Three-dimensional flat bands in pyrochlore metal CaNi2.

Electronic flat-band materials host quantum states characterized by a quenched kinetic energy. These flat bands are often conducive to enhanced electron correlation effects and emergent quantum phases of matter1. Long studied in theoretical models2-4, these systems have received renewed interest after their experimental realization in van der Waals heterostructures5,6 and quasi-two-dimensional (2D) crystalline materials7,8. An outstanding experimental question is if such flat bands can be realized in three-dimensional (3D) networks, potentially enabling new materials platforms9,10 and phenomena11-13. Here we investigate the C15 Laves phase metal CaNi2, which contains a nickel pyrochlore lattice predicted at a model network level to host a doubly-degenerate, topological flat band arising from 3D destructive interference of electronic hopping14,15. Using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we observe a band with vanishing dispersion across the full 3D Brillouin zone that we identify with the pyrochlore flat band as well as two additional flat bands that we show arise from multi-orbital interference of Ni d-electrons. Furthermore, we demonstrate chemical tuning of the flat-band manifold to the Fermi level that coincides with enhanced electronic correlations and the appearance of superconductivity. Extending the notion of intrinsic band flatness from 2D to 3D, this provides a potential pathway to correlated behaviour predicted for higher-dimensional flat-band systems ranging from tunable topological15 to fractionalized phases16.

Heterointerface effects in the electrointercalation of van der Waals heterostructures.

Molecular-scale manipulation of electronic and ionic charge accumulation in materials is the backbone of electrochemical energy storage1-4. Layered van der Waals (vdW) crystals are a diverse family of materials into which mobile ions can electrochemically intercalate into the interlamellar gaps of the host atomic lattice5,6. The structural diversity of such materials enables the interfacial properties of composites to be optimized to improve ion intercalation for energy storage and electronic devices7-12. However, the ability of heterolayers to modify intercalation reactions, and their role at the atomic level, are yet to be elucidated. Here we demonstrate the electrointercalation of lithium at the level of individual atomic interfaces of dissimilar vdW layers. Electrochemical devices based on vdW heterostructures 13 of stacked hexagonal boron nitride, graphene and molybdenum dichalcogenide (MoX2; X = S, Se) layers are constructed. We use transmission electron microscopy, in situ magnetoresistance and optical spectroscopy techniques, as well as low-temperature quantum magneto-oscillation measurements and ab initio calculations, to resolve the intermediate stages of lithium intercalation at heterointerfaces. The formation of vdW heterointerfaces between graphene and MoX2 results in a more than tenfold greater accumulation of charge in MoX2 when compared to MoX2/MoX2 homointerfaces, while enforcing a more negative intercalation potential than that of bulk MoX2 by at least 0.5 V. Beyond energy storage, our combined experimental and computational methodology for manipulating and characterizing the electrochemical behaviour of layered systems opens new pathways to control the charge density in two-dimensional electronic and optoelectronic devices.

JPT2 in subclinical hypothyroidism-related miscarriage as a transcription co-factor: involvement of LEPR/STAT3 activation.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) has been identified to be associated with implantation failure, in which the dysfunction of trophoblast cells is involved. In this study, the transcriptomics of aborted placenta from SCH rats were analyzed. Jupiter microtubule-associated homolog 2 (JPT2) was downregulated in the aborted placenta. This study aims to investigate its role in SCH-associated miscarriage. METHODS: Spontaneous abortion was observed in SCH rats generated by thyroidectomy combined with levothyroxine administration. The transcriptomics analysis was performed using aborted placenta. Afterward, the effects of JPT2 on trophoblast cells were explored using gain-and loss-of-function experiments. RESULTS: Transcriptomics analysis showed 1286 downregulated genes and 2300 upregulated genes in the aborted placenta, and JPT2 was significantly downregulated in the aborted placenta from SCH rats. Afterward, gain-and loss-of-function experiments exhibited that overexpression of JPT2 promoted the proliferation, migration, invasion, spheroid formation of HTR-8/SVneo trophoblast cells and their attachment to endometrial stromal cells, while these biological behaviors were suppressed by JPT2 knockdown. Furthermore, JPT2 accelerated the transcription of leptin receptor (LEPR), and activated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signal in a transcription factor AP-2γ-dependent manner. In addition, silencing of LEPR abolished the role of JPT2. CONCLUSION: Our results revealed that JPT2, which was downregulated in the aborted placenta from SCH rats, promoted proliferation, migration, invasion, spheroid formation, and attachment of trophoblast cells via regulating LEPR/STAT3 axis as a transcription co-factor. It is indicated that low expression of JPT2 may contribute to the abortion in individuals with SCH.

[Effects of remimazolam versus propofol on postoperative recovery quality in elderly patients undergoing thoracoscopic laparoscopic radical esophagectomy].

Objective: To investigate the effects of remimazolam versus propofol on postoperative recovery quality in elderly patients undergoing thoracoscopic laparoscopic radical esophagectomy. Methods: A total of 108 elderly patients undergoing thoracoscopic laparoscopic radical esophagectomy under general anesthesia in the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University from May to October 2022 were prospectively included. The participants were divided into two groups by the random number table method: remimazolam group (R group, n=54) and propofol group (P group, n=54). There were 54 cases in the R group, with 35males and 19 females, and aged (65.4±3.1) years. Meanwhile, there were 54 cases in the P group, with 33males and 21 females, and aged (64.5±3.0) years. Anesthesia was induced as follows: remimazolam 0.2-0.3 mg/kg and remifentanil 0.5-1.0 µg/kg were intravenously injected in R group, while propofol 1-2 mg/kg and remifentanil 0.5-1.0 µg/kg were intravenously injected in P group. Subsequently, anesthesia was maintained as follows: remimazolam 0.4-1.0 mg·kg-1·h-1 and remifentanil 0.05-0.2 µg·kg-1·min-1 were intravenously infused in group R, while propofol 4-10 mg·kg-1·h-1 and remifentanil 0.05-0.2 µg·kg-1·min-1 were intravenously infused in group P. Bispectral index (BIS) was maintained at 45-60 during operation. The main outcome measures were the 15-item quality of recovery (QoR-15) scores 1 day before surgery, 1 day and 3 days after surgery. Secondary outcome measures included mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate and pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) recorded 5 min before anesthesia induction (T0), 1 min after induction (T1), 1 min after endotracheal intubation (T2), immediately after skin incision (T3) and tracheal extubation (T4). The incidence of bradycardia and hypotension and the frequency of application of vasoactive drugs during anesthesia were recorded. Restlessness score (RS) and Ramsay sedation scale during the awakening period were recorded. Emergence time, tracheal extubation time, duration of postanesthesia care unit (PACU) stay and postoperative length of hospital stay were recorded. The incidence of postoperative pulmonary infection and other complications were also recorded. Results: The QoR-15 scale scores [M (Q1, Q3)] of R group 1 day and 3 days after surgery were 114.0 (109.0, 118.3) and 131.0 (127.8, 133.0), which were higher than those of P group [106.0 (101.0, 112.0) and 127.0 (125.0, 129.3)] (both P<0.001). The incidence of bradycardia, hypotension and the frequency of application of vasoactive drugs of R group during anesthesia were 5.6% (3/54), 35.2% (19/54) and 27.8% (15/54), which were lower than those in P group [33.3% (18/54), 63.0% (34/54) and 55.6% (30/54), respectively] (all P<0.05). RS score during the awakening period in R group was 0.9±0.5, which was lower than that of P group (1.1±0.6) (P=0.046). Emergence time, tracheal extubation time and postoperative length of hospital stay of R group were (15.4±4.9) min, (16.6±4.7) min and (11.6±1.4) d, which were shorter than those of P group [(26.2±6.4) min, (27.8±5.8) min and (12.6±1.3) d] (all P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in Ramsay scores during the awakening period, duration of PACU stay and the incidence of postoperative complications (all P>0.05). Conclusions: Both remimazolam and propofol can achieve satisfactory postoperative recovery quality in elderly patients undergoing thoracoscopic laparoscopic radical esophagectomy. Remimazolam has more stable hemodynamics and lower incidence of adverse reactions.

[Analysis on health status and influencing factors of 1353 mercury workers in Xinjiang].

Objective: To investigate the health status of workers exposed to occupational mercury, and to provide the theoretical basis for formulating reasonable health monitoring and targeted protection measures. Methods: In November 2021, 1353 mercury-exposed workers who underwent occupational health examination in a hospital in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from 2018 to 2021 were collected as research subjects. By analyzing their blood pressure, electrocardiogram, blood routine, liver function and urine ß2-microglobulin and urinary mercury in different gender, age, length of service, industry and enterprise scale, and the health status. And the influencing factors of urinary mercury were evaluated. Results: Among 1353 workers exposed to mercury, there were 1002 males (74.1%), the average age was (37.2±9.8) years old, and the length of service was 3.1 (2.0, 8.0) years. The abnormal rates of physical examination, blood pressure, electrocardiogram, blood routine, liver function, urinary ß2-microglobulin and urinary mercury were 73.9% (1000/1353), 12.3% (166/1353), 30.2% (408/1353), 59.9% (810/1353), 32.5% (440/1353), 15.2% (205/1353) and 2.2% (30/1353), respectively. The abnormal rates of blood pressure, blood routine, liver function, urinary ß2-microglobulin and urinary mercury in male workers were higher than those in female workers (P<0.05). The abnormal rates of workers' blood pressure and physical examination results increased with the increase of age and length of service, while the abnormal rate of electrocardiogram results were opposite (P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in the abnormal rates of blood pressure, blood routine, urinary ß2-microglobulin and physical examination results among workers of different enterprises and different industries (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the workers with age ≥30 years old, microminiature enterprises, abnormal physical examination results and urinary ß2-microglobulin were the susceptible population with abnormal urinary mercury (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The occupational health status of mercury workers in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is not optimistic, and the health monitoring of microminiature enterprises and older workers should be improved to effectively protect the physical and mental health of workers.

[Research progress on infiltrating zone and microvascular invasion of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis].

Hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a parasitic disease with biological characteristics similar to malignant tumor. It has no obvious clinical symptoms in the early stage. Most patients have complications such as jaundice, ascites and gastrointestinal bleeding when they see a doctor. At this time, the course of disease is at an advanced stage. In addition, the incomplete resection of the AE lesion(s) leads to a high postoperative recurrence rate, which has a serious impact on the physical and mental health of patients. Based on the summary of the latest research at home and abroad and the analysis of blood supply, microvascular invasion and vascular growth factor expression in the "infiltrating zone" adjacent to the lesions of hepatic AE, this article has a deep understanding of the occurrence and development process of hepatic AE, aiming to better guide clinical practice and improve the quality of life of patients.

[Clinical effect of adding hMG to the follicular phase long protocol for standard group with normal ovarian reserve function].

Objective: To investigate the impact of adding human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) for in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer pregnancy outcomes in a standard population of non-advanced age with normal ovarian reserve function using a long follicular phase protocol. Methods: Clinical data of 489 patients with normal ovarian reserve function, who were admitted from January 2018 to January 2020 in the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University and underwent in vitro fertilization for the first time with the long follicular phase protocol in fresh cycles, were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into three groups according to whether or not to add urine-derived hMG and the timing of addition: non-addition group (group A), medium-term hMG group (group B1), whole course hMG group (group B2); the laboratory parameters of each group were observed, and the effect of ovulation induction drugs and pregnancy outcomes were compared. Results: The ages of B1 and B2 groups were significantly higher than that of group A (P=0.019 and P=0.011). The basal FSH level of group B2 was significantly higher than those of group A and group B1 (P<0.01 and P=0.006), and the basal FSH/LH ratio of group B2 was significantly higher than that of group B1 (P=0.009). Antral follicle counts of group A and group B1 were significantly higher than that of group B2 (P=0.007 and P=0.017). The superior embryo rate of group B2 [(47±27)%] was significantly higher than that of group A (P=0.017). The embryo implantation rate of group B1 was significantly lower than those of group A and group B2 (P=0.043 and P<0.01). The clinical pregnancy rate of group B2 [76.7% (155/202)] was significantly higher than those of group A (P=0.039) and group B1 (P<0.01). The live-birth rate of group B2 [67.3% (136/202)] was significantly higher than those of group A (P=0.017) and group B1 (P=0.001). Conclusions: For non-advanced aged patients with normal ovarian reserve function, the long protocol of follicular phase is suitable for those with relatively low ovarian reserve function. Adding hMG in the whole course of ovulation induction after gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist reduction could improve the pregnancy outcomes by improving the quality of embryos.

Effective Model of Food Allergy in Mice Sensitized with Ovalbumin and Freud's Adjuvant.

To better explore the pathophysiology of FA and its therapy, we aimed to establish a simple and practicable FA model with Freund's adjuvant and introduce an easy and reliable laboratory evaluation method for assessment of inflammation in intestinal segments at different anatomical locations. BALB/c mice were sensitized with ovalbumin combined with Freund's adjuvant. Complete Freund's adjuvant was chosen for the first sensitization and two weeks later incomplete Freund's adjuvant was used for a second sensitization. Two weeks later, the sensitized mice were challenged with 50 mg ovalbumin every other day. After the 6 challenge, all mice were assessed for systemic anaphylaxis, and then sacrificed for sample collection. All sensitized mice showed anaphylactic symptoms and markedly increased levels of serum ovalbumin-specific IgE and IgG1. The activity of mast cell protease-1 (mMCPT-1) was significantly increased in the serum and interstitial fluid of the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and colon. A successful FA model was established, of which inflammation occurred in the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and colon. This model provides a reliable and simple tool for analysis of the mechanism of FA and methods of immunotherapy. Moreover, combined detection of ovalbumin-specific antibody and local mMCPT-1 levels could potentially be used as the major indicator for assessment of food allergy.

[Analysis of spirometer data of 5272 coal dust-exposed miners].

Objective: To analyze the spirometer data of coal mine workers, explore the impact of coal dust on the lung function of coal mine workers. Methods: From June to December 2018, 5272 male coal mine dust-exposed workers who underwent occupational health examinations at the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment Hospital were selected as the research subjects. The basic information and spirometer data of the workers were collected and analyzed for different ages, years of service and the degree of lung function injury of workers exposed to dust and its influencing factors. Results: The total detection rate of lung function injury among dust-exposed workers was 33.9% (1785/5272) . The type of injury was mainly restrictive ventilatory dysfunction (66.7%, 1190/1785) , followed by mixed ventilatory dysfunction (31.4%, 561/1785) , obstructive ventilatory dysfunction (1.9%, 34/1785) . The detection rate of mild lung function impairment was 21.0% (1105/5272) , The detected rate of moderate or higher lung injury was 12.9% (680/5272) . The abnormal detection rate of chest radiography was 3.4% (179/5272) . The logistic regression analysis of the factors affecting lung function damage showed that employees aged 40-<50 were more likely to detect overall lung function injury and the moderate or higher lung injury (P<0.05) , and that they had been working for 35 to 45 years and excavators were more likely to detect overall function injury and different degree of lung injury (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The lung function injury of coal mine dust-exposed workers is related to their age, dust-exposed working years and type of work, mainly with mild injury and restrictive ventilation dysfunction.

[Application of urethral pressure profilometry in artificial urinary sphincter implantation].

Objective: To investigate the changes of maximum urethral pressure (MUP) and maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP) after artificial urethral sphincter (AUS) implantation and their prognostic value. Methods: The clinical data of patients who had undergone AUS implantation in multiple medical centers between March and July 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Data of urethral pressure profilometry, pad usage, related scores and complications related to surgery were collected and compared. The primary endpoint was social continence (defined as 0-1 pad/d) 1 month after activation of the pump. Results: A total of five male patients were included in this study. Two underwent transurethral resection of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia, two underwent radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer, and one underwent urethral reunion, urethral stricture dilatation and cystostomy due to trauma from traffic accident. All patients had different degrees of urinary incontinence. The results of preoperative urethral profilometry test showed that the MUP of five patients were 52, 53, 88, 32, and 66 cmH(2)O(1 cmH(2)O=0.098 kPa), respectively, and the MUCP were 17, 52, 62, 27, and 40 cmH(2)O, respectively. AUS implantation was performed. The intraoperative urethral pressure profilometry showed that the MUP were 53, 113, 50, 77, and 89 cmH(2)O in the inactivated state, and the MUCP were 50, 97, 31, 71, and 51 cmH(2)O, respectively. In the activated state, the MUP were 112, 174, 193, 121, and 120 cmH(2)O, and the MUCP were 109, 160, 175, 114, and 92 cmH(2)O, respectively. All patients met the social continence (0-1 pad/d) criterion. No complications were reported during the follow-up. Conclusions: The relationship between the range of intraoperative urethral pressure and the effect of urinary control can be gained by measuring the specific values of MUP and MUCP during AUS implantation and the post-operative effects, which provides as a data basis for standardizing AUS implantation.

Sign-Reversing Hall Effect in Atomically Thin High-Temperature Bi_{2.1}Sr_{1.9}CaCu_{2.0}O_{8+δ} Superconductors.

We developed novel techniques to fabricate atomically thin Bi_{2.1}Sr_{1.9}CaCu_{2.0}O_{8+δ} van der Waals heterostructures down to two unit cells while maintaining a transition temperature T_{c} close to the bulk, and carry out magnetotransport measurements on these van der Waals devices. We find a double sign change of the Hall resistance R_{xy} as in the bulk system, spanning both below and above T_{c}. Further, we observe a drastic enlargement of the region of sign reversal in the temperature-magnetic field phase diagram with decreasing thickness of the device. We obtain quantitative agreement between experimental R_{xy}(T,B) and the predictions of the vortex dynamics-based description of Hall effect in high-temperature superconductors both above and below T_{c}.

Controlled Electrochemical Intercalation of Graphene/h-BN van der Waals Heterostructures.

Electrochemical intercalation is a powerful method for tuning the electronic properties of layered solids. In this work, we report an electrochemical strategy to controllably intercalate lithium ions into a series of van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures built by sandwiching graphene between hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN). We demonstrate that encapsulating graphene with h-BN eliminates parasitic surface side reactions while simultaneously creating a new heterointerface that permits intercalation between the atomically thin layers. To monitor the electrochemical process, we employ the Hall effect to precisely monitor the intercalation reaction. We also simultaneously probe the spectroscopic and electrical transport properties of the resulting intercalation compounds at different stages of intercalation. We achieve the highest carrier density >5 × 1013 cm2 with mobility >103 cm2/(V s) in the most heavily intercalated samples, where Shubnikov-de Haas quantum oscillations are observed at low temperatures. These results set the stage for further studies that employ intercalation in modifying properties of vdW heterostructures.

[Expression and prognosis effect of methylation-regulated SLIT3 and SPARCL1 genes in smoking-related lung adenocarcinoma].

Objective: To investigate the expression and prognosis effect of methylation-regulated SLIT3 and SPRCL1 genes in smoking-related lung adenocarcinoma. Methods: The expression levels of SLIT3 and SPARCL1 in cigarette smoke-induced malignant transformed cell (S30) and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cell lines were measured by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR). Datasets of mRNA expression, DNA methylation and patient information data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Altas (TCGA) database. The mRNA expression levels of SLIT3 and SPARCL1 were validated in LUAD tissues. The 10-year survival curve of LUAD patients with different smoking history was plotted, and the correlation between mRNA expression level and DNA methylation level of LUAD patients was further analyzed. S30 cells were treated with 5-azacytidine (5-aza), an inhibitor of DNA methyltransferase, to analyze the methylation regulatory mechanism of SLIT3 and SPRCL1. Results: The qPCR results showed the significant down-regulation of SLIT3 and SPARCL1 in S30 cell and four LUAD cell lines (SLIT3: 0.493±0.134 and 0.041±0.014, 0.161±0.023, 0.277±0.055, 0.035±0.005; SPARCL1: 0.507±0.131 and 0.453±0.045, 0.420±0.040, 0.153±0.035, 0.430±0.050; all P<0.01). Bioinformatics analysis showed that SLIT3 and SPARCL1 were low expressed in LUAD tissue (8.12±1.58 vs 10.84±0.69 and 11.46±1.06 vs 13.57±0.67; both P<0.001) compared with adjacent peritumoral tissues, and expression levels of SLIT3 and SPARCL1 were significantly correlated with smoking history (both P<0.001). Non-smoker with high expression of SLIT3 and SPARCL1 was associated with better prognosis among LUAD patients. There was a significant negative correlation between promoter methylation and mRNA expression level of the two genes (r=-0.208, -0.574; both P<0.001). 5-aza treatment significantly up-regulated the expression levels of SLIT3 and SPARCL1 genes in S30 cells (2.137±0.281, 3.657±0.882; both P<0.01). Conclusion: SLIT3 and SPARCL1 can be regulated by DNA methylation and down-regulated in LUAD tissue, which has important prognostic significance on the smoking-induced LUAD patients.

[Two-year outcomes of pulpotomy in primary molars using mineral trioxide aggregate: a retrospective study].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the two-year outcomes of primary molars pulpotomy using mineral trioxided aggregate (MTA) and to find out the potential influence factor, with the help of electronic medical record database. METHODS: Children who received primary molars pulpotomy in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry in Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from May, 2014 to November, 2015 were searched in the Electronic Medical Record Database of Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, via the database for scientific research provided by the corporation of Kaientai. The children who were healthy, no more than 8 years old and followed up over 1.5 years were selected as the subjects of this study. At the same time, those children who didn't have complete medical records and X-rays before and after treatment were removed. Basic information, the relevant medical records and radiographic records of those children were collected. All molars were examined clinically and radiographically, and classified into 1 of 5 outcomes: N, H, P0, PX, PY. Molars classified into P0, PX and PY were regarded as failed. Survival analysis was applied. The survival rate and survival time of the deciduous teeth were calculated.Multivariate analysis was performed by using Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: One hundred and fifteen children were finally included,aged from 2.6 to 8.2 years, with the mean age of (4.5±1.1) years. 211 primary molars were included, and the average follow up time was (880±154) days. A good level of agreement between the raters was found for molars with five outcomes(κ=0.913). Intrarater reliability was good for molars with five outcomes (κ=0.916). Forty-nine molars failed by September, 2017. Forty-three molars had abnormal radiographic manifestation. Six molars suffered premature loss. Only fourteen molars had an associated gingival swelling or parulis, or pathologic mobility upon clinical examination. The cumulative survival probability of half a year, one year, one year and a half, two years, two year and a half for the pulpotomy was 100%, 98.5%, 92.9%, 90.5%,73.8% through the Kaplan-Meier method, respectively. Through the analysis of Cox proportional hazard model, the survival probability was significantly higher when the age was younger. When sodium hypochlorite and the saline were used as the irrigation at the same time, the survival probability was not improved for those teeth with more bleeding in the operation compared with that used saline only. The teeth with preformed metal crown (PMC) gained longer median survival time than those restored with resin composite and others, but the difference was not significant, either. What's more, gender, the restoration time of PMC, the restoration of the opposite teeth were not found to be associated with the success of the treatment. CONCLUSION: The cumulative survival probability of two years after the primary pulpotomy was 90.5%, complying the current instructions in our department. The survival probability of the molars after the treatment was significantly affected by the age.

[Prevalence of anemia during pregnancy in China, 2012-2016: a Meta-analysis].

Objective: To understand the prevalence and epidemiological features of anemia during pregnancy in China. Methods: The literature retrieval was conducted by using China Biology Medicine disc (CBMdisc), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, China Science and Technology Journal Database (CSTJ), PubMed, Cochrane Library and Embase database. The time was from January 2012 to October 2017, and the language was limited to Chinese and English. The Chinese and corresponding English search terms included pregnancy, anemia, epidemiology and prevalence. Results: A total of 28 papers were included. The total number of participants investigated was 58 752, with 11 588 cases with anemia during pregnancy identified. The overall prevalence of anemia during pregnancy was 19.9% (95%CI: 16.3%-23.5%). The prevalence varied in anemia with different levels. The prevalence of mild, moderate and severe anemia were 15.9% (95%CI: 11.7%-20.2%), 5.7% (95%CI: 4.5%-6.8%) and 1.3% (95%CI: 0.8%-1.8%) respectively. The prevalence of mild anemia was highest and the prevalence of severe anemia was lowest. The prevalence of anemia increased with gestational weeks. The prevalence of anemia at the first, second and third trimester of pregnancy were 10.1% (95%CI: 6.2%-14.0%), 26.7% (95%CI: 18.0%-35.5%) and 28.1% (95%CI: 21.0%-35.1%) respectively. Both degree and gestational week subgroup analysis showed a significant difference among groups (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences among subgroups of cut-off year, region, resident area, age, education level and parity (P>0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of anemia during pregnancy in China had remained at a low level during the past 5 years. The prevalence of mild anemia was higher than that of moderate and severe anemia. The prevalence of anemia in women at the second and third trimester of pregnancy was higher than that at the first trimester of pregnancy. Women at the second and third trimester of pregnancy should be attached a great importance in the prevention and control of anemia during pregnancy.

Flight performance of Macdunnoughia crassisigna (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Macdunnoughia crassisigna Warren (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a highly destructive herbivore that poses a serious risk to cotton, maize, soybean, and cruciferous vegetables in East Asia. Examining the effects of various biotic and abiotic factors on the flight performance of M. crassisigna is crucial for a better understanding of its trans-regional migration. In this study, the flight activity of M. crassisignai moths of different ages, under different temperatures and relative humidity (RH) levels, was evaluated by tethering individuals to computerized flight mills for a 24-h trial period. The results showed that M. crassisignai had the capacity for sustained flight and the flight ability was strongest in 3-day-old individuals, and then their flight performance decreased significantly in older moths. For both sexes, temperature had a significant effect on their flight performance, and the flight activity was relatively higher at 24-28°C than other temperatures. There was a significant effect of RH on all flight parameters of the tested moths, and the flight activity was relatively higher at RH of 60-75% than other RH levels. For 3-day-old moths under the optimum conditions (24°C and 75% RH) throughout the 24 h scotophase, their mean flight distance reached 66 km, and the mean flight duration reached 13.5 h, suggesting M. crassisigna possess strong potential to undertake long-distance migration. These findings will be helpful for developing sound forecasting systems of this pest species.

Epidemiology and risk factors for faecal extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) carriage derived from residents of seven nursing homes in western Shanghai, China.

Nursing homes (NHs) have been implicated as significant reservoirs of antibiotic-resistant organisms causing severe infectious disease. We investigated the prevalence and molecular epidemiology of, and risk factors for, faecal carriage of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E). A multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted in seven NHs in Shanghai between March 2014 and May 2014. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and polymerase chain reaction were used to detect genes coding for ESBLs and carbapenemases. NH records at individual-resident level and facility level were examined for potential risk factors. Four hundred and fifty-seven Enterobacteriaceae isolates were collected of which 183 (46·92%) were colonized by ESBL-E. CTX-M enzymes (198/200, 99%) predominated, with CTX-M-14 (84/200, 42%) the most common types. Two carbapenemase producers harboured blaKPC-2. Resistance rates to carbapenems, TZP, AK, FOS, CL and TGC were low. History of invasive procedures [odds ratio (OR) 2·384, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·318-4·310, P = 0·004], narrow-spectrum cephalosporins (OR 1·635, 95% CI 1·045-2·558, P = 0·031) and broad-spectrum cephalosporins (OR 3·276, 95% CI 1·278-8·398, P = 0·014) were independently associated with ESBL-E carriage. In conclusion, NH residents have a very high prevalence of faecal carriage of ESBL-E. Continuous and active surveillance is important, as are prudent infection control measures and antibiotic use to prevent and control the spread of these antibiotic-resistant strains.

[Clinical features of liver cirrhosis complicated by portal vein thrombosis and related risk factors].

Objective: To investigate the clinical features of patients with liver cirrhosis complicated by portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and related risk factors. Methods: A total of 65 patients with liver cirrhosis complicated by PVT who were diagnosed and treated from June 2013 to June 2015 were enrolled as PVT group, and 70 cirrhotic patients without PVT were enrolled as controls (non-PVT group). The data collected included general information, results of laboratory examination, imaging findings, clinical manifestations, and complications. The clinical features were compared between the two groups, and related risk factors were screened out. Results: There were no significant differences between the PVT group and non-PVT group in age, sex, nation, etiology, white blood cell count, platelet count, international normalized ratio, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, serum creatinine, total bilirubin, and the diameter of the splenic vein (all P > 0.05), while between these two groups, there were significant differences in D-dimer (1.87±1.45 mg/ml vs 0.55±0.58 mg/ml, P < 0.05), fibrinogen degradation product (FDP) level (18.57±19.46 µg/ml vs 5.45±6.00 µg/ml, P < 0.05), hemoglobin (99.32±26.73 g/L vs 112.64±25.03 g/L, P < 0.05), albumin (28.51±5.19 g/L vs 33.07±7.94 g/L, P < 0.05), the diameter of the portal vein (12.53±2.70 mm vs 11.17±1.79 mm, P < 0.05), spleen thickness (5.12±0.95 cm vs 4.56±0.83 cm, P < 0.05), spleen length (15.35±3.21 cm vs 13.86±2.82 cm, P < 0.05), and Child-Pugh score (7.66±2.06 vs 6.93±1.87, P < 0.05). The two groups showed no significant differences in diarrhea, ileus, hepatorenal syndrome, and hepatic encephalopathy (P > 0.05), but showed significant differences in abdominal pain (18 vs 7 cases, P < 0.05), fever (17 vs 4 cases, P < 0.05), esophageal variceal bleeding (22 vs 9 cases, P < 0.05), and spontaneous peritonitis (24 vs 12 cases, P < 0.05). D-dimer (OR = 4.290, P < 0.000) and mean platelet volume (OR = 1.294, P = 0.023) were independent risk factors for PVT in patients with liver cirrhosis. Conclusion: Cirrhotic patients with a high degree of liver cirrhosis, high levels of D-dimer and FDP, and a large diameter of the portal vein tend to have a high incidence rate of PVT. PVT can aggravate the clinical symptoms and significantly increase complications in patients with liver cirrhosis. An increased D-dimer level and a greater width of the main portal vein are independent risk factors for PVT in patients with liver cirrhosis.

[Levels of Galectin-7 in serum and sputum in children with asthma].

Objective: To observe the expression of Galectin-7 in the serum and sputum of asthmatic children and to explore its significance in asthmatic children. Methods: The study prospectively case-control selected 183 children diagnosed with bronchial asthma at Department Ⅱ of Respiratory Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Beijing Children's Hospital of Capital Medical University. The control group consisted of 41 children with other bronchial diseases and 43 healthy children. Children in the asthma group were divided into acute and non-acute exacerbation groups. Acute exacerbation group was divided as mild acute, moderate acute and severe acute groups; non-acute exacerbation group was divided as mild persistent, moderate persistent and severe persistent groups. Children without acute exacerbation asthma in the asthma group were divided into high and low Galectin-7 groups based on median serum Galectin-7 levels. Serum and sputum were collected, Galectin-7 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The study compared and analyzed the differences in Galectin-7 levels between children with asthma and the control groups using Mann-Whitney U test or the Kruskal-Wallis or the Chi-square test for inter-group comparisons. Results: Among 183 children, 61 cases had acute asthma exacerbation, and 122 cases had persistent asthma without acute exacerbation. The asthma group comprised 110 males and 73 females. The control group consisted of 41 children with other bronchial diseases, including 24 cases of bronchiectasis and 17 cases of obliterans bronchitis. The control group comprised 26 males and 15 females. Forty-three healthy children who underwent physical examination, including 22 males and 21 females. The levels of Galectin-7 in serum were significantly higher in children with an acute asthma exacerbation than that of healthy children (0.1 (0, 0.7) vs. 0 (0, 0.2) µg/L, Z=2.09, P=0.001). Galectin-7 levels in sputum were higher in children with an acute asthma exacerbation than that in children with other bronchial diseases (1.2 (0.1,3.7) vs. 0.4 (0.1, 1.5) µg/L, Z=2.20, P<0.001). Serum Galectin-7 levels were significantly higher in children with persistent asthma compared to children with other bronchial diseases and healthy children (0.6 (0.3, 1.2) vs. 0.1 (0, 0.5) and 0 (0, 0.2) µg/L, Z=-6.12,-7.63, both P<0.001), and the levels were significantly and positively correlated with asthma severity (r=0.77, P<0.001), disease duration (r=0.34, P=0.001), and number of previous attacks (r=0.51, P<0.001). There were 61 children in the high-Galectin-7 group and 61 children in the low-Galectin-7 group. Children with high Galectin-7 had more asthma triggers, a greater proportion with a positive family history, more previous asthma attacks, longer duration of asthma, and higher serum total IgE levels compared to those with low Galectin-7 (χ2=9.30, 22.46, Z=5.06, 3.57, 2.31, all P<0.05). Conclusion: The expression of Galectin-7 is found to be elevated in the serum and sputum of asthmatic children and correlated with asthma conditions.