Deep learning nomogram for preoperative distinction between Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis and gallbladder carcinoma: A novel approach for surgical decision.

The distinction between Xanthogranulomatous Cholecystitis (XGC) and Gallbladder Carcinoma (GBC) is challenging due to their similar imaging features. This study aimed to differentiate between XGC and GBC using a deep learning nomogram model built from contrast enhanced computed tomography (CT) scans. 297 patients were included with confirmed XGC (94) and GBC (203) as the training and internal validation cohort from 2017 to 2021. The deep learning model Resnet-18 with Fourier transformation named FCovResnet18, shows most impressive potential in distinguishing XGC from GBC using 3-phase merged images. The accuracy, precision and area under the curve (AUC) of the model were then calculated. An additional cohort of 74 patients consisting of 22 XGC and 52 GBC patients was enrolled from two subsidiary hospitals as the external validation cohort. The accuracy, precision and AUC achieve 0.98, 0.99, 1.00 in the internal validation cohort and 0.89, 0.92, 0.92 in external validation cohort. A nomogram model combining clinical characteristics and deep learning prediction score showed improved predicting value. Altogether, FCovResnet18 nomogram has demonstrated its ability to effectively differentiate XGC from GBC preoperatively, which significantly aid surgeons in making informed and accurate surgical decisions for XGC and GBC patients.

Dielectric Regulation for Efficient Top-Emission Perovskite Light-Emitting Diodes with Suppressed Efficiency Roll-off.

Perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) have shown incalculable application potential in the fields of next-generation displays and light communication owing to the rapidly increased external quantum efficiencies (EQEs). However, most PeLEDs obtain a maximum EQE at small current density (J) region and suffer from severe efficiency roll-off in different extents. Herein, it is demonstrated that the dopant with large dipole moment like KBF4 facilitates the effective dielectric regulation of perovskite emissive layer. The increased dielectric constant lowers the exciton binding energy and suppresses the Auger recombination of the 2D/3D segregated perovskite structure, which improves the photoluminescence quantum yield remarkably at an excitation intensity up to 103  mW cm-2 . Accordingly, the top-emission PeLED that delivers a high maximum EQE above 20% is fabricated and can retain EQE > 10% at an extremely high J of 708 mA cm-2 . These results represent one of the most efficient top-emission PeLEDs with ultra-low efficiency roll-off, which provide a viable methodology for tuning the dielectric response of perovskite films for improved high radiance performance of perovskite electroluminescence devices.

Hydrogen Nanobubble Water: A Good Assistant for Improving the Water Environment and Agricultural Production.

Hydrogen nanobubble water (HNW) is an emerging technique in the field of environment and agriculture that is attracting more attention due to its eminent characteristic. HNW exhibits a higher solution stagnation rate with a longer existence in water than molecular hydrogen, which ensures its practical usage. In this Viewpoint, the properties and applications of HNW are discussed. HNW, acting as an antioxidant, effectively eliminates reactive oxygen species and counteracts Cu and Cd stress; HNW also increases crop growth, enhances crops quality, and improves transportation and storage processes. On the basis of the advantages of HNW, we recommend focusing on the potential functions of HNW and broadening its wider applications in environment and agriculture.

Molecular-level insights into the heterogeneous variations and dynamic formation mechanism of leached dissolved organic matter during the photoaging of polystyrene microplastics.

Microplastics (MPs) and their derivatives have received worldwide attention owing to their adverse effects on ecosystems. However, molecular diversity and dynamic formation of dissolved organic matter (DOM) during the photoaging of MPs remain unclear. Herein, we explored a molecular‒level formation mechanism for polystyrene MP (MPPS)‒derived DOM (PSDOM) during the photoaging of MPs to explain the evolution, heterogeneity, and sequential response of molecules to irradiation. Two‒dimensional correlation spectroscopy was applied to correlate the variations of PSDOM molecules detected by Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry with those of MPPS functional groups detected by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Irradiation‒induced PSDOM contained the most highly unsaturated structures with oxygen, but showed fewer aromatic structures than natural aquatic DOM. Photochemical transformations occurred between saturated‒reduced and oxidized molecules during PSDOM leaching, with the low‒oxidized and high‒oxidized molecules undergoing considerable changes in the normal carbon oxidation state and molecular number, respectively. The primary sequential response of PSDOM molecules to increasing irradiation time [low‒oxidized/high‒weight (450

Temperature-Dependent Molecular Evolution of Biochar-Derived Dissolved Black Carbon and Its Interaction Mechanism with Polyvinyl Chloride Microplastics.

Biochar-derived dissolved black carbon (DBC) molecules are dependent on the BC formation temperature and affect the fate of emerging contaminants in waters, such as polyvinyl chloride microplastic (MPPVC). However, the temperature-dependent evolution and MPPVC-interaction of DBC molecules remain unclear. Herein, we propose a novel DBC-MPPVC interaction mechanism by systematically interpreting heterogeneous correlations, sequential responses, and synergistic relationships of thousands of molecules and their linking functional groups. Two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy was proposed to combine Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry and spectroscopic datasets. Increased temperature caused diverse DBC molecules and fluorophores, accompanied by molecular transformation from saturation/reduction to unsaturation/oxidation with high carbon oxidation states, especially for molecules with acidic functional groups. The temperature response of DBC molecules detected via negative-/positive-ion electrospray ionization sequentially occurred in unsaturated hydrocarbons → lignin-like → condensed aromatic → lipid-/aliphatic-/peptide-like → tannin-like → carbohydrate-like molecules. DBC molecular changes induced by temperature and MPPVC interaction were closely coordinated, with lignin-like molecules contributing the most to the interaction. Functional groups in DBC molecules with m/z < 500 showed a sequential MPPVC-interaction response of phenol/aromatic ether C-O, alkene C═C/amide C═O → polysaccharides C-O → alcohol/ether/carbohydrate C-O groups. These findings help to elucidate the critical role of DBCs in MP environmental behaviors.

Modeling transport and fate of heavy metals at the watershed scale: State-of-the-art and future directions.

A predictive understanding of the source-specific (e.g., point and diffuse sources) land-to-river heavy metal (HM) loads and HM dynamics in rivers is essential for mitigating river pollution and developing effective river basin management strategies. Developing such strategies requires adequate monitoring and comprehensive models based on a solid scientific understanding of the watershed system. However, a comprehensive review of existing studies on the watershed-scale HM fate and transport modeling is lacking. In this review, we synthesize the recent developments in the current generation of watershed-scale HM models, which cover a wide range of functionalities, capabilities, and spatial and temporal scales (resolutions). Existing models, constructed at various levels of complexity, have their strengths and weaknesses in supporting diverse intended uses. Additionally, current challenges in the application of watershed HM modeling are covered, including the representation of in-stream processes, organic matter/carbon dynamics and mitigation practices, the issues of model calibration and uncertainty analysis, and the balance between model complexity and available data. Finally, we outline future research requirements regarding modeling, strategic monitoring, and their combined use to enhance model capabilities. In particular, we envisage a flexible framework for future watershed-scale HM models with varying degrees of complexity to accommodate the available data and specific applications.

Integrated assessment of land-to-river Cd fluxes and riverine Cd loads using SWAT-HM to guide management strategies.

In 2011, China invested US$9.8 billion to combat the severe heavy metal pollution in the Xiang River basin (XRB), aiming to reduce 50% of the 2008 industrial metal emissions by 2015. However, river pollution mitigation requires a holistic accounting of both point and diffuse sources, yet the detailed land-to-river metal fluxes in the XRB remain unclear. Here, by combining emissions inventories with the SWAT-HM model, we quantified the land-to-river cadmium (Cd) fluxes and riverine Cd loads across the XRB from 2000 to 2015. The model was validated against long-term historical observations of monthly streamflow and sediment load and Cd concentrations at 42, 11, and 10 gauges, respectively. The analysis of the simulation results showed that the soil erosion flux dominated the Cd exports (23.56-80.14 Mg yr-1). The industrial point flux decreased by 85.5% from 20.84 Mg in 2000 to 3.02 Mg in 2015. Of all the Cd inputs, approximately 54.9% (37.40 Mg yr-1) was finally drained into Dongting Lake; the remaining 45.1% (30.79 Mg yr-1) was deposited within the XRB, increasing the Cd concentration in riverbed sediment. Furthermore, in XRB's 5-order river network, the Cd concentrations in small streams (1st order and 2nd order) showed larger variability due to their low dilution capacity and intense Cd inputs. Our findings highlight the need for multi-path transport modeling to guide future management strategies and better monitoring schemes to restore the small polluted streams.

Parental exposure to propiconazole at environmentally relevant concentrations induces thyroid and metabolism disruption in zebrafish (Danio rerio) offspring: An in vivo, in silico and in vitro study.

Propiconazole is used against fungal growth in agriculture and is released into the environment, but is a potential health threat to aquatic organisms. Propiconazole induces a generational effect on zebrafish, although the toxic mechanisms involved have not been described. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential mechanisms of abnormal offspring development after propiconazole exposure in zebrafish parents. Zebrafish were exposed to propiconazole at environmentally realistic concentrations (0.1, 5, and 250 µg/L) for 100 days and their offspring were grown in control solution for further study. Heart rate, hatching rate, and body length of hatched offspring were reduced. An increase in triiodothyronine (T3) content and the T3/T4 (tetraiodothyronine) ratio was observed, indicating disruption of thyroid hormones. Increased protein level of transthyretin (TTR) in vivo was consistent with the in silico molecular docking results and T4 competitive binding in vitro assay, suggests higher binding affinity between propiconazole and TTR, more than with T4. Increased expression of genes related to the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis and altered metabolite levels may have affected offspring development. These findings emphasizes that propiconazole, even on indirect exposure, represents health and environmental risk that should not be ignored.

Identification priority source of soil heavy metals pollution based on source-specific ecological and human health risk analysis in a typical smelting and mining region of South China.

An in-depth understanding of the ecological and health risks posed by heavy metals originating from various pollution sources is critical for foresighted soil-quality management. Based on 220 grid samples (2 × 2 km) analyzed for eight heavy metals (Cd, Hg, As, Pb, Cr, Ni, Cu, and Zn) in the Chenshui (CS) watershed of Hunan Province, China, we applied an integrated approach for identifying and apportioning pollution sources of soil heavy metals and exploring their source-specific pollution risks. This approach consists of three sequential steps: (1) source identification by combining the positive matrix factorization model with geostatistical analysis; (2) quantification of ecological, carcinogenic, and non-carcinogenic risks in a source-specific manner; (3) prioritization of sources in a holistic manner, considering both ecological risks and human health risks. Cd (68.0%) and Hg (13.3%) dominated the ecological risk in terms of ecological risk index; As dominated the non-carcinogenic health risk in terms of total hazard index (THI; adults: 84.8%, children: 84.7%) and the carcinogenic health risk in terms of total carcinogenic risk index (TCRI; adults: 69.0%, children: 68.8%). Among three exposure routes, oral ingestion (89.4-95.2%) was the predominant route for both adults and children. Compared with adults (THI = 0.41, TCRI = 7.01E-05), children (THI = 2.81, TCRI = 1.22E-04) had greater non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks. Four sources (F1-4) were identified for the CS watershed: atmospheric deposition related to coal-burning and traffic emissions (F1, 18.0%), natural sources from parent materials (F2, 34.3%), non-ferrous mining and smelting industry (F3, 37.9%), and historical arsenic-related activity (F4, 9.8%). The F3 source contributed the largest (45.2%) to the ecological risks, and the F4 source was the predominant contributor to non-carcinogenic (52.4%) and carcinogenic (64.6%) risks. The results highlight the importance of considering legacy As pollution from abandoned industries when developing risk reduction strategies in this region. The proposed methodology for source and risk identification and apportionment formulates the multidimensional concerns of pollution and the various associated risks into a tangible decision-making process to support soil pollution control.

Termite Nest Associated Bacillus siamensis YC-9 Mediated Biocontrol of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum.

The antagonistic potential of bacteria obtained from the nest of Odontotermes formosanus was assessed against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum (FOC). Of 30, seven termite nest-associated bacteria strains had biocontrol potential. Among them, the strain YC-9 showed the strongest antifungal activity toward FOC. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA amplified product of YC-9 revealed its identification as Bacillus siamensis. The in vivo antifungal activity experiment showed that the application of YC-9 at 108 cfu/ml significantly reduced the cucumber wilt incidence with a control efficacy of 73.2%. Furthermore, plant growth parameters such as fresh weight, dry weight, plant height, and root height were significantly improved by 42.6, 53.0, 20.8, and 19.3%, respectively. We found that inoculation with B. siamensis YC-9 significantly increased the activity of defensive enzymes such as peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) in diseased cucumber roots, thereby raising the resistance. PCR using gene-specific primers revealed that B. siamensis YC-9 contains biosynthetic genes for known antibiotics, including bacillomycin, iturin, and surfactin. Chemical analysis of the cultivation of B. siamensis YC-9 resulted in the isolation of five metabolites, including hexadecanoic acid (1), cyclo-(L-phenylalanylglycine) (2), cyclo-(L-trans-Hyp-L-Leu) (3), C15-surfactin (4), and macrolactin A (5), the structures of which were identified by the analysis of NMR spectroscopic data and MS. Among them, the compound 4 showed significant antifungal activity against conidial germination of FOC with an IC50 value of 5.1 µg/ml, which was comparable to that of the positive control, cycloheximide (IC50 value of 2.6 µg/ml). Based on these findings, this study suggests that termite-nest associated B. siamensis YC-9 could be a potential biological control agent for integrated control of soil-borne diseases like cucumber Fusarium wilt.

Polystyrene Nanoplastics Toxicity to Zebrafish: Dysregulation of the Brain-Intestine-Microbiota Axis.

In animal species, the brain-gut axis is a complex bidirectional network between the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the central nervous system (CNS) consisting of numerous microbial, immune, neuronal, and hormonal pathways that profoundly impact organism development and health. Although nanoplastics (NPs) have been shown to cause intestinal and neural toxicity in fish, the role of the neurotransmitter and intestinal microbiota interactions in the underlying mechanism of toxicity, particularly at environmentally relevant contaminant concentrations, remains unknown. Here, the effect of 44 nm polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) on the brain-intestine-microbe axis and embryo-larval development in zebrafish (Danio rerio) was investigated. Exposure to 1, 10, and 100 µg/L PS-NPs for 30 days inhibited growth and adversely affected inflammatory responses and intestinal permeability. Targeted metabolomics analysis revealed an alteration of 42 metabolites involved in neurotransmission. The content of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC; dopamine metabolite formed by monoamine oxidase activity) was significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner after PS-NP exposure. Changes in the 14 metabolites correlated with changes to 3 microbial groups, including Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes, as compared to the control group. A significant relationship between Firmicutes and homovanillic acid (0.466, Pearson correlation coefficient) was evident. Eight altered metabolites (l-glutamine (Gln), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), serotonin, 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), l-cysteine (Cys), l-glutamic acid (Glu), norepinephrine (NE), and l-tryptophan (l-Trp)) had a negative relationship with Proteobacteria although histamine (His) and acetylcholine chloride (ACh chloride) levels were positively correlated with Proteobacteria. An Associated Network analysis showed that Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were highly correlated (0.969). Furthermore, PS-NPs accumulated in the gastrointestinal tract of offspring and impaired development of F1 (2 h post-fertilization) embryos, including reduced spontaneous movements, hatching rate, and length. This demonstration of transgenerational deficits is of particular concern. These findings suggest that PS-NPs cause intestinal inflammation, growth inhibition, and restricted development of zebrafish, which are strongly linked to the disrupted regulation within the brain-intestine-microbiota axis. Our study provides insights into how xenobiotics can disrupt the regulation of brain-intestine-microbiota and suggests that these end points should be taken into account when assessing environmental health risks of PS-NPs to aquatic organisms.

High-Entropy Perovskite as a High-Performing Chromium-Tolerant Cathode for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells.

To achieve chromium tolerance and high performance, a new series of high-entropy perovskites (HEPs) are investigated as cathode materials for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Multiple rare-earth, alkaline-earth, and high-order transition metal elements are used for the A-site of this ABO3 structure. A pure phase is achieved through the designed combination of different elements in seven out of eight candidates. Due to the retaining of alkaline-earth elements Sr and/or Ba, the electrical conductivities of these HEPs are in the order of 100 S/cm at 550-700 °C, a value that can practically eliminate the electronic resistance of the porous cathode. Three out of eight candidates show similar or better performance than the (La0.6Sr0.4)(Co0.2Fe0.8)O3-δ (LSCF) benchmark. It is found that A-site elements can cast a substantial influence on the overall performance even with a change as small as 10% of the total cations. It seems that each element has its individual "phenomenal activity" that can be transferred from one candidate to the other in the general setting of the perovskite structure, leading to the best candidate by using the three most active elements simultaneously at the A-site. Excellent Cr tolerance has been observed on the (La0.2Sr0.2Pr0.2Y0.2Ba0.2)Co0.2Fe0.8O3-δ sample, showing degradation of only 0.25%/kh during a 41 day operation in the presence of Cr, while LSCF increases by 100% within the first day in the same condition. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy discovers no Sr segregation as LSCF is found in this HEP; rather, the active element Y takes more A-sites on the outermost layer after long-term operation.

A comparative study on aggregation and sedimentation of natural goethite and artificial Fe3O4 nanoparticles in synthetic and natural waters based on extended Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (XDLVO) theory and molecular dynamics simulations.

Natural iron oxides nanomaterials have important roles in biogeochemical processes. In this study, the effects of pH, natural organic matter, and cations on aggregation and sedimentation of natural goethite and artificial Fe3O4 nanoparticles in water were investigated to learn more about the environmental behaviors of engineered and natural nanomaterials and how they differ. In addition, a novel extended DLVO theory that considered steric, gravitational, and magnetic attraction forces concurrently was specifically developed to provide mechanisms explanations. Specifically, Fe3O4 NPs were more likely than bulk goethite to aggregate (because of magnetic attraction interactions) at low HA concentrations and disperse at high HA concentrations. Besides, goethite was less prone to settle with the same concentration of NaCl than Fe3O4 NPs, but the opposite trend was found for the same concentration of CaCl2 because of the difference in maximum net energy (barrier) and strong Ca2+ bridging effectiveness of goethite in CaCl2 solution. Statistical models were established to evaluate colloidal stability of the particles. XPS and molecular dynamics simulation results suggested that ions were adsorbed onto particles via ionic polarization and that the binding free energies at high coverage followed the order Ca2+ > Na+ > Cl- and presence of cation bridging between particles.

Charge-specific adverse effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on zebrafish (Danio rerio) development and behavior.

Nanoplastics are being detected with increasing frequency in aquatic environments. Although evidence suggests that nanoplastics can cause overt toxicity to biota across different trophic levels, but there is little understanding of how materials such as differently charged polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NP) impact fish development and behavior. Following exposure to amino-modified (positive charge) PS-NP, fluorescence accumulation was observed in the zebrafish brain and gastrointestinal tract. Positively charged PS-NP induced stronger developmental toxicity (decreased spontaneous movement, heartbeat, hatching rate, and length) and cell apoptosis in the brain and induced greater neurobehavioral impairment as compared to carboxyl-modified (negative charge) PS-NP. These findings correlated well with fluorescence differences indicating PS-NP presence. Targeted neuro-metabolite analysis by UHPLC-MS/MS reveals that positively charged PS-NP decreased levels of glycine, cysteine, glutathione, and glutamic acid, while the increased levels of spermine, spermidine, and tyramine were induced by negatively charged PS-NP. Positively charged PS-NP interacted with the neurotransmitter receptor N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 2B (NMDA2B), whereas negatively charged PS-NP impacted the G-protein-coupled receptor 1 (GPR1), each with different binding energies that led to behavioral differences. These findings reveal the charge-specific toxicity of nanoplastics to fish and provide new perspective for understanding PS-NP neurotoxicity that is needed to accurately assess potential environmental and health risks of these emerging contaminants.

Combined toxicity of chlorpyrifos, abamectin, imidacloprid, and acetamiprid on earthworms (Eisenia fetida).

Mixed pesticides have been broadly used in agriculture. However, assessing the combined effects of pesticides in the environment is essential for potential risk assessment, though the task is far from complete. Median lethal concentrations of pesticides as well as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) levels and cellulose activities were measured in earthworms (Eisenia fetida) individually and jointly exposed to pesticides imidacloprid (IMI), acetamiprid (ACE), chlorpyrifos (CRF), and abamectin (ABM)). A 3:1 mixture of CRF and IMI had additive effects, while a 3:1 mixture of CRF and ACE had synergic effects. The joint effects of ABM with IMI or with ACE were synergistic. As CRF concentration increased, AChE activities were significantly decreased. For high concentrations of IMI, AChE activities under combined CRF and IMI applications were significantly inhibited following increased exposure time. Moreover, the cellulase activities under combined applications of CRF with IMI or with ACE had similar effects. This study provides basic data for scientifically evaluating the environmental risk and safety of combined uses of pesticides.

SMYD2 Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression by Reprogramming Glutamine Metabolism via c-Myc/GLS1 Axis.

Metabolic reprogramming, such as alterations in glutamine metabolism or glycolysis, is the hallmark of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the underlying mechanisms are still incompletely elucidated. Previous studies have identified that methyltransferase SET and MYND domain-containing protein 2(SMYD2) is responsible for the pathogenesis of numerous types of cancer. Here, we innovatively uncover how SMYD2 regulates glutamine metabolism in HCC cells and promotes HCC progression. We identified that SMYD2 expression is upregulated in HCC tissues, which correlates with unfavorable clinical outcomes. Our in vitro and in vivo results showed that the depletion of SMYD2 inhibits HCC cell growth. Mechanistically, c-Myc methylation by SMYD2 increases its protein stability through the ubiquitin-proteasome system. We showed SMYD2 depletion destabilized c-Myc protein by increasing the conjugated K48-linked polyubiquitin chain. SMYD2 increased c-Myc expression and further upregulated glutaminase1 (GLS1), a crucial enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of glutamine to glutamic acid, in HCC cells. GLS1 plays an important role in SMYD2-mediated HCC progression and glutamine metabolism regulation. The knockdown of SMYD2 inhibited glutamine metabolism in HCC cells and overcame their chemoresistance to sorafenib. Collectively, our findings demonstrated a novel mechanism of how SMYD2 promotes HCC progression by regulating glutamine metabolism through the c-Myc/GLS1signaling, implicating the therapeutic potential of targeting SMYD2 in HCC patients.

Efficacy and safety of Xa inhibitors in patients with heart failure and coronary or peripheral artery disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Xa inhibitors in patients with heart failure (HF) and coronary artery disease (CAD) or peripheral artery disease (PAD). METHODS: A systematic electronic literature search was performed using the PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases from inception to June 26, 2019. A total of four randomized controlled trials involving 14,694 patients were included in this meta-analysis. RESULTS: The meta-analysis showed that there was no statistical difference between the Xa inhibitor and control group regarding the primary efficacy outcome [rivaroxaban 2.5 mg group: relative risk (RR) 0.82, 95% CI: 0.66-1.01, P=0.06; rivaroxaban 5 mg group: RR 0.86, 95% CI: 0.73-1.02, P=0.08]. The risk of the primary safety outcome was significantly increased among patients who received Xa inhibitors compared with the control group (rivaroxaban 2.5 mg group: RR 1.55, 95% CI: 1.21-1.98, P=0.0006; rivaroxaban 5 mg group: RR 1.66, 95% CI: 1.30-2.12, P<0.0001). There was no significant difference in the risk of cardiovascular death between the Xa inhibitor and control group (rivaroxaban 2.5 mg group: RR 0.79, 95% CI: 0.54-1.14, P=0.21; rivaroxaban 5 mg group: RR 0.89, 95% CI: 0.73-1.08, P=0.24). The risk of myocardial infarction (MI) in the rivaroxaban 5 mg group was significantly lower than that of the control group (RR 0.83, 95% CI: 0.69-0.99, P=0.04). However, the risk of MI in the rivaroxaban 2.5 mg group was similar to that of the control group (RR 0.85, 95% CI: 0.71-1.01, P=0.07). DISCUSSION: Xa inhibitors were associated with a higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events and bleeding among HF and CAD or PAD patients. Therefore, Xa inhibitors should be used cautiously in patients with HF and CAD or PAD.

Antibacterial Potential of Termite-Associated Streptomyces spp.

Twenty-one strains of termite-associated actinomycetes were tested for their activities against three bacteria. The results showed that nine strains showed bacteriostatic activities against at least one tested bacterium, and the actinomycete YH01, which was isolated from the body surface of the queen of Odontotermes formosanus, had potent antibacterial activity. The YH01 was further identified as Streptomyces davaonensis. Two metabolites roseoflavin (1) and 8-methylamino-8-demethyl-d-riboflavin (2) were isolated and purified from S. davaonensis YH01. Their structures were determined by NMR, MS, and the related literature. The metabolite 1 showed strong inhibition activities against Bacillus subtilis (MIC = 1.56 µg/mL) and Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 3.125 µg/mL), which were comparable to referenced gentamycin sulfate, with MIC values of 1.56 and 1.56 µg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the anti-MRSA potential of compound 1 was determined against nine kinds of MRSA strains, with inhibition zones in the ranges of 12.7-19.7 mm under a concentration of 15 µg/6 mm discs and 18.3-22.7 mm under a concentration of 30 µg/6 mm discs. However, metabolite 1 had no inhibitory effect on Gram-negative bacteria. These results suggested that roseoflavin produced by YH01 holds promise for use against Gram-positive bacteria, especially to MRSA.

Efficient Er3+:4I11/2 → 4I13/2 radiative transition regulated by optimizing the sensitization mechanism.

A series of fluorophosphates glass codoped with active Er3+ ions and sensitizing ions of different systems were prepared to systematically study their sensitization effect in order to obtain efficient MIR luminescence. Differential scanning calorimetry curve indicates the favorable thermal stability of the glass host. A comprehensive analysis of the sensitization mechanism is given based on the synthesis considering the position and intensity of fluorescence emissions together with the lifetime of Er3+:4I13/2 active level. The results show two positive sensitization effects: the eliminating effect to the lower laser level of Er3+ active ions represented by Pr3+ ions reducing the lifetime of 4I13/2 energy level to a great extent; and improving the absorption efficiency of pumping source sensitized by Yb3+ ions. The paper has provided a mental knowledge for sensitization mechanism in rare earth multi-doped materials together with the aiming of promoting the MIR luminescence of Er3+ ions.