Enhanced Thermal Stability and Broad Temperature Range in High-Entropy (La0.2Ce0.2Nd0.2Sm0.2Eu0.2)NbO4 Ceramics.

Next-generation high-temperature applications increasingly rely heavily on advanced thermistor materials with enhanced thermal stability and electrical performance. However, thus far, the great challenge of realizing high thermal stability and precision in a wide temperature range has become a key bottleneck restricting the high-temperature application. Here, we propose a high-entropy strategy to design novel high-temperature thermistor ceramics (La0.2Ce0.2Nd0.2Sm0.2Eu0.2)NbO4. Differences in atomic size, mass, and electronegativity in this high-entropy system cause high lattice distortion, substantial grain boundaries, and high dislocation density. These enhance the charge carrier transport and reduce the grain boundary resistance, thus synergistically broadening the temperature range. Our samples maintain high precision and thermal stability over a wide temperature range from room temperature to 1523 K (ΔT = 1250 K) with an aging value as low as 0.42% after 1000 h at 1173 K, showing breakthrough progress in high-temperature thermistor ceramics. This study establishes an effective approach to enhancing the performance of high-temperature thermistor materials through high-entropy strategies.

Human activity and climate change accelerate the extinction risk to non-human primates in China.

Human activity and climate change affect biodiversity and cause species range shifts, contractions, and expansions. Globally, human activities and climate change have emerged as persistent threats to biodiversity, leading to approximately 68% of the ~522 primate species being threatened with extinction. Here, we used habitat suitability models and integrated data on human population density, gross domestic product (GDP), road construction, the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), the location of protected areas (PAs), and climate change to predict potential changes in the distributional range and richness of 26 China's primate species. Our results indicate that both PAs and NDVI have a positive impact on primate distributions. With increasing anthropogenic pressure, species' ranges were restricted to areas of high vegetation cover and in PAs surrounded by buffer zones of 2.7-4.5 km and a core area of PAs at least 0.1-0.5 km from the closest edge of the PA. Areas with a GDP below the Chinese national average of 100,000 yuan were found to be ecologically vulnerable, and this had a negative impact on primate distributions. Changes in temperature and precipitation were also significant contributors to a reduction in the range of primate species. Under the expected influence of climate change over the next 30-50 years, we found that highly suitable habitat for primates will continue to decrease and species will be restricted to smaller and more peripheral parts of their current range. Areas of high primate diversity are expected to lose from 3 to 7 species. We recommend that immediate action be taken, including expanding China's National Park Program, the Ecological Conservation Redline Program, and the Natural Forest Protection Program, along with a stronger national policy promoting alternative/sustainable livelihoods for people in the local communities adjacent to primate ranges, to offset the detrimental effects of anthropogenic activities and climate change on primate survivorship.

Associations between composite dietary antioxidant index and estimated 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk among U.S. adults.

Background: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains the leading cause of death and disability both in U.S. and worldwide. Antioxidants have been proved critical in mitigating the development of atherosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate the associations between composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI) and estimated 10-year ASCVD risk among U.S. adults. Methods: Data extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed. A total of 10,984 adults aged 18 years and above were included in this study. CDAI was calculated based on the dietary intake reported in their 24-h recall interviews. The estimated 10-year ASCVD risk was calculated via Pooled Cohort Equations (PCE). Results: After adjusting potential confounders, it was indicated that CDAI score was negatively correlated with 10-year ASCVD risk (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95-0.99). Stratify CDAI score by quartile, results showed that participants in the second, third, and fourth quartiles had lower ASCVD odds ratio (Q2: OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.69-1.09; Q3: OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.62-0.98; Q4: OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.59-0.94) than those in the first quartile (Q1, lowest CDAI score group), which was confirmed by the trend test as well (p < 0.05). Subgroup analyses stratified by sex, age, race/ethnicity, and smoking status did not show significant effect modification. Conclusion: Higher dietary antioxidants intake is associated with lower ASCVD risk among U.S. adults, for which policymakers and healthcare professionals may consider increasing the consumption of antioxidant-rich foods as a preventive strategy for ASCVD.

Landscape genomics analysis provides insights into future climate change-driven risk in rhesus macaque.

Climate change significantly affects the suitability of wildlife habitats. Thus, understanding how animals adapt ecologically and genetically to climate change is important for targeted species protection. Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) are widely distributed and multi-climatically adapted primates. This study explored how rhesus macaques adapt to climate change by integrating ecological and genetic methods and applying species distribution models (SDMs) and a gradient forest (GF) model. The findings suggested that temperature seasonality primarily affects habitat suitability and indicated that climate change will have a dramatic impact on macaque populations in the future. We also applied genotype-environment association (GEA) analyses and selection signature analyses to identify genes associated with climate change and provide possible explanations for the adaptation of rhesus macaques to climatic environments. The population genomics analyses suggested that the Taihang population has the highest genomic vulnerability with inbreeding and low heterozygosity. Combined with the higher ecological vulnerability, additional conservation strategies are required for this population under higher risk of climate change. Our work measured the impact of climate change and enabled the identification of populations that exhibit high vulnerability to severe climate change. Such information is useful for selecting populations of rhesus macaques as subject of long-term monitoring or evolutionary rescue under future climate change.

Residue behavior of cyantraniliprole and its ecological effects on Procambarus clarkii associated with the rice-crayfish integrated system.

BACKGROUND: Cyantraniliprole, a second-generation diamide insecticide, was recently introduced in China, where the rice-crayfish integrated system (RCIS) is practiced to control rice pest infestations. The aim of this study was to investigate the residue behavior of cyantraniliprole in RCIS and its potential ecological effects on nontarget Procambarus clarkii in order to recommend safe pesticide application strategies. RESULTS: Cyantraniliprole dissipated in rice plants according to first-order kinetics, with an average half-life of 5.25 days and a dissipation rate of >95% over 28 days. The terminal cyantraniliprole residue levels in rice straw, paddy hull and brown rice were all within 0.2 mg kg-1 , which is the China-recommended maximum residue limit. The tissues of P. clarkii accumulated and distributed cyantraniliprole in the descending order gill > hepatopancreas > intestine > muscles. Procambarus clarkii exposed to cyantraniliprole exhibited a moderate decrease in weight gain, specific growth rate and condition factor compared to the control group. Exposure of P. clarkii to cyantraniliprole caused histopathological alterations to the hepatopancreas, but the alterations were not statistically significant in the 60 g ai ha-1 cyantraniliprole group when compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: We suggest that 10% cyantraniliprole oil dispersion be sprayed twice at an interval of 14 days and dosage of 60 g ai ha-1 during the growth stage of rice in RCIS. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Non-invasive prenatal test findings in 41,819 pregnant women: results from a clinical laboratory in southern China.

BACKGROUND: This paper evaluated the clinical utility of massively parallel sequencing-based non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for detecting trisomy 21 (T21), T18, T13, sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCA), and rare chromosome aneuploidies (RCA) among the data collected by a clinical laboratory in southern China. METHODS: In a 3-year period between January 2017 and December 2019, over 40,000 pregnant women underwent NIPT clinical screening test for fetal T21, T18, T13, SCA, and RCA in our laboratory. NIPT samples were processed using the NextSeq CN500 platform. The positive results were confirmed by karyotyping, and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) or copy number variants (CNV) sequencing. Details of the pregnancy outcomes were collected via telephone interview. RESULTS: NIPT results were available for 41,819 cases; 691 positive cases were reported. The overall sensitivity for detection of T21, T18, T13, SCA, and RCA was 99.21, 100.00, 100.00, 98.55, and 100.00%, and the specificity was 99.95, 99.94, 99.98, 99.69, and 99.92%, respectively. The positive predictive values (PPVs) for detection of T21, T18, T13, SCA, and RCA were 85.62, 45.24, 40.00, 34.17, and 13.51%, respectively, and those for detection of 45,X, 47,XXY, 47,XXX, 47,XYY, and 46,XY(delX) 20.00, 59.18, 28.95, 61.54, and 25.00%, respectively. Regarding pregnancy outcomes, 92.38% of the pregnancies with confirmed aneuploidies were terminated, and 91.20% of those identified as having a false-positive result were carried to term. Among 252 unconfirmed cases, 24.60% of the pregnancies were terminated and 38.10% carried to term, while 37.30% declined interview. CONCLUSIONS: NIPT is widely used to screen fetal aneuploidies based on its high sensitivity and specificity. However, in this study, the PPVs of NIPT in terms of detecting T18, T13, XO, XXX and RCA were < 50%. In addition, more than one-third of NIPT-positive women did not accept invasive prenatal diagnosis. Confirmatory diagnosis is strongly recommended for women with positive NIPT outcomes before any further decision is made.

Identification, characterization and prevalence in southern China of a new iflavirus in the leafhopper Recilia dorsalis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae).

The leafhopper Recilia dorsalis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) is not only a significant pest in agriculture but also an important vector involved in transmitting numerous pathogens that are known to cause economic losses by affecting rice crops. Here, a new iflavirus was discovered in the leafhopper R. dorsalis by employing a transcriptomic approach. The complete viral genome was determined to be 10,711 nucleotides (nt) in length and contains a single open reading frame (ORF) encoding a putative polyprotein comprised of 3,161 amino acids (aa), which is flanked by 5' and 3' untranslated regions. The full viral genome nt and the deduced polyprotein aa sequence showed the highest similarity (71.6% and 77.8%, respectively) with Langfang leafhopper iflavirus. Phylogenetic analysis based on the RdRp domain indicated that the isolated virus, which we have tentatively named Recilia dorsalis iflavirus 2 (RdIV2), is clustered with the members of the family Iflaviridae. Moreover, the results of our surveys indicate that RdIV2 predominates in southwestern Guangdong and southeastern Guangxi, China, and was absent in the other three species of leafhoppers; Nephotettix cincticeps, N. virescens and N. nigropictus. Notably, R. dorsalis was found to be co-infected with RdIV2 and rice stripe mosaic virus (RSMV; a well-known rice-infecting virus vectored by R. dorsalis) in rice fields, although the co-infection rate is low.

Adsorption and immobilization of phosphorus from eutrophic seawater and sediment using attapulgite - Behavior and mechanism.

The adsorption behavior of phosphorus on raw sediment (RS), attapulgite (AT), purified attapulgite (PAT) and AT/PAT-amended sediments conforms to the Langmuir, pseudo first-order kinetics and liquid film diffusion model. The adsorption process is spontaneous and monolayer adsorption, and the adsorption rate is mainly controlled by liquid film diffusion. The addition of attapulgite improved the adsorption capacity of phosphorus in the sediments of mariculture ponds. The results of long-term sediment core incubation showed that the average reduction rates of total phosphorus (TP) and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) in overlying water and SRP in pore water by adding 20% purified attapulgite (S/PAT20) were 62.11%, 70.83% and 56.32% respectively, and the phosphorus flux in sediments decreased by 53.81%. The addition of attapulgite reduces the risk of phosphorus release in sediments, and changes sediments from "source" to "pool". The specific surface area and pore volume of PAT increased to 203.254 cm2/g and 0.395 cm3/g respectively, but the phosphorus adsorption capacity was only increased by 2 times compared with AT (1431.3-2671.8 mg P/kg), indicating that the changes of mineral structure and chemical composition jointly determine the phosphorus adsorption effect. Adsorption mechanisms include physical adsorption, surface chemical precipitation, ligand effects, electrostatic attraction and ion exchange. Therefore, seeking modification methods with low energy consumption, low production cost, no damage to rod crystal, expansion of pore volume, increase of hydroxyl and other functional groups, and great retention of effective components are issues that need to be considered to improve the phosphorus adsorption capacity of attapulgite.

One-Pot Preparation of HTPB/nNi and Its Catalyst for AP.

The liquid phase reduction method is a common method used for preparing nano-nickel powder (nNi). However, the nNi surface is easily oxidized to form nickel oxide film, which affects its performance. In this work, nNi was prepared using anhydrous ethanol as a solvent and hydrazine hydrate as a reducing agent. Furthermore, HTPB/nNi composites were prepared using hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) as a coating agent. The structure and morphology of the samples are characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The catalytic behavior of HTPB/nNi on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) is studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analyzer (TG). The results show that HTPB/nNi has little effect on the low temperature thermal decomposition of AP, but the peak of high temperature thermal decomposition advances from 456 °C to 332 °C.

Positive predictive value estimates for noninvasive prenatal testing from data of a prenatal diagnosis laboratory and literature review.

OBJECTIVE: Since 2011, noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) has undergone rapid expansion, with both utilization and coverage. However, conclusive data regarding the clinical validity and utility of this testing tool are lacking. Thus, there is a continued need to educate clinicians and patients about the current benefits and limitations in order to inform pre- and post-test counseling, pre/perinatal decision making, and medical risk assessment/management. METHODS: This retrospective study included women referred for invasive prenatal diagnosis to confirm positive NIPT results between January 2017 and December 2020. Prenatal diagnosis testing, including karyotyping, chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) were performed. Positive predictive values (PPVs) were calculated. RESULTS: In total, 468 women were recruited. The PPVs for trisomies 21, 18, and 13 were 86.1%, 57.8%, and 25.0%, respectively. The PPVs for rare chromosomal abnormalities (RCAs) and copy number variants (CNVs) were 17.0% and 40.4%, respectively. The detection of sex chromosomal aneuploidies (SCAs) had a PPV of 20% for monosomy X, 23.5% for 47,XXX, 68.8% for 47,XXY, and 62.5% for 47,XYY. The high-risk groups had a significant increase in the number of true positive cases compared to the low- and moderate-risk groups. CONCLUSIONS: T13, monosomy X, and RCA were associated with lower PPVs. The improvement of cell-free fetal DNA screening technology and continued monitoring of its performance are important.

Resveratrol promotes osteogenesis and angiogenesis through mediating immunology of senescent macrophages.

Orthopedic implants have been used clinically to restore the functions of the compromised bone tissues, but there is still a relatively high risk of failure for elderly people. A critical reason is pro-inflammatory immune microenvironment created by senescent macrophages with homeostasis imbalance impairs osteogenesis and angiogenesis, two major processes involved in implant osseointegration. The present work proposes to use resveratrol as an autophagy inducing agent to upregulate the autophagy level of senescent macrophages to restore homeostasis, consequently generating a favorable immune microenvironment. The results show 0.1-1 µM of resveratrol can induce autophagy of senescent macrophages, promote cell viability and proliferation, reduce intracellular reactive oxygen species level, and polarize the cells to pro-healing M2 phenotype. The immune microenvironment created by senescent macrophages upon resveratrol stimulation can promote osteogenesis and angiogenesis, as manifested by upregulated proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity, type I collagen secretion, and extracellular matrix mineralization of senescent osteoblasts as well as nitric oxide production, migration, andin vitroangiogenesis of senescent endothelial cells. In addition, resveratrol-loaded silk fibroin coatings can be fabricated on titanium surface through electrophoretic co-deposition and the coatings show beneficial effects on the functions of senescent macrophages. Our results suggest resveratrol can be used as surface additive of titanium implants to promote osseointegration of elderly people though regulating immunology of senescent macrophages.

A viral protein orchestrates rice ethylene signaling to coordinate viral infection and insect vector-mediated transmission.

Arthropod-borne viruses cause serious threats to human health and global agriculture by rapidly spreading via insect vectors. Southern rice black-streaked dwarf virus (SRBSDV) is the most damaging rice-infecting virus that is frequently transmitted by planthoppers. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its propagation in the host plants and epidemics in the field are largely unknown. Here, we showed that the SRBSDV-encoded P6 protein is a key effector that regulates rice ethylene signaling to coordinate viral infection and transmission. In early SRBSDV infection, P6 interacts with OsRTH2 in the cytoplasm to activate ethylene signaling and enhance SRBSDV proliferation; this also repels the insect vector to reduce infestation. In late infection, P6 enters the nucleus, where it interacts with OsEIL2, a key transcription factor of ethylene signaling. The P6-OsEIL2 interaction suppresses ethylene signaling by preventing the dimerization of OsEIL2, thereby facilitating viral transmission by attracting the insect vector. Collectively, these findings reveal a novel molecular mechanism by which an arbovirus modulates the host defense system to promote viral infection and transmission.

Prenatal Diagnosis of a Mosaic Paternal Uniparental Disomy for Chromosome 14: A Case Report of Kagami-Ogata Syndrome.

The Kagami-Ogata syndrome (KOS) is a rare imprinting disorder with a distinct clinical phenotype. In KOS, polyhydramnios is associated with a small bell-shaped thorax and coat-hanger ribs. The genetic etiology of KOS includes paternal uniparental disomy 14 [upd(14)pat], epimutations, and microdeletions affecting the maternally derived imprinted region of chromosome 14q32.2. More than 77 cases of KOS have been reported; however, only one mosaic upd(14)pat case has been reported. Here we report a second mosaic upd(14)pat case. The prognosis of upd(14)pat patients is poor because of severe respiratory insufficiency. We summarized prenatal ultrasound findings of KOS to raise awareness of this condition for possible diagnosis of KOS prenatally when polyhydramnios combination with a small bell-shaped thorax and other related features are first observed. Prenatal diagnosis using methylation-specific multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) or a single-nucleotide polymorphism-based microarray analysis is recommended.

Resistance Evaluation of Dominant Varieties against Southern Rice Black-Streaked Dwarf Virus in Southern China.

Southern rice black-streaked dwarf virus (SRBSDV), a Fijivirus in the Reoviridae family, is transmitted by the white-backed planthopper (Sogatella furcifera, WBPH), a long-distance migratory insect, and presents a serious threat to rice production in Asia. It was first discovered in China's Guangdong Province in 2001 and has been endemic in the south of China and north of Vietnam for two decades, with serious outbreaks in 2009, 2010, and 2017. In this study, we evaluated the resistance of 10 dominant rice varieties from southern China, where the virus overwinters and accumulates as a source of early spring reinfection, against this virus by artificial inoculation. The results showed that in all tested varieties there was no immune resistance, but there were differences in the infection rate, with incidence rates from 21% to 90.7%, and in symptom severity, with plant weight loss from 66.71% to 91.20% and height loss from 34.1% to 65.06%. Additionally, and valuably, the virus titer and the insect vector virus acquisition potency from diseased plants were significantly different among the varieties: an over sixfold difference was determined between resistant and susceptible varieties, and there was a positive correlation between virus accumulation and insect vector virus acquisition. The results can provide a basis for the selection of rice varieties in southern China to reduce the damage of SRBSDV in this area and to minimize the reinfection source and epidemics of the virus in other rice-growing areas.

Combination Chemotherapy of Lung Cancer - Co-Delivery of Docetaxel Prodrug and Cisplatin Using Aptamer-Decorated Lipid-Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticles.

PURPOSE: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Drug resistance is the major barrier for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The aim of this research is to develop an aptamer-decorated hybrid nanoparticle for the co-delivery of docetaxel prodrug (DTXp) and cisplatin (DDP) and to treat lung cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Aptamer-conjugated lipid-polymer ligands and redox-sensitive docetaxel prodrug were synthesized. DTXp and DDP were loaded into the lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNs). The targeted efficiency of aptamer-decorated, DTXp and DDP co-encapsulated LPHNs (APT-DTXp/DDP-LPHNs) was determined by performing a cell uptake assay by flow cytometry-based analysis. In vivo biodistribution and anticancer efficiency of APT-DTXp/DDP-LPHNs were evaluated on NSCLC-bearing mice xenograft. RESULTS: APT-DTXp/DDP-LPHNs had a particle size of 213.5 ± 5.3 nm, with a zeta potential of 15.9 ± 1.9 mV. APT-DTXp/DDP-LPHNs exhibited a significantly enhanced cytotoxicity (drug concentration causing 50% inhibition was 0.71 ± 0.09 µg/mL), synergy antitumor effect (combination index was 0.62), and profound tumor inhibition ability (tumor inhibition ratio of 81.4%) compared with the non-aptamer-decorated LPHNs and single drug-loaded LPHNs. CONCLUSION: Since the synergistic effect of the drugs was found in this system, it would have great potential to inhibit lung tumor cells and in vivo tumor growth.

Dissipation behavior, residue distribution and risk assessment of three fungicides in pears.

BACKGROUND: Fungicides are often applied to pears before they are kept in storage facilities. The scientific application of pesticides can reduce unnecessary exposure, which in turn could benefit both humans and the environment. RESULTS: We investigated dissipation behavior and residue distribution, and conducted risk assessments for prochloraz, pyraclostrobin, and tebuconazole in pears stored under different conditions using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). The recoveries of the three fungicides ranged from 76.5% to 114.5%, and the coefficients of variation were 1.0%-8.5%. The half-life (t1/2 ) ranges for degradation of the three fungicides in Dangshan Su pear peel were 8.8-13.9 days after storage at 25 °C and 99.0-346.6 days after storage at 2 °C. Among the three fungicides, tebuconazole had the lowest residue concentration in pear pulp (maximum of 0.226 mg·kg-1 ) and the longest half-life (≥ 231.0 days). Accordingly, among these fungicides, tebuconazole is the most suitable for the preservation of Dangshan Su pears during storage. Finally, we analyzed samples of six pear varieties from markets in China and found that the residue concentrations of the three fungicides in pear pulp and fruit met Chinese standards. CONCLUSION: The results provide a scientific basis for rationalizing the use of prochloraz, pyraclostrobin, and tebuconazole, and improving the safety of pears for eating. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Quantitative Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method for Comparison of Prochloraz Residue on Garlic Sprouts after Soaking and Spraying Treatment.

Prochloraz is a fungicide that is widely used on vegetables to maintain freshness during storage. To ensure that prochloraz is used in a safe way that reduces the levels of residue on the product, we evaluated two treatment methods (soaking and spraying) that are commonly used for garlic sprouts. An ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for prochloraz residue on garlic sprouts. The linear range of the method was 5⁻500 µg/kg and the correlation coefficient was 0.9983. The average recovery range was 88⁻94%, and the relative standard deviation range was 2.6⁻9.7%. Garlic sprout samples that had been soaked in or sprayed with prochloraz were collected from cold storage facilities in Laixi and Pingdu, China. For the soaked samples, the ranges for the levels of prochloraz residue on the whole garlic sprouts and stems (edible portion) were 15.76⁻25.14 mg/kg and 0.58⁻1.62 mg/kg, respectively. For the sprayed samples, the ranges for the levels of prochloraz residue on the whole garlic sprouts and stems were 1.85⁻7.89 mg/kg and 0.01⁻1.29 mg/kg, respectively. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for rationalizing the use of prochloraz and improving the safety of edible garlic sprouts.

Axial Length/Corneal Radius of Curvature Ratio Assessment of Posterior Sclera Reinforcement for Pathologic Myopia.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the axial length/corneal radius of curvature ratio changes after posterior scleral reinforcement (PSR) for pathologic myopia. PROCEDURES: This study enrolled 32 pathologically myopic eyes treated with PSR and 35 untreated pathologically myopic eyes. Axial length, refractive error, best corrected visual acuity, corneal radius of curvature, and the axial length/corneal radius of curvature ratio were evaluated during the 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences in each parameter between the 2 groups at baseline. Significant differences were found between the 2 groups in both axial elongation and best corrected visual acuity improvement. The average axial length/horizontal corneal radius of curvature ratio significantly decreased in the PSR group. CONCLUSION: The PSR surgery can effectively delay the axial elongation in pathological myopia. Axial length/horizontal corneal radius of curvature ratio significantly decreased, which may indicate less myopic progression after surgery.

Osteogenic and angiogenic activities of silicon-incorporated TiO2 nanotube arrays.

Osteogenesis and angiogenesis that have interaction in vivo are two pivotal processes for implant osseointegration, so implant surfaces with both enhanced osteogenic and angiogenic activities are in need. Developing silicon (Si) doped TiO2 nanotube array (TNA-Si) coatings shall be a promising strategy to yield favorable implant osseointegration with the combined effects of TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNAs) and Si in the enhancement of both osteogenic and angiogenic activities. To achieve this purpose, TNA-Sis are fabricated through the unique strategy of anodization of magnetron-sputtered TiSi coatings. Under optimized conditions, a highly ordered nanotubular structure with even dispersion of Si throughout the nanotubes in the form of SiO2 can be obtained. Si incorporation has little influence on the nanotube length, but slightly decreases the diameter, thickens the nanotube wall, and increases the hydrophilicity. TNA-Sis show good cytocompatibility to both osteoblasts and endothelial cells (ECs). TNA-Sis show enhanced proliferation, spreading, alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen secretion, and matrix mineralization of osteoblasts. Meanwhile, TNA-Sis induce better EC proliferation, and the conditioned culture media from TNA-Sis generate better angiogenic ability, nitric oxide production, and vascular endothelial growth factor secretion from ECs. In particular, TNA-Si4.6 with the strongest osteogenic and angiogenic activities in the context of the present study is highly promising as the next-generation hard tissue implant coating.

[Rapid detection of chromosome number aberration in spontaneously aborted fetuses using fluorescence in situ hybridization].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in the diagnosis of common chromosome number aberration in spontaneously aborted fetuses. METHOD: A total of 100 spontaneously aborted fetuses were analyzed by G-banding and by FISH to test chromosome number aberration mainly for chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X and Y, and the results of FISH test was assessed according to those by G-banding test. RESULTS: FISH results were well consistent with those by G-banding test. FISH test identified trisomy in 32 samples and polyploidy in 7 samples. Two samples with cell culture failure were found to have trisomy 16 by FISH. Discrepancies in the results between the two tests occurred in 3 samples, but the results of FISH were verified by other methods. Kappa test between FISH technology and G-banding showed a good consistency between FISH and karyotyping (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: FISH is an effective and rapid method for detecting chromosome number aberration in spontaneously aborted fetuses, and the combination of FISH and karyotyping provides more reliable diagnostic evidence.