Improved Measurement of the Evolution of the Reactor Antineutrino Flux and Spectrum at Daya Bay.

Reactor neutrino experiments play a crucial role in advancing our knowledge of neutrinos. In this Letter, the evolution of the flux and spectrum as a function of the reactor isotopic content is reported in terms of the inverse-beta-decay yield at Daya Bay with 1958 days of data and improved systematic uncertainties. These measurements are compared with two signature model predictions: the Huber-Mueller model based on the conversion method and the SM2018 model based on the summation method. The measured average flux and spectrum, as well as the flux evolution with the ^{239}Pu isotopic fraction, are inconsistent with the predictions of the Huber-Mueller model. In contrast, the SM2018 model is shown to agree with the average flux and its evolution but fails to describe the energy spectrum. Altering the predicted inverse-beta-decay spectrum from ^{239}Pu fission does not improve the agreement with the measurement for either model. The models can be brought into better agreement with the measurements if either the predicted spectrum due to ^{235}U fission is changed or the predicted ^{235}U, ^{238}U, ^{239}Pu, and ^{241}Pu spectra are changed in equal measure.

Precision Measurement of Reactor Antineutrino Oscillation at Kilometer-Scale Baselines by Daya Bay.

We present a new determination of the smallest neutrino mixing angle θ_{13} and the mass-squared difference Δm_{32}^{2} using a final sample of 5.55×10^{6} inverse beta-decay (IBD) candidates with the final-state neutron captured on gadolinium. This sample is selected from the complete dataset obtained by the Daya Bay reactor neutrino experiment in 3158 days of operation. Compared to the previous Daya Bay results, selection of IBD candidates has been optimized, energy calibration refined, and treatment of backgrounds further improved. The resulting oscillation parameters are sin^{2}2θ_{13}=0.0851±0.0024, Δm_{32}^{2}=(2.466±0.060)×10^{-3} eV^{2} for the normal mass ordering or Δm_{32}^{2}=-(2.571±0.060)×10^{-3} eV^{2} for the inverted mass ordering.

Estrogen as a guardian of auditory health: Tsp1-CD47 axis regulation and noise-induced hearing loss.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze the role of estrogen in noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and uncover underlying mechanisms. METHODS: An ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley rat model (OVX) was constructed to investigate the hearing threshold and auditory latency before and after noise exposure using the auditory brainstem response (ABR) test. The morphological changes were assessed using immunofluorescence, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Proteomics and bioinformatics were used to analyze the mechanism. The findings were further verified through western blot and Luminex liquid suspension chip technology. RESULTS: After noise exposure, OVX rats exhibited substantially elevated hearing thresholds. A conspicuous delay in ABR wave I latency was observed, alongside increased loss of outer hair cells, severe collapse of stereocilia and pronounced deformation of the epidermal plate. Accordingly, OVX rats with estrogen supplementation exhibited tolerance to NIHL. Additionally, a remarkable upregulation of the thrombospondin 1 (Tsp1)-CD47 axis in OVX rats was discovered and verified. CONCLUSIONS: OVX rats were more susceptible to NIHL, and the protective effect of estrogen was achieved through regulation of the Tsp1-CD47 axis. This study presents a novel mechanism through which estrogen regulates NIHL and offers a potential intervention strategy for the clinical treatment of NIHL.

[Influence of paper mixing pads thickness on the compressive strength of glass ionomer cement].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the influence of the thickness of mixed cardboard on the compressive strength of glass ionomer cement and the associated factors. METHODS: Three different types of glass ionomer cements were mixed on the top of 60, 40, 20 and 1 pieces of paper (P60, P40, P20 and P1), respectively. The compressive strength of the materials was tested after solidification, and the bubble rate was calculated with the assistance of scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: (1) Compressive strength: ① ChemFil Superior glass ionomer (CF): The average compressive strength of P1 group was the highest, which was significantly different from that of P40 and P60 groups (P values were 0.041 and 0.032 respectively); ② To Fuji IX GP glass ionomer (IX): The average compressive strength of P1 group was the highest, which was statistically different from that of P40 and P60 groups (P values were 0.042 and 0.038 respectively); ③ Glaslonomer FX-Ⅱ glass ionomer cement (FX): The average compressive strength of P1 group was the highest, which was statistically different from that of P20, P40 and P60 groups (P values were 0.031, 0.040 and 0.041 respectively), but there was no statistical difference among the other groups. All the three materials showed that the compressive strength of glass ions gradually increased with the decrease of the thickness of the blended paperboard, and the two materials had a highly linear negative correlation, the correlation coefficients of which were CF-0.927, IX-0.989, FX-0.892, respectively. (2) Scanning electron microscope: P1 group had the least bubbles among the three materials. CONCLUSION: It indicates that the thickness of mixed cardboard has a negative correlation with the compressive strength of glass ions. The thicker the mixed cardboard is, the greater the elasticity is. Excessive elasticity will accelerate the mixing speed when the grinding glass ions. Studies have shown that the faster the speed of artificial mixing is, the more bubbles is produced.The thicker ther mixed cardboard is, the more bubblesn are generated by glass ionomer cement, and the higher the compressive strength is. Using one piece of paper board to mix glass ionomer cement has the least bubbles and can obtain higher compressive strength.

[Optic atrophy in a patient with axonal Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease 2A2A due to MFN2 gene mutations].

A 27-year-old male patient had progressive vision loss in both eyes, which was mainly manifested by impaired ganglion cells in the macular area, accompanied by systemic muscle atrophy in limbs. A complete mitochondrial exon gene detection was performed. The final diagnosis was bilateral optic atrophy and axonal Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease 2A2A caused by mutations of the MFN2 gene. There has been no effective treatment. Applications of nutrients to restore the mitochondrial function may alleviate the clinical symptoms.

First Measurement of High-Energy Reactor Antineutrinos at Daya Bay.

This Letter reports the first measurement of high-energy reactor antineutrinos at Daya Bay, with nearly 9000 inverse beta decay candidates in the prompt energy region of 8-12 MeV observed over 1958 days of data collection. A multivariate analysis is used to separate 2500 signal events from background statistically. The hypothesis of no reactor antineutrinos with neutrino energy above 10 MeV is rejected with a significance of 6.2 standard deviations. A 29% antineutrino flux deficit in the prompt energy region of 8-11 MeV is observed compared to a recent model prediction. We provide the unfolded antineutrino spectrum above 7 MeV as a data-based reference for other experiments. This result provides the first direct observation of the production of antineutrinos from several high-Q_{ß} isotopes in commercial reactors.

Impact of age and menopausal stage on serum anti-Müllerian hormone levels in middle-aged women.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the association between age, menopausal stage and serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in middle-aged women. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, the serum AMH levels of 288 healthy women aged 40-55 years (divided into age groups: 40-44, 45-49 and 50-55 years) were evaluated. Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop + 10 criteria were used to categorize these women into menopausal stages: late reproductive, menopausal transition and early postmenopausal stages. The impact of age, menopausal stage and hormone replacement therapy on serum AMH levels was analyzed using multi-factor analysis of variance. Effects of body mass index, smoking status and oral contraceptive use were simultaneously considered. RESULTS: The median AMH level was 0.140 ng/ml. Log-AMH levels varied according to age group (variance = 20.113, F = 88.538, p < 0.001) and menopausal stage (variance = 5.543, F = 24.501, p < 0.001). An exponential model defined as AMH = 227,421.757 × e(-0.301 × age) was fit to describe the decline in AMH level with age. The 5th-95th percentiles of the AMH levels ranged from less than 0.020 to 3.150, less than 0.020 to 1.944 and less than 0.020 to 0.030 ng/ml in the aforementioned menopausal stages, respectively. CONCLUSION: Age and menopausal stage were associated with AMH levels; age had a greater impact on AMH than menopausal stage in middle-aged women.

[The 488th case: chronic diarrhea and abnormal liver function].

A 56-year-old female was admitted to Department of Gastroenterology at Peking Union Medical College Hospital with diarrhea for seven months, and abnormal liver function for six months. She had a history of type 1 diabetes. The main clinical manifestations were recurrent fatty diarrhea and abnormal liver function, accompanied by abdominal and retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy, elevated CA19-9 and CEA. Progressive impairment of hepatic synthetic function and shrinkage of liver developed in a short period of time. The pathology of liver biopsy suggested that nodular regeneration of hepatocytes was followed by hyperplasia of thin bile ducts after submassive necrosis. Intestinal mucosa biopsies were performed twice. The pathology showed that the intestinal villi were completely blunt, accompanied with crypt hyperplasia. Goblet cells disappeared with reduced mucin. Paneth cells were barely seen without intraepithelial infiltration of lymphocytes. Rifaximin was not effective, while glucocorticoids improved clinical situation. The diagnosis of autoimmune enteropathy was finally confirmed by multidisciplinary team including departments of gastroenterology, pathology, endocrinology, hematology, infectious diseases, and rheumatology. With the administration of glucocorticoid and sirolimus, diarrhea relieved and liver function returned to normal.

[Evaluation of the tolerance of the ureteral catheter JJ by the use of the USSQ self-questionnaire]. / Évaluation de la tolérance de la sonde JJ par l'utilisation de l'auto-questionnaire USSQ.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the quality of life patients with a ureteral catheter JJ (US). METHOD: This study was conducted from 01/2016 to 15/02/2017, including all patients operated on a rise of US. The USSQ questionnaire (Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire) validated in French in 2010 was filled during the perioperative period with SU in place (S1), 4 weeks after putting the US (S2) and 4 weeks after removal of the US (S3), it is grouped into 6 sections: urinary symptoms, body pain, general condition, professional impact, sexuality, other problems. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare the statistical averages. RESULTS: We identified 150 patients including 89 women (59.3%) and 61 men (40.7%). The average age of our patients is 49.5 years. The quality of life appeared to be significantly altered in all areas explored by the questionnaire: urinary symptoms had a mean score one week after the US rise (S1) was 29.5 versus 25.3 at four weeks after ablation (S3) of US at P<0.0001), pain persisted at four weeks after US ablation at an average S3 score of 10.6 versus 14.5 at S1 at P=0.003. The patients' EG was also altered after the placement of the SU: S1 of 16.6 versus S2 18.5 (P<0.0001), the presence of a US did not have a great impact on the activity professional active patients: active (S1 of 14.9 versus S3 of 13.3 P=0.6). But it was a sexual disability of the sexuality carrier: average score of 5.3 in S1 vs. 5.2 in S3 for a value=0.122. There is no significant difference if the US is raised urgently or in a scheduled manner. CONCLUSION: US appears to have a significant impact on the quality of life of patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography colonography in patients at high risk for colorectal cancer: a meta-analysis.

AIM: The aim was to explore the diagnostic value of computed tomographic colonography (CTC) compared with conventional colonoscopy in individuals at high risk for colorectal cancer. METHOD: PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and the Web of Science were searched by two independent reviewers for potentially eligible studies published up to 31 October 2018 that were based on a per-patient analysis. stata, meta-disc and revman were used to perform this meta-analysis. A random-effect model was used, and a subgroup analysis was conducted to explore the sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS: A total of 14 full-text articles, involving 3578 patients, were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio and the area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve of CTC for detecting polyps ≥ 6 mm were 0.87 (95% CI 0.83-0.90), 0.90 (95% CI 0.86-0.93), 9.08 (95% CI 6.28-13.13), 0.14 (95% CI 0.11-0.18) and 0.94 (95% CI 0.92-0.96), respectively. For polyps ≥ 10 mm, the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio of CTC were 0.91 (95% CI 0.86-0.94), 0.98 (95% CI 0.95-0.99), 40.36 (95% CI 19.16-85.03), 0.90 (95% CI 0.06-0.14) and 0.98 (95% CI 0.96-0.99), respectively. CONCLUSION: In this meta-analysis, CTC had high diagnostic accuracy for detecting polyps ≥ 6 mm and ≥ 10 mm in patients at high risk of developing colorectal cancer and it had a higher sensitivity and specificity for detecting polyps ≥ 10 mm than polyps ≥ 6 mm. However, the results should be used cautiously due to the significant heterogeneity.

Combined intervention of 17ß-estradiol and treadmill training ameliorates energy metabolism in skeletal muscle of female ovariectomized mice.

Objectives: Menopausal women suffer from various menopausal symptoms due to estrogen deficiency caused by the decline of ovarian function. Estrogen plays a key role in regulating body metabolism in women. Its effects on skeletal muscle metabolism, however, need to be elucidated. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of 17ß-estradiol (E2) and/or running exercise on skeletal muscle metabolism in ovariectomized (OVX) mice.Methods: Female C57BL/6J mice were divided into five groups: sham operated, OVX, OVX with running, OVX with E2, and OVX with running and E2. The estrous cycle, body weight, and body composition of the mice were monitored after the operation. The animals were sacrificed after treatment for 7 weeks. The serum and tissue samples were collected.Results: The results showed increased fat mass, reduced lean mass, impaired mitochondrial function, and inhibited mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 signaling pathway in skeletal muscle of OVX mice. The treatment of OVX mice with E2 and running had better effects on ameliorating these impairments than running exercise or E2 alone.Conclusions: The combined intervention of E2 and running exercise ameliorated energy metabolism of skeletal muscle and body composition in OVX mice, which exceled over E2 treatment or running exercise alone.

[Decision regret analysis among Chinese patients receiving penile girth enhancement with acellular dermal matrix].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate decision regret among patients receiving penile girth enhancement with acellular dermal matrix (PGE with ADM) and to investigate the potential indicators for decisional regret so as to facilitate the decision-making process for this special group. METHODS: In the study, 78 patients receiving PGE with ADM from Jun. 2016 to Jan. 2019 at Peking University People's Hospital and cooperative hospitals were eligible. Penile girth was taken by only one surgeon 1 week before surgery. Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HAD), international index of erectile function (IIEF) and a 10 cm long visual analogue scale named visualized penile image (VPI) were applied to measure psychological burden, erectile function and satisfaction with penile image respectively at the same time. All the patients were followed up for 3 months. Decision regret scale (DRS) was adopted for measuring decisional regret. Multivariate analysis of variance was applied to investigate the potential indicators for regret. Data analysis process was conducted with SPSS (version 24.0; SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA). RESULTS: Mean penile girth recorded before intervention was (8.29±0.30) cm and increased to (9.46±0.29) cm post surgery (t=76.28, P < 0.01). As for both subscales of HAD measuring psychological burden, a signi-ficant reduction in the mean score was seen, that is, 2.8±1.3 (t=19.28, P < 0.05) for anxiety and 3.0±1.2 (t=20.67, P < 0.05) for depression, respectively. The average score of VPI increased by 3.7±1.1 (t=30.63, P < 0.05). There was no significant change in the average score of IIEF measuring erectile satisfaction (t=1.60, P=0.11). Twenty-nine (38.2%) patients expressed regret to some degree, and the mean DRS score was 23.4±14.8. The scores of DRS correlated negatively with scores of visualized penis image (r=-0.348, P < 0.01), and positively with scores of anxiety (r=0.760, P < 0.01) and depression subscale (r=0.471, P < 0.01). The scores of DRS was irrelevant to those of IIEF (r=0.02, P=0.867). The patients with high annual income (> 120 000 yuan) and education level above undergraduate were more prone to experience decision regret after intervention (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: PGE with ADM did augment penile girth and lower psychological burden, the regret rate of which was acceptably low among the patients. High income and good education might indicate more post-operative regret. Additional decision-making aids should be offered to patients with high income and education level above high school.

Lower expression of prestin and MYO7A correlates with menopause-associated hearing loss.

Objective: This study aimed to test the hearing function and to investigate the effect of estrogen on prestin and MYO7A expression in hair cells of the cochlea in ovariectomized rats. Study design: We compared the hearing function systematically in normal female Sprague-Dawley rats and in ovariectomized rats with or without exogenous ß-estradiol administration by auditory brainstem response measurements and distortion product otoacoustic emissions. In addition, a correlation analysis between the functional parameters and cochlear histology was carried out. Results: There was a significant auditory threshold shift in the high-frequency range in the ovariectomized rats. Prestin and MYO7A expression was lowered in the cochlea of ovariectomized rats. These effects could be recovered by subcutaneous administration of ß-estradiol. Conclusion: Low estrogen levels may lead to reduced expression of prestin and MYO7A in cochlea, leading to a menopause-related hearing loss.

[Influence of different mixing pads on physical and mechanical properties of glass ionomer cement].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the influence of different mixing pads on the physical and mechanical properties of glass ionomer cement. METHODS: Three different glass ionomer base cements were mixed with a plastic spatula on three different mixing pads including paper pad, glass pad and silicon pad whose HS were 40, 60 and 80. The GIC was packed into stainless steel molds to get specimens. Surface roughness, surface hardness and compressive strength were evaluated. RESULTS: As for compressive strength, CF: There was the highest mean compressive strength that was significantly higher than those of silicon pad 60 group, paper 60 group and paper 20 group in silicon pad 40 group, the differences P values were 0.002, 0.027, and 0.036, statistically significant difference between the above groups (P<0.05). IX: there was the highest mean compressive strength that was significantly higher than those of silicon pad 60 group in paper pad 20 group,the differences P value was 0.008, statistically significant (P<0.05). FX: there was the highest mean compressive strength that was no significantly higher than those of paper pad 20 group in silicon pad 40 group, but was significantly higher than those of the other groups. As for surface hardness, CF: there was the highest mean surface hardness that was significantly higher than those of silicon pad 60 and 80 group, paper 60 group in silicon pad 40 group, the differences P value was 0.021, 0.001, 0.032, 0.008 and 0.016, statistically significant difference between the above groups (P<0.05). IX and FX: there was no statistical significance between any two groups in surface hardness. As for surface roughness, CF: there was no statistical significance between any two groups in surface roughness. IX: there was the lowest mean surface roughness that was significantly lower than those of paper pad 40 and 60 group in glass pad group, the differences P values were 0.003 and 0.027, statistically significant difference between the above groups (P<0.05). FX: there was the lowest mean surface roughness that was significantly lower than those of paper pad 60 group in glass pad group, the differences P value was 0.018, showing a statistical difference (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Mixing glass ionomer cement on silicon pad 40 results in higher compressive strength and lower surface roughness, worthy of clinical popularization.

[Complications and management for penile augmentation with acellular dermal matrix].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and analyze the complications of penile augmentation with acellular dermal matrix (ADM) and following management. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of all patients who received penile augmentation with ADM between June 2016 and January 2019. The patients were evaluated with outpatient physical examination. Related complications and following management were summarized and analyzed. RESULTS: Between June 2016 and January 2019, ADM was used as filling material on 78 patients (mean age: 31.14 years, range: 21-66 years), who were successfully received penile augmentation surgery. In the follow-up three months, the penile circumference was increased by 1.1 cm (0.5-2.1 cm) on average. The mean follow-up time was 12.20 months. In this study, there were 47 (60.26%, 47/78) patients with erectile discomfort, 91.49% (43/47) of whom manifested as erectile traction. There were 12 (15.38%, 12/78) patients with delayed healing, improved by daily regular dressing change. There were 10 (12.82%, 10/78) patients with unobvious augmentation effect. There were 9 (11.54%, 9/78) patients with stamp-like changes of ADM. There were 8 (10.26%, 8/78) patients with wound hematoma and 7 (8.97%, 7/78) patients with foreskin edema, relieved by compression with wrap. There were 4 (5.13%, 4/78) patients with wound infection and 3 (3.85%, 3/78) patients with skin necrosis of the dorsal side, which could be treated with ADM removal and repair surgery with bipedicle scrotal flap. And there were 2 (2.56%, 2/78) patients suffering psychological influence. Finally, most patients with various complications recovered successfully, however 7 patients (8.97%, 7/78) underwent ADM removal surgery. CONCLUSION: Using ADM as filling material could achieve positive effect in penile augmentation but the complications are common and cannot be neglected. Standardized surgical methods, rigorous postoperative care, and adequate notification with patients can effectively reduce the complications of penile augmentation with ADM. To treat properly and timely for complications can obtain satisfactory results.

[CMTM2 is involved in spermiogenesis in mice].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether CKLF-like MARVEL transmembrane domain-containing protein 2 (CMTM2) is involved in spermatogenesis in mice. CMTM2 is highly expressed in testis, and could possibly be a potential spermagogenesis specific gene. METHODS: CMTM2-deficient mouse model was generated. Northern, RT-PCR and Western blotting analysis were performed on total RNA derived from wild-type (WT, CMTM2+/+) and CMTM2+/- (heterozygote) and CMTM2-/-(homozygote) mice to examine the CMTM2 level. The number of litters and the number of pups were counted and pregnancy rates calculated. The motility and morphology of the sperm and the histology of testes were analyzed. Serum testosterone and FSH concentrations were also measured. Standard t-tests were used and standard error of means were calculated. RESULTS: CMTM2 was highly expressed in a finely regulated pattern in the mouse testis during spermatogenesis. The body weight of adult mice with CMTM2 deficiency was not significantly different from that of wild type mice. No obvious anatomical or behavioral abnormalities were observed. The testis of CMTM2-/- was smaller than that of CMTM2+/+ mice. The testis diameter in wild mice and CMTM2 null mice were (11.32±1.21) mm vs. (8.29±1.92) mm (P<0.05), and the weights were (101.63±2.33) mg vs. (85.22±2.84) mg (P<0.05), respectively. Female CMTM2 null mice were fertile, indicating that CMTM2 was not required for female gametogenesis. The CMTM2-/- mice produced virtually no sperm, and CMTM2+/- mice sperm count showed a significant decline. In terms of sperm morphorlogy study, more round spermatids could be observed in the heterozygote group, compared with the wild type group; while in the homozygote group, a large amount of round spermatids could be observed because of complete arrest of spermiogenesis. The hormone levels were not significantly different. The CMTM2-/- male mice were sterile due to a late, complete arrest of spermiogenesis. The organized architecture of the seminiferous epithelium of the seminiferous tubules seen in CMTM2+/+ mice was lost in CMTM2-/- mice. CONCLUSION: This study suggests CMTM2 is not required for embryonic development in the mouse but is essential for spermiogenesis, however, further studies are required for more detailed mechanism study.

[Expression of costimulatory molecules B7H3 and B7H4 in T lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukemia and clinical significance].

Objective: To investigate the expression of B7H3 and B7H4 in T lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukemia (T-LBL/ALL) in correlation with clinicopathological parameters and patient prognosis. Methods: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the expression of B7H3 and B7H4 protein in 100 cases of T-LBL/ALL(test group) and 30 cases of lymph node reactive hyperplasia (LH) (control group), diagnosed at Shanxi Cancer Hospital from January 2001 to June 2017. Real-time RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of B7H3 and B7H4 in 50 cases of T-LBL/ALL and 30 cases of LH (control group). Results: There were 79 males,21 females. Immunohistochemical results showed that the expression rates of B7H3 and B7H4 were 23%(23/100) and 54%(54/100), respectively. By real-time RT-PCR, the relative expression of B7H3 mRNA in the T-LBL/ALL group was 2.5 times of that of the LH group. The expression levels of B7H4 mRNA in T-LBL/ALL group and LH group were extremely low.Single factor analysis showed that B7H3 protein expression in T-LBL/ALL group was associated with B symptoms and primary nodal disease (P<0.05). B7H4 protein expression was associated with mediastinal broadening and bone marrow involvement (P<0.05). B7H3 protein, B7H3 mRNA, B7H4 protein expression and IPI score were associated with prognosis (P<0.05), and the combined expression of B7H3 and B7H4 was associated with T-LBL/ALL prognosis (P<0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that overexpression of B7H3 mRNA was an independent risk factor for the prognosis of patients with T-LBL/ALL (P<0.05). Conclusion: Expression of B7H3 and B7H4 is closely corelated with clinicopathological parameters and prognosis of patients with T-LBL/ALL, suggesting that B7H3 and B7H4 expression play an important role in the development of T-LBL/ALL.

[The clinical characteristics and prognosis of 20 patients with H7N9 avian influenza].

Objective: To analyzed the clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with H7N9 avian influenza. Methods: The baseline characteristics, clinical manifestations, treatments, laboratory and imaging findings were collected and analyzed for 20 patients with H7N9 avian influenza admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from December 2016 to March 2017. According to the final clinical outcome, the patients were divided into the death group and the survival group. Ten patients in the death group died, and 10 patients in the survival group were discharged. The data with normal distribution were analyzed by t test. The data with non-normal distribution were analyzed by Wilcoxon rank sum test. Results: Of the 20 patients, 13 were males and 7 were females, aging 40-82 years, with a mean age of (60±12) years. Twelve patients had a definite history of poultry exposure and 10 had chronic underlying diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. The clinical manifestations were mainly fever, cough, hemoptysis, respiratory distress, fatigue, etc. In the survival group, the platelet count was(167-315)×10(9)/L, while it was (78-152)×10(9)/L in the death group. The average white blood cell count was (7.78-11.52)×10(9)/L and (9.91-15.93)×10(9)/L in the survival and death groups respectively. The average value of lymphocyte count was (0.69-1.59)×10(9)/L and (0.58-0.86)×10(9)/L in the survival and death groups respectively. In the death group the glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (ALT) value was (14.0-352.0) U/L, the total bilirubin value was (6.9-34.5) µmol/L, the creatine kinase MB (CK-MB) was (16.0-162.0) U/L, the serum calcium value was (1.4-2.0) mmol/L, the C-reactive protein value was (33.1-414.0) mg/L, and the calcium reduction prime value was (0.6-100.0) µg/L. In the survival group,the ALT value was (25.0-181.0) U/L, the total bilirubin value was (4.8-25.9) µmol/L, the CK-MB value was (15.0-40.0) U/L, the serum calcium value was (1.9-2.4) mmol/L, the C-reaction protein value was (12.8-52.5) mg/L, and the procalcitonin value was (0.3-23.3) µg/L. Sixteen cases suffered severe pneumonia. Twelve patients received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and 4 survived. The cause of death was mainly related to factors such as age, chronic underlying diseases and severity of illness. Conclusions: Human infection with H7N9 avian influenza virus was highly pathogenic, and prone to progress into severe pneumonia, with a high mortality. Decreased platelet count was associated with mortality (t=4.07, P=0.001), predictive of patient outcome.

Nd3+/Yb3+ cascade-sensitized single-band red upconversion emission in active-core/active-shell nanocrystals.

Lanthanide-doped upconversion nanomaterials (UCNMs) have promoted extensive interest for its biological research and biomedical applications, benefiting from low autofluorescence background, deep light penetration depth, and minimal photo-damage to biological tissues. However, owing to the 980 nm laser-induced overheating issue and the attenuation effect associated with conventional multi-peak emissions, the usage of UCNMs as fluorescent bioprobes is still limited. To address these issues, an effective strategy has been proposed to tune both the excitation and emission peaks of UCNMs into the first biological window (650 âˆ¼ 900 nm), where the light absorption by water and hemoglobin in biological tissues is minimal. Based on the Nd3+/Yb3+ cascade-sensitized upconversion process and efficient exchange-energy transfer between Mn2+ and Er3+ in conjunction with the active-core@active-shell nanostructured design, we have developed a new class of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) that exhibit strong single-band red emission upon excitation of an 808 nm near-infrared laser. Hopefully, the well-designed KMnF3:Yb/Er/Nd@ KMnF3:Yb/Nd core-shell nanocrystals will be considered a promising alternative to conventionally used UCNPs for biolabeling applications without the concern of the overheating issue and the attenuation constraints.

Effects of black cohosh and estrogen on core body and tail-skin temperatures in ovariectomized rats by telemetric monitoring with dual thermistor probes.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of black cohosh and estrogen on the temperature in ovariectomized rats, the core body temperature (CBT) and tail-skin temperature (TST) were simultaneously monitored and the relationship between these two temperatures was explored. METHODS: Twenty-four female Sprague-Dawley rats aged 8 weeks were randomly divided into four groups: sham-operated (SHAM), ovariectomized (OVX), OVX treated with estradiol valerate (OVX + E), and OVX treated with isopropanolic black cohosh extract (OVX + ICR). Rats were sham-operated or ovariectomized and were implanted with telemetry transmitters with dual thermistor probes. Two weeks after surgery, the animals were treated with drugs for 4 weeks. During the last week of the treatments, the dynamic temperature profiles of the CBT and TST were collected. RESULTS: The average CBT and TST, TST fluctuation frequency, and the average amplitude fluctuation were significantly higher in OVX than in SHAM rats. In addition, dramatic fluctuations of TST in OVX rats occurred at the time points of the day when the CBTs were lower in OVX rats than in SHAM rats. Treatment of OVX rats with estradiol valerate or isopropanolic black cohosh extract markedly decreased the average CBT and TST, TST fluctuation frequency, and the average amplitude fluctuation. Moreover, CBT was found to be significantly higher, while TST was lower in OVX + E than in OVX + ICR rats. CONCLUSIONS: Both black cohosh and estradiol treatments ameliorated the abnormal thermoregulation in OVX rats. In particular, black cohosh reduced CBT better than estradiol and estradiol reduced TST better than black cohosh.