Adjuvant therapy for rare rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumors: A case report.

Key Clinical Message: Anorectal gastrointestinal stromal tumors are extremely rare, constituting less than 0.1% of rectal tumors. Surgical resection using a transanal wide excision followed by adjuvant therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors can be a successful treatment combination to remove the mass and prevent recurrence while preserving the integrity of the anal sphincter. Abstract: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are a rare subset of neoplasms, accounting for about 1%-2% of primary gastrointestinal malignancies. The stomach is the most common site for GISTs, with anorectal GISTs being exceptionally rare, representing only 0.1% of all rectal tumors. The standard approach for managing localized GIST involves complete surgical excision to achieve negative microscopic margins (R0) while preserving the tumor capsule and maintaining anal sphincter function. Surgical resection with transanal wide excision followed by adjuvant therapy using tyrosine kinase inhibitors can successfully remove the mass, prevent recurrence, and preserve the anal sphincter's integrity. Adjuvant therapy with imatinib is the recommended treatment for all localized GISTs assessed to have an intermediate or high risk of relapse. Here, we report a case of a 63-year-old male with a rectal GIST who underwent transanal wide excision followed by adjuvant therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Effects of quercetin on polycystic ovary syndrome in animal models: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Metformin is an insulin sensitizer that is widely used for the treatment of insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome patients. However, metformin can cause gastrointestinal side effects. PURPOSE: This study showed that the effects of quercetin are comparable to those of metformin. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically evaluate the efficacy of quercetin in treating PCOS. METHODS: The present systematic search of the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data Information Site, Chinese Scientific Journals Database (VIP), SinoMed, Web of Science, and PubMed databases was performed from inception until February 2024. The methodological quality was then assessed by SYRCLE's risk of bias tool, and the data were analyzed by RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS: Ten studies were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with those in the model group, quercetin in the PCOS group had significant effects on reducing fasting insulin serum (FIS) levels (P = 0.0004), fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels (P = 0.01), HOMA-IR levels (P < 0.00001), cholesterol levels (P < 0.0001), triglyceride levels (P = 0.001), testosterone (T) levels (P < 0.00001), luteinizing hormone (LH) levels (P = 0.0003), the luteinizing hormone/follicle stimulating hormone (LH/FSH) ratio (P = 0.01), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels (P < 0.00001), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (P = 0.03), superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels (P = 0.01) and GLUT4 mRNA expression (P < 0.00001). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggested that quercetin has positive effects on PCOS treatment. Quercetin can systematically reduce insulin, blood glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in metabolic pathways. In the endocrine pathway, quercetin can regulate the function of the pituitary-ovarian axis, reduce testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, and lower the ratio of LH to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Quercetin can regulate the expression of the GLUT4 gene and has antioxidative effects at the molecular level.

Comparison of singleton and twin birth weight reference percentile curves by gestational age and sex in extremely preterm infants: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: With the increasing survival rate of smaller newborns and twins, previous growth curves may not accurately assess the growth of extremely preterm infants (EPIs). Our study aimed to establish birth weight percentile curves for singletons and twins in EPIs from China and the USA and compare the differences between them. METHODS: In China, EPIs were from 31 provinces, from 2010 to 2021. The collected information was sex, gestational age, birth weight, singletons and twins. We used the generalised additive models for location scale and shape method to construct the birth weight percentile curves by gestational age and sex for EPIs. The National Vital Statistics System database from 2016 to 2021 was also analysed. We compared the differences between the 50th birth weight percentile curves of the two databases. RESULTS: We identified 8768 neonates in China (5536 singletons and 3232 twins) and 121 933 neonates in the USA (97 329 singletons and 24 604 twins). We established the 3rd, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th and 97th birth weight reference curves for China and the USA. The results showed that males had higher birth weights than females. In China, for the same gestational age and sex, birth weights in singletons and twins were found to be similar, though singleton males born in China had slightly higher birth weights than male twins. In the USA, birth weights were also similar for females and males, with the same gestational age in singletons and twins. CONCLUSION: We established birth weight reference percentile curves by gestational age and sex for singletons and twins among EPIs in China and the USA.

Cellular angiofibroma arising from the rectocutaneous fistula in an adult: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Rectocutaneous fistulae are common. The infection originates within the anal glands and subsequently extends into adjacent regions, ultimately resulting in fistula development. Cellular angiofibroma (CAF), also known as an angiomyofibroblastoma-like tumor, is a rare benign soft tissue neoplasm predominantly observed in the scrotum, perineum, and inguinal area in males and in the vulva in females. We describe the first documented case CAF that developed within a rectocutaneous fistula and manifested as a perineal mass. CASE SUMMARY: In the outpatient setting, a 52-year-old male patient presented with a 2-year history of a growing perineal mass, accompanied by throbbing pain and minor scrotal abrasion. Physical examination revealed a soft, well-defined, non-tender mass at the left buttock that extended towards the perineum, without a visible opening. The initial assessment identified a soft tissue tumor, and the laboratory data were within normal ranges. Abdominal and pelvic computed tomography (CT) revealed swelling of the abscess cavity that was linked to a rectal cutaneous fistula, with a track-like lesion measuring 6 cm × 0.7 cm in the left perineal region and attached to the left rectum. Rectoscope examination found no significant inner orifices. A left medial gluteal incision revealed a thick-walled mass, which was excised along with the extending tract, and curettage was performed. Histopathological examination confirmed CAF diagnosis. The patient achieved total resolution during follow-up assessments and did not require additional hospitalization. CONCLUSION: CT imaging supports perineal lesion diagnosis and management. Perineal angiofibromas, even with a cutaneous fistula, can be excised transperineally.

Genome-wide characterization of DNA methyltransferase family genes implies GhDMT6 improving tolerance of salt and drought on cotton.

BACKGROUND: DNA methylation is an important epigenetic mode of genomic DNA modification and plays a vital role in maintaining epigenetic content and regulating gene expression. Cytosine-5 DNA methyltransferase (C5-MTase) are the key enzymes in the process of DNA methylation. However, there is no systematic analysis of the C5-MTase in cotton so far, and the function of DNMT2 genes has not been studied. METHODS: In this study, the whole genome of cotton C5-MTase coding genes was identified and analyzed using a bioinformatics method based on information from the cotton genome, and the function of GhDMT6 was further validated by VIGS experiments and subcellular localization analysis. RESULTS: 33 C5-MTases were identified from three cotton genomes, and were divided into four subfamilies by systematic evolutionary analysis. After the protein domain alignment of C5-MTases in cotton, 6 highly conserved motifs were found in the C-terminus of 33 proteins involved in methylation modification, which indicated that C5-MTases had a basic catalytic methylation function. These proteins were divided into four classes based on the N-terminal difference, of which DNMT2 lacks the N-terminal regulatory domain. The expression of C5-MTases in different parts of cotton was different under different stress treatments, which indicated the functional diversity of cotton C5-MTase gene family. Among the C5-MTases, the GhDMT6 had a obvious up-regulated expression. After silencing GhDMT6 with VIGS, the phenotype of cotton seedlings under different stress treatments showed a significant difference. Compared with cotton seedlings that did not silence GhDMT6, cotton seedlings silencing GhDMT6 showed significant stress resistance. CONCLUSION: The results show that C5-MTases plays an important role in cotton stress response, which is beneficial to further explore the function of DNMT2 subfamily genes.

Arginine-linked HPV-associated E7 displaying bacteria-derived outer membrane vesicles as a potent antigen-specific cancer vaccine.

BACKGROUND: Bacteria-based cancer therapy have demonstrated innovative strategies to combat tumors. Recent studies have focused on gram-negative bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) as a novel cancer immunotherapy strategy due to its intrinsic properties as a versatile carrier. METHOD: Here, we developed an Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-associated E7 antigen displaying Salmonella-derived OMV vaccine, utilizing a Poly(L-arginine) cell penetrating peptide (CPP) to enhance HPV16 E7 (aa49-67) H-2 Db and OMV affinity, termed SOMV-9RE7. RESULTS: Due to OMV's intrinsic immunogenic properties, SOMV-9RE7 effectively activates adaptive immunity through antigen-presenting cell uptake and antigen cross-presentation. Vaccination of engineered OMVs shows immediate tumor suppression and recruitment of infiltrating tumor-reactive immune cells. CONCLUSION: The simplicity of the arginine coating strategy boasts the versatility of immuno-stimulating OMVs that can be broadly implemented to personalized bacterial immunotherapeutic applications.

Significant improvements in the olfactory sensitivity of bipolar I disorder patients during euthymia versus manic episodes: a longitudinal study.

Introduction: Research has indicated that individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder (BD) might experience alterations in their olfaction or levels of serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), but no studies have investigated olfactory function and serum TNF-α in BD patients simultaneously. Moreover, there is a lack of existing research that compares the longitudinal olfactory function between individuals with manic and euthymic BD I. Methods: Patients with manic BD I (BDM, n=44) and healthy controls (HCs, n=32) were evaluated symptoms (measured via the Young Manic Rating Scale, YRMS), social function (measured via the Global Assessment Function, GAF), serum TNF-α, and olfactory function (via the Sniffin' Sticks test) including olfactory sensitivity (OS) and olfactory identification (OI). The BDM patients were followed up to the remission period and re-evaluated again. We compared OS, OI and serum TNF-α in manic and euthymic patients with BD I and HCs. We examined the correlation between olfactory function and symptoms, social function, and serum TNF-α in patients with BD I. Results: The BDM patients exhibited significantly lower OS and OI compared to the HCs (Z = -2.235, P = 0.025; t = -6.005, P < 0.001), while a positive correlation was observed between OS and GAF score (r = 0.313, P = 0.039). The OS in the BD I remission group (n=25) exhibited significantly superior performance compared to the BDM group (t = -4.056, P < 0.001), and the same as that in the HCs (P = 0.503). The change in OS showed a positive correlation with the decrease in YMRS score (r = 0.445, P = 0.026), and a negative correlation with the course of disease (r = -0.594, P = 0.002). The TNF-α in BD I patients was significantly lower compared to HCs (P < 0.001), and not significantly correlated with olfactory function (all P > 0.05). Conclusion: The findings suggest that OS and OI are impaired in BDM patients, and the impaired OS in those patients can be recovered in the remission stage. OI may serve as a potential characteristic marker of BD. OS might be useful as an index for BDM treatment efficacy and prognosis.

Usefulness of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging in Evaluating Acute Cellular Rejection and Monitoring Treatment Response in Liver Transplant Recipients.

Acute cellular rejection (ACR) is a significant immune issue among recipients following liver transplantation. Although diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) is widely used for diagnosing liver disease, it has not yet been utilized for monitoring ACR in patients after liver transplantation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of DWI in monitoring treatment response among recipients with ACR. This study enrolled 25 recipients with highly suspected ACR rejection, and all subjects underwent both biochemistry and DWI scans before and after treatment. A pathological biopsy was performed 4 to 24 h after the first MRI examination to confirm ACR and degree of rejection. All patients were followed up and underwent a repeated MRI scan when their liver function returned to the normal range. After data acquisition, the DWI data were post-processed to obtain the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map on a voxel-by-voxel basis. Five regions of interest were identified on the liver parenchyma to measure the mean ADC values from each patient. Finally, the mean ADC values and biochemical markers were statistically compared between ACR and non-ACR groups. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to evaluate the performance of the ADC and biochemical data in detecting ACR, and correlation analysis was used to understand the relationship between the ADC values, biochemical markers, and the degree of rejection. The histopathologic results revealed that 20 recipients had ACR, including 10 mild, 9 moderate, and 1 severe rejection. The results demonstrated that the ACR patients had significantly lower hepatic ADC values than those in patients without ACR. After treatment, the hepatic ADC values in ACR patients significantly increased to levels similar to those in non-ACR patients with treatment. The ROC analysis showed that the sensitivity and specificity for detecting ACR were 80% and 95%, respectively. Furthermore, the correlation analysis revealed that the mean ADC value and alanine aminotransferase level had strong and moderate negative correlation with the degree of rejection, respectively (r = -0.72 and -0.47). The ADC values were useful for detecting hepatic ACR and monitoring treatment response after immunosuppressive therapy.

VOx Matrix Confinement Approach to Generate Sub-3 nm L10-Pt-Based Intermetallic Catalysts for Fuel Cell Cathode.

Pt-based intermetallic compounds (IMCs) are considered as a class of promising fuel cell electrocatalysts, owing to their outstanding intrinsic activity and durability. However, the synthesis of uniformly dispersed IMCs with small sizes presents a formidable challenge during the essential high-temperature annealing process. Herein, a facile and generally applicable VOx matrix confinement strategy is demonstrated for the controllable synthesis of ordered L10-PtM (M = Fe, Co, and Mn) nanoparticles, which not only enhances the dispersion of intermetallic nanocrystals, even at high loading (40 wt%), but also simplifies the oxide removal and acid-washing procedures. Taking intermetallic PtCo as an example, the as-prepared catalyst displays a high-performance oxygen reduction activity (mass activity of 1.52 A mgPt -1) and excellent stability in the membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) (the ECSA has just 7% decay after durability test). This strategy provides an economical and scalable route for the controlled synthesis of Pt-based intermetallic catalysts, which can pave a way for the commercialization of fuel cell technologies.

Study of the f_{0}(980) and f_{0}(500) Scalar Mesons through the Decay D_{s}

Using e^{+}e^{-} collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 7.33 fb^{-1} recorded by the BESIII detector at center-of-mass energies between 4.128 and 4.226 GeV, we present an analysis of the decay D_{s}^{+}→π^{+}π^{-}e^{+}ν_{e}, where the D_{s}^{+} is produced via the process e^{+}e^{-}→D_{s}^{*±}D_{s}^{∓}. We observe the f_{0}(980) in the π^{+}π^{-} system and the branching fraction of the decay D_{s}^{+}→f_{0}(980)e^{+}ν_{e} with f_{0}(980)→π^{+}π^{-} measured to be (1.72±0.13_{stat}±0.10_{syst})×10^{-3}, where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. The dynamics of the D_{s}^{+}→f_{0}(980)e^{+}ν_{e} decay are studied with the simple pole parametrization of the hadronic form factor and the Flatté formula describing the f_{0}(980) in the differential decay rate, and the product of the form factor f_{+}^{f_{0}}(0) and the c→s Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element |V_{cs}| is determined for the first time to be f_{+}^{f_{0}}(0)|V_{cs}|=0.504±0.017_{stat}±0.035_{syst}. Furthermore, the decay D_{s}^{+}→f_{0}(500)e^{+}ν_{e} is searched for the first time but no signal is found. The upper limit on the branching fraction of D_{s}^{+}→f_{0}(500)e^{+}ν_{e}, f_{0}(500)→π^{+}π^{-} decay is set to be 3.3×10^{-4} at 90% confidence level.

Field-tested innovation: Sustainable utilization of secondary alumina dross for flash setting admixtures production.

Secondary alumina dross (SAD) has emerged as an alternative to bauxite in the production of flash setting admixtures (FSA), a critical admixture in shotcrete. However, the presence of hazardous components has hampered its large-scale adoption. This study conducted field tests at an FSA factory, utilizing SAD as the primary raw material, to evaluate the feasibility and environmental risks. The results confirmed that SAD can effectively replace bauxite in FSA production without compromising quality, as it closely resembled the chemical properties of bauxite. Emissions of fluorides, heavy metals, dioxins in flue gases during production met the relevant Chinese standards. The analysis of hazardous component distribution revealed that more than 50% of volatile components, such as Cl, Cd, Pb, and Zn, were directed into fly ash, exhibiting a significant internal accumulation pattern. In contrast, more than 95% of low-volatility components, including Cu, Cr, Mn, and F, were transferred to the FSA, and the introduction of CaCO3 was confirmed to effectively immobilize F. Moreover, the leaching risk of heavy metals and fluorides in FSA applications slightly increased but remained minimal and within acceptable limits. This technology provides an environmentally sound solution for the disposal of SAD.

Effects of comprehensive nursing interventions on wound pain in patients undergoing catheter insertion for peritoneal dialysis.

This study investigates the effects of comprehensive nursing interventions on wound pain in patients undergoing catheter insertion for peritoneal dialysis. Sixty patients who underwent catheter insertion for peritoneal dialysis from January 2021 to January 2023 at our hospital were selected as subjects and randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group using a random number table method. The control group received routine nursing care, while the experimental group was subjected to comprehensive nursing interventions. The study compared the impact of nursing measures on visual analogue scale (VAS), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), self-rating depression scale (SDS) and nursing satisfaction between the two groups. The analysis revealed that on the third, fifth and seventh days post-intervention, the experimental group's wound VAS scores were significantly lower than those of the control group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, levels of anxiety and depression were markedly lower in the experimental group compared with the control group (p < 0.001). In addition, the nursing satisfaction rate was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (96.67% vs. 73.33%, p = 0.011). This study indicates that the application of comprehensive nursing interventions in patients undergoing catheter insertion for peritoneal dialysis is highly effective. It can alleviate wound pain and negative emotions to a certain extent, while also achieving high patient satisfaction, thus demonstrating significant clinical value.

FAT1 upregulation is correlated with an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and predicts unfavorable outcome of immune checkpoint therapy in non-small cell lung cancer.

Background: Previous studies found that FAT1 was recurrently mutated and aberrantly expressed in multiple cancers, and the loss function of FAT1 promoted the formation of cancer-initiating cells in several cancers. However, in some types of cancer, FAT1 upregulation could lead to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The role of FAT1 in cancer progression, which appears to be cancer-type-specific, is largely unknown. Methods: QRT-PCR and immunochemistry were used to verify the expression of FAT1 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). QRT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the influence of siFAT1 knockdown on the expression of potential targets of FAT1 in NSCLC cell lines. GEPIA, KM-plotter, CAMOIP, and ROC-Plotter were used to evaluate the association between FAT1 and clinical outcomes based on expression and clinical data from TCGA and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) treated cohorts. Results: We found that FAT1 upregulation was associated with the activation of TGF-ß and EMT signaling pathways in NSCLC. Patients with a high FAT1 expression level tend to have a poor prognosis and hard to benefit from ICI therapy. Genes involved in TGF-ß/EMT signaling pathways (SERPINE1, TGFB1/2, and POSTN) were downregulated upon knockdown of FAT1. Genomic and immunologic analysis showed that high cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) abundance, decreased CD8+ T cells infiltration, and low TMB/TNB were correlated with the upregulation of FAT1, thus promoting an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) which influence the effect of ICI-therapy. Conclusion: Our findings revealed the pattern of FAT1 upregulation in the TME of patients with NSCLC, and demonstrated its utility as a biomarker for unfavorable clinical outcomes, thereby providing a potential therapeutic target for NSCLC treatment.

Mucinous neoplasm of the appendix: A case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (AMNs), although not classified as rare, are relatively uncommon tumors most often discovered incidentally during colorectal surgery. Accurate identification of AMNs is difficult due to non-specific symptoms, overlapping tumor markers with other conditions, and the potential for misdiagnosis. This underscores the urgent need for precision in diagnosis to prevent severe complications. CASE SUMMARY: This case report describes the unexpected discovery and treatment of a low-grade AMN (LAMN) in a 74-year-old man undergoing laparoscopic hemicolectomy for transverse colon adenocarcinoma (AC). Preoperatively, non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms and elevated tumor markers masked the presence of AMN. The tumor, presumed to be an AMN peritoneal cyst intraoperatively, was confirmed as LAMN through histopathological examination. The neoplasm exhibited mucin accumulation and a distinct immunohistochemical profile: Positive for Homeobox protein CDX-2, Cytokeratin 20, special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 2, and Mucin 2 but negative for cytokeratin 7 and Paired box gene 8. This profile aids in distinguishing appendiceal and ovarian mucinous tumors. Postoperative recovery was uncomplicated, and the patient initiated adjuvant chemotherapy for the colon AC. CONCLUSION: This case highlights the diagnostic complexity of AMNs, emphasizing the need for vigilant identification to avert potential complications, such as pseudomyxoma peritonei.

Identification of immune-associated biomarker for predicting lung adenocarcinoma: bioinformatics analysis and experiment verification of PTK6.

BACKGROUND: Abnormal expression of protein tyrosine kinase 6 (PTK6) has been proven to be involved in the development of gynecological tumors. However, its immune-related carcinogenic mechanism in other tumors remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify PTK6 as a novel prognostic biomarker in pan-cancer, especially in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), which is correlated with immune infiltration, and to clarify its clinicopathological and prognostic significance. METHODS: The prognostic value and immune relevance of PTK6 were investigated by using bio-informatics in this study. PTK6 expression was validated in vitro experiments (lung cancer cell lines PC9, NCI-H1975, and HCC827; human normal lung epithelial cells BEAS-2B). Western blot (WB) revealed the PTK6 protein expression in lung cancer cell lines. PTK6 expression was inhibited by Tilfrinib. Colony formation and the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay were used to detect cell proliferation. The wound healing and trans-well were performed to analyze the cell migration capacity. Then flow cytometry was conducted to evaluate the cell apoptosis. Eventually, the relationship between PTK6 and immune checkpoints was examined. WB was used to estimate the PD-L1 expression at different Tilfrinib doses. RESULTS: PTK6 was an independent predictive factor for LUAD and was substantially expressed in LUAD. Pathological stage was significantly correlated with increased PTK6 expression. In accordance with survival analysis, poor survival rate in LUAD was associated with a high expression level of PTK6. Functional enrichment of the cell cycle and TGF-ß signaling pathway was demonstrated by KEGG and GSEA analysis. Moreover, PTK6 expression considerably associated with immune infiltration in LUAD, as determined by immune analysis. Thus, the result of vitro experiments indicated that cell proliferation and migration were inhibited by the elimination of PTK6. Additionally, PTK6 suppression induced cell apoptosis. Obviously, PD-L1 protein expression level up-regulated while PTK6 was suppressed. CONCLUSION: PTK6 has predictive value for LUAD prognosis, and could up regulated PD-L1.

Highly efficient upconversion luminescence in narrow-bandgap Y2Mo4O15.

Lanthanide-doped upconversion (UC) materials have been extensively investigated for their unique capability to convert low-energy excitation into high-energy emission. Contrary to previous reports suggesting that efficient UC luminescence (UCL) is exclusively observed in materials with a wide bandgap, we have discovered in this study that Y2Mo4O15:Yb3+/Tm3+ microcrystals, a narrowband material, exhibit highly efficient UC emission. Remarkably, these microcrystals do not display any four- or five-photon UC emission bands. This particular optical phenomenon is independent of the variation in doping ion concentration, temperature, phonon energy, and excitation power density. Combining theoretical calculations and experimental results, we attribute the vanishing emission bands to the strong interaction between the bandgap of the Y2Mo4O15 host matrix (3.37 eV) and the high-energy levels (1I6 and 1D2) of Tm3+ ions. This interaction can effectively catalyze the UC emission process of Tm3+ ions, which leads to Y2Mo4O15:Yb3+/Tm3+ microcrystals possessing very strong UCL intensity. The brightness of these microcrystals outshines commercial UC NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ green phosphors by a factor of 10 and is 1.4 times greater than that of UC NaYF4:Yb3+,Tm3+ blue phosphors. Ultimately, Y2Mo4O15:Yb3+/Tm3+ microcrystals, with their distinctive optical characteristics, are being tailored for sophisticated anti-counterfeiting and information encryption applications.

Hypertension-specific association of cardio-ankle vascular index with subclinical left ventricular function in a Chinese population: Danyang study.

The association of cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), with subclinical cardiac dysfunction in hypertensive patients is unclear. We aim to examine their relationship in hypertensive patients compared with that in normotensive subjects. Our study included 1887 subjects enrolled from Danyang between 2018 and 2019. CAVI was measured using VaSera VS-1500A device. We performed conventional echocardiography to measure ejection fraction (EF) and E/A, tissue Doppler to measure mitral annular early diastolic velocities (e'), and speckle-tracking to estimate left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS). LV mass index (76.3, 80.0, and 84.0 g/m2), and E/e' (7.6, 8.2, and 8.8) were increased and GLS (21.1, 21.0, and 20.4%), E/A (1.2, 1.0, and 0.8) and e' velocity (11.2, 9.4, and 8.2 cm/s) was decreased from tertiles 1-3 of CAVI on unadjusted analyses (P < .001). After adjustment for covariates, GLS, E/A, and e' were still significantly decreased from tertiles 1-3 of CAVI (P ≤ .04). Further sensitive analyses revealed a similar association pattern for diastolic function but not systolic function. Compared with the lowest tertile, subjects with a top tertile of CAVI were at higher risk of subclinical LV systolic dysfunction in hypertensive patients (OR = 2.61; P = .005). Increased CAVI is associated with worse subclinical diastolic function. However, this relationship of CAVI to subclinical systolic function was more prominent in hypertensive patients.

Switchable Regioselective C-H Activation/Annulation of Acrylamides with Alkynes for the Synthesis of 2-Pyridones.

A catalyst-based switchable regioselective C-H activation/annulation of acrylamides with propargyl carbonates has been developed, delivering C5 or C6 alkenyl substituted 2-pyridones. This robust protocol proceeds with a broad substrate scope and good functional group tolerance under redox-neutral reaction conditions. More significantly, this reaction is highly effective with previously challenging unsymmetrical alkynes, including unbiased alkyl-alkyl substituted alkynes, with perfect and switchable regioselectivity. Additionally, mechanistic studies and DFT calculations were performed to shed light on the switchable regioselectivity.

Precision and Accuracy of Single-Cell/Nuclei RNA Sequencing Data.

Single-cell/nuclei RNA sequencing (sc/snRNA-Seq) is widely used for profiling cell-type gene expressions in biomedical research. An important but underappreciated issue is the quality of sc/snRNA-Seq data that would impact the reliability of downstream analyses. Here we evaluated the precision and accuracy in 18 sc/snRNA-Seq datasets. The precision was assessed on data from human brain studies with a total of 3,483,905 cells from 297 individuals, by utilizing technical replicates. The accuracy was evaluated with sample-matched scRNA-Seq and pooled-cell RNA-Seq data of cultured mononuclear phagocytes from four species. The results revealed low precision and accuracy at the single-cell level across all evaluated data. Cell number and RNA quality were highlighted as two key factors determining the expression precision, accuracy, and reproducibility of differential expression analysis in sc/snRNA-Seq. This study underscores the necessity of sequencing enough high-quality cells per cell type per individual, preferably in the hundreds, to mitigate noise in expression quantification.

Observation of Significant Flavor-SU(3) Breaking in the Kaon Wave Function at 12

We present cross sections for the reaction e^{+}e^{-}→K_{S}^{0}K_{L}^{0} at center-of-mass energies ranging from 3.51 to 4.95 GeV using data samples collected in the BESIII experiment, corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 26.5 fb^{-1}. The ratio of neutral-to-charged kaon form factors at large momentum transfers (12