Long-term prognosis of patients with gallbladder carcinoma after curative-intent resection based on changes in the ratio of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 to total bilirubin (CA19-9/TB): a multicenter retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The prognostic value of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) is known to be affected by elevated bilirubin levels in patients with gallbladder carcinoma (GBC). The clinical significance of changes in the ratio of CA19-9 levels to total bilirubin (TB) levels in patients with GBC after curative-intent resection remains unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic value of changes in preoperative and postoperative CA19-9/TB ratio in these patients. METHODS: Prospectively colleced data on consecutive patients who underwent curative-intent resection for GBC between January 2015 and December 2020 stored in a multicenter database from 10 hospitals were analysed in this retrospective cohort study. Based on the adjusted CA19-9 defined as the ratio of CA19-9 to TB, and using 2×103 U/µmol as the upper normal value, patients were divided into a normal group (with normal preoperative and postoperative adjusted CA19-9), a normalization group (with abnormal preoperative but normal postoperative adjusted CA19-9), and a non-normalization group (with abnormal postoperative adjusted CA19-9). The primary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). The log-rank test was used to compare OS and RFS among the groups. The Cox regression model was used to determine factors independently associated with OS and RFS. RESULTS: The normal group (n=179 patients) and the normalization group (n=73 patients) had better OS and RFS than the non-normalization group (n=65 patients) (the 3-year OS rates 72.0%, 58.4% and 24.2%, respectively; the RFS rates 54.5%, 25.5% and 11.8%, respectively; both P<0.001). There were no significant differences between the normal and the normalization groups in OS and RFS (OS, P=0.255; RFS, P=0.130). Cox regression analysis confirmed that the non-normalization group was independently associated with worse OS and RFS. Subgroup analysis revealed that the non-normalization group of patients who received adjuvant therapy had significantly improved OS and RFS as compared to those who did not receive adjuvant therapy (OS, P=0.025; RFS, P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with GBC who underwent curative-intent surgical resection with postoperative abnormal levels of adjusted CA19-9 (the CA19-9/TB ratio) were associated with poorer long-term survival outcomes. Adjuvant therapy after surgery improved the long-term outcomes of these patients.

1D Chiral Enantiomer Lead-Free Perovskites Induced Chiralopical Activity and Photoelectric Response.

Chirality is a fascinating geometrical concept with widespread applications in biology, chemistry, and materials. Incorporating chirality into hybrid perovskite materials can induce novel physical properties (chiral optical activity, nonlinear optics, etc.). Hybrid lead-free or lead-substituted perovskite materials, as representatives of perovskites, have been widely used in fields such as photovoltaics, sensors, catalysis, and detectors. However, the successful introduction of chirality into hybrid lead-free perovskites, which can enable their potential applications in areas such as circularly polarized light photodetectors, memories, and spin transistors, remains a challenging research topic. Here, we synthesized two new chiral lead-free perovskites, [(R)-2-methylpiperazine][BiI5] and [(S)-2-methylpiperazine][BiI5]. The material possesses a perovskite structure with a one-dimensional (1D) arrangement, denoted as ABX5. This structure is composed of chiral cations, specifically methylpiperazine, and endless chains of [BiI3] along the a-axis. These chains are assembled from distorted coplanar [BiI5]2- octahedra. The testing results revealed that (R)-1 and (S)-1 have narrow band gaps (Eg-R = 2.016 eV, Eg-S = 1.964 eV), high photoelectric response, and long carrier lifetime [R = 4.94 µs (τ), S = 7.85 µs (τ)]. It is worth noting that 1D chiral lead-free perovskites (R)-1 and (S)-1, which are synthesized in this study with narrow band gaps, high photoelectric response, and long carrier lifetime, have the potential to serve as alternative materials for the perovskite layer in future iterations of lead-free perovskite solar cells. Moreover, this research will inspire the preparation of multifunctional, lead-free perovskites.

Precise Design of Molecular Ferroelectrics with High TC and Tunable Band Gap by Molecular Modification.

Molecular ferroelectric materials are widely applied in piezoelectric converters, non-volatile memorizers, and photovoltaic devices due to their advantages of adjustable structure, lightweight, easy processing, and environmental friendliness. However, designing multifunctional molecular ferroelectrics with excellent properties has always been a great challenge. Herein, a multiaxial molecular ferroelectric is successfully designed by modifying the quasi-spherical cation dabco with CuBr2 to obtain halogenated [Bretdabco]CuBr4 (Bretdabco = N-bromoethyl-N'-diazabicyclo [2.2.2]octane), which crystallizes in polar point groups (C6). Typical ferroelectric behaviors featured by the P-E hysteresis loop and switched ferroelectric domain are exhibited. Notably, the molecular ferroelectric shows a high TC of 460 K, which is rare in the field and could greatly expand the application range of this material. In addition, the band gap is adjustable through the regulation of halogen. Both the UV absorption spectra and theoretical calculations indicate that the molecular ferroelectrics belong to a direct band gap (2.14 eV) semiconductor. This tunable and narrow band gap semiconductor molecular ferroelectric material with high TC can be utilized more effectively in the study of optoelectronics and sensors, including piezoelectric energy harvesters. This research may provide a promising approach for the development of multiaxial molecular ferroelectrics with a tiny band gap and high TC.

Gut-derived fungemia due to Kodamaea ohmeri combined with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Kodamaea ohmeri is a rare pathogen with high mortality and is found among blood samples in a considerable proportion; however, gastrointestinal infection of K. ohmeri is extremely rare. Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is also an uncommon fungal; these two fungal infections reported concomitantly are unprecedented. CASE PRESENTATION: We described a case of a 37-year-old male who got infected with K. ohmeri and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. We used the mass spectrometry and histopathology to identify these two fungal infections separately. For the treatment of K. ohmeri, we chose caspofungin. As for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, we used voriconazole, amphotericin B, and then surgery. The patient was treated successfully through the collaboration of multiple disciplines. CONCLUSIONS: We speculate that the destruction of the intestinal mucosa barrier can make the intestine one of the ways for certain fungi to infect the human body.

De Novo Construction of Catenanes with Dissymmetric Cages by Space-Discriminative Post-Assembly Modification.

Considerable efforts have been made to increase the topological complexity of mechanically interlocked molecules over the years. Three-dimensional catenated structures composed of two or several (usually symmetrical) cages are one representative example. However, owing to the lack of an efficient universal synthetic strategy, interlocked structures made up of dissymmetric cages are relatively rare. Since the space volume of the inner cavity of an interlocked structure is smaller than that outside it, we developed a novel synthetic approach with the voluminous reductant NaBH(OAc)3 that discriminates this space difference, and therefore selectively reduces the outer surface of a catenated dimer composed of two symmetric cages, thus yielding the corresponding catenane with dissymmetric cages. Insight into the template effect that facilitates the catenation of cages was provided by computational and experimental techniques.

Effects of drying pretreatment and particle size adjustment on the composting process of discarded flue-cured tobacco leaves.

The main characteristic of discarded flue-cured tobacco leaves is their high nicotine content. Aerobic composting is an effective method to decrease the nicotine level in tobacco leaves and stabilize tobacco wastes. However, high levels of nicotine in discarded flue-cured tobacco leaves complicate tobacco waste composting. This work proposes a drying pretreatment process to reduce the nicotine content in discarded flue-cured tobacco leaves and thus enhance its carbon-to-nitrogen ratio to a suitable level for composting. The effect of another pretreatment method, particle size adjustment, on composting efficiency was also tested in this work. The results indicated that the air-dried (nicotine content: 1.35%) and relatively long discarded flue-cured tobacco leaves (25 mm) had a higher composting efficiency than damp (nicotine content: 1.57%) and short discarded flue-cured tobacco leaves (15 mm). When dry/25 mm discarded flue-cured tobacco leaves mixed with tobacco stems in an 8:2 ratio was composted at a temperature above 55 °C for 9 days, the nicotine content dropped from 1.29% to 0.28%. Since the discarded flue-cured tobacco leaves was successfully composted to a fertile and harmless material, the germination index values increased to 85.2%. The drying pretreatment and particle size adjustment offered ideal physical and chemical conditions to support microbial growth and bioactivity during the composting process, resulting in efficient conversion of discarded flue-cured tobacco leaves into a high quality and mature compost.

[Effect of different surface managements on micro-tensile bond strength of non -carious sclerotic dentin to resin].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the micro-tensile bond strength of 3 different surface managements to non-carious sclerotic dentin. METHODS: Fifteen periodontal patients' occlusal wearing molars which were above 3rd degree were selected. The teeth were equally cut into two pieces along the buccolingual direction, and each piece was randomly divided into 3 groups. Group 1 was processed with polishing, group 2 was processed with EX-26 diamond bur and group 3 was processed with 5# round bur. All teeth were subjected to Optibond treatment, and then filled with composite resin (Premisa) and saved in normal artificial saliva (37 degrees centigrade) for 24 hours. At last, fatigue test pieces were made, the micro-tensile bond strength was evaluated and every specimen was examined under stero-microscope. The micro-tensile bond strength was analyzed with one-way analysis of variance using SPSS17.0 software package. RESULTS: The micro-tensile bond strength of the 3 groups were (10.48±1.29) MPa, (21.52±0.97) MPa and(16.30±1.02) MPa, respectively. The bond strength of EX-26 diamond bur group was significantly greater than that of the other 2 groups (P<0.05). The bond strength of 5# round bur group was significantly greater than that of polishing group (P<0.05). The breakage mostly happened in adhesive dentine surface. CONCLUSIONS: Non-carious sclerotic dentin which is processed with diamond bur has better micro-tensile bonding strength.

Effect and mechanisms of Gong-tone music on the immunological function in rats with Liver (Gan)-qi depression and Spleen (Pi)-qi deficiency syndrome in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects and mechanisms of Gong-tone music on the immunological function in rats with the Chinese medicine syndrome of Liver (Gan)-qi stagnation and Spleen (Pi)-qi deficiency (LSSD). METHODS: Twenty five male Wistar rats of SPF grade were randomly divided into 5 groups: normal group, model group, Xiaoyao Powder () group, Gong-tone group and combined group (the combination of Gong-tone and Xiaoyao Powder), with 5 rats in each group. The rat model for the Chinese medicine syndrome of LSSD was induced by chronic bandage and irregular diet. The course of treatment was 21 days. After the treatment, the levels of serum gastrin and IgG were detected by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA). Phagocytosis of macrophages was detected by the neutral red uptake assay and T cell proliferation was investigated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. RESULTS: The serum gastrin, macrophage phagocytosis, IgG level and proliferation ability of T cells in the model group were significantly decreased compared with those in the normal group (P <0.05). Compared with those in the model group, the serum levels of gastrin, macrophage phagocytosis, IgG level and proliferation ability of T cells in Gong-tone, Xiaoyao Powder, and combined groups were significantly increased (P <0.05). The combined group was superior to either Gong-tone group or Xiaoyao Powder group. CONCLUSION: Gong-tone music may upregulate the immunological function and play a role in adjuvant therapy in the Chinese syndrome of LSSD.

[Nd:YAG laser influence on micro-tensile bond strength of different bonding systems to non-carious sclerotic dentin].

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of Nd:YAG laser on micro-tensile bond strength of different adhesive systems to non-carious sclerotic dentin. METHODS: Fifteen human occlusal wearing molars which were above degree three were selected and cut into nearly equal halves,divided into A(A1,A2),B(B1,B2) and C(C1,C2) three groups at randomly. Then the teeth were processed with Nd:YAG laser(1W, 10Hz),teeth in A2 and C1 were combined with Scotchbond, A1 and B1 were combined with Adper Prompt L-Pop,and B2 and C2 were combined with Clearfil SE Bond, filling with composite resin(Z350) and saving in normal saline (37 degrees centigrade) for 24 hours.Then fatigue test pieces were made, the micro-tensile bond strength was evaluated and every specimen was examined under stero- microscope.The micro-tensile bond strength was performed using one-way analysis of variance using SPSS13.0 software package. RESULTS: The micro-tensile bond strength of the three groups were Scotchbond (22.96 + or - 4.93)MPa, Adper Prompt L-Pop(18.73 + or - 4.71)MPa, Clearfil SE Bond(19.81 + or - 5.36)MPa. The bond strength of Scotchbond compared with the other two bonding systems was statistically significant.The breakage mostly happened in adhesive dentine surface. CONCLUSION: Non-carious sclerotic dentin which is processed with Nd:YAG laser associated with Scotchbond has better bonding strength.

[Study of signal transduction pathway in the expression of inflammatory factors stimulated by lipopolysaccharides from Porphyromonas endodontalis in osteoblasts].

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the interleukin (IL)-1beta mRNA and IL-6 mRNA expression induced by lipopolysaccharides ([PS) extracted from Porphyromonoas endodontalis (P. endodontalis) in osteoblasts, and to relate P. endodontalis LPS to the bone resorptive pathogenesis in the lesions of chronic apical periodontitis. METHODS: MG63 cells was pretreated with PD98059 or SB203580 for 1 h and then treated with P. endodontolis LPS for 6 h. The expression of IL-1beta mRNA and IL-6 mRNA were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. RESULTS: The production of IL-1beta mRNA induced by P. endodontalis LPS decreased in osteoblasts pretreated with PD98059. Both of the production of IL-1beta mRNA and JL-6 mRNA induced by P. endodontalis LPS decreased in osteoblasts pretreated with SB203580. CONCLUSION: The synthesis of IL-1beta mRNA stimulated by Pendodontalis LPS in MG63 probably occur via extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal transduction system. The synthesis of IL-6 mRNA stimulated by P.endodontalis LPS in MG63 probahly occur via p38MAPK signal transduction system.

[Effects of Nd:YAG laser on micro-tensile bond strength of single bond adhesive system for non-carious sclerotic dentin].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Nd:YAG laser on microtensile bond strength of single bond adhesive system for non-carious sclerotic dentin. METHODS: Ten human molars with occlusal wearing were cut into equal halves (nearly 12 mm(2)), and randomly divided into experimental group and control group. The teeth in experimental group were processed with Nd:YAG laser (1 W, 10 Hz), and then applied with Scotchbond and filled with Z350 resin. In control group, the teeth were processed with single bond and filled with Z350 resin. The specimens were sectioned, and the microtensile bond strengths of each sample was tested by a universal testing machine. RESULTS: The bond strength of the experimental group [(26.11 ± 1.62) MPa] was significantly higher than that of the control group [(22.27 ± 2.16) MPa], P < 0.05. Stero-microscope examination indicated that most of the fractures occurred in dentin-resin interface. CONCLUSIONS: Nd:YAG laser can increase the microtensile bond strength of single bond adhesive system in non-carious sclerotic dentin.

[Effect of pulse Nd:YAG laser on micro-tensile bond strength of non-carious sclerotic dentin to resin].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the microtensile bond strength of pulse Nd:YAG laser to non-carious sclerotic dentin. METHODS: Ten extracted human teeth with dental attrition on occlusal surface were cut into nearly equal halves(about 12 mm(2)),and randomly divided into two groups with 10 in each group.All teeth were bonded using an all-in-one self-etch dentin adhesive(Adper Prompt L-Pop) to composite resin after the teeth in the experimental group were processed with pulse Nd:YAG laser(1 W,10 Hz). After 24 hours,under copious water spray the teeth were sectioned into 0.8 mm x 0.8 mm columns with silicon carbide dish at low speed. The microtensile bond strengths of samples were measured.Each fractured specimen was examined under stero-microscope. Paired t test was used for analysis of the microtensile bond strengths between the two groups with SPSS13.0 software package. RESULTS: The microtensile bond strength in the experimental group and control group was (18.94+/-6.81)MPa and (15.76+/-5.61)MPa, respectively, the difference of these two groups was statistically significant(P<0.05). The fractured adhesive dentin surface was mainly adhesive failure mode. CONCLUSION: Pulse Nd:YAG laser(1 W,10 Hz) can improve the strength of composite resin bonding to sclerotic dentin.

Antimicrobial activity of isolate HL-12 against Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis in the presence of cadmium.

An actinomycete, strain HL-12, that was isolated from a farmland on the Huajiachi campus of Zhejiang University was capable of inhibiting the growth of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (Cmm) and was identified as a member of Streptomyces. Its antimicrobial activity against Cmm was measured using the agar plate sensitivity method in pure culture and evaluated by the inhibition ratio of Cmm in soil. The inhibitory activity of strain HL-12 against Cmm following exposure to low concentrations of Cd was greater than the inhibitory activity following exposure to high concentrations of Cd both in liquid culture and in soil. A stronger inhibition was also seen following a 24 h preculture in the presence of Cd in liquid culture. The growth of Cmm in soil was stimulated at low concentrations of Cd (<5.0 mg Cd kg(-1) dry soil) but inhibited when cultured in high concentrations of Cd (5.0 and 10.0 mg Cd kg(-1) dry soil). A higher inhibition ratio of strain HL-12 against Cmm, which was over 40% after soil incubation for 2 weeks, was observed following exposure to low concentrations of Cd (<5.0 mg Cd kg(-1) dry soil).