Layer Control of Magneto-Optical Effects and Their Quantization in Spin-Valley Splitting Antiferromagnets.

Magneto-optical effects (MOE), interfacing the fundamental interplay between magnetism and light, have served as a powerful probe for magnetic order, band topology, and valley index. Here, based on multiferroic and topological bilayer antiferromagnets (AFMs), we propose a layer control of MOE (L-MOE), which is created and annihilated by layer-stacking or an electric field effect. The key character of L-MOE is the sign-reversible response controlled by ferroelectric polarization, the Néel vector, or the electric field direction. Moreover, the sign-reversible L-MOE can be quantized in topologically insulating AFMs. We reveal that the switchable L-MOE originates from the combined contributions of spin-conserving and spin-flip interband transitions in spin-valley splitting AFMs, a phenomenon not observed in conventional AFMs. Our findings bridge the ancient MOE to the emergent realms of layertronics, valleytronics, and multiferroics and may hold immense potential in these fields.

DT-13 inhibits the proliferation of pancreatic cancer by inducing apoptosis via AMPK-mTOR signaling.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: DT-13, the principal active component of Mysidium shortscapes from the Liliaceae family, has garnered substantial interest in cancer therapy owing to its potential anticancer properties. This study investigated the effects of DT-13 on the proliferation and apoptosis of human pancreatic cancer cell lines and aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: PANC1 and CFPAC1 cells were exposed to DT-13 and their proliferation was assessed using RTCA and clone formation assays. Apoptotic protein expression was analyzed by western blotting, and apoptotic cells were identified by flow cytometry. RNA was extracted from DT-13 treated and untreated PANC1 cells for RNA sequencing. Differentially expressed genes were identified and subjected to GO bioprocess, KEGG pathway analysis, and western blotting. Finally, to evaluate tumor growth, CFPAC1 cells were subcutaneously injected into BALB/c nude mice. RESULTS: DT-13 inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of PANC1 and CFPAC1 cells by activating the AMPK/mTOR pathway and suppressing p70 S6K. Moreover, DT-13 hindered the growth of CFPAC1 xenograft tumors in nude mice. CONCLUSIONS: DT-13 effectively inhibited the growth of human pancreatic cancer cells.

Lanthanium nitride LaN9 featuring azide units: the first metal nine-nitride as a high-energy-density material.

High-pressure phase diagrams of the La-N binary system were systematically constructed using the CALYPSO method and first-principles calculations. In addition to the pressure-induced La-N compounds reported previously, we have uncovered a hitherto unknown LaN9 structure in Pm3̄ symmetry stabilized within a narrow pressure range of 20-24.5 GPa. Notably, LaN9 stands as the first thermodynamically stable metal nine-nitrogen compound, featuring centrosymmetric linear N3 anion units and an edge-sharing LaN12 icosahedron. Charge transfer between the La and N atoms plays a crucial role in facilitating structural stability. Furthermore, we identified a novel Cm phase for LaN8, which has a lower enthalpy compared to the previously reported phase. N atoms in Cm LaN8 are polymerized into infinite N∞ chains. Calculations demonstrate the potential recoverability of LaN9 and Cm LaN8 under atmospheric conditions while preserving their initial polynitrogen configuration. From the perspective of detonation pressure and detonation velocity, LaN9 and Cm LaN8 exhibit excellent explosive performance in comparison to TNT and HMX, with estimated energy densities of 0.9 and 1.54 kJ g-1, respectively, indicating their potential utility as high-energy-density materials.

Impact of depression on clinical outcomes of peritoneal dialysis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Depression has become a highly prevalent mental disorder around the globe. With a large number of end-stage renal disease patients taking up peritoneal dialysis (PD), a substantial number of PD patients with concomitant depression are expected to be treated in the future. However, the effects of depression on outcomes of PD are unclear. This review systematically examines the effect of depression on mortality, technique survival, or peritonitis in PD patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Studies comparing outcomes of PD patients with and without depression and published on Google Scholar, Embase, Web of Science, and PubMed till February 5, 2024 were included. RESULTS: Eleven studies were eligible; 5 studies reported data on mortality. Pooled analysis showed that depression was not a significant predictor of mortality in PD patients (HR: 1.22 95% CI: 0.86, 1.72). Only 2 studies reported analyzable data on technique survival and 3 studies on peritonitis. Meta-analysis found no statistically significant effect of depression on technique survival (OR: 1.28 95% CI: 0.38, 4.35) and peritonitis (OR: 1.89 95% CI: 0.82, 4.33). Qualitative analysis of remaining studies also suggested no effect of depression on patient and technique survival. CONCLUSION: Depression may not be an independent predictor of patient and technique survival in PD patients. Data on the risk of peritonitis is conflicting and needs to be investigated further.

Effect of intramuscular diazepam infusion on herpes zoster-related pain in older patients: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the effectiveness, psychological effects, and sleep quality using intramuscular diazepam infusion compared with placebo in patients with herpes zoster (HZ)-related pain. METHODS: The patients were randomized to either the diazepam or control group. The diazepam group received an intramuscular injection of diazepam for 3 consecutive days, while the control group received an intramuscular injection of 0.9% normal saline. The primary outcome was pain relief on posttreatment day 4, as measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Moreover, anxiety and depression were evaluated using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ9), respectively. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). RESULTS: In total, 78 patients were enrolled in the trial. The mean differences in VAS scores between the two groups were 0.62 (P = 0.049) on posttreatment day 3 and 0.66 (P = 0.037) on posttreatment day 4. The effective rates of pain management in the diazepam group ranged from 10.26 to 66.67%, which were higher than those in the control group on posttreatment days 3 and 4 (P < 0.05). The mean difference in PSQI scores between the diazepam and control groups was 1.36 (P = 0.034) on posttreatment day 7. No differences were found in the incidence of analgesia-adverse 1reactions between the diazepam and placebo groups. CONCLUSIONS: The intramuscular injection of diazepam for 3 consecutive days provides effective pain management and improves the quality of life. Our study suggests that diazepam is more effective than the placebo in patients with HZ-related pain. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was prospectively registered at https://www.isrctn.com/trialist(Registration date: 24/01/2018; Trial ID: ISRCTN12682696).

[The best evidence for the management of ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome in patients undergoing assisted reproductive therapy]. / è¾ åŠ©ç”Ÿæ®–æ‚£è€ åµå·¢è¿‡åº¦åˆºæ¿€ç»¼åˆå¾ç®¡ç†çš„æœ€ä½³è¯æ®æ€»ç»“.

OBJECTIVES: To summarize the best evidence for the management of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in patients undergoing assisted reproductive therapy. METHODS: Evidence related to the management of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in patients undergoing assisted reproductive therapy, including guidelines, clinical decision, best clinical practice, systematic evaluation, expert consensus and evidence summary and related original research were systematically searched in UpToDate, BMJ Best Practice, World Health Organization (WHO) website, Guidelines International Network (GIN), National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) website, National Guidelines website, American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) website, New York Academy of Sciences (NYAS) website, Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) database, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PubMed, Wanfang database, CNKI, and China Biomedical Literature Database from inception to May 31, 2024. Two researchers independently evaluated the quality of the literature, and a senior researcher made the final decision for literature inclusion. RESULTS: A total of 15 articles were included in the study. Following quality assessment, one article was excluded. The remaining 14 articles included 5 practice guidelines, 3 systematic reviews, 2 expert consensuses, 1 evidence summary, and 3 from UpToDate. Ultimately, 27 pieces of evidence were identified across five key aspects: risk assessment, disease monitoring, early prevention, institutional management and health education. CONCLUSIONS: The updated evidence indicates that the monitoring and prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome should start early, personalized treatment plans should be provided for patients, and the rational allocation of treatment resources needs to be promoted to enhance effective management of ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome.

Orthokeratology in controlling myopia of children: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Delaying the development and lowering the progression of myopia in children is the focus of current ophthalmology researches. We aimed to evaluate the role of orthokeratology in controlling myopia of children, to provide insights to the clinical treatment and care of children with myopia. METHODS: Two investigators searched the The Cochrane Library, Embase, Pubmed, China national knowledge infrastructure, China biomedical literature database, WanFang and Weipu databases for randomized controlled trials(RCTs) on the role of orthokeratology in controlling myopia of children up to November 5, 2022. Two researchers independently searched, screened and extracted the studies according to the inclusion and exclusion standards. RevMan5.3 software was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 14 RCTs involving 2058 children were included in this meta-analysis. Synthesized outcomes indicated that orthokeratology improved the uncorrected visual acuity(MD = 0.40, 95%CI: 0.05 ~ 0.74), reduced the diopter change(MD=-3.19, 95%CI: -4.42~-1.95), changes of corneal curvature(MD=-3.21, 95%CI: -3.64~-2.79), the length of ocular axis (MD=-0.66, 95%CI: -1.27~-0.06) and amount of ocular axis change(MD=-0.42, 95%CI: -0.64~-0.21) after 1 year of wearing orthokeratology(all P < 0.05). Besides, orthokeratology reduced the diopter change (MD=-3.22, 95%CI: -4.86~-1.58), the length of ocular axis (MD=-1.15, 95%CI: -2.25~-0.06) and the amount of ocular axis change after 2 year of wearing orthokeratology (MD=-0.53, 95%CI: -0.96~-0.11) after 2 year of wearing orthokeratology (all P < 0.05). No publication biases were found amongst the synthesized outcomes (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Orthokeratology delays the progression of myopia in children, the long-term effects of orthokeratology need further investigations in future studies.

Resveratrol improves ovarian state by inhibiting apoptosis of granulosa cells.

AIM: Among the natural polyphenolic compounds, resveratrol (RES) is known for reducing the effects of declining reproductive power through resisting senility, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory, while the molecular mechanism of RES in human ovaries is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the most likely mechanisms of RES against apoptosis induced by H2O2 in human ovary granulosa cells. METHODS: Ovarian granulosa cells from infertile women (≤35 years old) were collected. Those patients defined as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), poor ovarian responder (POR) and Endometriosis were excluded. Then they were randomly divided into control group, model group and the treatment group. Cellular apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometer method. The related protein and mRNA expressions were detected by western blot and RT-PCR. RESULTS: Apoptosis rates of the treatment group containing RES with concentrations of 1 µM and 10 µM were significantly decreased (p < 0.001). Western blot results demonstrated that the proteins levels of transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß), Bax and Caspase 9 were decreased, and Bcl-2 was increased under RES treatment, while the protein levels of Caspase 8, Caspase 3, growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) expressed no significant difference. The results by RT-PCR of follicle and ovarian development related mRNA factors were consistent with that of western blot assay. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the present study provides the evidence that RES may affects apoptotic factors to protect human ovarian state.

Urea-Functionalized Fe4 L6 Cages for Supramolecular Gold Catalyst Encapsulation to Control Substrate Activation Modes.

The excellent catalytic performances of enzymes in terms of activity and selectivity are an inspiration for synthetic chemists and this has resulted in the development of synthetic containers for supramolecular catalysis. In such containers the local environment and pre-organization of catalysts and substrates leads to control of the activity and selectivity of the catalyst. Herein we report a supramolecular strategy to encapsulate single catalysts in a urea-functionalized Fe4 L6 cage, which can co-encapsulate a functionalized urea substrate through hydrogen bonding. Distinguished selectivity is obtained, imposed by the cage as site isolation only allows catalysis through π activation of the substrate and as a result the selectivity is independent of catalyst concentration. The encapsulated catalyst is more active than the free analogue, an effect that can be ascribed to transitionstate stabilization rather than substrate pre-organization, as revealed by the MM kinetic data. The simple strategy reported here is expected to be of general use in many reactions, for which the catalyst can be functionalized with a sulfonate group required for encapsulation.

Prediction of Above-Room-Temperature Superconductivity in Lanthanide/Actinide Extreme Superhydrides.

Achieving room-temperature superconductivity has been an enduring scientific pursuit driven by broad fundamental interest and enticing potential applications. The recent discovery of high-pressure clathrate superhydride LaH10 with superconducting critical temperatures (Tc) of 250-260 K made it tantalizingly close to realizing this long-sought goal. Here, we report a remarkable finding based on an advanced crystal structure search method of a new class of extremely hydrogen-rich clathrate superhydride MH18 (M: rare-earth/actinide atom) stoichiometric compounds stabilized at an experimentally accessible pressure of 350 GPa. These compounds are predicted to host Tc up to 330 K, which is well above room temperature. The bonding and electronic properties of these MH18 clathrate superhydrides closely resemble those of atomic metallic hydrogen, giving rise to the highest Tc hitherto found in a thermodynamically stable hydride compound. An in-depth study of these extreme superhydrides offers insights for elucidating phonon-mediated superconductivity above room temperature in hydrogen-rich and other low-Z materials.

Ambient-Pressure Recoverable Polynitrogen Solids Assembled by Pentazolate Rings with High Energy Density.

Crystal structure predictions and first-principles calculations were used to predict three polynitrogen solids (aP8-N, aP12-N, and oP24-N) that possess competitive enthalpies as compared to the synthesized open-chain N8 phase at pressures in the range of 0-60 GPa. aP8-N, aP12-N, and oP24-N contain edge-shared, N2-linked, and N-bridged pentazolate rings and form molecular N8, molecular N12, and quasi-one-dimensional N∞ ribbons, respectively. The calculations of formation enthalpies show that the three polynitrogen solids can be synthesized by compressing cyclo-N5 salts in hydrogen-saturated environments. Molecular simulations suggest that the three polynitrogen solids have the ability of quench recoverability under ambient conditions once being synthesized at high pressure. With estimated energy densities in the range of 5.6-6.5 kJ/g, these three polynitrogen phases show notable promise for applications as high-energy-density materials.

Combination of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Carthami Flos improves cardiac function of diabetic cardiomyopathy mice by regulating the unfolded protein response signaling pathway.

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a unique clinical entity elicited by diabetes independent of other cardiovascular risk factors, of which the pathological mechanisms and treatment strategies remain largely undefined. This study aimed to clarify the role of unfolded protein response (UPR) signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of DCM, and to explore the effect of aqueous extract of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Carthami Flos (DH) on DCM mice. Cardiac function of DCM mice was evaluated by echocardiography, and lipid profile of left ventricular was analyzed by untargeted lipidomics. The results showed that DH significantly improved the diabetic symptoms, cardiac dyslipidemia, and systolic dysfunction of DCM mice. UPR signaling pathway was significantly down-regulated in the left ventricular of DCM mice. DH significantly up-regulated the transcriptions of key transducers in UPR signaling pathway. Conditional knockout of Xbp1 in cardiomyocyte (a key regulator in UPR signaling pathway) eliminated the protective effect of DH on cardiac systolic function of DCM mice, which suggested that UPR signaling pathway, especially the Xbp1, was required for DH protection against DCM. In conclusion, DH improved cardiac function of DCM mice, and this effect was dependent on its regulation of UPR signaling pathway.

Effects of Microplastics on Higher Plants: A Review.

Microplastics pose great risks to terrestrial systems owing to their large quantity and strong persistence. Higher plants, an irreplaceable part of the terrestrial ecosystem, are inevitably exposed to microplastics. This review highlights the effects of microplastics on higher plant growth and performance. The tested microplastics, plant species, and cultural methods used in existing studies were summarized. We discussed the reasons why these microplastics, plants, and methods were selected. The various responses of higher plants to microplastics in both soils and waters were critically reviewed. We also highlighted the influencing mechanisms of microplastics on higher plants. Conclusively, more than 13 types of common microplastics and more than 30 species of higher plants have been selected and studied by the published literatures. Soil culture tests and hydroponic experiments are almost equally divided. The effects of microplastics on higher plants varied among microplastic properties, plant species, and environmental factors. Microplastics had no or positive effects on higher plants under certain experimental conditions. However, more studies showed that microplastics can inhibit higher plant growth and performance. We reduced the inhibitory mechanisms into direct and indirect mechanisms. The direct mechanisms include blocking pores or light, causing mechanical damage to roots, hindering genes expression, and releasing additives. The indirect mechanisms contain changing soil properties, affecting soil microbes or soil animals, and affecting bioavailability of other pollutants. This review improves the understanding of effects and influencing mechanisms of microplastics on higher plants.

[Effects of Xiangqin Jiere Granules on lipid metabolism and chronic inflammation in different obesity model mice].

This paper aims to study the effect of Xiangqin Jiere Granules(XQ) on lipid metabolism and chronic inflammation in different obesity model mice. The monosodium glutamate(MSG) obese mouse model was established by subcutaneous injection of MSG in newborn mice, and the high fat diet(HFD) obese mouse model was established by feeding adult mice with HFD. The normal mice were assigned into the control group; the MSG obese mice were assigned into MSG model group, XQ4.5 group(Xiangqin Jiere Granu-les, 4.5 g·kg~(-1)), XQ22.5 group(Xiangqin Jiere Granules, 22.5 g·kg~(-1)); the HFD obese mice were assigned into HFD model group, XQ4.5 group, and XQ22.5 group. The mice were intragastrically administrated with saline or XQ for 5 weeks. After that, the body weight, visceral fat mass, liver and thymus weight, and the organ indexes in each group were measured. The levels of triglyceride(TG), total cholesterol(TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-c) in serum and liver tissue were detected by the kits. The mRNA expression levels of acetyl CoA carboxylase 1(ACC1), fatty acid synthetase(FAS), diacylgycerol acyltransferase 1(DGAT1) and hepatic lipase(HTGL) involved in lipid metabolism in mouse liver tissue were detected by quantitative real-time PCR(qPCR). The protein levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-6(IL-6) in serum were detected by ELISA, and the mRNA levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in liver tissue were detected by qPCR. Compared with the control group, MSG and HFD mice showed increased body weight, abdominal circumference, Lee index and visceral fat mass as well as elevated levels of TG, TC, and LDL-c in serum. The model mice had up-regulated gene levels of ACC1, FAS and DGAT1 while down-regulated gene level of HTGL in the liver. Furthermore, the mRNA and protein levels of IL-6 increased in the model mice. Compared with the model mice, XQ treatment decreased the body weight, abdominal circumference, Lee index, and visceral fat mass, lowered the levels of TG, TC, and LDL-c in se-rum, down-regulated the gene levels of ACC1, FAS, and DGAT1 in liver tissue, up-regulated the gene level of HTGL, and down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of IL-6. To sum up, XQ has good therapeutic effect on different obesity model mice. It can improve lipid metabolism and reduce fat accumulation in obese mice by regulating the enzymes involved in lipid metabolism, and alleviate obesity-related chronic low-grade inflammation.

Piezo-Photocatalytic Synergy in BiFeO3 @COF Z-Scheme Heterostructures for High-Efficiency Overall Water Splitting.

Solar-driven overall water splitting is an ideal way to generate renewable energy while still challenging. For the first time, this work combined covalent organic frameworks (COFs) and piezoelectric material by covalent linkages to form Z-scheme core@shell heterostructure for overall water splitting. Benefiting from the synergistic effect between the polarized electric field and photo-generated charges, as well as the precise adjustment of shell thickness, the carrier separation and utilization efficiency is greatly improved. The optimal BiFeO3 @TpPa-1-COF photocatalyst revealed hydrogen (H2 ) and oxygen (O2 ) production rates of 1416.4 and 708.2 µmol h-1 g-1 under the excitation of ultrasonication coupled with light irradiation, which is the best performance among various piezo- and COF-based photocatalysts. This provides a new sight for the practical application of highly efficient photocatalytic overall water splitting.

Cross-sectional retrospective analysis of clinical characteristics of chronic hepatitis B patients with oral antiviral treatment in eastern China.

BACKGROUND: In China, more than 20 million patients with chronic hepatitis B need antiviral treatment. Side effects of antiviral treatment such as renal complications can be problematic, particularly in an aging population. METHODS: The data were retrospectively extracted from the hospital medical charts of five centers in eastern China from January 1 to December 31, 2018. RESULTS: A total of 8309 patients with CHB was enrolled in this study. The median age of the patients was 46 years. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hepatic cirrhosis was respectively 3.49%, 4.42%, and 23.72%. The prevalence of these comorbidities increased with age (P < 0.001). Of the patients with CHB, 5332 had complete renal function results. Among them, patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of < 60 mL/min/1.73m2 accounted for 4.14%, and those with proteinuria for 8.33%. According to the definition of chronic kidney disease, the proportion of patients with chronic kidney disease was 11.37%. The prevalence of chronic kidney disease increased with age (P < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis, age group [odds ratio (OR) = 2.387], diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.486), hypertension (OR = 2.557), hepatic cirrhosis (OR = 1.295), and a history of exposure to adefovir dipivoxil (OR = 1.644) were significantly associated with CKD (P < 0.05). Among patients with CKD, 17.66% (107/606) had a history of lamivudine exposure, and 34.65% (210/606) had a history of nucleotide analogue exposure CONCLUSION: The management of Chinese patients with CHB should take into consideration age, previous medication history, and renal impairment.

Does the additional use of clomiphene citrate or letrozole for in vitro fertilization deserve more attention?

BACKGROUND: Adding clomiphene citrate (CC) and/or letrozole (LE) to in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles for mild ovarian stimulation is a general approach. Although lots of researches have demonstrated partial benefits of the strategy, all-around effects of oral medications remained deficient. This paper aims to assess whether an addition of oral medication will result in considerable outcomes on T-Gn (total dose of gonadotropin), Gn days, total retrieved ova, high quality embryos, blastocyst number, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) rate, clinical pregnancy rate and cumulative pregnancy rate, even if it was not conventional mild/minimal stimulations. RESULTS: Participants were categorized to three diverse populations as high responders, normal responders and poor responders according to basal antral follicle count. T-Gn in patients treated with CC/LE distinctly decreased from 2496.96 IU/d to 1827.68 IU/d, from 2860.28 IU/d to 2119.99 IU/d, and from 3182.15 IU/d to 1802.84 IU/d, respectively. For high ovary responders and normal responders, the OHSS incidence rate also declined from 29.2 to 4.3% (P < 0.001) and from 1.1 to 0.0% (P = 0.090). Other, there was no statistical difference with respect to the T-retrieved ova (total retrieved ova), high quality embryos, cultured blastocyst and blastocyst number in high responders. For normal responders and poor ovary responders, T-Gn, Gn days, T-retrieved ova, high quality embryos, cultured blastocyst and blastocysts number in oral medications group all apparently decreased. Clinical pregnancy rate per fresh cycle of poor responders with prior oral medications was significantly decreased (25.7% vs. 50.8%, P = 0.005), and no significant differences in high responders and normal responders were expressed (52.5% vs. 44.2%, P = 0.310; 51.9% vs. 42.4%, P = 0.163) between two groups of participants. The numbers of cumulative pregnancy rates were lower in the conventional group compared to the add group for high (75.90% versus 81.03%, P = 0.279), normal (62.69% versus 71.36%, P = 0.016) and poor (39.74% versus 68.21%, P < 0.001) responders. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of CC/LE to the ovulation induction during IVF has certain efficacy in terms of low cost, low OHSS incidence. CC/LE deserves more recommendations as a responsible strategy in high responders due to advantageous pregnancy outcomes. For normal responders, the strategy needs to be considered with more comprehensive factors.

Imaging analysis of 13 rare cases of renal collecting (Bellini) duct carcinoma in northern China: a case series and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Collecting (Bellini) duct carcinoma (CDC) is a highly malignant and rare kidney tumor. We report our 12-year experience with CDC and the results of a retrospective analysis of patients and tumor characteristics, clinical manifestations, and imaging features by computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET)/CT. METHODS: Retrospective examination of tumors between January 2007 and December 2019 identified 13 cases of CDC from three medical centers in northern China. All 13 patients underwent CT scan, among which eight underwent dynamic enhanced CT scan, two underwent PET/CT scan, and one underwent magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) examination. The lesions were divided into nephritis type and mass type according to the morphology of the tumors. RESULTS: The study group included ten men and three women with an average age of 64.23 ± 10.74 years. The clinical manifestations were gross hematuria, flank pain, and waist discomfort. The mean tumor size was 8.48 ± 2.48 cm. Of the 13 cases, six (46.2%) were cortical-medullary involved type and seven (53.8%) were cortex-medullary-pelvis involved type. Eleven (84.6%) cases were nephritis type and two (15.4%) were mass type. The lesions appeared solid or complex solid and cystic on CT and MRI. The parenchymal area of the tumors showed isodensity or slightly higher density on unenhanced CT scan in the 13 cases. PET/CT in two cases showed increased radioactivity intake. Evidence of intra-abdominal metastatic disease was present on CT in nine (69.2%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: The imaging characteristics of CDC differ from those of other renal cell carcinomas. In renal tumors located in the junction zone of the renal cortex and medulla that show unclear borders, slight enhancement, and metastases in the early stage, a diagnosis of CDC needs to be considered. PET/CT provides crucial information for the diagnosis of CDC, as well as for designing treatment strategies including surgery.

Integrated Assessment of Cd-contaminated Paddy Soil with Application of Combined Ameliorants: A Three-Year Field Study.

Cadmium accumulation in rice is a major source of Cd exposure in humans worldwide. A three-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the ecological safety and long-term stability of biochar combined with lime or silicon fertilizer for Cd immobilization in a polluted rice paddy. The results showed that the application of combined ameliorants could reduce the Cd content in brown rice to meet the Chinese maximum permissible limit for Cd content in food products (0.2 mg/kg). In addition, such amendments stimulated metabolic pathways in soil bacteria, including carbon metabolism, citrate cycle, pyruvate metabolism, biosynthesis of amino acids, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, revealing improvements in soil biological activity and soil health. Therefore, the results provide a practical strategy for the safe utilization of farmland with mild levels of heavy metal pollution.

Electrical Control of Magnetic Phase Transition in a Type-I Multiferroic Double-Metal Trihalide Monolayer.

Controlling magnetism of two-dimensional multiferroics by an external electric field provides special opportunities for both fundamental research and future development of low-cost electronic nanodevices. Here, we report a general scheme for realizing a magnetic phase transition in 2D type-I multiferroic systems through the reversal of ferroelectric polarization. Based on first-principles calculations, we demonstrate that a single-phase 2D multiferroic, namely, ReWCl_{6} monolayer, exhibits two different low-symmetric (C_{2}) phases with opposite in-plane electric polarization and different magnetic order. As a result, an antiferromagnetic-to-ferromagnetic phase transition can be realized by reversing the in-plane electric polarization through the application of an external electric field. These findings not only enrich the 2D multiferroic family, but also uncover a unique and general mechanism to control magnetism by electric field, thus stimulating experimental interest.