Thermal stability of triple-junction gallium arsenide cells.

Laser wireless power transmission (LWPT) systems have significant applications in the field of wireless energy transmission, including spacecraft sensor networks, satellite-to-satellite communication, and remote power supply. However, continuous laser exposure increases the temperature of the photovoltaic (PV) cells in the LWPT system, thus decreasing the electrical output performance. This work, which we believe is a new approach, is on the basis of a notch film designed by a combined merit function proposed to maintain the electrical output performance while under 1064-nm continuous laser irradiation. Moreover, the thermal stability of PV cells under laser irradiation was investigated, which revealed the recoverability of the open-circuit voltage (Voc) of the cells at different temperatures, and the thermal damage to cells was a gradual process. This process began with the vaporization of the encapsulation adhesive, followed by a decline in, but still recoverable and functional, electrical performance, and finally, the cell was completely damaged. The thermal stability of the PV cells coated with the notch film increased ten-fold compared to those without it. Furthermore, the correlation between the minimum Voc and maximum temperature of the cells with notch films of different performances was established. These investigations serve as references for further optimization of LWPT.

Proteomic analysis of aqueous humor reveals novel regulators of diabetic macular edema.

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is the most common cause of blindness in patients with diabetic retinopathy. To investigate the proteomic profiles of the aqueous humor (AH) of individuals with diabetic macular edema (DME), AH samples were collected from patients with non-diabetes mellitus (NDM), DM, nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), and DME. We performed comparative proteomic analyses using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and bioinformatics analyses. We identified 425 proteins in these AH samples, of which 113 showed changes in expression in DME compared with NDM, 95 showed changes in expression in DME vs. DM, and 84 showed changes in expression in DME compared with NPDR. The bioinformatics analysis suggested that DME is closely associated with platelet degranulation, oxidative stress-related pathway, and vascular-related pathways. Upregulation of haptoglobin (HP) and downregulation of fibrillin 1 (FBN1) were validated by ELISA. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that HP and FBN1 could distinguish DME from NPDR with areas under the curve of 0.987 (p = 0.00608) and 0.791 (p = 0.00629), respectively. The findings provide potential clues for further analysis of the molecular mechanisms and the development of new treatments for DME. HP and FBN1 may be potential key proteins and therapeutic targets in human DME. The proteomics dataset generated has been deposited to the ProteomeXchange/iProX Consortium with Identifier: PXD033404/IPX0004353001.

Changes in thyroid hormones predict weight regain in patients with obesity who undergo metabolic surgery.

AIM: To investigate the relationship between thyroid function and weight regain in patients with obesity after metabolic surgery. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 162 patients who underwent metabolic surgery. Correlations between decreases in thyroid hormone levels and changes in weight, waist circumference (WC) and the Chinese visceral adiposity index (CVAI) were assessed. Binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to identify predictors and clinically useful cut-off values, respectively. RESULTS: The levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free triiodothyronine (FT3) decreased markedly at 1 year after surgery, as did weight, body mass index (BMI), triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, WC and CVAI. Decreases in TSH and FT3 after metabolic surgery were associated with changes in weight, BMI and CVAI. Binary logistic regression and ROC curve analyses confirmed that decreases in TSH can predict good weight loss after metabolic surgery to some extent. Finally, binary logistic regression and ROC curve analyses confirmed that changes in TSH can predict weight regain after metabolic surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in TSH and FT3 after metabolic surgery were correlated with changes in weight and CVAI. Changes in thyroid hormones can predict weight regain in patients with obesity who underwent metabolic surgery.

Borderline personality traits mediate the relationship between negative life events and nonsuicidal self-injury in a clinical sample with youth depression.

BACKGROUND: Borderline personality traits play a significant role in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), particularly in depressed youths. NSSI is also highly correlated with negative life events. This research aimed to explore the connections between negative life events, borderline personality traits, and NSSI. METHODS: The study included 338 depressed youth aged 13 to 25 years. Self-reported measures and clinical interviews were utilized to evaluate the depressive symptoms, borderline personality traits, negative life events, and NSSI behaviours of these participants. Identifying variables linked to NSSI was the aim of our analysis, and we also conducted a mediation analysis to look into the influence of borderline traits on the connection between negative life events and NSSI. RESULTS: Of the 338 depressed youth, approximately 59.47% (201/338) displayed NSSI, which was associated with greater clinical severity. Borderline traits had an independent influence on NSSI and it partially explained the connection between negative life events and NSSI, even when accounting for depression symptoms. Depressed youth who were more vulnerable to NSSI behaviours often experienced negative life events such as interpersonal relationships, academic pressure, being punished, and loss. CONCLUSIONS: Our research suggests that depressed youth who experience more negative life events are more likely to experience NSSI, and negative life events indirectly influence nonsuicidal self-injury through borderline personality traits. Implementing interventions focused on mitigating borderline symptoms could be a promising therapeutic approach for addressing NSSI in young people.

Longitudinal changes in body mass index, height, and weight in children with acute myeloid leukemia.

BACKGROUND: This study reported height prediction and longitudinal growth changes in Chinese pediatric patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) during and after treatment and their associations with outcomes. METHODS: Changes in 88 children with AML in percentages according to the growth percentile curve for Chinese boys/girls aged 2-18/0-2 years for body mass index (BMI), height, and weight from the time of diagnosis to 2 years off therapy were evaluated. The outcomes of AML were compared among patients with different BMI levels. RESULTS: The proportion of underweight children (weight < 5th percentile) increased significantly from the initial diagnosis to the end of consolidation treatment. The proportion of patients with low BMI (BMI < 5th percentile) was highest (23.08%) during the consolidation phase, and no children were underweight, but 20% were overweight (BMI > 75th percentile) after 2 years of drug withdrawal. Unhealthy BMI at the initial diagnosis and during intensive chemotherapy leads to poorer outcomes. For height, all patients were in the range of genetic height predicted based on their parents' height at final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians should pay more attention to the changes in height and weight of children with AML at these crucial treatment stages and intervene in time.

Application of microwave ablation assisted degradation therapy in surgical treatment of intramedullary chondrosarcoma of extremities.

AIM: Clinical diagnosis and surgical treatment of chondrosarcoma (CS) are continuously improving. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the effectiveness of microwave ablation (MWA) assisted degradation therapy in the surgical treatment of intramedullary chondrosarcoma of the extremities, to provide a new reference and research basis for the surgical treatment of CS. METHODS: We recruited 36 patients with intramedullary CS who underwent MWA assisted extended curettage. Preoperative patient demographics and clinical data were recorded. Surgery was independently assisted by a medical team. Patients were followed up strictly and evaluated for oncological prognosis, radiological results, limb joint function, pain, and complications. RESULTS: We included 15 men and 21 women (mean age: 43.5 ± 10.1). The average length of the lesion was 8.1 ± 2.5 cm. Based on preoperative radiographic, clinical manifestations, and pathological results of puncture biopsy, 28 patients were preliminarily diagnosed with CS-grade I and eight patients with CS-grade II. No recurrence or metastasis occurred in the postoperative follow-up. The average Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score was 28.8 ± 1.0, significantly better than presurgery. Secondary shoulder periarthritis and abduction dysfunction occurred in early postoperative stage CS of the proximal humerus in some, but returned to normal after rehabilitation exercise. Secondary bursitis occurred at the knee joint in some due to the internal fixation device used in treatment; however, secondary osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis of the femoral head were not observed. Overall, oncological and functional prognoses were satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: The application of MWA assisted degradation therapy in intramedullary CS can achieve satisfactory oncology and functional prognosis, providing a new option for the limited treatment of CS.

Synthetic Ligament-Assisted Functional Soft-Tissue Reconstruction in Tumor-Related Proximal Femoral Replacements.

BACKGROUND: Soft-tissue functional reconstruction is important for restoring hip function in proximal femoral replacement for tumor resection. This study evaluated the functional outcome and postoperative complications of a specific synthetic ligament for soft-tissue functional reconstruction in proximal femoral replacement for tumor resection. METHODS: This cohort included 80 patients (40 men and 40 women, mean age, 40 years (range, 10 to 79)) who had benign invasive tumors (n = 13), primary malignant bone tumors (n = 40), or bone metastases (n = 27). Patients' medical records, imaging files, surgical details, and postoperative pathological diagnoses were collected. Tumor staging was performed with the Enneking staging criteria. Lower limb and hip functions were assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society scoring system and Harris Hip score, respectively. RESULTS: Mean postoperative Musculoskeletal Tumor Society and Harris Hip scores were 27 (range, 24 to 30) and 90 (range, 76 to 97), respectively, indicating satisfactory range of motion and stability. Trendelenburg gait was observed in 3 osteosarcoma patients (3.8%), and 6 patients showed unequal lower-limb lengths. Reoperations occurred in 5 cases, including 3 cases of deep vein thromboses and 1 case each of giant cell granuloma and periprosthetic infection. There were 27 patients who had bone metastases who did not require reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: The synthetic ligament reconstruction of the hip with proximal femoral replacement for tumor resection was associated with improved outcomes. Its implementation exhibits the potential to reduce postoperative incidences of hip dislocation and periprostheses infection, thereby warranting its prospective clinical application.

Glucose metabolism disorder: a potential accomplice of SARS-CoV-2.

Globally, 265,713,467 confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 (CoV-2), including 5,260,888 deaths, have been reported by the WHO. It is important to study the mechanism of this infectious disease. A variety of evidences show the potential association between CoV-2 and glucose metabolism. Notably, people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and other metabolic complications were prone to have a higher risk of developing a more severe infection course than people who were metabolically normal. The correlations between glucose metabolism and CoV-2 progression have been widely revealed. This review will discuss the association between glucose metabolism disorders and CoV-2 progression, showing the promoting effect of diabetes and other diseases related to glucose metabolism disorders on the progression of CoV-2. We will further conclude the effects of key proteins and pathways in glucose metabolism regulation on CoV-2 progression and potential interventions by targeting glucose metabolism disorders for CoV-2 treatment. Therefore, this review will provide systematic insight into the treatment of CoV-2 from the perspective of glucose metabolism.

Ultra-broad bandwidth low-dispersion mirror with smooth dispersion and high laser damage resistance.

Low-dispersion mirrors (LDMs), which require a broad bandwidth, low dispersion, and high damage threshold, are essential optics in ultra-intense and ultra-short laser devices. Bragg mirrors and chirped LDMs do not satisfy these requirements simultaneously. We propose a novel LDM (NLDM) based on the hump-like structure and quarter wavelength optical thickness (QWOT) structure to achieve a broad bandwidth, smooth dispersion, and high robustness. The spectral and dispersion characteristics of the two structures compensate for each other, which makes up for the deficiency that the dispersion bandwidth of the sinusoidal modulation structure cannot be broadened. Based on this structure, the LDM can achieve a design bandwidth of 240 nm and support the transmission of sub-11-fs pulses. The accuracy of the NLDM is experimentally evaluated. The structure shows the potential for broad-spectrum laser damage performance due to the low electric field intensity. The NLDM improves the mirror performance and paves the way for a new generation of ultra-intense and ultra-short laser devices.

Correction: Surface lanthanide activator doping for constructing highly efficient energy transfer-based nanoprobes for the on-site monitoring of atmospheric sulfur dioxide.

Correction for 'Surface lanthanide activator doping for constructing highly efficient energy transfer-based nanoprobes for the on-site monitoring of atmospheric sulfur dioxide' by Cuilan Zhang et al., Analyst, 2020, 145, 537-543, https://doi.org/10.1039/C9AN01725A.

Predicting the prognosis of esophageal cancer based on extensive analysis of new inflammatory response-related signature.

The prognosis of esophageal cancer (ESCA) is very poor, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 20%. On the other hand, inflammation is the characteristic hallmark of ESCA; however, the prognostic relationship between inflammatory response-related genes and ESCA has not been clarified yet. Therefore, in the present manuscript, we intend to investigate the correlation and specific signature of inflammation for the prediction of the prognosis of ESCA. A total of 173 samples were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, including 162 tumors and 11 normal specimens. The prognostic signature was established by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression analysis. The transcription factor regulatory network with genes of the prognostic signature was analyzed from the transcriptional regulatory relationships unravelled by sentence-based text-mining database. Chemotherapy sensitivity and immunotherapy analysis were also performed. Multivariate Cox analysis showed that the signature was an independent prognostic risk factor. The low-risk group had poorer outcomes than the high-risk group. In the high-risk group, the infiltration of most immune cells was high and strongly correlated with the riskScore. In chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity analysis, OSM, AHR, and BTG2 were significantly correlated with the current chemotherapeutic drugs of ESCA. We have demonstrated a valid prognostic signature of inflammatory response-related genes and found strong associations with immune cells, targeted genes, and chemotherapeutic agents.

Biological reconstruction of bone defect after resection of malignant bone tumor by allograft: a single-center retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Allograft reconstruction following the resection of malignant bone tumors is associated with high rates of complications and failures. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and current problems of allograft reconstruction techniques to optimize treatment strategies at our center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight cases (16 men and 22 women), who were diagnosed with malignant bone tumors and had undergone allograft reconstruction, were recruited. Allograft was fixed by intramedullary nail, single steel plate, double plate, and intramedullary nail combined plate in 2, 4, 17, and 15 cases, respectively. Allograft union, local recurrence, and complications were assessed with clinical and radiological tests. Tumor grade was assessed using the Enneking staging of malignant bone tumors. Functional prognosis was evaluated by the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scoring system. RESULTS: Intercalary and osteoarticular reconstructions were performed in 32 and 6 cases, respectively. Six patients underwent reoperation related to allograft complications, four patients had local recurrence, and three patients with allograft fracture underwent allograft removal. A total of eight host-donor junctions showed nonunion, including seven cases (18.4%) in diaphysis and one case (3.1%) in metaphysis (p < 0.01). Host rejection and secondary osteoarthritis occurred in nine and two cases, respectively. No deep infection and internal fixation device fracture occurred. The overall allograft survival rate was 81.6%. Postoperative MSTS score of patients with allograft survival was 26.8 ± 2.9, indicating a significant improvement as compared to their preoperative function. CONCLUSIONS: Allograft represents an excellent choice for intercalary bone defects after malignant bone tumor resection. Robust internal fixation protection across the whole length of the allograft is an important prerequisite for the survival of the allograft, while multidimensional osteotomy, intramedullary cement reinforcement, and pedicled muscle flap transfer can effectively improve the survival rate and healing rate of the allograft.

Use of LARS for soft tissue function reconstruction during tumor-type hemi-shoulder replacement achieves a good prognosis: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder soft tissue function reconstruction during tumor-type hemishoulder replacement is an important step to restore shoulder function. This study evaluates the functional prognosis and postoperative complications of ligament advanced reinforcement system (LARS)-assisted soft tissue functional reconstruction in tumor-type hemi-shoulder replacement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two patients with an average age of 37.5 ± 17.8 years diagnosed with benign invasive tumors, primary malignant bone tumors, or bone metastases were enrolled in this study. The patient's medical records (history and surgical details), histological sections, imaging files, oncological prognosis, functional prognosis, and postoperative complications were collected. The upper limb function and shoulder joint function were evaluated using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) system and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scoring criteria, respectively. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients comprising 12 males and 10 females were enrolled. Overall, 9 patients had preoperative pathological fractures. The mean lesion length was 8.6 ± 3.0 cm. The local recurrence was observed in 3 cases, including 2 cases of osteosarcoma and 1 case of MGCT. A further 4 cases had pulmonary metastasis, including 2 cases with local tumor recurrence. The average postoperative MSTS score was 25.8 ± 1.7, and the score of postoperative ASES was 85.7 ± 6.0, both of which showed satisfactory functional recovery. Two cases experienced postoperative complications requiring surgical intervention, including one periprosthetic fracture and one giant cell granuloma. Prosthesis dislocation occurred in 1 case. None of the cases of periprosthetic infection or postoperative complications resulted in implant failure. CONCLUSIONS: LARS-assisted soft tissue function reconstruction in benign and malignant proximal humerus tumors after a tumor-type hemi-shoulder replacement is an effective technical improvement, which can effectively repair the integrity of the joint capsule to restore joint stability, provide a medium for soft tissue attachment to rebuild the muscular dynamic system, and eliminate residual dead space around the prosthesis, effectively improving limb function and reduce postoperative infection complications.

Asprosin induces vascular endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in diabetic lower extremity peripheral artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Altered adipokine secretion in dysfunctional adipose tissue facilitates the development of atherosclerotic diseases including lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD). Asprosin is a recently identified adipokine and displays potent regulatory role in metabolism, but the relationship between asprosin and lower extremity PAD remains uninvestigated. METHODS: 33 type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients (DM), 51 T2DM patients with PAD (DM + PAD) and 30 healthy normal control (NC) volunteers were recruited and the blood samples were collected for detecting the circulatory asprosin level and metabolomic screening. RNA sequencing was performed using the aorta tissues from the type 2 diabetic db/db mice and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with asprosin to determine its impact on the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). RESULTS: The circulating levels of asprosin in DM + PAD group were significantly higher than that of NC group and the DM group. Circulating asprosin level was remarkably negatively correlated with ankle-brachial index (ABI), even after adjusting for age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and other traditional risk factors of PAD. Logistic regression analysis revealed that asprosin is an independent risk factor for PAD and receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve determined a good sensitivity (74.5%) and specificity (74.6%) of asprosin to distinguish PAD. Data from metabolomics displayed a typical characteristics of de novo amino acid synthesis in collagen protein production by myofibroblasts in patients with PAD and activation of TGF-ß signaling pathway appeared in the aortic tissue of db/db mice. Asprosin directly induces EndMT in HUVECs in a TGF-ß-dependent manner as TGF-ß signaling pathway inhibitor SB431542 erased the promotional effect of asprosin on EndMT. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated circulatory asprosin level is an independent risk factor of lower extremity PAD and might serve as a diagnostic marker. Mechanistically, asprosin directly induces EndMT that participates in vascular injury via activation of TGF-ß signaling pathway. Trial registration This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT05068895.

Depth-dependent drivers of soil microbial necromass carbon across Tibetan alpine grasslands.

Microbial necromass carbon (C) has been considered an important contributor to persistent soil C pool. However, there still lacks large-scale systematic observations on microbial necromass C in different soil layers, particularly for alpine ecosystems. Besides, it is still unclear whether the relative importance of biotic and abiotic variables such as plant C input and mineral properties in regulating microbial necromass C would change with soil depth. Based on the combination of large-scale sampling along a ~2200 km transect across Tibetan alpine grasslands and biomarker analysis, together with a global data synthesis across grassland ecosystems, we observed a relatively low proportion of microbial-derived C in Tibetan alpine grasslands compared to global grasslands (topsoil: 45.4% vs. 58.1%; subsoil: 41.7% vs. 53.7%). We also found that major determinants of microbial necromass C depended on soil depth. In topsoil, both plant C input and mineral protection exerted dominant effects on microbial necromass C. However, in subsoil, the physico-chemical protection provided by soil clay particles, iron-aluminum oxides, and exchangeable calcium dominantly facilitated the preservation of microbial necromass C. The differential drivers over microbial necromass C between soil depths should be considered in Earth system models for accurately forecasting soil C dynamics and its potential feedback to global warming.

Chronic administration of ketamine induces cognitive deterioration by restraining synaptic signaling.

The discovery of the rapid antidepressant effects of ketamine has arguably been the most important advance in depression treatment. Recently, it was reported that repeated long-term ketamine administration is effective in preventing relapse of depression, which may broaden the clinical use of ketamine. However, long-term treatment with ketamine produces cognitive impairments, and the underlying molecular mechanisms for these impairments are largely unknown. Here, we found that chronic in vivo exposure to ketamine for 28 days led to decreased expression of the glutamate receptor subunits GluA1, GluA2, GluN2A, and GluN2B; decreased expression of the synaptic proteins Syn and PSD-95; decreased dendrite spine density; impairments in long-term potentiation (LTP) and synaptic transmission in the hippocampal CA1 area; and deterioration of learning and memory in mice. Furthermore, the reduced glutamate receptor subunit and synaptic protein expression and the LTP deficits were still observed on day 28 after the last injection of ketamine. We found that the expression and phosphorylation of CaMKIIß, ERK1/2, CREB, and NF-κB were inhibited by ketamine. The reductions in glutamate receptor subunit expression and dendritic spine density and the deficits in LTP, synaptic transmission, and cognition were alleviated by overexpression of CaMKIIß. Our study indicates that inhibition of CaMKIIß-ERK1/2-CREB/NF-κB signaling may mediate chronic ketamine use-associated cognitive impairments by restraining synaptic signaling. Hypofunction of the glutamatergic system might be the underlying mechanism accounting for chronic ketamine use-associated cognitive impairments. Our findings may suggest possible strategies to alleviate ketamine use-associated cognitive deficits and broaden the clinical use of ketamine in depression treatment.

The reliability, validity and screening effect of the happiness index scale among inpatients in a general hospital.

BACKGROUND: The Happiness Index Scale (HIS) is a newly developed scale by our group to screen for common psychological illnesses among general hospital inpatients. This study aimed to analyze the reliability, validity and screening effect of the HIS and to explore its clinical application. METHODS: From April 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021, a total of 8405 continuous inpatients were enrolled from different departments of a large tertiary general hospital with 1385 inpatient beds in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China. Using a cross-sectional survey design, each participant was assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire 9(PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 items(GAD-7), Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) and HIS within 24 h of admission. McDonald's ω coefficient, the Guttman split-half coefficient and the test-retest reliability coefficient were used to evaluate the reliability of the HIS and the construct validity and criterion validity of the validity tests. Scores on the PHQ-9, GAD-7, AIS, and C-SSRS were used as the gold standard tools to analyze the screening effect of the HIS. RESULTS: The HIS exhibited very good reliability, with a McDonald's ω coefficient of 0.825, a Guttman split-half coefficient of 0.920 and a test-retest reliability coefficient of 0.745 (P < 0.05). Confirmatory factor analysis showed a satisfactory model fitting index with a χ2/df = 2.602, a root mean squared error of approximation (RMSEA) of 0.014, a standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) of 0.010, a comparative fit index (CFI) of 0.992, and a Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) of 0.983. The correlation coefficient between the total score of each dimension of the scale and the corresponding criterion was 0.854 ~ 0.949 (P < 0.001). The HIS showed a very good distinguishing effect. The average HIS score of inpatients who screened positive for psychological problems was significantly higher than that of inpatients who screened negative for psychological problems (t = 3790.619, P < 0.001). The effect size was very large (Cohens d = 2.695, 95% CI = 2.630 ~ 2.761). Approximately 90.2% of the positive and negative screening results of the HIS were matched with the gold standard tools, with a kappa value of 0.747 (P < 0.001). The screening effect test showed a sensitivity (true positive rate) of 92.9% and a specificity (true negative rate) of 89.5%. CONCLUSION: The HIS exhibited satisfactory reliability and validity and a clinically meaningful screening effect with a much shorter version compared to the commonly used screening scales. Thus, it could potentially be useful as the first screening step to rule out psychological conditions for inpatients in general hospitals or to remind medical teams of further psychological concerns.

Elevated serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-18 in chronic methamphetamine users.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic methamphetamine use causes aberrant changes in cytokines. Our aim was to analyze the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-18 in chronic methamphetamine users. Associations between cytokines levels with the demographic properties, methamphetamine use properties, and psychiatric symptoms in chronic methamphetamine users were also evaluated. METHODS: Seventy-eight chronic methamphetamine users who did not continue methamphetamine exposure since hospitalization and 64 healthy controls were enrolled. Serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-18 were detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Psychopathological symptoms of chronic methamphetamine users were evaluated by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory. RESULTS: Serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-18 were significantly increased in methamphetamine users who did not continue methamphetamine exposure since hospital admission (average days since last methamphetamine use = 39.06 ± 7.48) when compared to those in controls. Serum IL-6 levels showed significant positive associations with BDI score and current frequency of methamphetamine use in chronic methamphetamine users. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that increased TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-18 levels may have an important role in chronic methamphetamine use-associated psychopathological symptoms.

Inflammation and DNA Methylation-Dependent Down-Regulation of miR-34b-5p Mediates c-MYC Expression and CRL4DCAF4 E3 Ligase Activity in Colitis-Associated Cancer.

miRNAs, a well-known group of noncoding RNAs, contribute to the pathogenesis of multiple diseases, including colitis-associated cancer (CAC). Our recent findings indicate that proinflammatory cytokines up-regulate c-MYC level, which subsequently activates cullin 4A and 4B (CUL4A/4B) and CRL4DCAF4 E3 ligases and promotes ubiquitination of suppression of tumorigenicity 7 in CAC. Herein, we identified and proved that miR-34b-5p can directly target c-MYC. In vitro oncogenic phenotype analyses and in vivo tumor formation assay indicated that miR-34b-5p overexpression could markedly decrease cell proliferation, colony formation, cell invasion, and tumor volumes. Overexpression of c-MYC in vitro could reverse the oncogenic phenotypes caused by miR-34b-5p up-regulation. In addition, the down-regulation of miR-34b-5p in CAC was dependent on the coregulation of the inflammatory microenvironment and DNA methylation. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that intracellular inflammation and DNA hypermethylation suppress miR-34b-5p expression, which limits its inhibitory effect on c-MYC and initiates the downstream events, including the induction of CRL4DCAF4 E3 ligase activity. The activated CRL4DCAF4 E3 ligase ubiquitinates suppression of tumorigenicity 7 and results in its degradation, eventually leading to the CAC tumorigenesis.

Effect of the interface on femtosecond laser damage of a metal-dielectric low dispersion mirror.

Metal-dielectric low dispersion mirrors (MLDM) have a promising application prospect in petawatt (PW) laser systems. We studied the damage characteristics of MLDM and found that the damage source of MLDM (Ag + Al2O3+SiO2) is located at the metal-dielectric interface. We present the effect of the interface on the femtosecond laser damage of MLDM. Finite element analysis shows that thermal stress is distributed at the interface, causing stress damage which is consistent with the damage morphology. After enhancing the interface adhesion and reducing the residual stress, the damage source transfers from the interface to a surface SiO2 layer, and the damage threshold can be increased from 0.60 J/cm2 to 0.73 J/cm2. This work contributes to the search for new techniques to improve the damage threshold of MLDM used in PW laser systems.