[Comparison of clinical features of septic shock in children with hematological malignancies versus children without malignant tumors].

Objective: To investigate the clinical features of septic shock in children with hematological malignancies compared with those without malignant tumor in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Methods: This retrospective study enrolled children with septic shock at the PICU of Capital Institute of Pediatrics' Children's Hospital from June 2015 to July 2022. According to the presence of hematological malignancies, patients were divided into the hematological malignancies group and without malignant tumor group. Clinical data were compared between the two groups, and logistic regression analysis was used to identify related factors for mortality. Results: A total of 164 children (97 males and 67 females) with a median age of 3.6 (interquartile range 0.8, 7.8) years were enrolled, including 75 (45.7%) patients with hematological malignancies and 89 (54.3%) patients without malignant tumors. Patients in the hematological malignancies group were older [6.0(3.6, 9.4) years vs 1.2 (0.4, 4.3) years, P<0.001] and more experienced hospital-acquired infections [48.0%(36/75) vs 21.3%(19/89),P=0.001], compared with patients without malignant tumors. Surgical emergencies were more frequent in patients without malignant tumors (32.6% vs 14.7%, P=0.013). Patients with hematological malignancies mainly had blood stream infections (58.7%), with Gram-negative bacilli (46.7%), meanwhile, patients without malignant tumors more experienced Gram-positive cocci infections (22.5%) of the respiratory system (40.4%) or digestive system (28.1%). There were significant differences regarding the infection sites (P<0.001) and pathogens (P=0.001). The types of antibacterial agents (P<0.001) and the frequency of noradrenaline (P=0.013) used in patients with hematological malignancies were significantly higher than those without malignant tumors. Patients with hematological malignancies had a higher incidence of multiple organ dysfunction (MODS) [100.0%(75/75) vs 80.9%(72/89), P<0.001] and higher 28-day mortality [34.8%(23/66) vs 19.0%(15/79),P=0.048]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that Pediatric Critical Illness Score (PCIS) was an independent factor for death (odds ratio, OR=1.387, 95%CI: 1.161-1.657, P<0.001) in patients with hematological malignancies, and PCIS (OR=1.419, 95%CI: 1.140-1.767, P=0.002) and the 6-hour lactate clearance rate (OR=65.857, 95%CI: 2.953-1 468.638, P=0.008) were independent factors for death in patients without malignant tumors. Conclusions: Children with hematological malignancies were older, more frequently experienced bloodstream infections, and had a higher incidence of MODS and higher 28-day mortality. PCIS is related to poor prognosis of septic shock in children.

Unequivocal Identification of Spin-Triplet and Spin-Singlet Superconductors with Upper Critical Field and Flux Quantization.

Spin-triplet superconductors play central roles in Majorana physics and quantum computing but are difficult to identify. We show the methods of kink-point upper critical field and flux quantization in superconducting rings can unequivocally identify spin-singlet, spin-triplet in centrosymmetric superconductors, and singlet-triplet admixture in noncentrosymmetric superconductors, as realized in γ-BiPd, ß-Bi_{2}Pd, and α-BiPd, respectively. Our findings are essential for identifying triplet superconductors and exploring their quantum properties.

[Clinical application value of modified Lee grading system to evaluate the degree of foraminal stenosis in patients with intervertebral foraminal lumbar disc herniation].

Objective: To investigate the clinical application value of the modified Lee grading system (abbreviated as the modified system) in evaluating the degree of intervertebral foraminal stenosis(IFS) in patients with foraminal lumbar disc herniations(FLDH). Methods: MRI data of 83 patients with FLDH-IFS (34 patients in the operation group and 49 patients in the conservative group) in Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University and Yantai Yantaishan Hospital from March 2018 to February 2021 were retrospectively collected. There were 43 males and 40 females, ranged from 34 to 82 years old, with an average of (61±10) years. MRI images of selected patients were independently evaluated and recorded by two radiologists in a blind method, using both the Lee grading system (abbreviated as Lee system) and the modified system, respectively and each method was evaluated twice. The difference between the evaluation level of the two systems, and the agreement of observer assessments of the two systems were compared, and the correlation between the evaluation level of the two grading systems and the clinical treatment modalities was analyzed. Results: The percentage of nongrade 3 (grade 0-2) patients with effective conservative treatment according to the two grading systems was 94.6 % (139/147) and 64.2 % (170/265), respectively. The percentage of grade 3 patients requiring surgical treatment according to the two grading systems was 69.2 % (128/185) and 61.2 % (41/67), respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the evaluation levels of the modified system and the Lee system (Z=-5.16, P=0.001). In the Lee system, the intra-observer observation consistency Kappa values of the two radiologists were 0.735 and 0.542, respectively, which were highly and moderately consistent; and the inter-observer observation consistency Kappa values were 0.426-0.521, which were moderate consistency. In the modified system, the intra-observer consistency Kappa values of the two radiologists were 0.900 and 0.921, respectively, and the consistency was almost completely consistent; and the inter-observer consistency Kappa values were 0.783-0.861, which were highly consistent or almost completely consistent. Lee system and clinical treatment modalities was correlative (rs=0.39,P<0.001), and modified system and clinical treatment modalities was correlative (rs=0.61,P<0.001). Conclusion: According to FLDH-IFS, the modified system can comprehensively and accurately grade, with high reliability and reproducibility. The evaluation level has a more significant correlation with clinical treatment modalities.

Leftover Opioid Analgesics and Disposal Following Ambulatory Pediatric Surgeries in the Context of a Restrictive Opioid-Prescribing Policy.

BACKGROUND: Opioid analgesics are commonly prescribed for postoperative analgesia following pediatric surgery and often result in leftover opioid analgesics in the home. To reduce the volume of leftover opioids and overall community opioid burden, the State of Tennessee enacted a policy to reduce initial opioid prescribing to a 3-day supply for most acute pain incidents. We aimed to evaluate the extent of leftover opioid analgesics following pediatric ambulatory surgeries in the context of a state-mandated restrictive opioid-prescribing policy. We also aimed to evaluate opioid disposal rates, methods of disposal, and reasons for nondisposal. METHODS: Study personnel contacted the parents of 300 pediatric patients discharged with an opioid prescription following pediatric ambulatory surgery. Parents completed a retrospective telephone survey regarding opioid use and disposal. Data from the survey were combined with data from the medical record to evaluate proportion of opioid doses prescribed that were left over. RESULTS: The final analyzable sample of 185 patients (62% response rate) were prescribed a median of 12 opioid doses (interquartile range [IQR], 12-18), consumed 2 opioid doses (IQR, 0-4), and had 10 opioid doses left over (IQR, 7-13). Over 90% (n = 170 of 185) of parents reported they had leftover opioid analgesics, with 83% of prescribed doses left over. A significant proportion (29%, n = 54 of 185) of parents administered no prescribed opioids after surgery. Less than half (42%, n = 71 of 170) of parents disposed of the leftover opioid medication, most commonly by flushing down the toilet, pouring down the sink, or throwing in the garbage. Parents retaining leftover opioids (53%, n = 90 of 170) were most likely to keep them in an unlocked location (68%, n = 61 of 90). Parents described forgetfulness and worry that their child will experience pain in the future as primary reasons for not disposing of the leftover opioid medication. CONCLUSIONS: Despite Tennessee's policy aimed at reducing leftover opioids, a significant proportion of prescribed opioids were left over following pediatric ambulatory surgeries. A majority of parents did not engage in safe opioid disposal practices. Given the safety risks related to leftover opioids in the home, further interventions to improve disposal rates and tailor opioid prescribing are warranted after pediatric surgery.

Comparison of the outer membrane proteomes between clinical carbapenem-resistant and -susceptible Acinetobacter baumannii.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Carbapenem resistance has become a major obstacle in combating Acinetobacter baumannii infections. Although enzymatic degradation by ß-lactamases is the pivotal mechanism of carbapenem resistance, porin deficiency has also been implicated in the mechanism. In this study, outer membrane proteins (OMPs) pattern of a clinical multidrug-resistant A. baumannii isolate were analysed in order to attain a deeper understanding of carbapenem-resistance strategies. METHODS: OMPs extracts, respectively, separated from carbapenem-resistant and -susceptible clinical A. baumannii isolates were compared using two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Differentially expressed proteins were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF). RESULTS: Twenty-three differently expressed proteins were identified between the resistant and susceptible isolates. Among them, six were annotated convincingly as OMPs in UniProt database. CarO was found absent from the resistant isolate and the expression levels of Omp33-36 and Omp25 were significantly lower than that in the susceptible counterpart. Strikingly, a LysM domain/BON superfamily protein, which has been linked to carbapenem resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae, was found underexpressed by tenfold in the resistant isolate. CONCLUSION: Our study verified some porins which have been proven to play an important role in bacterial resistance against carbapenems. Underexpression of the LysM domain/BON superfamily protein may indicate its possible engagement in bacterial drug resistance, but its actual role requires more investigation.

[Clinical value of routine contrast esophagram in the diagnosis of anastomotic leakage for three-incision esophagectomy with cervical anastomosis].

Objective: To examine the clinical value of routine contrast esophagram (RCE) for the diagnosis of anastomotic leakage (AL) after three-incision esophagectomy with cervical anastomosis. Methods: Clinical data of 1 022 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent McKeown three-incision esophagectomy with cervical anastomosis from January 2015 to December 2019 at Department of Minimally Invasive Esophageal Surgery, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital and Institute were analyzed retrospectively. There were 876 males and 146 females, aging(M(IQR)) 48(16) years (range: 36 to 84 years). There were 253 patients (24.8%) with neoadjuvant therapy, and 817 patients (79.9%) with minimally invasive esophagectomy. According to the diagnosis and treatment habits of the attending surgeons, 333 patients were included in the RCE group, and RCE was performed on the 7th day postoperative, while 689 patients were included in the non-RCE group, and RCE was performed when the patients had suspicious symptoms. Taking clinical symptoms, RCE, CT, endoscopy and other methods as reference to the diagnosis of AL, the sensitivity and specificity were used to analyze and evaluate the efficacy of RCE for the diagnosis of AL. The data were compared by U test or χ² test between groups. Results: The incidence rate of AL after three-incision esophagectomy was 7.34% (75/1 022), including 30 cases in the RCE group and 45 cases in the non-RCE group (9.0%(30/333) vs. 6.5%(45/689), χ²=2.027, P=0.155). The diagnostic time of AL was 9(5) days postoperative (range: 4 to 30 days). Among them, 23 cases showed cervical leakages, 50 cases showed intro-thoracic leakages, and 2 cases both cervical and intro-thoracic leakages. The diagnostic time of patients with intro-thoracic leakages was longer than that of cervical leakages (10(4) days vs. 6(3) days, Z=-2.517, P=0.012). Among the 333 patients in the RCE group, 16 cases of RCE indicated leakages including 11 cases of true positive and 5 cases determined to be false positive, while 317 cases indicated no abnormalities including 19 cases developed leakages. The sensitivity and specificity of RCE to detect AL were 36.7%(11/30) and 98.3%(298/333), respectively. The Youden-index was 0.35, and the diagnostic accuracy was 92.8%(309/333). The positive and negative predictive value were 11/16 and 94.0%(298/317), respectively. Conclusions: Routine contrast esophagram after three-incision esophagectomy with cervical anastomosis has low sensitivity and high specificity in the diagnosis of AL. The diagnostic time of AL is the 9th day after surgery. It is necessary to prolong the observation time clinically, and combine RCE with CT, endoscopy and other inspection methods for diagnosis.

Rapid and accurate diagnosis of brain abscess caused by Nocardia asiatica with a combination of Ziehl-Neelsen staining and metagenomics next-generation sequencing.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Early and accurate diagnosis is vital in cerebral nocardiosis, a very rare and infectious disease associated with a high mortality rate. Herein, we report a case that a patient with brain abscess was swiftly diagnosed and successfully treated. METHODS: We report a case of a 61-year-old woman with a brain abscess caused by Nocardia asiatica, diagnosed by a combination of Ziehl-Neelsen staining and metagenomics next-generation sequencing (mNGS). RESULTS: A 61-year-old woman with left breast cancer resection, diabetes mellitus and a 7-month discontinuous cough and fever was admitted to our hospital. On the third day of hospitalization, she experienced a sudden loss of consciousness and was diagnosed with a brain abscess and a pathological change in cerebral mass on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Due to the failure of culturing any microorganisms from the pup, the dissected sample from the patient with Ziehl-Neelsen staining tested positive for acid-fast bacilli and was subjected to mNGS. The pathogen was identified as N. asiatica and the patient was treated accordingly with linezolid and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole until complete recovery was confirmed by the follow-up cerebral MRI. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first case report of a brain abscess caused by N. asiatica being swiftly diagnosed by a combination of Ziehl-Neelsen staining and mNGS. This rapid diagnosis allowed us to successfully treat this rare infection.

[Clinical characteristics of children infected with different subtypes/genotypes of human respiratory syncytial virus in Beijing from 2009 to 2017].

Objective: To explore the different clinical characteristics of children infected with different subtype/genotype of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) in Beijing. Methods: Respiratory specimens for positive HRSV were randomly collected from children with acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI) in the epidemic season of HRSV from November of each year to January of the next year during 2009 and 2017. G genes of HRSV were amplified and sequenced for subtyping and genotyping by bioinformatics analysis. Clinical data were collected and analyzed. Results: Out of 590 children, 376 (63.7%) with subtype A, and 214 (36.3) with subtype B. The annual dominant subtypes of HRSV from 2009 to 2017 were B-A-A-B-AB-A-A-B-A, respectively, whilst a total of 10 genotypes were detected with 95.8% assigned to genotype ON1 and NA1 of subtype A, and genotype BA9 of subtype B. Children infected with subtype B (96 cases, 44.9%) were more likely aged 0-3 month old than those with subtype A (118 cases, 31.4%) (P=0.001), and more likely to be admitted to Intensive Care Unit(ICU) ((124 cases, 57.9%) than those with subtype A (172 cases, 45.7%)) (P=0.005). Statistical significance were shown among children infected with genotype ON1, NA1 or BA9, in the possibility of infection in children aged 0-3 month (P=0.003), proportion of admission into ICU (P=0.007), length of stay in hospital (P=0.001), and clinical outcome (P=0.001), respectively. Conclusion: Children infected with different subtype or genotype of HRSV have different clinical characteristics, which stresses the important role of the monitoring HRSV subtypes and genotypes among children.

Absence of Evidence of Electrical Switching of the Antiferromagnetic Néel Vector.

Much theoretical and experimental attention has been focused on the electrical switching of the antiferromagnetic (AFM) Néel vector via spin-orbit torque. Measurements employing multiterminal patterned structures of Pt/AFM show recurring signals of the supposedly planar Hall effect and magnetoresistance, implying AFM switching. We show in this Letter that similar signals have been observed in structures with and without the AFM layer, and of an even larger magnitude using different metals and substrates. These may not be the conclusive evidence of spin-orbit torque switching of AFM, but the thermal artifacts of patterned metal structure on substrate. Large current densities in the metallic devices, beyond the Ohmic regime, can generate unintended anisotropic thermal gradients and voltages. AFM switching requires unequivocal detection of the AFM Néel vector before and after SOT switching.

Competitive interaction on dual-species biofilm formation by spoilage bacteria, Shewanella baltica and Pseudomonas fluorescens.

AIMS: This study aims to characterize the biofilm produced by mono- and dual-species of Shewanella baltica and Pseudomonas fluorescens as fish spoilers at the different incubation temperature, and to elucidate the interactive behaviour of dual-species biofilm development. METHODS AND RESULTS: The mono- and dual-species biofilm formation and adhesion characteristics of S. baltica and P. fluorescens were evaluated by using crystal violet staining, scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Results showed that P. fluorescens had significantly higher biofilm biomass and polysaccharides production than S. baltica, and two isolates reached the maximum biofilm biomass during the early stationary phase. Lower biomass and polysaccharides in dual-species biofilms were observed compared to mono-species of P. fluorescens. Meanwhile, S. baltica and P. fluorescens formed fragile and viscous pellicles with different spatial architectures respectively. In dual-species pellicle few large microcolonies were dominated by P. fluorescens. Compared to mono-species of PF07, adherent cell population and biofilm thickness at the developing phase significantly decreased, and biofilm-forming cycle prolonged in the dual-species biofilms. Biofilm formation and adhesion of mono- and dual-species at 4 or 15°C were significantly higher than at 30°C during the same phase. The culture supernatant extracts of the two spoilage strains greatly inhibited biofilm development to each other. CONCLUSIONS: Shewanella baltica and P. fluorescens had different biofilm and pellicle characteristics, and the inhibitory development on dual-species biofilm was associated with the competitive interaction by the two psychrotrophic spoilage bacteria. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This work contributes to a better understanding of interactive behaviour of multispecies biofilm communities by psychrotrophic spoilage bacteria at low temperature, which could contribute to further control contamination of spoilage organism during the preservation and processing of aquatic products.

[Chromosome abnormality rate and related factors of spontaneous abortion in early pregnancy].

Objective: To investigate chromosome abnormality rate and related factors of spontaneous abortion in early pregnancy. Methods: A total of 831 tissue samples of spontaneous abortion in early pregnancy were collected from June 2015 to August 2018 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. Chromosomal copy number was analyzed by next generation sequencing (NGS). The relationships between chromosome abnormality and maternal age, in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) pregnancy, number of previous spontaneous abortions, history of live birth were analyzed by statistical methods. Results: Among 831 tissue samples of spontaneous abortion in early pregnancy, 461 (55.5%, 461/831) were found to have chromosome abnormalities. Maternal age (OR=1.107, 95%CI: 1.070- 1.145) and history of live birth (OR=1.909, 95%CI: 1.182-3.083) were the positive correlative factors of chromosome abnormality. Times of previous spontaneous abortion (OR=0.807, 95%CI: 0.702-0.928) and IVF-ET pregnancy (OR=0.554, 95%CI: 0.404-0.760) were the negative correlative factors of chromosome abnormality. Conclusions: Chromosome abnormality is an important cause of spontaneous abortion in early pregnancy. The rate of chromosome abnormality increases with the increase of maternal age and the history of live birth, and decreases with the increase of number of previous spontaneous abortion and IVF-ET pregnancy.

Propidium monoazide real-time loop-mediated isothermal amplification for specific visualization of viable Salmonella in food.

Traditional DNA-based molecular detection assays, including loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), are unable to differentiate between viable and dead cells. We developed a rapid and accurate method for detection of viable Salmonella cells in food using calcein-dyed visual real-time LAMP combined with propidium monoazide (PMA) treatment. Amplification of DNA from up to 6·3 × 105  CFU per ml dead Salmonella cells was inhibited by 5 µmol l-1 PMA dye, whereas the DNA derived from viable cells were detected according the invA gene. In addition, viable Salmonella cells can be directly detected both visually using calcein dye and quantitatively by monitoring amplification curves of fluorescence signals. Both the detection sensitivity of PMA-LAMP and PMA-qPCR were 6·3 × 102  CFU per ml. The calcein-dyed visual real-time PMA-LAMP assay exhibits high specificity and sensitivity comparable to those of the PMA-qPCR method and is suitable not only for laboratory research but also for routine screening of viable Salmonella cells in food. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Food-borne illnesses caused by Salmonella spp. threaten public health and food safety. Therefore, it is important to develop a rapid and accurate monitoring method to detect viable Salmonella in food. In this study, we developed a calcein-dyed visual real-time loop-mediated isothermal amplification with propidium monoazide treatment (PMA-LAMP) in accordance with the above requirements. The method described here could be a valuable tool for routine screening of viable Salmonella in food.

[Value of procalcitonin in predicting the severity and prognosis of neonates with septicemia].

Objective: To explore the value of procalcitonin(PCT) in predicting the severity and prognosis of neonates with septicemia. Methods: The clinical data of the hospitalized neonates over the age of 72 hours with double positive blood cultures from December 1st, 2011 to September 30, 2017 at the neonatal intensive care unit of Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics was analyzed retrospectively. Results: A total of 75 neonates were included in the study. There was a significant negative correlation between PCT and neonatal critical illness score (r=-0.440, P<0.05). Among the groups of non-critical, critical and extremely critical, the levels of PCT had significant difference [0.27(0.10-2.55), 4.34(1.24-20.32), 19.49(1.92-106.49)µg/L, H=20.717, P<0.01]. At a cut-off point of 0.56 µg/L, PCT showed 88.6% sensitivity and 61.3% specificity for critical group diagnosis, with optimal area under the curve of 0.804 (P<0.05). At a cut-off point of 11.45 µg/L, PCT showed 65.2% sensitivity and 82.7% specificity for extremely critical group diagnosis, with optimal area under the curve of 0.735 (P<0.05). Among the groups of none organ dysfunction, single organ dysfunction and shock or multiple organ dysfunction, the levels of PCT had significant difference[0.10(0.43-2.56), 3.18(0.67-20.95), 18.97(1.92-82.90) µg/L, H=20.299, P<0.01]. At a cut-off point of 2.64 µg/L, PCT showed 70.0% sensitivity and 77.1% specificity for single organ dysfunction diagnosis, with optimal area under the curve of 0.793 (P<0.05). At a cut-off point of 9.06 µg/L, PCT showed 61.3% sensitivity and 86.4% specificity for shock or multiple organ dysfunction diagnosis, with optimal area under the curve of 0.782 (P<0.05). PCT levels were significantly higher in the death group than the survival group. At a cut-off point of 75.65 µg/L, PCT showed 80.0% sensitivity and 90.0% specificity for the judgment of death, with optimal area under the curve of 0.886 (P<0.05). C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell (WBC) and neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) had no significant difference in the severity and the degree of organ dysfunction of neonates with septicemia(all P>0.05). Conclusion: Compared to CRP, WBC and NLR, PCT has high value in predicting the severity, the degree of organ dysfunction and the prognosis of neonates with septicemia.

Psychotropic drugs for the management of cancer-related fatigue: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a common symptom affecting 60-90% of cancer survivors, and effective management for CRF is not yet available. Recently, an increasing number of trials examining the use of psychotropic drugs for the treatment of CRF have been performed, but these trials have yielded inconsistent results. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis aimed at assessing the effect and safety of psychotropic drugs for the management of CRF. Ten eligible trials of the psychotropic drugs methylphenidate and modafinil in a total of 1582 participants treated for CRF were subjected to statistical analyses. A meta-analysis of seven of these studies indicated that methylphenidate was superior to placebo for the treatment of CRF. Another meta-analysis of three studies evaluating modafinil found that this drug was no better than placebo. Adverse events were similar between both methylphenidate and modafinil and the placebo groups. Our meta-analysis indicated that the treatment of CRF with methylphenidate appears to be effective, whereas modafinil provides no benefit. These results of this analysis warrant further trials to confirm the efficacy and safety of psychotropic drugs for the treatment of CRF.

Comparative analysis of MIR168 promoters in three plant species.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in the regulation of gene expression by post-transcriptionally targeting mRNAs for cleavage or translational repression. miR168 is a key miRNA because it regulates the expression of the slicer protein ARGONAUTE1 (AGO1), which catalyzes mRNA cleavage. Interestingly, plant miR168s are highly evolutionarily conserved; however, it is unclear whether MIR168 promoter elements and expression patterns are also conserved. Here, we isolated MIR168 promoters from monocot rice and dicot grape genomes. To determine the expression pattern, different promoters were fused to a beta-glucoronidase reporter gene and the resulting constructs were then transformed in Arabidopsis. The results revealed clear differences in the MIR168 promoter sequence of monocot and dicot plant species. Moreover, the pattern of MIR168 promoter expression differed between monocots and dicots. These results suggest that, unlike that of miR168, the MIR168 promoter is not conserved in monocots and dicots.

Physical origins of the new magnetoresistance in Pt/YIG.

A new type of magnetoresistance (MR) observed in Pt/YIG when nominally nonmagnetic Pt comes in contact with a ferrimagnetic insulator yttrium iron garnet (YIG) has drawn intense experimental and theoretical interest. In this Letter, we experimentally demonstrate two physical origins of the new MR: a spin current across the Pt/YIG interface and the magnetic proximity effect. The new MR can also be reproduced when Pt is in contact with a nonmagnetic insulator doped with a few percent of Fe impurities. By tuning the YIG surface and inserting an Au layer between the Pt and YIG, we are able to separate the two contributions.

Construction of a metal-organic monolayer-semiconductor junction on a hydrogen-terminated Si(111) surface via Si-C covalent linkage and its electrical properties.

A metal-organic monolayer-semiconductor junction, exhibiting a diode behaviour, was constructed on a hydrogen-terminated n-type Si(111) by sequential surface reactions of (1) formation of an organic monolayer with a thiol terminal group, (2) platinum deposition onto the thiol group via adsorption of a platinum complex followed by chemical reduction, and finally (3) continuous Ag layer formation by electroless deposition. Rectifying behaviour was observed at this interface.

Effects of exogenous 5-aminolevulinic acid on PIP1 and NIP aquaporin gene expression in seedlings of cucumber cultivars subjected to salinity stress.

Aquaporins play a direct role in plant water relation under salt stress, but the effects of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) on aquaporin gene expression in salt-treated plants remain unknown. This study investigated the potential effects of exogenous ALA (50 mg/dm3) on aquaporin expression levels under salt stress (75 mM NaCl) in the salt-sensitive (Jinchun No.4) and the relatively salt-tolerant cucumber (Jinyou No.1) seedlings. The expressions of cucumber PIP aquaporin gene (CsPIP1:1) and cucumber NIP aquaporin gene (CsNIP) were analyzed in 20-day-old seedling leaves at 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 h after ALA treatment. After treatment with saline alone and ALA alone, CsPIP1:1 and CsNIP gene expression levels in the 2 cucumber cultivars increased to maximum at 2 h. The aquaporin gene expression in salt-treated cucumber seedling leaves was considerably higher than that in leaves subjected to exogenous ALA. Further, the aquaporin expression levels in Jinchun No.4 were higher than those in Jinyou No.1, reaching 5.20- and 2-fold induction levels, respectively. After treatment with both ALA and NaCl, the CsNIP gene expression was downregulated in both the cucumber cultivars, while that of CsPIP1:1 decreased at 2 h and then increased to 3.8-fold in Jinchun No.4. In Jinyou No.1, CsPIP1:1 gene expression gradually increased to 2.3-fold at 4 h, followed by a decline in expression. The results indicated that ALA might delay and counteract the upregulated expression of CsPIP1:1 and CsNIP genes in cucumber seedlings under NaCl stress. Thus, salt tolerance of cucumber seedlings might be enhanced by ALA application.

Müllerian Agenesis in a patient with Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome: A Case Series and Review of the Overlapping Developmental Biologic Pathways.

BACKGROUND: Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (RSTS) is a multi-system neurodevelopmental condition caused by deficiency of CREBBP (16p13.3) or EP300 (22q13.2). Müllerian agenesis, or Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome, is defined as congenital agenesis of the uterus, cervix, and upper vagina without a definite genetic cause. INDEX CASE AND CASE SERIES: We present a 14-year-old female with RSTS type 1 (CREBBP, c.4395-2A>C) and MRKH, the first documented in the literature. Following presentation to Gynecology for anticipatory guidance regarding future menstrual suppression and follow-up of previously diagnosed labial adhesions, exam under anesthesia revealed a single urogenital opening with cystoscopy demonstrating a normal urethra and bladder. Laboratory evaluation was consistent with peripubertal female gonadotropins and estradiol, 46,XX karyotype, and normal microarray, and a pelvic MRI confirmed Müllerian agenesis. Given this case, we assessed our cohort of females with RSTS and found that 4 of 12 individuals also had Müllerian anomalies. CONCLUSION: Gynecologic evaluation should be a part of medical care for females with RSTS, particularly in individuals with delayed menarche or abnormal menstrual history, on the basis of the observed association between RSTS and Müllerian anomalies in this case series. Although several candidate genes and copy number variants are associated with MRKH, no candidate genes in close proximity to the 16p13.3 region have been identified to explain both RSTS and MRKH in the index patient. Due to the regulatory nature of CREBBP during embryonic development, we theorize that CREBBP may play a role in the migration of Müllerian structures during embryogenesis.

KMT2D regulates activation, localization, and integrin expression by T-cells.

Individuals with Kabuki syndrome present with immunodeficiency; however, how pathogenic variants in the gene encoding the histone-modifying enzyme lysine methyltransferase 2D (KMT2D) lead to immune alterations remain poorly understood. Following up on our prior report of KMT2D-altered integrin expression in B-cells, we performed targeted analyses of KMT2D's influence on integrin expression in T-cells throughout development (thymocytes through peripheral T-cells) in murine cells with constitutive- and conditional-targeted Kmt2d deletion. Using high-throughput RNA-sequencing and flow cytometry, we reveal decreased expression (both at the transcriptional and translational levels) of a cluster of leukocyte-specific integrins, which perturb aspects of T-cell activation, maturation, adhesion/localization, and effector function. H3K4me3 ChIP-PCR suggests that these evolutionary similar integrins are under direct control of KMT2D. KMT2D loss also alters multiple downstream programming/signaling pathways, including integrin-based localization, which can influence T-cell populations. We further demonstrated that KMT2D deficiency is associated with the accumulation of murine CD8+ single-positive (SP) thymocytes and shifts in both human and murine peripheral T-cell populations, including the reduction of the CD4+ recent thymic emigrant (RTE) population. Together, these data show that the targeted loss of Kmt2d in the T-cell lineage recapitulates several distinct features of Kabuki syndrome-associated immune deficiency and implicates epigenetic mechanisms in the regulation of integrin signaling.