Chinese donors.

Full-length sequence of a novel null allele HLA-A*11:69N identified in a Chinese individual.

We describe here a novel null allele of human leukocyte antigen gene, A*11:69N, which was initially found in a blood donor from China.

[Clinical analysis of the correlation between the expression of soluble B cell maturation antigen and the efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor T cell targeting B cell maturation antigen in patients with multiple myeloma].

Objective: The effect of bone marrow soluble B cell maturation antigen (sBCMA) expression on the efficacy and side effects of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) -modified T-cell-targeting B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) . Methods: This study involved 29 patients with relapsed or refractory MM (RRMM) who received humanized anti-BCMA CAR-T cell clinical trials from January 2018 to December 2021. The expression of sBCMA in bone marrow before and after anti-BCMA CAR-T cell treatment was detected by flow cytometry and compared. Results: ①Two months after BCMA CAR-T cell treatment, 20 patients (68.97%) achieved an overall response (OR), whereas nine patients had stable disease (SD) or miner emission (MR). ②The expression of sBCMA in the bone marrow of 20 patients with OR was higher before treatment than after [26 926 (18 215, 32 488) ng/L vs 9 968 (6 634, 11 459) ng/L; P<0.001]; no significant difference was observed in patients with MR and SD [41 187 (33 816, 47 046) ng/L vs. 33 954 (31 569, 36 256) ng/L; P=0.145]; sBCMA expression in patients with OR before CAR-T cell treatment was lower than in patients with MR and SD (P=0.005). ③No significant linear correlation was found between the peak value of CAR-T cells and sBCMA expression in the bone marrow of all 29 patients with RRMM (R(2)=0.035, P=0.330). ④No significant difference in sBCMA expression was found between grades 0-1 CRS group (13 patients) and grades 2-4 CRS group [16 patients; 32 045 (18 742, 40 801) ng/L vs 29 102 (24 679, 38 776) ng/L, P=0.879], nor between grade 0 ICANS group (22 patients) and grade 1-3 ICANS group [seven patients; 30 073 (19 375, 40 065) ng/L vs 33 816 (22 933, 43 459) ng/L, P=0.763]. Conclusion: sBCMA expression in the bone marrow is related to the efficacy of BCMA CAR-T cell therapy in patients with RRMM, but is not significantly correlated with the severity of adverse events. It may serve as a predictive biomarker for the efficacy of BCMA CAR-T cell therapy in these patients.

A novel MICA allele, MICA*069, identified by sequence-based typing in a Chinese individual.

MICA*069 differs from MICA*010:01 by one nucleotide at position 1118 within exon 6.

MICA*066, a novel major histocompatibility complex class I-related chain A allele found by high-resolution HLA-matching tests for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

MICA*066, a novel MICA allele identified in HLA/MICA typing of a unrelated donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation donor-patient pair.

Identification of the novel HLA-B allele B*57:29 by cloning and sequencing in a Chinese individual.

HLA-B plays an important role in unrelated donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Identification and characterization of circRNAs in maize seedlings under deficient nitrogen.

Here, deep sequencing results of the maize transcriptome in leaves and roots were compared under high-nitrogen (HN) and low-nitrogen (LN) conditions to identify differentially expressed circRNAs (DECs). Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are covalently closed non-coding RNA with widely regulatory potency that has been identified in animals and plants. However, the understanding of circRNAs involved in responsive nitrogen deficiency remains to be elucidated. A total of 24 and 22 DECs were obtained from the leaves and roots, respectively. Ten circRNAs were validated by divergent and convergent primers, and 6 DECs showed the same expression tendency validated by reverse transcriptase-quantitative PCR. Integrating the identified differentially expressed miRNAs, 34 circRNAs could act as miRNA decoys, which might play important roles in multiple biological processes, including organonitrogen compound biosynthesis and regulation of the metabolic process. A total of 51 circRNA-parent genes located in the genome-wide association study identified loci were assessed between HN and LN conditions and were associated with root growth and development. In summary, our results provide valuable information regarding further study of maize circRNAs under nitrogen deficiency and provide new insights into screening of candidate genes as well as the improvement of maize regarding nitrogen deficiency resistance. CircRNA-miRNA-mRNA co-expression networks were constructed to explore the circRNAs that participated in biological development and nitrogen metabolism.