Increased interleukin-9 and Th9 cells in patients with refractory Graves' disease and interleukin-9 polymorphisms are associated with autoimmune thyroid diseases.

Introduction: Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs) are prevalent disorders, primarily encompassing Graves' disease (GD) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). Despite their common occurrence, the etiology of AITDs remains elusive. Th9 cells, a new subset of CD4+T cells with immunomodulatory properties, have been linked to the development of various autoimmune diseases. However, research on the role of Th9 cells in AITDs is limited. Methods: We investigated the expression of Th9 cells,their functional cytokine IL-9, and transcription factor IRF4 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and plasma of AITD patients and healthy controls. Additionally, we explored the genetic association between four loci polymorphisms (rs31564, rs2069879, rs1859430, and rs2069868) of the IL-9 gene and AITDs. Results: We reported, for the first time, that refractory GD patients exhibited elevated mRNA levels of IL-9 and IRF4 in PBMCs, increased IL-9 protein levels in plasma, and a higher proportion of Th9 cells in peripheral blood when compared to normal controls. Furthermore, human recombinant IL-9 protein was found to enhance IFN-g secretion in PBMCs from both GD patients and normal controls. At the genetic association level, after adjusting for age and sex, the rs2069879 polymorphism exhibited a significant association with AITDs under an additive model (P<0.001, OR= 0.05, 95% CI=0.03-0.08). Discussion: Our results reveal that Th9 cells may exert a pivotal role in the pathogenesis and progression of refractory GD and HT, and IL-9 holds promise as a novel therapeutic target for the management of AITDs.

Acute Effects of Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter and Its Constituents on Sex Hormone Among Postmenopausal Women - Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei PLADs, China, 2018-2019.

What is already known on this topic?: Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was linked to endocrine hormone disruption in the reproductive system. Nonetheless, it was unclear which specific components of PM2.5 were primarily responsible for these associations. What is added by this report?: The study presented the initial epidemiological evidence that brief exposure to PM2.5 can elevate estradiol levels in postmenopausal women. Various particle components had unique effects, with water-soluble ions and specific inorganic elements like Ag, As, Cd, Hg, Ni, Sb, Se, Sn, and Tl potentially playing significant roles in increasing estradiol levels. What are the implications for public health practice?: The study established that the prevalence of air pollution, along with its specific components, has been recognized as a novel risk factor affecting the balance of sex hormones.

Application of Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Evaluation the Activity of Crohn's Disease.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The dynamic assessment of disease activity during the follow-up of patients with Crohn's disease (CD) remains a significant challenge. In this study, we aimed to identify the role of dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (DCE-US) in the evaluation of activity of CD. METHODS: In the retrospective study, patients diagnosed with CD in our hospital were included. All the diagnoses were confirmed by clinical symptoms and ileocolonoscopical results. All patients underwent intestinal ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) examinations within 1 week of the ileocolonoscopy examinations. Acuson Sequoia (Siemens Healthineers, Mountain View, CA, USA) and Resona R9 Elite (Mindray Medical Systems, China) with curved array and Line array transducers were used. The CEUS examination was performed with SonoVue (Bracco SpA, Milan, Italy). DCE-US analysis was performed by UltraOffice (version: 0.3-2010, Mindray Medical Systems, China) software. Two regions of interest (ROIs) were set in the anterior section of the infected bowel wall and its surrounding normal bowel wall 2 cm distant from the inflamed area. Time-intensity curves (TICs) were generated and quantitative perfusion parameters were obtained after curve fittings. The Simple Endoscopic Score for Crohn's disease (SES-CD) was regarded as the reference standard to evaluate the activity of CD. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analyses were used to determine the diagnostic efficiency of DCE-US quantitative parameters. RESULTS: From March 2023 to November 2023, 52 CD patients were included. According to SES-CD score, all patients were divided into active group with the SES-CD score > 5 (n = 39) and inactive group SES-CD score < 5 (n = 13). Most of the active CD patients showed bowel wall thickness (BWT) > 4.2 mm (97.4%, 38/39) or mesenteric fat hypertrophy (MFH) on intestinal ultrasound (US) scan (69.2%, 27/39). Color Doppler signal of the bowel wall mostly showed spotty or short striped blood flow signal in active CD patients (56.4%, 22/39). According to CEUS enhancement patterns, most active CD patients showed a complete hyperenhancement of the entire intestinal wall (61.5%, 24/39). The TICs of active CD showed an earlier enhancement, higher peak intensity, and faster decline. Among all CEUS quantitative parameters, amplitude-derived parameters peak enhancement (PE), wash-in area under the curve (WiAUC), wash-in rate (WiR), wash-in perfusion index (WiPI), and wash-out rate (WoR) were significantly higher in active CD than in inactive CD (p < 0.05). The combined AUROC of intestinal ultrasound features and DCE-US quantitative perfusion parameters in the diagnosis of active CD was 0.987, with 97.4% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and 98.1% accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: DCE-US with quantitative perfusion parameters is a potential useful noninvasive imaging method to evaluate the activity of Crohn's disease.

A hepatic sparganosis misdiagnosed as intrahepatic mass-forming cholangiocarcinoma: a case report and literature review.

Hepatic sparganosis (HS) is extremely rare and has not been previously reported in Eastern China. We report the diagnosis and treatment of a patient with HS from Xuzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China. The patient was admitted due to an acute biliary tract infection, and the symptoms improved after treatment at the Gastroenterology Department. During an ultrasound examination on admission, an abnormal echo was incidentally discovered at the junction of the left and right lobes of the liver. Thereafter, upper abdominal computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) non-contrast and contrast-enhanced examinations, and serum tumor biomarker examination were completed. After a multidisciplinary treatment (MDT) discussion at the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the patient was diagnosed with intrahepatic mass-type cholangiocarcinoma (IMCC) and surgery was recommended. The patient underwent surgical treatment, and postoperative pathology revealed HS. No signs of intrahepatic recurrence were observed during the 1-year follow-up period.

Real-world retrospective study of prostate-specific antigen and safety assessment with darolutamide plus androgen deprivation therapy for metastasis hormone-sensitive prostate cancer.

Background: ARASENS has demonstrated the efficacy and safety for darolutamide (DARO) with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) plus docetaxel in metastasis hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC). There is a lack of reports for DARO with ADT in mHSPC though the regimen is used in clinical from time to time. Moreover, recent studies have supported the importance of early and rapid prostate-specific antigen (PSA) reduction, which correlates with reduced disease progression and improved survival in patients with mHSPC. This study aims to evaluate PSA reduction as a primary endpoint for DARO with ADT in the treatment of mHSPC and to evaluate the real-world short-term PSA control of DARO with ADT from two leading medical centers in China. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of patients with mHSPC receiving ADT and DARO (600 mg, b.i.d.). The collection of data spanned from March 1, 2022, to July 31, 2023. The main observation indicators were PSA level and drug-related adverse events (AE) after medication. PSA levels were closely monitored prior to treatment initiation and at 2-week intervals, as well as at 1, 3, and 6 months after the initiation of treatment. We also conducted an analysis to determine the proportion of patients achieving a PSA reduction of 50% or more (PSA50) and 90% or more (PSA90) as well as the percentage of patients with a notable decrease in PSA level to 0.2 ng/mL and PSA nadir of ≤0.02 ng/mL. Results: Fifty-one patients were included in the study, with a median age of 73 years. At diagnosis of HSPC, the majority of patients had a Gleason score ≥8 (n=40, 78.40%) and a median baseline PSA level of 88 ng/mL. Approximately 45.1% (n=23) of patients had a Charlson Comorbidity Index over 1 and were receiving one or more nontumor-related treatments. The median follow-up time was 9.3 months (range, 1.16-15.8 months). The median reductions in PSA levels compared to baseline were 84.37%, 91.48%, 94.67% and 99.81% at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after administration of DARO with ADT, respectively. The median time to PSA50, PSA90, significant PSA reduction (PSA <0.2 ng/mL), and PSA nadir (PSA <0.02 ng/mL) was 0.97, 1.27, 1.98, and 2.08 months, respectively. AE mainly included fatigue (two patients) and arm pain (one patient), all of which were grade I or II AE. No grade III or AE were observed. Conclusions: For treating prostate cancer, DARO with ADT has good early efficacy, demonstrating prompt and substantial control of PSA levels, with a favorable safety profile.

Multichannel mapping of in vivo rat uterine myometrium exhibits both high and low frequency electrical activity in non-pregnancy.

The uterus exhibits intermittent electrophysiological activity in vivo. Although most active during labor, the non-pregnant uterus can exhibit activity of comparable magnitude to the early stages of labor. In this study, two types of flexible electrodes were utilized to measure the electrical activity of uterine smooth muscle in vivo in anesthetized, non-pregnant rats. Flexible printed circuit electrodes were placed on the serosal surface of the uterine horn of six anesthetized rats. Electrical activity was recorded for a duration of 20-30 min. Activity contained two components: high frequency activity (bursts) and an underlying low frequency 'slow wave' which occurred concurrently. These components had dominant frequencies of 6.82 ± 0.63 Hz for the burst frequency and 0.032 ± 0.0055 Hz for the slow wave frequency. There was a mean burst occurrence rate of 0.76 ± 0.23 bursts per minute and mean burst duration of 20.1 ± 6.5 s. The use of multiple high-resolution electrodes enabled 2D mapping of the initiation and propagation of activity along the uterine horn. This in vivo approach has the potential to provide the organ level detail to help interpret non-invasive body surface recordings.

Association between Ambient Volatile Organic Compounds Exposome and Emergency Hospital Admissions for Cardiovascular Disease.

The limited research on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has not taken into account the interactions between constituents. We used the weighted quantile sum (WQS) model and generalized linear model (GLM) to quantify the joint effects of ambient VOCs exposome and identify the substances that play key roles. For a 0 day lag, a quartile increase of WQS index for n-alkanes, iso/anti-alkanes, aromatic, halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons, halogenated saturated chain hydrocarbons, and halogenated unsaturated chain hydrocarbons were associated with 1.09% (95% CI: 0.13, 2.06%), 0.98% (95% CI: 0.22, 1.74%), 0.92% (95% CI: 0.14, 1.69%), 1.03% (95% CI: 0.14, 1.93%), 1.69% (95% CI: 0.48, 2.91%), and 1.85% (95% CI: 0.93, 2.79%) increase in cardiovascular disease (CVD) emergency hospital admissions, respectively. Independent effects of key substances on CVD-related emergency hospital admissions were also reported. In particular, an interquartile range increase in 1,1,1-trichloroethane, methylene chloride, styrene, and methylcyclohexane is associated with a greater risk of CVD-associated emergency hospital admissions [3.30% (95% CI: 1.93, 4.69%), 3.84% (95% CI: 1.21, 6.53%), 5.62% (95% CI: 1.35, 10.06%), 8.68% (95% CI: 3.74, 13.86%), respectively]. We found that even if ambient VOCs are present at a considerably low concentration, they can cause cardiovascular damage. This should prompt governments to establish and improve concentration standards for VOCs and their sources. At the same time, policies should be introduced to limit VOCs emission to protect public health.

The impact of heat treatment of bovine milk on gastric emptying and nutrient appearance in peripheral circulation in healthy females: a randomized controlled trial comparing pasteurized and ultra-high temperature milk.

BACKGROUND: Heat treatments of dairy, including pasteurization and ultra-high temperature (UHT) processing, alter milk macromolecular structures, and ultimately affect digestion. In vitro, animal, and human studies show faster nutrient release or circulating appearance after consuming UHT milk (UHT-M) compared with pasteurized milk (PAST-M), with a faster gastric emptying (GE) rate proposed as a possible mechanism. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the impact of milk heat treatment on GE as a mechanism of faster nutrient appearance in blood. We hypothesized that GE and circulating nutrient delivery following consumption would be faster for UHT-M than PAST-M. METHODS: In this double-blind randomized controlled cross-over trial, healthy female (n = 20; 27.3 ± 1.4 y, mean ± SD) habitual dairy consumers, consumed 500 mL of either homogenized bovine UHT-M or PAST-M (1340 compared with 1320 kJ). Gastric content volume (GCV) emptying half-time (T50) was assessed over 3 h by magnetic resonance imaging subjective digestive symptoms, plasma amino acid, lipid and B vitamin concentrations, and gastric myoelectrical activity were measured over 5 h. RESULTS: Although GCV T50 did not differ (102 ± 7 min compared with 89 ± 8 min, mean ± SEM, UHT-M and PAST-M, respectively; P = 0.051), GCV time to emptying 25% of the volume was 31% longer following UHT-M compared with PAST-M (42 ± 2 compared with 32 ± 4 min, P = 0.004). Although GCV remained larger for a longer duration following UHT-M (treatment × time interaction, P = 0.002), plasma essential amino acid AUC was greater following UHT-M than PAST-M (55,324 ± 3809 compared with 36,598 ± 5673 µmol·min·L-1, P = 0.006). Heat treatment did not impact gastric myoelectrical activity, plasma appetite hormone markers or subjective appetite scores. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to expectations, GE was slower with UHT-M, yet, as anticipated, aminoacidemia was greater. The larger GCV following UHT-M suggests that gastric volume may poorly predict circulating nutrient appearance from complex food matrices. Dairy heat treatment may be an effective tool to modify nutrient release by impacting digestion kinetics. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY: www.anzctr.org.au (ACTRN12620000172909).

Dust particulate matter increases pulmonary embolism onset: A nationwide time-stratified case-crossover study in China.

BACKGROUND: Particulate matter (PM) has been found to elevate the risk of pulmonary embolism (PE) onset. Among the contributors to PM, dust PM stands as the second natural source, and its emissions are escalating due to climate change. Despite this, information on the effect of dust PM on PE onset is scarce. Hence, this study aims to investigate the impacts of dust PM10, dust PM2.5-10, and dust PM2.5 on PE onset. METHODS: A nationwide time-stratified case-crossover study was conducted between 2015 and 2020, using data from 18,616 PE onset cases across 1,921 hospitals in China. The analysis employed a conditional logistic regression model to quantify the associations between dust PM10, dust PM2.5-10, and dust PM2.5 and PE onset. Furthermore, the study explored the time-distributed lag pattern of the effect of dust PM on PE development. Stratified analyses were performed based on sex, age, region, and season. RESULTS: Dust PM10, dust PM2.5-10, and dust PM2.5 exhibited significant health effects on PE onset, particularly concerning exposure on the same day. The peak estimates were observed at lag 01 day, with the odds ratio being 1.011 [95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.003, 1.019], 1.014 (95 % CI: 1.003, 1.026), and 1.039 (95 % CI: 1.011, 1.068), for a 10 µg/m3 increase in the concentration of dust PM10, dust PM2.5-10, and dust PM2.5, respectively. In addition, the study identified a higher risk of PE onset associated with dust PM exposure during the warm season than that in cool season, particularly for dust PM2.5. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this study suggest that short-term exposure to dust PM, particularly dust PM2.5, may trigger PE onset, posing a significant health threat. Implementing measures to mitigate dust PM emissions and protect patients with PE from dust PM exposure is imperative.

Novel Solid-State Electrolyte Na3La5Cl18 with High Stability and Fast Ionic Conduction.

Motivated by the recent experimental synthesis of a LaCl3-based lithium superionic conductor [Yin, Y.-C. Nature 2023, 616, 77-83], we explore the potential of a LaCl3-based system for a sodium superionic conductor in this work. Using density functional theory combined with molecular dynamics simulation and a grand potential phase diagram analysis, we find that the resulting Na3La5Cl18 exhibits high energetic stability with a small energy-above-hull of 18 meV per atom, a large band gap of 5.58 eV, a wide electrochemical window of 0.41-3.76 V from the cathodic to the anodic limit, and a high Na+ conductivity of 1.3 mS/cm at 300 K. Furthermore, Na3La5Cl18 shows high chemical interface stability with the reported high-potential cathode materials such as NaCoO2, NaCrO2, Na2FePO4F, Na3V2(PO4)3, and Na3V2(PO4)2F3. These findings clearly suggest that the LaCl3-based framework can be used as a building block not only for Li-ion but also for Na-ion batteries.

'Dumpling suture method' versus traditional suture method of protective loop ileostomy in laparoscopic anterior rectal resection with specimen extraction through stoma incision: a retrospective comparative cohort study.

BACKGROUND: A diverting loop ileostomy (DLI) is performed in laparoscopic anterior rectal resection (LAR) surgery at high risk of anastomotic fistula. Minimally invasive surgery promotes postoperative recovery and cosmetics. To reduce abdominal trauma, specimen extraction through stoma incision (EXSI) is usually performed to avoid auxiliary abdominal incision with enlarged stomal incision. The traditional suture method (TSM) reduces the incision size by suturing the ends of the enlarged incision, leading to peristomal incisions and a higher risk of stomal complications. The study aimed to introduce the dumpling suture method (DSM) of PLI and compare this new method with TSM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors propose a novel stoma suture technique, which utilized a method of skin folding suture to reduce the enlarged incision size. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 71 consecutive patients with rectal cancer who underwent LAR-DLI with EXSI, and the intraoperative details and postoperative outcomes of the two groups were measured. RESULTS: The DSM group showed a lower stomal complication rate (10.3 vs. 35.7%, P=0.016) than that of the TSM group. The scores of DET (Discoloration, Erosion, Tissue overgrowth), stomal pain, quality of life were all significantly lower in DSM group than in TSM group. In multivariate analysis, DSM was an independent protective factor for stoma-related complications. Operative time, time to first flatus, defecation and eat, nonstomal related postoperative complications were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: DSM utilizes a method of skin folding suture to reduce the enlarged incision size, which is safe and effective in reducing the incidence of peristomal skin infections and stomal complications. This procedure offers a novel suturing approach for loop ileostomy with enlarged incision, effectively reducing the postoperative trauma and incidence of stomal complications.

Three-Dimensional Fractal Analysis of the Interstitial Cells of Cajal Networks of Gastrointestinal Tissue Specimens.

Introduction: Several functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) have been associated with the degradation or remodeling of the network of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). Introducing fractal analysis to the field of gastroenterology as a promising data analytics approach to extract key structural characteristics that may provide insightful features for machine learning applications in disease diagnostics. Fractal geometry has advantages over several physically based parameters (or classical metrics) for analysis of intricate and complex microstructures that could be applied to ICC networks. Methods: In this study, three fractal structural parameters: Fractal Dimension, Lacunarity, and Succolarity were employed to characterize scale-invariant complexity, heterogeneity, and anisotropy; respectively of three types of gastric ICC network structures from a flat-mount transgenic mouse stomach. Results: The Fractal Dimension of ICC in the longitudinal muscle layer was found to be significantly lower than ICC in the myenteric plexus and circumferential muscle in the proximal, and distal antrum, respectively (both p < 0.0001). Conversely, the Lacunarity parameters for ICC-LM and ICC-CM were found to be significantly higher than ICC-MP in the proximal and in the distal antrum, respectively (both p < 0.0001). The Succolarity measures of ICC-LM network in the aboral direction were found to be consistently higher in the proximal than in the distal antrum (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The fractal parameters presented here could go beyond the limitation of classical metrics to provide better understanding of the structural-functional relationship between ICC networks and the conduction of gastric bioelectrical slow waves.

Frequency-Specific Effects of Noninvasive Median Nerve Stimulation on Gastric Slow Wave Activity in Humans.

OBJECTIVES: The present study explored the effects of different frequencies of noninvasive median nerve stimulation (nMNS) on two autonomic responses: gastric slow waves under water-loading condition and heart rate variability (HRV). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to document the effects of different frequencies of nMNS on gastric slow waves (GSW) in humans under 5-minute water-loading condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty healthy adult participants were fitted with a noninvasive body-surface gastric mapping, electrocardiogram (ECG), and a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation device and administered with four different nMNS frequencies (placebo-0 Hz, 40 Hz, 120 Hz, and 200 Hz) on four separate counterbalanced days. After the baseline and stimulation periods, a 5-minute water-load test was applied, and a post-water-load period also is recorded for ECG and GSW activity. Time-domain HRV parameters are analyzed with repeated-measures one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a post hoc Tukey multiple comparison test. Parameters that failed normality tests underwent a Freidman test with a post hoc Dunn multiple comparison test. GSW data are analyzed with repeated-measures mixed-effects ANOVA. RESULTS: In empty stomach (baseline vs stimulation), only the 40-Hz frequency statistically significantly (p = 0.0129) increased GSW amplitude in comparison with its own baseline. In full (distended) stomach, 40-Hz and 200-Hz stimulations showed a statistically significant difference (post hoc multiple comparison adjusted, p = 0.0016 and p = 0.0183, respectively) in the Gastric Rhythm Index in comparison with the change obtained by placebo stimulation (baseline vs poststimulation periods); 120-Hz nMNS showed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.0300) in the stress index in comparison with the decrease observed in the placebo group. However, 120-Hz nMNS did not induce a statistically significant change in gastric electrical activity compared to placebo stimulation. The nMNS did not follow the linear "dose-response" relationship between nMNS frequency and gastric/HRV parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The 40-Hz and 200-Hz nMNS frequencies showed the most promising results in response to gastric distension, in addition to 40 Hz for an empty stomach. Further research is essential to explore the potential therapeutic effects of these frequencies on gastric diseases such as gastroparesis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and functional dyspepsia that can be used in wrist wearables.

Hallmarks of totipotent and pluripotent stem cell states.

Though totipotency and pluripotency are transient during early embryogenesis, they establish the foundation for the development of all mammals. Studying these in vivo has been challenging due to limited access and ethical constraints, particularly in humans. Recent progress has led to diverse culture adaptations of epiblast cells in vitro in the form of totipotent and pluripotent stem cells, which not only deepen our understanding of embryonic development but also serve as invaluable resources for animal reproduction and regenerative medicine. This review delves into the hallmarks of totipotent and pluripotent stem cells, shedding light on their key molecular and functional features.

Significant differences in usage of antibiotics in three Chinese cities measured by wastewater-based epidemiology.

Antibiotic use, particularly inappropriate use by irrational prescribing or over-the-counter purchases, is of great concern for China as it facilitates the spread of antibiotic resistances. In this study, we applied wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) to monitor the total consumption of eight common antibiotics in three cities in northern, eastern and southern China. Wastewater samples were successively collected from 17 wastewater treatment plants including weekdays and weekends spanning four seasons between 2019 and 2021. The concentration of antibiotics and their corresponding metabolites showed a significant correlation, confirming the measured antibiotics were actually consumed. Different seasonal trends in antibiotic use were found among the cities. It was more prevalent in the winter in the northern city Beijing, with the high antibiotic consumption attributed to peak influenza occurrence in the city. This is clear evidence of irrational prescription of antibiotics since it's known that antibiotics do little to treat influenza. In terms of overall consumption, Foshan is significantly lower, thanks to warmer climate and higher use of herbal tea as a prevention measure. WBE estimates of antibiotic consumption were relatively comparable with other data sources, with azithromycin as the top antibiotic measured here. The studied cities had higher WBE estimated antibiotics consumption than results of previous studies in the literature. Monitoring antibiotic use in different areas and periods through WBE in combination with complementary information, can better inform appropriate antibiotic guideline policies in various regions and nations.

Lithiophilic and Eco-Friendly Nano-Se Seeds Unlock Dendrite-Free and Anode-Free Li-Metal Batteries.

A 3D host design for lithium (Li)-metal anodes can effectively accommodate volume changes and suppress Li dendrite growth; nonetheless, its practical applicability in energy-dense Li-metal batteries (LMBs) is plagued by excessive Li loading. Herein, we introduced eco- and human-friendly Se seeds into 3D carbon cloth (CC) to create a robust host for efficient Li deposition/stripping. The highly lithiophilic nano-Se endowed the Se-decorated CC (Se@CC) with perfect Li wettability for instantaneous Li infusion. At an optimal Li loading of 17 mg, the electrode delivered an unprecedentedly long life span of 5400 h with low overpotentials <36 mV at 1 mA cm-2/1 mAh cm-2 and 1500 h at 5 mA cm-2/5 mAh cm-2. Furthermore, the uniform Se distribution and strong Li-Se binding allowed for further reduction in Li loading to 2 mg via direct Li electrodeposition. The corresponding LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811)-based full cell afforded a high capacity retention rate of 74.67% over 300 cycles at a low N/P ratio of 8.64. Finally, the initial anode-free LMB using a NCM811 cathode and a Se@CC anode current collector demonstrated a high electrode-level specific energy of 531 Wh kg-1 and consistently high CEs >99.7% over 200 cycles. This work highlights a high-performance host design with excellent tunability for practical high-energy-density LMBs.

Regulating the upconversion luminescence properties of Tm3+/Yb3+-codoped ZrScW2PO12 microparticles with a negative thermal expansion effect through thermal stimulation for optical thermometry.

Tm3+/Yb3+-codoped ZrScW2PO12 microparticles were prepared in order to solve the problems of the severe thermal quenching and unsatisfactory thermometric properties of most luminescent materials. The synthesized materials exhibit a rarely observed negative thermal expansion (NTE) effect, which was verified by in situ X-ray diffraction experiments, performed under high temperature conditions. Upon excitation with a 980 nm laser, bright blue upconversion (UC) emissions originating from Tm3+ were observed. Moreover, owing to the promoted energy transfer, cross-relaxation and non-radiative decay processes at high temperatures triggered by the NTE effect, the observed UC emissions arising from 1G4 and 3F2,3 levels show non-monotonic responses to temperature. By analysing the temperature-dependent luminescence intensity ratio of these UC emissions originating from the non-thermally coupled levels of Tm3+ (1G4 and 3F2,3), the thermometric properties of the prepared microparticles were investigated in detail. Interestingly, the maximum absolute and relative sensitivities of the synthesized compounds are 0.09 and 1.45% K-1, respectively, which are independent of Yb3+ content, but they can be manipulated by employing different sensing modes. Our results manifest that the exploitation of the NTE effect is an efficient way to control the UC luminescence features of rare earth ions and to realize high performance optical thermometry.

Aß-Aggregation-Generated Blue Autofluorescence Illuminates Senile Plaques as well as Complex Blood and Vascular Pathologies in Alzheimer's Disease.

Senile plaque blue autofluorescence was discovered around 40 years ago, however, its impact on Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology has not been fully examined. We analyzed senile plaques with immunohistochemistry and fluorescence imaging on AD brain sections and also Aß aggregation in vitro. In DAPI or Hoechst staining, the nuclear blue fluorescence could only be correctly assigned after subtracting the blue plaque autofluorescence. The flower-like structures wrapping dense-core blue fluorescence formed by cathepsin D staining could not be considered central-nucleated neurons with defective lysosomes since there was no nuclear staining in the plaque core when the blue autofluorescence was subtracted. Both Aß self-oligomers and Aß/hemoglobin heterocomplexes generated blue autofluorescence. The Aß amyloid blue autofluorescence not only labels senile plaques but also illustrates red cell aggregation, hemolysis, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, vascular plaques, vascular adhesions, and microaneurysms. In summary, we conclude that Aß-aggregation-generated blue autofluorescence is an excellent multi-amyloidosis marker in Alzheimer's disease.

Asymptomatic uterine perforation and IUD migration to the broad ligament: A case report.

RATIONALE: Uterine perforation is a serious complication of intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD) placement. However, as complete uterine perforation and extrauterine migration may remain asymptomatic, thorough localization of the IUD is important prior to reinsertion. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 33-year-old patient who has had 4 IUD insertions, wherein the location of the first IUD (inserted 14 years ago) was not identified prior to reinsertion and replacement of the subsequent three. She presented to hospital with a 6-month history of abdominal pain. Pelvic ultrasonography (US), radiography, hysteroscopy and laparoscopy examinations confirmed that a retained migrated IUD in the right broad ligament. DIAGNOSIS: Uterine perforation, IUD migration to the broad ligament. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent hysteroscopy and laparoscopy. OUTCOMES: Both IUDs were successfully removed without any complications.

AMBRA1 promotes intestinal inflammation by antagonizing PP4R1/PP4c mediated IKK dephosphorylation in an autophagy-independent manner.

IκB kinase (IKK) complex is central regulators of the NF-κB pathway, and dysregulation of IKK phosphorylation leads to hyperactivation of proinflammatory response in various chronic inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the dynamic modulation of IKK phosphorylation and dephosphorylation in intestinal inflammation remains uncharacterized. Here, we found that autophagy/beclin-1 regulator 1 (AMBRA1) was highly expressed in inflamed colons in a colitis mouse model and in clinical IBD samples. Importantly, AMBRA1 deletion significantly decreased proinflammatory cytokine expression and enhanced the therapeutic effect of infliximab on intestinal inflammation. Mechanistically, the N-term F1 domain of AMBRA1 was required for AMBRA1 to competitively interact with protein phosphatase 4 regulatory subunit 1 (PP4R1) and catalytic protein phosphatase 4 (PP4c) to suppress their interactions with IKK, promote the dissociation of the PP4R1/PP4c complex, and antagonize the dephosphorylation activity of this complex towards the IKK complex. In response to TNF-α stimulation, IKKα phosphorylates AMBRA1 at S1043 to stabilize AMBRA1 expression by impairing its binding to Cullin4A (CUL4A) to decrease its CUL4A-mediated K48-linked ubiquitination. Overall, our study identifies an autophagy-independent function of AMBRA1 as a positive modulator of IKK phosphorylation to promote intestinal inflammation, thus providing a new targeted therapeutic strategy for patients with refractory IBD.