A bifunctional primitive strategy induces enhancements of large second harmonic generation and wide UV transmittance in rare-earth borates containing [B5O10] groups.

Strong second-harmonic generation (SHG) and a short ultraviolet (UV) cutoff edge are two crucial yet often conflicting parameters that must be finely tuned in the exploration of nonlinear optical (NLO) materials. In this study, two new rare earth borate NLO crystals, K7BaSc2B15O30 (KBSBO) and Rb21Sr3.8Sc5.2B45O90 (RSSBO), were rationally designed through a bifunctional primitive strategy to achieve an optimized balance between favorable SHG efficiency and UV transparency. As anticipated, both KBSBO and RSSBO exhibit a wide UV transparency window below 190 nm. Notably, these tailored crystals display strong SHG responses, with RSSBO achieving a remarkable enhancement in SHG efficiency (2 × KDP), surpassing that of most deep-UV rare earth borates containing [B5O10] groups known to date. Theoretical calculations and structural analyses reveal that the impressive SHG activities primarily stem from the [B5O10] groups and [ScO6] polyhedra. These findings suggest promising potential for KBSBO and RSSBO crystals as beryllium-free deep UV NLO materials.

Multiphonon-coupling yellow laser in Yb:La2CaB10O19 crystal.

Yellow lasers at 590 nm have many extensive applications in our daily life, but extremely difficult to attain by traditional solid-state laser technology, owing to the absence of highly-efficient transition channels at this spectral range. In this work, we proposed a cooperative lasing mechanism to obtain the yellow light emission, with multiphonon-assisted electronic transitions and phase-matched frequency-doubling. Based on the predictable configurational coordinate model, we can calculate the multiphonon-assisted emission step-by-step. Using Yb3+-doped La2CaB10O19 crystal as an example, it is capable of producing yellow laser at 581-590 nm, with a maximum output power of 4.83 W and a high slope efficiency of 31.6%. To the best of our knowledge, it represents the highest power of solid-state yellow laser realized in one single crystal pumped by a laser diode. This power scaling can be assigned to the amplified phonon-assisted emission beyond the fluorescence spectrum, and optimized crystal angle for phase-matching condition. Such a compact, low-cost, and high-power laser device, provides an alternative candidate for the spectral "yellow-gap" where no practical solid-state laser exists at present.

Assembly of π-Conjugated [B3O6] Units by Mer-Isomer [YO3F3] Octahedra to Design a UV Nonlinear Optical Material, Cs2YB3O6F2.

Achieving the extreme balance of the key performance requirements is the crucial to breakthrough the application bottleneck for nonlinear optical (NLO) materials. Herein, by assembly of the π-conjugated [B3O6] functional species with the aid of structure-directing property of mer-isomer [YO3F3] octahedra, a new ultraviolet (UV) NLO material, Cs2YB3O6F2 with aligned arrangement of coplanar [B3O6] groups has been synthesized. The polar material exhibits the rare coexistence of the largest second harmonic generation response of 5.6×KDP, the largest birefringence of 0.091 at 532 nm, the shortest Type I phase-matching down to 200.5 nm and deep-ultraviolet transparency among reported acentric rare-earth borates with [B3O6] groups. Remarkably, benefiting from the enhanced bonding force among functional units [B3O6], a firm three-dimensional framework is constructed, which facilitates the growth of large crystals. This can be proved by a block shape crystal with dimensional of 6×5×4 mm3, indicating that it was a promising UV NLO crystal. This work provides a powerful strategy to design UV NLO materials with good performances.

MiR-127-3p enhances macrophagic proliferation via disturbing fatty acid profiles and oxidative phosphorylation in atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis is a chronic pathology, leading to acute coronary heart disease or stroke. MiR-127 has been found significantly upregulated in advanced atherosclerosis. But its function in atherosclerosis remains unexplored. We explored the role of miR-127-3p in regulating atherosclerosis development and its downstream mechanisms. METHODS: The expression profile of miR-127 in carotid atherosclerotic plaques of 23 patients with severe carotid stenosis was detected by RT-qPCR and in situ hybridization. Primary bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) stimulated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein were used as an in vitro model. CCK-8, EdU, RT-qPCR, and flow cytometry were used to detect the proliferative capacity and polarization of BMDM, which were infected by lentivirus-carrying plasmid to upregulate or downregulate miR-127-3p expression, respectively. RNA sequencing combined with bioinformatic analysis and targeted fatty acid metabolomics approach were used to detect the transcriptome and lipid metabolites. The association between miR-127-3p and its target was verified by dual-luciferase activity reporting and Western blotting. Oxygen consumption rate of BMDM were detected using seahorse analysis. High-cholesterol-diet-fed low density lipoprotein deficient (LDLR-/-) mice, with-or-without carotid tandem-stenosis surgery, were treated with miR-127-3p agomir or antagomir to examine its effect on plaque development and stability. RESULTS: miR-127-3p, not -5p, is elevated in human advanced carotid atheroma and its expression is positively associated with macrophage accummulation in plaques. In vitro, miR-127-3p-overexpressed macrophage exhibites increased proliferation capacity and facilitates M1 polariztion whereas the contrary trend is present in miR-127-3p-inhibited macrophage. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1) is one potential target of miR-127-3p. miR-127-3p mimics decreases the activity of 3' untranslated regions of SCD-1. Furthermore, miR-127-3p downregulates SCD1 expression, and reversing the expression of SCD1 attenuates the increased proliferation induced by miR-127-3p overexpression in macrophage. miR-127-3p overexpression could also lead to decreased content of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs), increased content of acetyl CoA and increased level of oxidative phosphorylation. In vivo, miR-127-3p agomir significantly increases atherosclerosis progression, macrophage proliferation and decreases SCD1 expression and the content of UFAs in aortic plaques of LDLR-/- mice. Conversely, miR-127-3p antagomir attenuated atherosclerosis, macrophage proliferation in LDLR-/- mice, and enhanced carotid plaque stability in mice with vulnerable plaque induced. CONCLUSION: MiR-127-3p enhances proliferation in macrophages through downregulating SCD-1 expression and decreasing the content of unsaturated fatty acid, thereby promoting atherosclerosis development and decreasing plaque stability. miR-127-3p/SCD1/UFAs might provide potential therapeutic target for anti-inflammation and atherosclerosis.

Efficacy and acceptability of different probiotic products plus laxatives for pediatric functional constipation: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The prevalence of pediatric constipation ranges from 0.7 to 29.6% across different countries. Functional constipation accounts for 95% of pediatric constipation, and the efficacy of pharmacotherapy is limited, with a success rate of 60%. Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown the benefits of probiotic supplements in treating this condition. However, the reported strains of probiotics varied among the RCTs. We aimed to compare the efficacy and acceptability of different probiotic supplements for pediatric functional constipation. The current frequentist model-based network meta-analysis (NMA) included RCTs of probiotic supplements for functional constipation in children. The primary outcome was changes in bowel movement or stool frequency; acceptability outcome was all-cause discontinuation. Nine RCTs were included (N = 710; mean age = 5.5 years; 49.4% girls). Most probiotic products, used either alone or combined with laxatives, were associated with significantly better improvement in bowel movement or stool frequency than placebo/control. Protexin plus laxatives (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 1.87, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.85 to 2.90) were associated with the greatest improvement in bowel movement or stool frequency among all the investigated probiotic products. For the single probiotic interventions, only Lactobacillus casei rhamnosus Lcr35 was associated with significant efficacy compared to placebo/control treatments (SMD = 1.37, 95% CI: 0.32 to 2.43). All the investigated probiotic products had fecal incontinence and patient drop-out rates similar to those of placebo/control treatments.  Conclusion: The results of our NMA support the application of an advanced combination of probiotics and laxatives for pediatric functional constipation if there is no concurrent contraindication.  Registration: PROSPERO (CRD42022298724). What is Known: • Despite of the high prevalence of pediatric constipation, which ranges from 0.7% to 29.6%, the efficacy of pharmacotherapy is limited, with a success rate of 60%. Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have shown the benefits of probiotic supplements in treating this condition. However, the reported strains of probiotics varied among the RCTs. The widely heterogeneous strains of probiotics let the traditional meta-analysis, which pooled all different strains into one group, be nonsense and insignificant. What is New: • By conducting a comprehensive network meta-analysis, we aimed to compare the efficacy and acceptability of different strains of probiotic supplements for pediatric functional constipation. Network meta-analysis of nine randomized controlled trials revealed that the most probiotic products, used either alone or combined with laxatives, were associated with significantly better improvement in bowel movement or stool frequency than placebo/control. Protexin plus laxatives was associated with the greatest improvement in bowel movement or stool frequency among all the investigated probiotic products. For the single probiotic interventions, only Lactobacillus casei rhamnosus Lcr35 was associated with significant efficacy compared to placebo/control treatments. All the investigated probiotic products had fecal incontinence and patient drop-out rates similar to those of placebo/control treatments.

Shift in microorganism and functional gene abundance during completely autotrophic nitrogen removal over nitrite (CANON) process.

Nitrification-denitrification process has failed to meet wastewater treatment standards. The completely autotrophic nitrite removal (CANON) process has a huge advantage in the field of low carbon/nitrogen wastewater nitrogen removal. However, slow start-up and system instability limit its applications. In this study, the time of the start-up CANON process was reduced by using bio-rope as loading materials. The establishing of graded dissolved oxygen improved the stability of the CANON process and enhanced the stratification effect between functional microorganisms. Microbial community structure and the abundance of nitrogen removal functional genes are also analyzed. The results showed that the CANON process was initiated within 75 days in the complete absence of anaerobic ammonium oxidizing bacteria (AnAOB) inoculation. The ammonium and nitrogen removal efficiencies of CANON process reached to 94.45% and 80.76% respectively. The results also showed that the relative abundance of nitrogen removal bacterial in the biofilm gradually increases with the dissolved oxygen content in the solution decreases. In contrast, the relative abundance of ammonia oxidizing bacteria was positively correlated with the dissolved oxygen content in the solution. The relative abundance of g__Candidatus_Brocadia in biofilm was 15.56%, and while g__Nitrosomonas was just 0.6613%. Metagenomic analysis showed that g__Candidatus_Brocadia also contributes 66.37% to the partial-nitrification functional gene Hao (K10535). This study presented a new idea for the cooperation between partial-nitrification and anammox, which improved the nitrogen removal system stability.

Efficacy and acceptability of noninvasive brain stimulation for treating posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION: Despite its high lifetime prevalence rate and the elevated disability caused by posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), treatments exhibit modest efficacy. In consideration of the abnormal connectivity between the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and amygdala in PTSD, several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) addressing the efficacy of different noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) modalities for PTSD management have been undertaken. However, previous RCTs have reported inconsistent results. The current network meta-analysis (NMA) aimed to compare the efficacy and acceptability of various NIBS protocols in PTSD management. METHODS: We systematically searched ClinicalKey, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, ProQuest, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov to identify relevant RCTs. The targeted RCTs was those comparing the efficacy of NIBS interventions, such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and transcutaneous cervical vagal nerve stimulation, in patients with PTSD. The NMA was conducted using a frequentist model. The primary outcomes were changes in the overall severity of PTSD and acceptability (to be specific, rates of dropouts for any reason). RESULTS: We identified 14 RCTs that enrolled 686 participants. The NMA demonstrated that among the investigated NIBS types, high-frequency rTMS over bilateral DLPFCs was associated with the greatest reduction in overall PTSD severity. Further, in comparison with the sham controls, excitatory stimulation over the right DLPFC with/without excitatory stimulation over left DLPFC were associated with significant reductions in PTSD-related symptoms, including depression and anxiety symptoms, and overall PTSD severity. CONCLUSIONS: This NMA demonstrated that excitatory stimulation over the right DLPFC with or without excitatory stimulation over left DLPFC were associated with significant reductions in PTSD-related symptoms. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42023391562.

Combined Metabolomics and Biochemical Analyses of Serum and Milk Revealed Parity-Related Metabolic Differences in Sanhe Dairy Cattle.

The production performance of dairy cattle is closely related to their metabolic state. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the production performance and metabolic features of Sanhe dairy cattle across different parities, with a specific focus on evaluating variations in milk traits and metabolites in both milk and serum. Sanhe dairy cattle from parities 1 to 4 (S1, n = 10; S2, n = 9; S3, n = 10; and S4, n = 10) at mid-lactation were maintained under the same feeding and management conditions. The milk traits, hydrolyzed milk amino acid levels, serum biochemical parameters, and serum free amino acid levels of the Sanhe dairy cattle were determined. Multiparous Sanhe dairy cattle (S2, S3, and S4) had a greater milk protein content, lower milk lactose content, and lower solids-not-fat content than primiparous Sanhe dairy cattle (S1). Moreover, S1 had a higher ratio of essential to total amino acids (EAAs/TAAs) in both the serum and milk. The serum biochemical results showed the lower glucose and total protein levels in S1 cattle were associated with milk quality. Furthermore, ultra-high-resolution high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem MS analysis (UPLC-MS/MS) identified 86 and 105 differential metabolites in the serum and milk, respectively, and these were mainly involved in amino acid, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism. S1 and S2/S3/S4 had significantly different metabolic patterns in the serum and milk, and more vitamin B-related metabolites were significantly higher identified in S1 than in multiparous cattle. Among 36 shared differential metabolites in the serum and milk, 10 and 7 metabolites were significantly and strongly correlated with differential physiological indices, respectively. The differential metabolites identified were enriched in key metabolic pathways, illustrating the metabolic characteristics of the serum and milk from Sanhe dairy cattle of different parities. L-phenylalanine, dehydroepiandrosterone, and linoleic acid in the milk and N-acetylornithine in the serum could be used as potential marker metabolites to distinguish between Sanhe dairy cattle with parities of 1-4. In addition, a metabolic map of the serum and milk from the three aspects of carbohydrates, amino acids, and lipids was created for the further analysis and exploration of their relationships. These results reveal significant variations in milk traits and metabolites across different parities of Sanhe dairy cattle, highlighting the influence of parity on the metabolic profiles and production performance. Tailored nutritional strategies based on parity-specific metabolic profiles are recommended to optimize milk production and quality in Sanhe cattle.

LaMg6Ga6S16: a chemical stable divalent lanthanide chalcogenide.

Divalent lanthanide inorganic compounds can exhibit unique electronic configurations and physicochemical properties, yet their synthesis remains a great challenge because of the weak chemical stability. To the best of our knowledge, although several lanthanide monoxides epitaxial thin films have been reported, there is no chemically stable crystalline divalent lanthanide chalcogenide synthesized up to now. Herein, by using octahedra coupling tetrahedra single/double chains to construct an octahedral crystal field, we synthesized the stable crystalline La(II)-chalcogenide, LaMg6Ga6S16. The nature of the divalent La2+ cations can be identified by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray absorption near-edge structure and electron paramagnetic resonance, while the stability is confirmed by the differential thermal scanning, in-situ variable-temperature powder X-ray diffraction and a series of solid-state reactions. Owing to the particular electronic characteristics of La2+(5d1), LaMg6Ga6S16 displays an ultrabroad-band green emission at 500 nm, which is the inaugural instance of La(II)-based compounds demonstrating luminescent properties. Furthermore, as LaMg6Ga6S16 crystallizes in the non-centrosymmetric space group, P-6, it is the second-harmonic generation (SHG) active, possessing a comparable SHG response with classical AgGaS2. In consideration of its wider band gap (Eg = 3.0 eV) and higher laser-induced damage threshold (5×AgGaS2), LaMg6Ga6S16 is also a promising nonlinear optical material.

Fetal Aortic Blood Flow Velocity and Power Doppler Profiles in the First Trimester: A Comprehensive Study Using High-Definition Flow Imaging.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to establish reference values for fetal aortic isthmus blood flow velocity and associated indices during the first trimester, utilizing a novel ultrasonographic technique known as high-definition flow imaging (HDFI). Additionally, the correlation between Doppler profiles of aortic blood flow and key fetal parameters, including nuchal thickness (NT), crown-rump length (CRL), and fetal heartbeat (FHB), was investigated. METHODS: A total of 262 fetuses were included in the analysis between December 2022 and December 2023. Utilizing 2D power Doppler ultrasound images, aortic blood flow parameters were assessed, including aortic peak systolic velocity (PS), aortic end-diastolic velocity (ED), aortic time average maximal velocity (TAMV), and various indices such as aortic systolic velocity/diastolic velocity (S/D), aortic pulsatile index (PI), aortic resistance index (RI), aortic isthmus flow velocity index (IFI), and aortic isthmic systolic index (ISI). Concurrently, fetal FHB, NT, and CRL were evaluated during early trimester Down syndrome screening. RESULTS: Significant findings include a positive correlation between gestational age (GA) and PS (PS = 3.75 × (GA) - 15.4, r2 = 0.13, p < 0.01), ED (ED = 0.42 × (GA) - 0.61, r2 = 0.04, p < 0.01), PI (PI = 0.07 × (GA) + 1.03, r2 = 0.04, p < 0.01), and TAMV (TAMV = 1.23 × (GA) - 1.66, r2 = 0.08, p < 0.01). In contrast, aortic ISI demonstrated a significant decrease (ISI = -0.03 × (GA) + 0.57, r2 = 0.05, p < 0.05) with gestational age. No significant correlation was observed for aortic RI (p = 0.33), S/D (p = 0.39), and IFI (p = 0.29) with gestational age. Aortic PS exhibited positive correlations with NT (0.217, p = 0.001) and CRL (0.360, p = 0.000) but a negative correlation with FHB (-0.214, p = 0.001). Aortic PI demonstrated positive correlations with CRL (0.208, p = 0.001) and negative correlations with FHB (-0.176, p = 0.005). Aortic TAMV showed positive correlations with NT (0.233, p = 0.000) and CRL (0.290, p = 0.000) while exhibiting a negative correlation with FHB (-0.141, p = 0.026). Aortic ISI demonstrated negative correlations with NT (-0.128, p = 0.045) and CRL (-0.218, p = 0.001) but a positive correlation with FHB (0.163, p = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: Power Doppler angiography with Doppler ultrasound demonstrates the ability to establish accurate reference values for fetal aortic blood flow during the first trimester of pregnancy. Notably, aortic PS, TAMV, and ISI exhibit significant correlations with NT, CRL, and FHB, with ISI appearing more relevant than IFI, PS, TAMV, and FHB. The utilization of HDFI technology proves advantageous in efficiently detecting the site of the aortic isthmus compared to traditional color Doppler mode in early second trimesters.

Vaginal delivery of triplets after emergency transvaginal cerclage: A case report and literature review.

RATIONALE: To report a peculiar case of vaginal delivery of a triplet after emergency transvaginal cerclage and to find a way to optimize some extreme situations encountered in clinical practice after evaluating feasibility. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 33-year-old gravida 6, para 0050 woman at 21 + 6 weeks of gestation was referred to the obstetric department for opening of the cervical canal. An emergency McDonald cerclage was performed at 22 weeks of gestation after a comprehensive assessment, and the pregnancy ended with vaginal delivery at 24 + 6 weeks of gestation. The postpartum period was normal, and the newborns were discharged to home care after treatment in the neonatal intensive care unit. INTERVENTIONS: After discussing the risks, the patient requested emergency transvaginal McDonald cerclage at 22 weeks of gestation. OUTCOMES: Emergency McDonald cerclage was performed at 22 weeks of gestation, and the pregnancy ended with vaginal delivery at 24 + 6/25 weeks of gestation, successfully prolonging gestation by 20/21 days. The postpartum period had no exceptional circumstances, and newborns were discharged to home care after treatment in the neonatal intensive care unit for 104/98/104 days. LESSONS: Emergency cerclage seems to be impossible in multiple pregnancies. However, in this case, after a comprehensive assessment, it was feasible to extend the gestational age by emergency cerclage, and prompt and accurate evaluation is important to avoid complications and individualize the following management. In this case, we may find a way to optimize some extreme situations encountered in clinical practice and offer a glimmer of hope for families challenged with multiple pregnancies at risk of preterm delivery. However, more high-quality studies are needed to prove the effectiveness and safety of emergency cerclages in triplets.

Pb3[O10Pb20](SiO4)4X10 (X = Cl, Br): The First Pb-Containing Halogen Silicates with Mirror-Symmetric Pseudo-Aurivillius Bilayers.

Two new congruently melting Pb-containing halogen silicates, Pb3[O10Pb20](SiO4)4X10 (X = Cl, Br), have been synthesized using a high-temperature solution method. Their crystal structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and both compounds crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Cmca. In both structures, the mirror-symmetric bilayer composed of Pb-O polyhedra is observed for the first time in Pb-containing silicates and belongs to α-PbO derivatives and is related to the Aurivillius phase. Thermal behavior analysis, UV-vis diffuse-reflectance spectroscopy, and IR spectroscopy were also performed. The Pb3[O10Pb20](SiO4)4Cl10 matrix was doped with Eu3+ ions as a dopant, and its potential application in fluorescence was confirmed from the resulting orange-red emission.

Comparison of the efficacy of acupuncture with tuina with acupuncture-only in the treatment of peripheral facial paralysis: a network meta-analysis.

At present, traditional Chinese medicine treatment is considered safe for treating peripheral facial paralysis (PFP). Acupuncture-only and acupuncture combined with tuina are widely used for this purpose. However, it is not clear whether acupuncture combined with tuina is better for treating PFP than acupuncture-only. Conventional meta-analysis and network meta-analysis were used to compare the clinical efficacies of acupuncture combined with tuina and acupuncture-only in the treatment of PFP. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), with the subjects being patients with PFP and treatment interventions including acupuncture combined with tuina, acupuncture-only, tuina-only, placebo, single Western medicine, and steroids combined with other Western medicine were searched from both Chinese and English databases. The primary outcomes included Modified House-Brackmann (MHBN) scores and Sunnybrook Facial Grading System, whereas the secondary outcomes included cure time, Portmann scores, and physical function scale of Facial Disability Index, using conventional meta-analysis and network meta-analysis. The study included 22 RCTs with a sample size of 1814 patients. The results of conventional meta-analysis (MD = 16.12, 95%CI 13.13,19.10) and network meta-analysis (MD = 14.53, 95%CI 7.57,21.49) indicate that acupuncture combined with tuina was better than acupuncture-only in improving MHBN and shortening the cure time (MD = - 6.09, 95%CI - 7.70, - 4.49). Acupuncture combined with tuina was the optimal therapy for improving MHBN (SUCRA was 100%) and shortening the cure time (SUCRA was 100%). The results of this meta-analysis indicate that acupuncture combined with tuina can significantly improve MHBN and shorten the cure time, compared with acupuncture-only. However, the current evidence is insufficient, and more high-quality clinical studies are needed.Registration: This study had been registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022379395).

Li13YGe4O16: A Mid-infrared Rare-Earth Germanate Nonlinear Optical Crystal Featuring a Broad Transmission Range and an Enlarged Band Gap.

Germanate is garnering increasing attention in the field of optoelectronics owing to its competitive optical transparency and robust stability. Herein, a novel lithium-rich rare-earth germanate, Li13YGe4O16, was fabricated for the first time using a high-temperature solution approach. This compound adopts the asymmetric space group Cmc21 (no. 36), characterized by isolated [YO6] and [GeO4] structural motifs with Li+ cations located in the channel. Notably, Li13YGe4O16 presents a short ultraviolet cutoff edge at 240 nm, indicative of an enlarged band gap of 4.96 eV and showcases a wide mid-infrared transmission region exceeding 6.0 µm. Moreover, Li13YGe4O16 features exceptional thermal stability and moderate second harmonic generation (SHG) intensity. Additionally, a theoretical analysis suggests that the distorted [YO6] octahedra. [GeO4] and [LiO4] tetrahedra play a significant role in the optical activities of Li13YGe4O16. These attributes endow Li13YGe4O16 with the potential to serve as a new mid-IR nonlinear optical (NLO) crystal and enrich the structural chemistry of germanates.

Cs3In(In4Se7)(P2Se6): A Multi-Chromophore Chalcogenide with Excellent Nonlinear Optical Property Designed by Group Grafting.

Non-centrosymmetric (NCS) and polar materials capable of exhibiting many important functional properties are indispensable for electro-optical technologies, yet their rational structural design remains a significant challenge. Here, we report a "group grafting" strategy for designing the first multi-chromophore selenophosphate, Cs3In(In4Se7)(P2Se6), that crystallizes in a NCS and polar space group of Cm. The structure features a unique basic building unit (BBU) [In(In4Se10)(P2Se6)], formed through "grafting [In4Se10] supertetrahedra on the root of [In(P2Se6)2] groups". Theoretical calculations confirm that this [In(In4Se10)(P2Se6)] BBU can achieve a "1+1>2" combination of properties from two chromophores, [In4Se10] supertetrahedron and ethane-like [P2Se6] dimer. That makes Cs3In(In4Se7)(P2Se6) exhibit excellent linear and nonlinear optical (NLO) properties, including a strong second harmonic generation (SHG) response (~6×AgGaS2), a large band gap (2.45 eV), broad infrared (IR) transmission (up to 19.5 µm), a significant birefringence (0.26 @1064 nm) as well as the congruently-melting property at ~700 °C. Therefore, Cs3In(In4Se7)(P2Se6) will be a promising NLO crystal, especially in the IR region, and this research also demonstrates that "group grafting" will be an effective strategy for constructing novel polar BBUs with multi-chromophore to design NCS structures and high-performance IR NLO materials.

From NaGa(IO3)3F to NaGa(IO3)2F2 and NaGa(IO3)4: The Effects of Chemical Substitution between F- Anions and IO3- Groups on the Structures and Properties of Gallium Iodates.

Introducing F- anions or substituting F- anions with IO3- groups has been proven to be ideal strategies for designing novel noncentrosymmetric (NCS) and polar materials, yet systematic investigation into the effect of F- anions or the substitution of IO3- for F- anions on structures and properties remains rarely explored. Herein, two new gallium iodates, NaGa(IO3)2F2 (1) and NaGa(IO3)4 (2), were successfully designed and synthesized based on NaGa(IO3)3F by introducing more F- anions and replacing F- anions with IO3 groups, respectively. Structurally, in compound 1, the adjacent [GaF3(IO3)3]3- polyanions are connected in an antiparallel manner, resulting in a complete cancellation of local polarity. While in compound 2, all IO3 groups in 2D [Ga(IO3)4]∞- layers are aligned, leading to large macroscopic polarization. Additionally, chemical substitution also results in a qualitative improvement in the functional properties of compound 2. It possesses strong SHG response (12 × KDP @1064 nm) and broad optical transparency, coupled with large birefringence (0.21 @1064 nm), showcasing its promise as a promising nonlinear optical (NLO) crystal. The effects of chemical substitution between F- anions and IO3- groups on the structures and properties are discussed in detail.

Rb8Nb10Ge6O41: a new niobium-germanate crystal featuring unique one-dimensional [Nb7O30]∞ chains and wide mid-IR transparency.

Germanate oxides have garnered considerable interest owing to their diverse structural configuration and intriguing properties. Herein, we present a novel niobium germanate crystal, Rb8Nb10Ge6O41, extracted through the process of spontaneous crystallization. It showcases a unique three-dimensional (3D) structural framework composed of one-dimensional (1D) twisted [Nb7O30]∞ chains and isolated [Ge3O9] rings, arising from the divergent polymerized manifestations of [NbO6] and [GeO4] basic building blocks, respectively, marking the first instance of such a topography in germanate materials. Notably, the title compound exhibits exceptional thermal stability up to 1250 °C with a good congruent melting nature. Moreover, it achieves a short ultraviolet edge at 306 nm and a favorable infrared edge cutoff exceeding 6.2 µm, thus indicating a wide transparency window. Additionally, this study elucidates the microscopic birefringence of Rb8Nb10Ge6O41 and clarifies the intricate relationship between its structure and properties. Our findings suggest that the polymerization of distinct structural motifs within a single compound is an effective strategy for exploring novel inorganic materials.

KNa2Lu(BO3)2: A Rare-Earth Borate Crystal Characterized by an Enhanced Birefringence and Wide Ultraviolet Transparency Range.

Borate materials are of significant interest due to their versatile structural configuration and competitive ultraviolet (UV) transparency range. In this study, we present a novel rare-earth borate crystal, KNa2Lu(BO3)2, synthesized for the first time through a facile spontaneous crystallization method. It adopts the centrosymmetric space group Pnma (no. 62) and yields a unique three-dimensional (3D) structural network formed by isolated [BO3] plane triangles and distorted [LuO7] polyhedra. This compound displays excellent thermal stability up to ∼990 °C, demonstrating a favorable congruent melting nature. Moreover, KNa2Lu(BO3)2 achieves a notably short UV absorption cutoff at approximately 204 nm, yielding a large band gap of 5.58 eV. Remarkably, it showcases an enlarged birefringence of 0.044 at 1064 nm, implying its potential as a birefringent material. Moreover, density functional theory calculations demonstrate that the optical characteristics are predominantly influenced by fundamental building blocks [BO3] triangles and distorted [LuO7] polyhedra. Our findings demonstrate the potential of KNa2Lu(BO3)2 in the development of a birefringent candidate and enrich the structural chemistry of rare-earth-based borates.

Prophylaxis for paediatric emergence delirium in desflurane-based anaesthesia: a network meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The prevalence of postoperative emergence delirium in paediatric patients (pedED) following desflurane anaesthesia is considerably high at 50-80%. Although several pharmacological prophylactic strategies have been introduced to reduce the risk of pedED, conclusive evidence about the superiority of these individual regimens is lacking. The aim of the current study was to assess the potential prophylactic effect and safety of individual pharmacotherapies in the prevention of pedED following desflurane anaesthesia. METHODS: This frequentist model network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) included peer-reviewed RCTs of either placebo-controlled or active-controlled design in paediatric patients under desflurane anaesthesia. RESULTS: Seven studies comprising 573 participants were included. Overall, the ketamine + propofol administration [odds ratio (OR) = 0.05, 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) 0.01-0.33], dexmedetomidine alone (OR = 0.13, 95%CIs 0.05-0.31), and propofol administration (OR = 0.30, 95%CIs 0.10-0.91) were associated with a significantly lower incidence of pedED than the placebo/control groups. In addition, only gabapentin and dexmedetomidine were associated with a significantly higher improvement in the severity of emergence delirium than the placebo/control groups. Finally, the ketamine + propofol administration was associated with the lowest incidence of pedED, whereas gabapentin was associated with the lowest severity of pedED among all of the pharmacologic interventions studied. CONCLUSIONS: The current NMA showed that ketamine + propofol administration was associated with the lowest incidence of pedED among all of the pharmacologic interventions studied. Future large-scale trials to more fully elucidate the comparative benefits of different combination regimens are warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42021285200.

LiGa(IO3 )4 : An Excellent NLO Material with Unprecedented 2D [Ga(IO3 )4 ]∞ - Layer Synthesized by Aliovalent Substitution.

Nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals are indispensable for the solid-state lasers for their ability to expand wavelength spectral to the regions where the directing lasing is difficult or even impossible, yet the rational design of a high-performance NLO crystal remains a great challenge owing to the severe structural and properties' requirements. Herein, a new noncentrosymmetric (NCS) and polar gallium iodate, LiGa(IO3 )4 , with a novel 2D anionic layer, is successfully designed and synthesized by the aliovalent substitution strategy based on classic α-LiIO3 . The 2D [Ga(IO3 )4 ]∞ - layer in LiGa(IO3 )4 is built from the GaO6 octahedra and highly polarizable units IO3 . Compared with its parent compound, the partial replacement of A-site Li+ cation with main group Ga3+ cation facilitates LiGa(IO3 )4 to possess excellent NLO properties, including the large second-harmonic generation (SHG) response (14 × KH2 PO4 (KDP) @ 1064 nm), wide bandgap (4.25 eV), large birefringence (0.23 @ 1064 nm), and wide optical transparency from UV to mid-IR. These reveal that LiGa(IO3 )4 will be a promising NLO crystal.