Local-field engineering in slot waveguide for fabricating on-chip Bragg grating filters with high reflectivity across a flat broadband.

On-chip Bragg gratings with high reflectivities have been found to have widespread applications in filters, resonators, and semiconductor lasers. However, achieving strong Bragg reflections with flat response across a broad bandwidth on the popular 220 nm silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform still remains a challenge. In this paper, such a high performance device is proposed and fabricated, which is based on a slot waveguide with gratings etched on the inner sidewalls of the slot. By manipulating the local field in the slot region using a chirped and tapered grating-based mode transition, the device achieves a flat response with ultra-high reflection and low transmission for the TE mode across a broad operating bandwidth. Leveraging the ultra-high birefringence of the SOI waveguide, the device functions both as a TE slot waveguide reflector and a TM pass polarizer. Simulation results demonstrate that the device exhibits an ultra-high rejection of more than 50 dB and a reflectivity exceeding 0.99 for the TE mode across a 91 nm wavelength range, while maintaining a high transmittance of larger than 0.98 for the TM mode. Experimental results validate that the device performance is consistent with the simulation results. A fabricated device based on such a gratings exhibits a low insertion loss (<0.8 dB) and high polarization extinction ratio (>30 dB) over 100 nm bandwidth (1484 nm-1584 nm), demonstrating that the performance of the present design is competitive with that of the state-of-the-art SOI Bragg gratings.

High-performance and ultra-wide bandwidth silicon TM polarizer with suppressed reflection utilizing a tailored contra-mode conversion Bragg grating.

We present a compact TM polarizer with high polarization extinction ratio (PER), low loss, and suppressed reflection over an ultra-wide bandwidth on a 220 nm silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform. The device utilizes a contra-mode conversion Bragg grating (CMC-BG) with strong polarization dependence embedded in a multimode waveguide. Through a sophisticated grating design incorporating tailored chirping and apodization profiles to match modal properties, we have achieved, by simulation, a compact device footprint of 34.72 × 1.22 µm2 and an ultra-wide bandwidth of 346 nm with PER > 40 dB and an insertion loss (IL) < 1 dB, a 5-fold increase over our previous design. Particularly notable is the polarizer's ability to suppress reflection to <-15 dB across an extended bandwidth exceeding 450 nm. Experimental measurements confirm the excellent performance of the fabricated TM polarizer, with IL < 1.2 dB (0.5 dB) and PER > 30 dB over a bandwidth of 336 nm (268 nm).

Osteoporosis is associated with depression among older adults: a nationwide population-based study in the USA from 2005 to 2020.

OBJECTIVES: The global prevalence of osteoporosis is rising, yet it is unclear whether people with osteoporosis have a higher risk of depression than those without osteoporosis. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. METHODS: We used nationally representative data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in 2005-2006, 2007-2008, 2009-2010, 2013-2014, and 2017-2020. The diagnosis of osteoporosis was based on the bone mineral density of the femoral neck measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Depression was assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), with a score ≥5 as depressive symptoms and a score ≥10 as probable depression. We used logistic regression models to evaluate the association between osteoporosis and depressive symptoms and probable depression. RESULTS: We included 11,603 adults (aged 50 years and older, 52.3% male) and observed 5.2% of them had osteoporosis. 31.9% of these osteoporotic people had depressive symptoms, and 10.0% had probable depression. Compared to participants without osteoporosis, those with osteoporosis were 1.73 times more likely to experience depressive symptoms (odds ratio [OR] = 1.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20-2.50) and 1.91 times more likely to experience probable depression (OR = 1.91, 95% CI 1.02-3.59), after adjusting for sex, age, race/ethnicity, education, marital status, family income, body mass index, smoking, physical activity, and alcohol abuse. Moderate-to-vigorous activities mediated the associations between osteoporosis and depression and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Osteoporosis is an independent risk factor for depression. This study highlights the need to evaluate the mental well-being of patients with osteoporosis in clinical and primary health care.

Assessment of noise pollution-prone areas using an explainable geospatial artificial intelligence approach.

This research aims to use the power of geospatial artificial intelligence (GeoAI), employing the categorical boosting (CatBoost) machine learning model in conjunction with two metaheuristic algorithms, the firefly algorithm (CatBoost-FA) and the fruit fly optimization algorithm (CatBoost-FOA), to spatially assess and map noise pollution prone areas in Tehran city, Iran. To spatially model areas susceptible to noise pollution, we established a comprehensive spatial database encompassing data for the annual average Leq (equivalent continuous sound level) from 2019 to 2022. This database was enriched with critical spatial criteria influencing noise pollution, including urban land use, traffic volume, population density, and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Our study evaluated the predictive accuracy of these models using key performance metrics, including root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) indices. The results demonstrated the superior performance of the CatBoost-FA algorithm, with RMSE and MAE values of 0.159 and 0.114 for the training data and 0.437 and 0.371 for the test data, outperforming both the CatBoost-FOA and CatBoost models. ROC analysis further confirmed the efficacy of the models, achieving an accuracy of 0.897, CatBoost-FOA with an accuracy of 0.871, and CatBoost with an accuracy of 0.846, highlighting their robust modeling capabilities. Additionally, we employed an explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) approach, utilizing the SHAP (Shapley Additive Explanations) method to interpret the underlying mechanisms of our models. The SHAP results revealed the significant influence of various factors on noise-pollution-prone areas, with airport, commercial, and administrative zones emerging as pivotal contributors.

[Accelerating the construction of digital and intelligentialized pathology and the prospects].

With the continuous development of informatization, digitalization and artificial intelligence technology, the working mode of the pathology department has gradually changed from the traditional manual check, paper circulation and physical carrier storage to the informatization process and digital storage. The traditional pathology discipline has ushered in unprecedented opportunities and challenges. Digital pathology department also emerge as the times require. Simultaneously, with the full integration of artificial intelligence technology in pathology department, the concept of "department of digital and intelligentialized pathology" was proposed. Based on information and digital technology, the digital intelligent pathology department integrates intelligent management system, optimizes the previous cumbersome management and workflow of the pathology department, develops advanced technologies such as intelligent material extraction, unmanned organization processing, artificial intelligence quality control, artificial intelligence diagnosis, and promotes the intelligent construction of the pathology department.

[Clinicopathological characteristics of gangliogliomas with anaplastic morphology].

Objective: To investigate the clinical, radiological, and pathological features of anaplastic gangliogliomas (AGGs) and to determine whether these tumors represent a distinct entity. Methods: Consecutive 667 cases of ganglioglioma (GG) diagnosed at the Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China between January 2015 and July 2023 were screened. Among these cases, 9 pathologically confirmed AGG cases were identified. Their clinical, radiological, treatment, and outcome data were analyzed retrospectively. Most of the tumor samples were subject to next-generation sequencing, while a subset of them were subject to DNA methylation profiling. Results: Among the 9 patients, there were five males and four females, with a median age of 8 years. Epileptic seizures (5/9) were the most frequently presented symptom. Radiological examinations showed three types of radiological manifestations: four cases showed abnormal MRI signals with no significant mass effects and mild enhancement; two cases demonstrated a mixed solid-cystic density lesion with peritumoral edema, which showed significant heterogeneous enhancement and obvious mass effects, and one case displayed cystic cavity formation with nodules on MRI, which showed evident enhancements. All cases exhibited mutations that were predicted to activate the MAP kinase signaling pathway, including seven with BRAF p.V600E mutation and two with NF1 mutation. Five AGGs with mutations involving the MAP kinase signaling pathway also had concurrent mutations, including three with CDKN2A homozygous deletion, one with a TERT promoter mutation, one with a H3F3A mutation, and one with a PTEN mutation. Conclusions: AGG exhibits a distinct spectrum of pathology, genetic mutations and clinical behaviors, differing from GG. Given these characteristics suggest that AGG may be a distinct tumor type, further expansion of the case series is needed. Therefore, a comprehensive integration of clinical, histological, and molecular analyses is required to correctly diagnose AGG. It will also help guide treatments and prognostication.

[Correlation of 1p/16q loss of heterozygosity and 1p gain with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis in Wilms tumor].

Objective: To investigate the relationship between 1p/16q loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and 1p gain in Wilms tumor and their clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis. Methods: A total of 175 Wilms tumor samples received from the Department of Pathology, Beijing Children's Hospital from September 2019 to August 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The histopathologic type and presence of lymph node involvement were evaluated by two pathologists. The clinical data including patients'gender, age, tumor location, preoperative chemotherapy, and tumor stage were summarized. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was done to detect 1p/16q LOH and 1p gain and their correlation with the clinicopathological features and prognosis were analyzed. Results: Among the 175 samples, 86 cases (49.1%) were male and 89 (50.9%) were female. The mean age was (3.5±2.9) years, and the median age was 2.6 years. There were 26 (14.9%) cases with 1p LOH, 28 (16.0%) cases with 16q LOH, 10 (5.7%) cases of LOH at both 1p and 16q, and 53 (30.3%) cases with 1q gain. 1q gain was significantly associated with 1p LOH (P<0.01) and 16q LOH (P<0.01). There were significant differences (P<0.01) between 1q gain, 1p LOH and 16q LOH among different age groups. The rate of 16q LOH in the high-risk histopathological subtype (50.0%) was significantly higher than that in the intermediate-risk subtype (13.6%, P<0.05). The frequency of 1q gain, 1p LOH, and 16q LOH in children with advanced clinical stages (Ⅲ and Ⅳ) was significantly higher than that in children with early clinical stages (Ⅰ and Ⅱ). 1q gain, 1p LOH, and 16q LOH showed no significant correlation with gender, unilateral or bilateral disease, chemotherapy, or lymph node metastasis. The progression-free survival (PFS) time for patients with 1q gain and 1p LOH was significantly shorter than those without these aberrations (P<0.05). Additionally, the PFS time of patients with 16q LOH was slightly shorter than those with normal 16q, although the difference was not statistically significant. Patients with stage Ⅲ to Ⅳ disease exhibiting 1q gain or 1p LOH had a significantly higher relative risk of recurrence, metastasis, and mortality. Conclusions: 1p/16q LOH and 1q gain are associated with age, high-risk histological type, and clinical stage in Wilms tumor. 1q gain and 1p LOH are significantly correlated with the prognosis of Wilms tumor.

[Congenital spindle cell/sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma: a clinicopathological analysis].

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features, immunophenotype and molecular genetic characteristics of congenital spindle cell/sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma. Methods: Sixteen cases (including 10 consultation cases) of congenital spindle cell/sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma diagnosed at the Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing China, from April 2017 to January 2022 were collected. These cases were evaluated for clinical profiles, histomorphological features, immunophenotype and molecular characteristics. Results: Among the 16 patients, 9 were male and 7 were female. Five cases were present during maternal pregnancy and 11 cases were found immediately after birth. The tumors were located in the chest wall, low back, retroperitoneum, extremities or perineum. The tumors consisted of fasciculated spindle-shaped cells with localized mesenchymal sclerosis and vitreous metaplasia. Immunohistochemistry showed that the tumor cells expressed Desmin, Myogenin, MyoD1, SMA, CD56 and ALK to varying degrees, but not other markers such as CD34, CD99, pan-TRK, S-100 and BCOR. FISH analyses with NCOA2 (8q13) and VGLL2 (6q22) gene breakage probes revealed a breakage translocation in chromosome NCOA2 (8q13) in 4 cases (4/11). In the 6 cases subject to sequencing, a mutation at the p.L122R locus of MYOD1 gene was detected in 1 case (1/6). Two cases were examined by electron microscopy, which showed bundle-arranged myofilaments with some primitive myofilament formation. Five cases were resected with simple surgery, 2 cases were biopsied and followed up with observation only, and 9 cases were treated with surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. Follow-up was available in 12 cases. At the end of the follow-up, 2 of the 12 patients developed local recurrences and 2 patients survived with disease. Conclusions: Congenital spindle cell/sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare subtype of congenital rhabdomyosarcoma. It more commonly occurs in the chest, back and lower limbs of infants than other sites. NCOA2/VGLL2 gene fusion seems to be the most common genetic change. Its prognosis is better than other subtypes of rhabdomyosarcoma and those in adolescents and adults with the same subtype. Analysis and summary of its clinicopathological features can help differentiate it from other soft tissue tumors in infants and children and provide the information for appropriate treatments.

[Scientific, transparent and applicable rankings of Chinese pathological guidelines and consensus published in the medical journals in 2022].

The STAR tool was used to evaluate and analyze the science, transparency, and applicability of Chinese pathology guidelines and consensus published in medical journals in 2022. There were a total of 18 pathology guidelines and consensuses published in 2022, including 1 guideline and 17 consensuses. The results showed that the guideline score was 21.83 points, lower than the overall guideline average (43.4 points). Consensus ratings scored an average of 27.87 points, on par with the overall consensus level (28.3 points). Areas that scored above the overall level were "conflict of interest" and "working groups", while areas that scored below the overall level were "proposals", "funding", "evidence", "consensus approaches" and "accessibility". To sum up, the formulation of pathology guidelines and consensuses in 2022 is not standardized, and the evidence retrieval process, evidence evaluation methods and grading criteria for recommendations on clinical issues are not provided in the formulation process; the process and method for reaching consensus are not provided, the plan is lacking, and registration is not carried out. It is therefore suggested that guidelines/consensus makers in the field of pathology should attach importance to evidence-based medical evidence, strictly follow guideline formulation methods and processes, further improve the scientific, applicable and transparent guidelines/consensuses in the field, and better provide support for clinicians and patients.

[Determination of triclocarban and triclosan in urine by QuEChERS extraction and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry].

Objective: To establish a method for the determination of triclocarban (TCC) and triclosan (TCS) in urine by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) after purification by QuEChERS. Methods: In May 2022, urine samples were extracted by acetonitrile, purified by QuEChERS, separated by Waters Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column (100 mm×2.1 mm, 1.7 µm), and eluated with water-acetonitrile as mobile phase gradient at a flow rate of 0.3 ml/min. The detection was conducted in negative ion mode (ESI(-)) and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) scanning, it was quantified with a internal standard method, and the methodology was verified. Results: The linear ranges of TCC and TCS were 0.5-100.0 µg/L and 1.0-100.0 µg/L, and the correlation coefficients were 0.9997 and 0.9991, respectively. The limits of detection and quantitation of TCC and TCS were 0.17 and 0.33 µg/L, and 0.5 and 1.0 µg/L, respectively. The recoveries of TCC and TCS were 100.1%-102.8% and 96.7%-108.6%, and the relative standard deviations were 4.9%-6.7% and 4.1%-8.3%, respectively, at 2.0, 10.0 and 80.0 µg/L. Conclusion: QuEChERS-UPLC-MS/MS method is simple, rapid, sensitive and reproducible, and can be used for rapid and accurate simultaneous detection of TCC and TCS exposure levels in occupational population.

Effective linewidth compression of a single-longitudinal-mode fiber laser with randomly distributed high scattering centers in the fiber induced by femtosecond laser pulses.

Femtosecond lasers can be used to create many functional devices in silica optical fibers with high designability. In this work, a femtosecond laser-induced high scattering fiber (HSF) with randomly distributed high scattering centers is used to effectively compress the linewidth of a fiber laser for the first time. A dual-wavelength, single-longitudinal-mode (SLM) erbium-doped fiber laser (EDFL) is constructed for the demonstration, which is capable of switching among two single-wavelength operations and one dual-wavelength operation. We find that the delayed self-heterodyne beating linewidth of the laser can be reduced from >1 kHz to <150 Hz when the length of the HSF in the laser cavity increases from 0 m to 20 m. We also find that the intrinsic Lorentzian linewidth of the laser can be compressed to several Hz using the HSF. The efficiency and effectiveness of linewidth reduction are also validated for the case that the laser operates in simultaneous dual-wavelength lasing mode. In addition to the linewidth compression, the EDFL shows outstanding overall performance after the HSF is incorporated. In particular, the optical spectrum and SLM lasing state are stable over long periods of time. The relative intensity noise is as low as <-150 dB/Hz@>3 MHz, which is very close to the shot noise limit. The optical signal-to-noise ratios of >85 dB for single-wavelength operation and >83 dB for dual-wavelength operation are unprecedented over numerous SLM fiber lasers reported previously. This novel method for laser linewidth reduction is applicable across gain-medium-type fiber lasers, which enables low-cost, high-performance, ultra-narrow linewidth fiber laser sources for many applications.

2†µm band four-wavelength-switchable narrow linewidth fiber laser enabled by fs-laser direct-written polarization-dependent parallel fiber Bragg gratings.

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a four-wavelength-switchable single-longitudinal-mode (SLM) narrow linewidth thulium-holmium co-doped fiber laser (THDFL) using two polarization-dependent parallel fiber Bragg gratings (PD-PFBGs). The PD-PFBGs, fabricated using femtosecond (fs) laser direct-writing technology in a standard single-mode fiber (SMF) via a point-by-point method, are used as a four-channel reflection filter. Two FBGs are inscribed in parallel in the fiber core along the axial direction and are uniquely positioned symmetrically on either side of the centerline. This configuration enables polarization-dependent multi-channel filtering capability, which further allows for polarization-control-based four-wavelength-switchable operations of the THDFL. SLM lasing is accomplished by utilizing a simple dual-ring sub-cavity filter. An exceptional output performance of the THDFL is achieved, including an optical signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of >72 dB, maximum power and wavelength fluctuations of 0.350 dB and 0.024 nm, respectively, and a linewidth of <2 kHz, for all four single-wavelength operations lasing at ∼2000 nm. These performance indicators suggest that the THDFL can be applied in free-space optical communication, atmospheric monitoring, and Lidar.

COVID-19 pandemic and neonatal birth weight: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Lockdown was implemented in many countries during the pandemic, which led to myriad changes in pregnant women's lives. However, the potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on neonatal outcomes remain unclear. We aimed to evaluate the association between the pandemic and neonatal birth weight. STUDY DESIGN: This was a systematic review and meta-analysis of the previous literature. METHODS: We searched the MEDLINE and Embase databases up to May 2022 and extracted 36 eligible studies that compared neonatal birth weight between the pandemic and the prepandemic period. The following outcomes were included: mean birth weight, low birth weight (LBW), very low birth weight (VLBW), macrosomia, small for gestational age (SGA), very small for gestational age (VSGA), and large for gestational age (LGA). Statistical heterogeneity among studies was assessed to determine whether a random effects model or fixed effects model was conducted. RESULTS: Of the 4514 studies identified, 36 articles were eligible for inclusion. A total of 1,883,936 neonates during the pandemic and 4,667,133 neonates during the prepandemic were reported. We identified a significant increase in mean birth weight (pooled mean difference [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 15.06 [10.36, 19.76], I2 = 0.0%, 12 studies) and a reduction in VLBW (pooled OR [95% CI] = 0.86 [0.77, 0.97], I2 = 55.4%, 12 studies). No overall effect was identified for other outcomes: LBW, macrosomia, SGA, VSGA, and LGA. There was publication bias for mean birth weight with a borderline significance (Egger's P = 0.050). CONCLUSION: Pooled results showed the pandemic was significantly associated with an increase in mean birth weight and a reduction in VLBW, but not for other outcomes. This review provided clues about the indirect effects of the pandemic on neonatal birth weight and more healthcare measures needed to improve neonatal long-term health.

[Study the involvement of Langerin in mediating epicutaneous sensitization of atopic dermatitis-like mouse model].

Objective: To explore the role of Langerin in mediating epicutaneous sensitization of atopic dermatitis (AD) in mouse model. Methods: Mice were topically treated with calcipotriol (MC903) plus ovalbumin (OVA) on the ears to establish AD mouse models, and mice were divided into wild-type control group, wild-type AD group, Langerin knockout control group, and Langerin knockout AD group. Changes of lesion were daily observed. Infiltration of inflammatory cells, mRNA expression of Tslp, Il4, Il13, Il17a, and Il22, levels of serum total IgE, OVA-specific IgE (sIgE), OVA sIgG1 and OVA sIgG2a, proportion of regulatory T (Treg) cells in cervical draining lymph nodes were evaluated at the end of model preparation. Results: Skin tumidness and thickness, dermal inflammatory cells infiltration, the mRNA expression levels of Tslp, Il4, Il13, Il17a and Il22 in wild-type AD groups were higher than those in wild-type control groups, with (1.80±0.66, 1.64±0.25, 1.71±0.54, 2.41±0.23, 2.49±0.32) and (0.53±0.45, 0.85±0.29, 0.73±0.50, 0.72±0.25, 0.56±0.29), respectively (all P<0.05). In addition, the levels of serum total IgE, OVA sIgE and OVA sIgG1 in wild-type AD groups were higher than those in wild-type control groups, with [(1 216.00±572.70) ng/ml, (597.00±538.30) ng/ml, 1.59±0.09] and [(24.22±35.04) ng/ml, (20.01±41.71) ng/ml, 1.16±0.03], respectively (all P<0.05). In Langerin knockout mice, compared to wild-type mice, skin erythema, skin tumidness, epidermal thickening, inflammatory cell infiltration were more obvious; the mRNA expression levels of Tslp, Il4, Il13, Il17a and Il22 were upregulated with (8.19±6.44, 2.53±0.69, 2.82±0.73, 3.94±1.32, 3.80±1.43) (all P<0.05); the levels of serum total IgE, OVA sIgE and OVA sIgG1 were significantly increased with (2 508.00±657.10) ng/ml, (1 808.00±470.70) ng/ml, (1.73±0.09) (all P<0.05); the number of CD4+CD25+CD127-Treg cells were decreased significantly with (13.25±0.96)% and (15.31±1.47)%, respectively (P<0.05). Conclusion: Langerin is involved in mediating epicutaneous sensitization of the AD mouse model and plays a negative immunoregulatory role.

[Analysis of differences in health awareness among urban and rural elderly population under the background of aging].

Objective: To explore the status quo, differences and influencing factors of health concern among the elderly in urban and rural areas. Methods: The data of China Health and Retirement Tracking Survey (CHARLS) in 2018 were used to describe the health concerns of the elderly in urban and rural areas by selecting relevant indicators. The differences of health concerns of the elderly in urban and rural areas were compared from two aspects of social demographic characteristics and health status. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the factors affecting the health concern of the elderly in urban and rural areas. Results: A total of 7 758 urban and rural elderly were included, including 1 913 urban elderly and 5 845 rural elderly. Half (3 899, 50.3%) of the elderly are at the average level of health concern, and there is a difference between urban and rural elderly (χ2=186.61,P<0.05). The rural and urban elderly with different characteristics had different health concerns. The rural elderly with more than two diseases had higher health concerns (χ2=13.71, P=0.001), and different living types of urban elderly people have different health concerns (χ2=28.96, P<0.001). Regression analysis showed that the health concern of the elderly in urban and rural areas was affected by many factors, gender (OR=1.51, P<0.001), health status (OR=2.18, P<0.001), cognitive function impairment (OR=2.93, P<0.001), depression (OR=0.49, P<0.001) is the main factor affecting the difference of health attention of the elderly in urban and rural areas. Whether to receive pension was the influential factor of health concern of the rural elderly (OR=0.63, P<0.05); Disability was an influential factor in the health concern of the urban elderly (OR=2.11, P<0.05). Conclusion: There is much room to improve the health attention of the elderly in urban and rural areas. It is suggested to increase the economic security of the elderly in rural areas and pay special attention to the disabled elderly in urban areas, so as to further improve the health status of the elderly groups.

[Research on the formulation and revision of standard limits for antimony,boron and vanadium in the "Standards for Drinking Water Quality (GB5749-2022)" in China].

China is rich in antimony, boron, and vanadium mineral resources, which have been detected in environmental water bodies and drinking water. During the revision process of the "Standards for Drinking Water Quality (GB5749-2006)", research and evaluation are focused on three indicators: antimony, boron and vanadium. Vanadium is added and the limit value of boron is adjusted. This study reviews and discusses the technical contents related to the revision of the antimony, boron and vanadium, including the environmental presence levels, exposure status, health effects, and the revision of the standard limits of these three indicators. Suggestions are also made for the implementation of this standard.

[Methodological study on the establishment of limit values in the Standards of Drinking Water Quality].

The establishment of limit values for standards of drinking water quality is an important and complex process. This study systematically introduced the methodology of the establishment of standard limit values for drinking water quality and elaborated on the workflow of setting limit values of water quality indicators, principles and methods of selecting water quality indicators, derivation of safety reference values, and establishment of limit values. It also aimed to provide reference and support for the future revision of relevant standards.

Clinical Significance and Prognostic Value of the Expression of LAG-3 and FGL1 in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

In this retrospective study, we analyzed the expression of lymphocyte activating gene 3 (LAG-3) and fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGP1) mRNA and the corresponding proteins in 78 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) to evaluate the clinical significance and prognostic value. mRNA and protein expression were analyzed by reverse transcription PCR and Western blotting, respectively. The expression of LAG-3 and FGL1 mRNA and the corresponding proteins in tumor tissues were significantly increased in comparison with the normal esophageal mucosa. The overexpression of LAG-3 significantly correlated with the content of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), tumor differentiation, and TNM stage. The overexpression of FGL1 also significantly correlated with TILs, TNM stage, and lymph node metastasis. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that tumor diameter, TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, LAG-3 and FGL1 protein expression were related to the progression-free survival (p<0.05). Multivariate Cox regression showed that the level of FGL1 and TNM stage were independent prognostic factors of progression-free survival. We speculated that the tumor microenvironment of ESCC induces immunosuppression due to up-regulated expression of LAG-3 and FGL1 in the tumor tissues, which promotes tumor growth.

[A family study of the compound heterozygous mutation of the UGT1A1 gene causing Crigler-Najjar syndrome type II].

Objective: To investigate the family gene features in Crigler-Najjar syndrome (CNS) type II. Methods: The UGT1A1 gene and related bilirubin metabolism genes were comprehensively analysed in a CNS-II family (3 CNS-II, 1 Gilbert syndrome, and 8 normal subjects). The genetics basis of CNS-II were investigated from the perspective of family analysis. Results: In three cases, compound heterozygous mutations at three sites of the UGT1A1 gene (c.-3279T > G, c.211G > A and c.1456T > G) caused CNS-II. Gilbert syndrome and CNS-II were not significantly associated with distribution or diversity loci. Conclusion: The compound heterozygous pathogenic mutations (c.-3279T > G, c.211G > A, and c.1456T > G) at three loci of the UGT1A1 gene may be the feature of the newly discovered CNS-II family genes based on the CNS-II family study.

[Multiple pulmonary masses with diffuse cystic lesions].

A 50-year-old female patient, presenting with a past history of Reynaud's syndrome, xerostomia and xerophthalmia, was admitted to Fujian Provincial Hospital because of coughing for 10 days and left anterior chest pain for 1 day. Chest imaging showed multiple nodules and masses, and diffuse cystic lesions in both lungs. Based on the differential diagnosis of multiple pulmonary masses and diffuse cystic lesions respectively, autoantibodies, radionuclide dynamic imaging of the parotid, positron emission tomography-CT, CT-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy, and other examinations were performed. The diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma stage ⅣA (lung, parotid gland) and Sjögren's syndrome was confirmed. By analyzing the imaging features and pathogenesis in detail, the diffuse cystic lesions of both lungs were considered to be related to lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia caused by Sjögren's syndrome. The pulmonary space-occupying lesions in the lungs were significantly absorbed after RCHOP regimen for lymphoma.