(C8H7N2O2)2[Bi2Br8]·2H2O and (C8H7N2O2)6[Bi2Cl10]Cl2·2H2O: Exploring Birefringent Crystals in Hybrid Halide Systems.

In this study, new hybrid birefringent crystals of (C8H7N2O2)2[Bi2Br8]·2H2O and (C8H7N2O2)6[Bi2Cl10]Cl2·2H2O were successfully synthesized by introducing a new birefringent group [C8H7N2O2]+ by a simple aqueous solution evaporation method. They crystallize in the P21/n space group, and their structure consists mainly of the π-conjugated group [C8H7N2O2]+ and the octahedron centered on Bi3+. By first-principles calculations, the birefringence response comes from the [C8H7N2O2]+ group with a planar π-conjugated structure. Meanwhile, the synthesis, structure, first-principles calculations, and optical properties are reported in this paper.

[Expression and Clinical Significance of Exosome Component 4 in Newly Diagnosed Patients with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the expression of Exosome Component 4（EXOSC4） in the tissues of newly diagnosed patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and its clinical significance. METHODS: The expression of EXOSC4 protein in the tissues of 181 newly diagnosed DLBCL patients was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining. Clinical data were collected. The correlation between EXOSC4 protein expression in the tissues of newly diagnosed DLBCL patients and clinical features were analyzed and its prognostic significance. RESULTS: The positive rate of EXOSC4 protein expression was 68.51% in the tissues of 181 newly diagnosed DLBCL patients. These patients were divided into two groups, with 44 cases in high expression group and 137 cases in low expression group. There were no significant differences in age, gender, B symptoms, serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score, Ann Arbor stage, extranodal disease, International Prognostic Index (IPI) score, National Comprehensive Cancer Network IPI (NCCN-IPI) score, and cell origin between the two groups (P>0.05). Cox multivariate regression analysis showed that high EXOSC4 protein expression in tissues was an independent poor prognostic factor for OS and PFS in newly diagnosed DLBCL patients (all P<0.05). K-M survival analysis showed that newly diagnosed DLBCL patients with high EXOSC4 protein expression had significantly shorter overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) than those patients with low EXOSC4 protein expression (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: High EXOSC4 protein expression in tissues of newly diagnosed DLBCL patients is an independent poor prognostic factor for survival.

Tilt grain boundaries in WS2 from low to high misorientation angles.

Grain boundaries (GBs) with low misorientation angles are interfacing lines connecting sparsely distributed dislocation cores, but high-angle GBs could have amorphous atomic arrangements with merged dislocations. Tilt GBs in two-dimensional materials frequently emerge in large-scale specimen production. In graphene, a critical value for differentiating low and high angles is quite big because of its flexibility. However, understanding transition-metal-dichalcogenide GBs meets additional complexities regarding the three-atom thickness and the rigid polar bonds. We construct a series of energetic favorable WS2 GB models using coincident-site-lattice theory with periodic-boundary conditions. The atomistic structures of four low-energy dislocation cores are identified, consistent with the experiments. Our first-principles simulations reveal an intermediate critical angle of θ c ≈ 14° for WS2 GBs. Structural deformations are effectively dissipated via W-S bond distortions especially along the out-of-plane direction, instead of the prominent mesoscale buckling in one-atom-thick graphene. The presented results are informative in studies of the mechanical properties of transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers.

Interfacial Assemble of Prussian Blue Analog to Access Hierarchical FeNi (oxy)-Hydroxide Nanosheets for Electrocatalytic Water Splitting.

Developing facile methods for the synthesis of active and stable electrocatalysts is vitally important to realize overall water splitting. Here, we demonstrate a practical method to obtain FeNiOOH nanosheets on nickel foam (NF) as bifunctional electrocatalyst by growing a FeCo Prussian blue analog with further in situ oxidation under ambient conditions. The binder-free, self-standing FeNiOOH/NF electrode with hierarchical nanostructures requires low overpotentials of 260 mV and 240 mV at a current density of 50 mA cm-2 for oxygen evolution reaction and hydrogen evolution reaction, respectively, in 1.0 M KOH solution. Therefore, an alkaline water electrolyzer constructed by bifunctional FeNiOOH/NF electrode as both anode and cathode delivers 50 mA cm-2 under a cell voltage of 1.74 V with remarkable stability, which outperforms the IrO2-Pt/C-based electrolyzer. The excellent performance could be ascribed to the superior FeNiOOH intrinsic activity and the hierarchical structure. This work provides a cost-efficient surface engineering method to obtain binder-free, self-standing bifunctional electrocatalyst on commercial NF, which could be further extended to other energy and environment applications.

Ytterbium-Doped CsPbCl3 Quantum Cutters for Near-Infrared Light-Emitting Diodes.

Exploring highly efficient near-infrared (NIR) emitting materials is desirable for the advancement of next-generation smart NIR light sources. Different from most reported Cr3+-doped emitters with far-red emissions, Yb3+-activated phosphors are expected to yield pure NIR (∼1000 nm) light. Herein, a new hot-injection route using all metal-oleate salts to fabricate Yb3+-doped CsPbCl3 perovskite nanocrystals (PeNCs) is reported for the first time, which produce PeNC-sensitized Yb3+ NIR emission with photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) higher than 100%. With the help of temperature-dependent PL spectra, femtosecond transient absorption spectra, and time-resolved PL spectra, it is evidenced that the in situ produced intrinsic shallow trap states in a CsPbCl3 host play a key role in facilitating the picosecond nonradiative cooperative energy transfer from PeNCs to two Yb3+ dopants simultaneously. Using the optimized Yb3+:CsPbCl3 quantum cutters, a phosphor-converted NIR light-emitting diode (pc-NIR-LED) is fabricated, exhibiting an external quantum efficiency of 2%@28 mA, a high NIR output irradiance of 112 mW/cm2@400 mA, and excellent long-term stability. Finally, the designed pc-NIR-LED is demonstrated to have great potential as an invisible night-vision light source.

Ag-Modified ZnO Nanorod Array Fabricated on Polyester Fabric and Its Enhanced Visible-Light Photocatalytic Performance by a Built-in Electric Field and Plasmonic Effect.

ZnO nanorod arrays (NRAs) were fabricated on polyester fabrics (PFs) by a two-step method and modified with Ag by magnetron sputtering. The photogenerated charge transport properties of the Ag/ZnO nanorod heterojunctions were studied by a self-made Kelvin probe system and a surface photovoltage (SPV) test system. The measured work functions (WFs) of the deposited Ag and ZnO nanorod are 4.67 and 5.56 eV, respectively. The SPV spectra indicate that the direction of the inner electric field is from the Ag layer to the inner of the ZnO nanorod. The enhancement of light absorption by the local surface plasma resonance (LSPR) effect of Ag/ZnO NRA was observed by Raman microspectroscopy and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of the Ag/ZnO NRA-functionalized PFs was evaluated by the photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RB) solution under visible light. The full photo-oxidation of RB and the outperforming ZnO NRA-coated PFs demonstrate that the enhanced photocatalytic performance of Ag/ZnO NRA-coated PFs results from the cooperation of the inner electric field of the Ag/ZnO nanorod heterojunction and Ag LSPR.

Prognostic Significance of Blood Transfusion in Elderly Patients with Primary Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma.

The current study sought to evaluate whether blood transfusions affect survival of elderly patients with primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). A total of 104 patients aged 60 years and over were enrolled and divided into two groups: 24 patients who received transfusions and 80 patients who did not. Statistical analyses showed significant differences in LDH levels, platelet (Plt) counts, and hemoglobin (Hb) and albumin (Alb) levels between the two groups. Univariate analyses showed that LDH level ≥ 245 IU/L, cell of origin (germinal center/nongerminal center), and blood transfusion were associated with both overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Higher IPI (3-5), Alb level < 35 g/L, and rituximab usage were associated with OS. Appearance of B symptoms was associated with PFS. Multivariate analyses showed that cell of origin and rituximab usage were independent factors for OS and LDH level was an independent factor for PFS. Blood transfusion was an independent factor for PFS, but not for OS. Our preliminary results suggested that elderly patients with primary DLBCL may benefit from a restrictive blood transfusion strategy.

High Expression of Phosphorylated Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase (ERK1/2) is Associated with Poor Prognosis in Newly Diagnosed Patients with Multiple Myeloma.

BACKGROUND Previous research has demonstrated that the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway is commonly activated in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. However, the prognostic value of activation of the MEK/ERK signaling pathway in newly diagnosed patients with MM has not been reported. MATERIAL AND METHODS Expression levels of p-ERK1/2 protein in bone marrow biopsy specimens obtained from 60 newly diagnosed patients with MM were analyzed using immunohistochemistry, and classified into 3 groups: high p-ERK1/2 expression, low p-ERK1/2 expression, and negative group. Correlations between clinicopathological characteristics, including expression levels of p-ERK1/2 protein, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS), were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS Phosphorylated-ERK1/2 protein was positive in 47 bone marrow specimens, including 19 specimens with high p-ERK1/2 expression and 28 specimens with low p-ERK1/2 expression. Univariate Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that in newly diagnosed patients with MM, high p-ERK1/2 expression, high ISS staging, serum creatinine (Scr) ≥177 µmol/l, serum ß2-microglobulin (ß2-MG) ≥5.5 µmol/l, and serum calcium (Ca) ≥2.75 mmol/l were significantly associated with shorter OS and PFS. Additionally, high ECOG scores (score 2-4) were associated with shorter PFS in newly diagnosed patients with MM. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that in newly diagnosed patients with MM, high p-ERK1/2 expression was significantly associated with shorter OS and PFS. Additionally, in newly diagnosed patients with MM, serum Ca ≥2.75 mmol/l was significantly associated with shorter PFS, and serum ß2-MG ≥5.5 µmol/l was significantly associated with shorter OS. CONCLUSIONS High p-ERK1/2 expression is an independent factor for poor prognosis in newly diagnosed patients with MM.

[Arginase Level in Suspended Red Blood Cells Storaged for Different Time].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of storage time on arginase level, and the possible source of arginase in suspended red blood cells (RBC). METHODS: The arginase and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels in suspended RBC and control plasma were detected by ELISA. The free hemoglobin level in suspended RBC and control plasma were detected by colorimetric method. The relationship between arginase level, MPO level and free hemoglobin level in suspended RBC was analyzed by the related methods. RESULTS: The arginase and free hemoglobin levels in suspended RBC were higher than those in control plasma. Otherwise, MPO level was not significantly different between suspended RBC and control plasma. All of them did not increase along with prolonging of storage time. There was not a significant correlation between arginase level and free hemoglobin level in suspended RBC of different storage time (r = 0.03), but arginase level positively correlated with MPO level in the suspended RBC of different storage time (r = 0.76). CONCLUSION: The arginase level in suspended RBC storaged for different time increases significantly, but not along with prolonging of storage time. The main possible source of arginase in the suspended RBC is the residual white blood cell, especially neutrophils.

Comparison of stroke volume variation with pulse pressure variation as a diagnostic indicator of fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated critically ill patients.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of stroke volume variation (SVV) and pulse pressure variation (PPV) in studies that examined both parameters in the same patient population. METHODS: Literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were examined, and summary ROC curves were plotted. RESULTS: The study was conducted from January to July 2013 in The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China. The meta-analysis of 19 studies published during the years 2005 and 2013 revealed a high degree of diagnostic accuracy of both SVV and PPV in predicting fluid responsiveness. The sensitivity and specificity of both the parameters were observed above 80% in a heterogeneous group of over 850 patients of which 55% responded to fluid challenge. The following values along with 95% confidence interval were noticed: SVV - sensitivity 82 (59-93%) and specificity 84 (62-95%), PPV - sensitivity 84 (62-95%) and specificity 83 (58-94%). Area under the curve values obtained in the pooled analysis were 0.84 (0.79-0.89) for SVV, and 0.88 (0.84-0.92) for PPV. CONCLUSION: Both SVV and PPV exhibit a high degree of diagnostic accuracy in predicting the success or failure of a fluid challenge in hemodynamically unstable critically ill patients under controlled mechanical ventilation.

[Effect of midazolam on mantle cell lymphoma JeKo-1 cell line and its relevant mechanisms].

This study was aimed to explore the effect of midazolam on mantle cell lymphoma cell line JeKo-1 and the relevant mechanisms. Effects of midazolam on the proliferation and apoptosis of JeKo-1 cells were observed by CCK8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Effect of midazolam on the expression of BCL-2, cytochrome C (Cyto-C), pro-caspase-9, pro-caspase-8 and pro-caspase-3 protein were detected by Western blot. The results showed that midazolam could inhibit the growth of JeKo-1 cells significantly and the concentration of 50% growth inhibition (IC50) at 48 hours was approximately 40 µmol/L. After treatment with 20, 40, 80 µmol/L midazolam for 48 hours, a dose-dependent apoptosis of JeKo-1 cells could be observed. Meanwhile, a dose-dependent reduction of BCL-2, pro-caspase-9 and pro-caspase-3 protein expression and increase of Cyto-C protein expression in JeKo-1 cells were found, but the expression of pro-caspase-8 protein did not change. It is concluded that midazolam possibly initiates the mitochondrial pathway, not the death receptor pathway, by reducing the expression of BCL-2, leading in turn to the releasing of Cyto-C in mitochondria, then activating caspase-9 and caspase-3 protein, triggers the caspase cascade, and induces the apoptosis of JeKo-1 cells ultimately.