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Achieving subwavelength optical focusing is of great importance in nanophotonics. However, achieving focusing with both a small focal spot size and a large focal length remains elusive so far. Here, a large focal length planar focusing device is presented, utilizing highly oriented Dyakonov polaritons in hyperbolic metamaterial with periodic silver rings as the excitation source. Experimental results show that by controlling the size of the excitation sources, the focal length can reach 6 λ 0 (where λ 0 is the illumination wavelength), and the focal spot size can be reduced to λ 0 /10. This method provides new prospects for planar polariton optical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the food equivalent unit (FEU), this article analyzed Chinese food consumption patterns, spatial mismatch, and production potential to explore agricultural reform strategies. Assessing production–demand mismatch involved the spatial mismatch model, drawing data from statistical yearbooks. Calculations of food production potential utilized the CASA model and the Thornthwaite Memorial model, with net primary productivity (NPP) derived from remote sensing data as indicators. The results showed that livestock product consumption is on the rise, and the spatial mismatch index for herbivorous livestock products was the largest, ranging from 22.81 to 98.12 in 2019. The mismatched degree distribution of rations and food-consuming livestock products showed a trend of increasing on both sides, with the Hu Huanyong line as the center line. Production factors played a predominant role in food production-to-demand mismatch. Climatic productivity and actual productivity decreased from the southeast to northwest in space in 2019, and human activities significantly impacted productivity. When grassland agriculture is pursued as the adjustment orientation, the production potential can reach up to 4540.76 × 107 kg·FEU. Moreover, a grassland agriculture plan was devised, prioritizing its development in the developed southern regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photonic routing holds immense significance in the fields of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) for free‐space optical linking. The emergence of programmable metasurfaces with powerful phase regulation capability provides a promising strategy for achieving designated wavefront modulation and thus photonic routing in the optical communication waveband. Here, a bilayer metasurfaces with four‐level codable unit pixels, which realize controllable photonic routing in near‐infrared (NIR) region is reported. The unit pixel of the metasurfaces consists of the underneath amorphous silicon (α‐Si) nanofin and the upper Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) nano‐antenna, which contribute to the cross‐polarization generation and amplitude modulation of cross‐polarization light, respectively. Each unit pixel can be designated with desired states, thus achieving on‐demand non‐volatile photonic routing for coherent NIR light. In particular, polarization conversion modulation of the tunable metasurfaces comprising identical unit cell with large cross‐polarization switching (≈55%) at ≈1550 nm is demonstrated. Moreover, the metasurfaces with coded unit pixels to realize designated photonic routing are prototyped. The metasurfaces with four‐level programmability portend a new paradigm in NIR photonic routing for PICs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invisible inks have been applied for the secrecy of texts, symbols and binary images. Based on the photochromism of donor–acceptor Stenhouse adducts (DASAs) in the solid-state promoted by ester-containing molecules, we report the encryption of grayscale information by controlling the kinetics of photoisomerization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: Controlling properties of crystalline solids by light remains a challenge because the lack of intrinsic structural flexibility limits the necessary molecular mobility for photoisomerization. In this work, we reported a series of visible‐light‐responsive covalent organic frameworks (COFs) by introducing donor‐acceptor Stenhouse adducts (DASAs) with various electron‐withdrawing moieties via a post‐modified strategy. The DASAs‐functionalized COFs exhibit distorted honeycomb layered topology with long‐range periodicity. The DASAs grafted on the skeletons are pointing into the nanopores of COFs, which weakens intermolecular aggregation and ensures sufficient free volume to undergo reversible isomerization between linear and cyclic states. Furthermore, the crystalline and optical properties of COFs as well as the geometrical size and hydrophilicity inside the nanopores were reversibly controlled by alternating visible light irradiation and heat. Finally, methyl violet was used as the cargo molecules to be immobilized into the nanopores of COFs, which showed fast release under controlling of visible light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel passive hip exoskeleton has been designed and built with the aim of reducing metabolic consumption during walking by a passive way of storing the negative mechanical energy in the deceleration phase and releasing it in the acceleration phase. A ratchet spiral spring mechanism with a set of double stable switches is designed inside the exoskeleton for the above purpose. An analysis is conducted on the mechanism and the switching timing for the energy management to automatically store or release the energy according to the biomechanics of walking. In addition, a gravity–balance mechanism embedded inside the exoskeleton is designed as well to minimize the influence of the lower limb weight on muscle work. Human–exoskeleton interaction has been studied using the Opensim software, and simulation results demonstrated the effectiveness of the exoskeleton in reducing metabolic consumption during walking. An exoskeleton prototype has been built and tested with experiments measuring assistive torque and surface electromyography signal, confirming the effectiveness of the gravity–balance mechanism and energy–storage method, as well as the exoskeleton's actual assistive effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-linear materials are cornerstones of modern optics and electronics. Strong dependence on the intrinsic properties of particular materials, however, inhibits the at-will extension of demanding non-linear effects, especially those second-order ones, to widely adopted centrosymmetric materials (for example, silicon) and technologically important burgeoning spectral domains (for example, terahertz frequencies). Here we introduce a universal route to efficient non-linear responses enabled by exciting non-linear Thomson scattering, a fundamental process in electrodynamics that was known to occur only in relativistic electrons in metamaterial composed of linear materials. Such a mechanism modulates the trajectory of charges, either intrinsically or extrinsically provided in solids, at twice the driving frequency, allowing second-harmonic generation at terahertz frequencies on crystalline silicon with extremely large non-linear susceptibility in our proof-of-concept experiments. By offering a substantially material- and frequency-independent platform, our approach opens new possibilities in the fields of on-demand non-linear optics, terahertz sources, strong field light–solid interactions and integrated photonic circuits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are emerging pollutants. Currently, research on OPEs in tree rings is still limited. In this study, tree rings of five arbor species from Sichuan Province, China, were sampled to study the occurrence and distribution of six OPEs, which were quantitatively analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The total concentrations of OPEs in all samples ranged from 189.79 (Fir species) to 341.23 ng/g (Toona sinensis), with average concentration of 284.77 ± 46.66 ng/g. So, arbor could be used as good passive samplers for OPEs. The levels of OPEs among five arbor species showed no significant difference (p = 0.668 > 0.05), suggesting that the pollution status of OPEs in a region or country could be roughly assessed by any arbor tree species. In this study area, tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBEP) was the dominant OPEs followed by tri(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP). Tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (TEHP) and tri-n-butyl phosphate (TnBP) showed relatively stable concentrations in each arbor species, while the other four OPEs including TBEP, triphenyl phosphate (TPhP), tri(chloropropyl) phosphate (TCPP) and TCEP had significantly different concentrations. Interestingly, the absorption and accumulation of OPEs by tree rings of arbor species were quite different from that of inorganic elements reported by other studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemically tuned organic–inorganic layered (C4H9NH3)2CuClxBr4−x perovskites have been synthesized and characterized. The crystal structure was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The morphology was explored by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The chemical structure was studied by Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The thermal stability was determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The optical properties were investigated by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy and spectroscopic ellipsometry. Thermochromism in (C4H9NH3)2CuClxBr4−x crystals was observed and the mechanism was determined by a combination of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), in situ temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopy, and in situ temperature-dependent XRD. This study paves the way to explore the structure–property relationships in two-dimensional perovskites and offers inspiration for the development of eco-friendly thermochromic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the efficiencies of the vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in predicting the condition and prognosis of children with congenital heart disease (CHD). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of 104 infants aged < 1 year who underwent cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. The maximum and mean postoperative VIS in the first and second 24 hours [VIS (24MAX), VIS (24MEA), VIS (48MAX), and VIS (48MEA)] were recorded. Similarly, LVEF within 24 hours following surgery was monitored. Receiver operator curve (ROC), regression analysis, chi-square test, and t-test were used to analyze both heart function monitoring technologies Results: Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that VIS was strongly associated with adverse events and death [area under ROC (AUROC) > 0.90, P = 0.00], with the two most representative scores being VIS (24MEA) and VIS (48MAX), with cut-off points of 19.42 (sensitivity = 100%; specificity = 93.90%) and 22 (sensitivity = 100%; specificity = 93.90%), respectively for death, and 18.02 (sensitivity = 91.70%; specificity = 89.10%) and 17.75 (sensitivity = 91.70%; specificity = 90.20%), respectively for adverse events. Infants with higher VIS had significantly higher mortality, higher incidence of clinical adverse events, higher lactic acid value, and longer mechanical ventilation and ICU stay (P < 0.05). However, LVEF within 24 hours following surgery was not associated with death (AUROC = 0.65, P = 0.33) or adverse events (AUROC = 0.53, P = 0.81). Moreover, there was no significant change in the length of ICU stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, and lactate value (P> 0.05). Conclusions: Vasoactive-inotropic score at an early stage following surgery was significantly associated with the condition and prognosis of infants with congenital heart disease; however, the predictive value of LVEF within 24 hours following surgery was lower. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multitask measurements with different measuring ranges and resolutions have put forward higher requirements for force sensors. This article presents a novel variable configuration approach to develop an adjustable-resolution force sensor with a compact force-sensitive structure. Unlike the traditional strain gauge-based force measurement, the external force is detected through measuring the displacement of the deformed structure with a precision optical linear encoder. This approach can enable variable measuring range and force resolution through the continuous adjustment of structural stiffness. Specifically, the stiffness adjustment is implemented by changing the second moment of area of the sensor structure through rotating its build-in flexure beam shafts. Analytical models are established to provide the theoretical basis for analysis and design of the sensor. Furthermore, the validity of the design is evaluated with finite element simulations. Finally, a sensor prototype is developed for performance evaluation, and applied for the wire bond pull tests to evaluate the bond strength on the printed circuit board assembly. Experimental results show that it is effective to change the measuring range and force resolution of the developed force sensor through the stiffness adjustment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the commonest gastrointestinal critical diseases in newborns. Several researches have proven the efficacy of melatonin (MEL) on NEC, but the latent mechanisms were ambiguous. We designed the current research to evaluate the function and mechanism of MEL on NEC in a neonatal mouse model. Methods. The newborn mice were subjected to formula milk containing LPS and hypoxia to establish a NEC model and also intraperitoneally injected with MEL. During the experiment, all mice were closely monitored and weighed. The effect of MEL on the histopathological injury of the terminal ileum tissues, inflammation, and oxidative stress of serum in NEC mice was examined by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining and ELISA. The effect of MEL on the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome was assessed via quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot. Results. MEL intensified the survival rate and body weight in NEC mice. The H&E staining illustrated that MEL improved the histopathological injury in NEC mice. Moreover, MEL repressed the IL-1β, TNF-α, and MDA levels of serum and enhanced the SOD and GSH-Px levels of serum in NEC mice. We also discovered that MEL attenuated the mRNA and protein levels of NLRP3, Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4), NF-κB, and caspase-1 of the terminal ileum tissues in NEC mice. Conclusion. Our research illuminated that MEL attenuated the severity of NEC via weakening the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of phage against mastitis induced by drug-resistant S. aureus in a mouse model. In this study, five S. aureus phages—4086-1, 4086-2, 4086-3, 4086-4, and 4086-6—were isolated from milk samples secreted by mastitis cows. Transmission electron microscopy showed that all the five phages had icosahedral heads and short non-contractile tails, which are typical characteristics of the family Podoviridae. All these phages were species-specific against S. aureus. The one-step growth curve showed a short latency period (10–20 min) and high burst size (up to 400 PFU/infected cell). To evaluate the effectiveness of the phage 4086-1 in the treatment against mastitis, a mouse model of mastitis was challenged with drug-resistant S. aureus. The results showed the proliferation of S. aureus in the mammary glands was significantly inhibited after treating by phage 4086-1. The concentrations of TNF-α and IL-6 decreased significantly, which demonstrated the phages could effectively alleviate the inflammatory responses. Furthermore, the histopathological analysis showed that inflammatory infiltration in the mammary glands was significantly reduced. These results demonstrate that phage may be a promising alternative therapy against mastitis caused by drug-resistant S. aureus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a correction notice for an article titled "Efficacy Assessment of Phage Therapy in Treating Staphylococcus aureus-Induced Mastitis in Mice." The correction addresses a mistake in Figure 2 of the original publication, where Panel 2a had been processed to improve visibility. A new image of Phage 4086-1 is provided to replace the incorrect panel. The authors assure that this correction does not affect the scientific conclusions of the article. The original publication has been updated accordingly. [Extracted from the article]

Environmental hazard events such as extra‐tropical cyclones or windstorms that develop in the North Atlantic can cause severe societal damage. Environmental hazard is quantified by the hazard footprint, a spatial area describing potential damage. However, environmental hazards are never directly observed, so estimation of the footprint for any given event is primarily reliant on station observations (e.g., wind speed in the case of a windstorm event) and physical model hindcasts. Both data sources are indirect measurements of the true footprint, and here we present a general statistical framework to combine the two data sources for estimating the underlying footprint. The proposed framework extends current data fusion approaches by allowing structured Gaussian process discrepancy between physical model and the true footprint, while retaining the elegance of how the "change of support" problem is dealt with. Simulation is used to assess the practical feasibility and efficacy of the framework, which is then illustrated using data on windstorm Imogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Chiral responses are optical responses involving circular polarizations. Controlling the chiral response in a flexible way is very important in optical manipulations. Chiral metamaterials have thus drawn enormous interest due to their flexible designing feature. However, most of the previous studies are mainly realized by designing the structure of the individual meta‐atom. Meanwhile, to enhance the response, complex design and fabrication processes are typically required. Here, by introducing spin‐dependent propagating surface plasmons and spin‐selective interference, giant spin‐resolved transmission is achieved in a simple meta‐hole structure. In this interaction process, spin‐orbital angular momentum conversion plays an essential role. By controlling the phase difference between the interference components, controllable spin‐resolved transmission is achieved. Furthermore, such method can also be applied to realize spin‐resolved excitation of surface plasmons. The proposed controlling strategy offers a versatile platform for a variety of promising applications, such as polarization control, asymmetric transmission, surface plasmon excitation, and on‐chip chiral manipulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In applications of Gaussian processes (GPs) where quantification of uncertainty is a strict requirement, it is necessary to accurately characterize the posterior distribution over Gaussian process covariance parameters. This is normally done by means of standard Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms, which require repeated expensive calculations involving the marginal likelihood. Motivated by the desire to avoid the inefficiencies of MCMC algorithms rejecting a considerable amount of expensive proposals, this paper develops an alternative inference framework based on adaptive multiple importance sampling (AMIS). In particular, this paper studies the application of AMIS for GPs in the case of a Gaussian likelihood, and proposes a novel pseudo-marginal-based AMIS algorithm for non-Gaussian likelihoods, where the marginal likelihood is unbiasedly estimated. The results suggest that the proposed framework outperforms MCMC-based inference of covariance parameters in a wide range of scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the expression of chromosome 6 open reading frame 15 (C6orf15) in colon cancer and its effects on clinicopathological features and prognosis. Using the transcriptome and clinical data of colon cancer and normal tissues in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, the expression of C6orf15 mRNA in colon cancer samples and its relationship with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis were explored. The expression level of C6orf15 protein in 23 colon cancer tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The possible mechanism of C6orf15 involved in the occurrence and development of colon cancer was explored by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Compared with normal tissues, C6orf15 was highly expressed in colon cancer (1.207 ± 0.694 vs 0.276 ± 0.166, t = 8.281, P < 0.01). The expression level of C6orf15 was associated with tumor invasion depth (χ2 = 8.30, P = 0.04), lymph node metastasis (χ2 = 36.97, P < 0.001), distant metastasis (χ2 = 8.69, P = 0.003) and pathological stage (χ2 = 34.17, P < 0.001). High expression of C6orf15 was associated with poor prognosis (χ2 = 6.43, P < 0.05). The results of GSEA showed that C6orf15 promotes the occurrence and development of colon cancer by promoting the ECM receptor interaction pathway, Hedgehog signaling pathway and Wnt signaling pathway. Immunohistochemical results showed that the expression of C6orf15 protein in colon cancer tissues was correlated with the depth of invasion (P = 0.023) and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.048). C6orf15 is highly expressed in colon cancer tissue and is related to adverse pathological features and poor prognosis of colon cancer. It is involved in multiple oncogenic signaling pathways and may serve as a prognostic marker of colon cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Routing and multiplexing of the optical surface waves are critical for the ultra‐compact nano‐photonic systems. Given this background, traditional metal‐based systems, despite of the ability of supporting the surface plasmon polariton propagation, are constrained on manipulations due to the optical isotropy, and artificially designed structures are always required at the input or output to help attain the additional selectivity. Here, a spin‐dependent multi‐channel scheme is proposed based on the modulation ability of the hyperbolic metamaterial's anisotropy on Dyakonov Surface Waves. The input coupling, propagation direction, as well as the output coupling of the optical single are well determined by the certain spin feature carried by the light and the orientation of the interface's anisotropy because of the spin‐momentum locking. Specially, by constructing a twinning hyperbolic metamaterial, which contains the structural symmetry and materials symmetry, a photonic chip with 4 routing channels are demonstrated experimentally, where the spin of an incident beam can be maintained during the propagation on‐chip and then delivered back into the free space, offering a new planar scheme for metamaterial‐based spin‐controlled nano‐photonic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical reactions are presented for the article "Imidazolium Salt Catalyzed para-Selective Halogenation of Electron-Rich Arenes" by J. Chen and colleagues, published in the journal "Synlett" in 2015.

For flood control, outlet structure is generally installed in the body of the dam. After pouring, the import and export of the orifice will be covered with thermal insulation materials for insulation. When the dam body is used for water storage and diversion, it is necessary to remove the heat preservation quilt. At this time, the lower temperature water will cause a effect called 'cold shock' on the surface concrete of the bottom orifices, in addition, under the influence of a combination of external factors such as air and water temperatures, a large temperature gradient will appear on the surface of the concrete, which will easily lead to temperature cracks. In this paper, external environment temperature, water temperature, real-time concrete surface heat exchange coefficient and the effect of solar radiation fever in the high temperature season are considered in the temperature field simulation calculation of single bottom orifice during outflowing. The calculation result indicates the simulation model is highly accurate, and the inaccuracy between the calculated and the measured temperature is within 1 °C, which provides theoretical reference for deep orifices and surface orifices in water discharge, temperature control and crack prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a neonatal intestinal necrotizing disease caused by various factors in newborns. Sulforaphane (SFN) has a strong anti-inflammatory ability and a certain protective effect on intestinal diseases., Objective: NEC is a common developed gastrointestinal exigency in an untimely baby. SFN is a naturally originated isothiocyanate that has beneficial effects on the intestinal system.The purpose of this study is to study the protective effect of SFN on endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related NEC., Methods: The newborn mice were randomly divided into control (n = 15), NEC (n = 20), and NEC+SFN (n = 18) groups. Mice in NEC and SFN+NEC groups were injected with 0.1 μl normal saline or 20 mg/kg/d SFN, respectively. After that, the weight and survival of the mice were recorded every day. Then the mice were sacrificed after 96 h of modeling; ileum tissue and blood samples were collected for qPCR, Western blot, ELISA, HE staining, TUNEL staining, and immunohistochemistry assays., Results: SFN significantly inhibited the mRNA expression of BIP, CHOP, IL-1β and IL-6, and protein expression of Bax, Caspase-3, Caspase-9 and CHOP, and promoted the expression of Bcl-2 in ER-induced NEC mice intestinal tissues (P<0.01). Meanwhile, SFN could suppress the serum levels of IL-8, IL-10, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β, and positive expression of TLR4 and NF-κB (P<0.01), and promote the serum levels of IL-10. HE staining showed that SFN alleviated the NEC intestinal tissue injury, and TUNNEL staining showed that SFN could reduce the rate of NEC apoptotic cells (P<0.01). Moreover, SFN treatment improved the body weight and survival rate in NEC mice., Conclusion: SFN could effectively protect against ERS-induced inflammation and apoptosis in NEC mice., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Faced with the high heterogeneity and poor prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC), this study sought to find new predictive prognostic strategies to improve the situation. Cuproptosis is a novel cell death mechanism that relies on copper regulation. However, the role of cuproptosis-related gene (CRG) in CRC remains to be elucidated. In this study, we comprehensively assessed the CRG landscape in CRC based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We identified differential expression and genetic alterations of CRG in CRC. CRG is highly correlated with initiation, progression, prognosis, and immune infiltration of CRC. We construct a risk score signature containing 3 CRGs based on LASSO. We explored the correlation of CRG-Score with clinicopathological features of CRC. Age, stage, and CRG-Score were integrated to construct a nomogram. The nomogram has robust predictive performance. We also understand the correlation of CRG-Score with CRC immune landscape. CRG-Score can effectively predict the immune landscape of CRC patients. Low-risk CRC patients have greater immunogenicity and higher immune checkpoint expression. Low-risk CRC patients may be better candidates for immunotherapy. At the same time, we also predicted more sensitive drugs in the high-risk CRC patients. In conclusion, the CRG risk score signature is a strong prognostic marker and may help provide new insights into the treatment of individuals with CRC., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Du, Lin, Wang, Li, Xu, Gan, Xiong, Hou, Chen, Shen and Ye.)

Visceral myopathy is a rare genetic disorder that commonly affects the digestive and renal systems. Manifestations include a clinical spectrum covering chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) and megacystis-microcolon-intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome (MMIHS). The smooth muscle actin γ-2 gene ( ACTG2 ) is one of the most common disease-causing genes. Here, we present a case of pediatric intestinal pseudo-obstruction associated with a novel missense ACTG2 mutation, c.588G>C/p.E196D. His parents had no this mutation, which suggested the possibility of spontaneous mutation. Amino acid conservation analysis of γ-2 actin showed replacement of glutamate at position 196 by aspartate. The patient suffered from recurrent episodes of abdominal bloating, undergone repeated gastrointestinal surgery, had feeding difficulties, and required long-term parenteral nutrition support. The patient had no other specific symptoms or underlying diseases. X-ray of the abdomen showed dilation of the intestine as well as an air-fluid pattern. The manifestations of biopsy were various. All biochemical tests were normal, and the possibility of secondary intestinal pseudo-obstruction was excluded. The mutation site of ACTG2 in the present study has not been previously described in patients with visceral myopathy, and thus, our study reveals a novel mutation of ACTG2 -associated visceral myopathy in a patient with CIPO. This report can serve as a reference for future research and further expands the map of genetic variation for visceral myopathy., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at http://dx.doi.org/10.21037/tp-20-316). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (2021 Translational Pediatrics. All rights reserved.)

The synthesis, isolation, and X-ray structure of a thioanisole-based trilithium complex are reported. On the basis of the double-lithiation strategy, two novel synthetic methodologies have been developed under mild reaction conditions (room temperature): (1) reactions of lithiated thioanisoles with nitriles give benzoisothiazoles via a [3 + 2]-type of approach with two new bond formations and (2) formation of benzothiophenes from thioanisoles and amides through a [4 + 1] pattern forming 4 new chemical bonds.

Nonoliguric hyperkalemia (NOHK) is common during the first days after birth in premature infants with gestational age <28 weeks. It was rarely reported in term or late preterm infants. We present a case of a 3 hours baby at 34 weeks and 3 days' gestational age who was delivered of severe birth asphyxia by cesarean section for failing to vaginal delivery. Serum potassium reached to 8.3 mmol/L at 12 hours age, with normal urinary output and serum urea and creatinine. Abnormal ECG of tall peaked T waves was developed. Marked fall in serum Ca(2+) of 0.6 mmol/L and total calcium of 1.13 mmol/L was also noted. Cerebral lesions in the head MRI demonstrated extensive periventricular white matter injury.

Objective: The serotypes and patterns of antibiotic resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) strains that cause invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in infants were analyzed to provide guidance for clinical disease prevention and treatment., Methods: The clinical features of confirmed IPD were evaluated in 61 patients, less than 5 years of age, who were admitted to our hospital between January 2009 and December 2011. The serotypes and antibiotic resistance of strains of S.pneumoniae were determined using the capsular swelling method and the E-test., Results: A total of 61 invasive strains were isolated. The serotype distribution of those isolates were 19A (41.0%), 14 (19.7%), 19F (11.5%), 23F (9.8%), 8 (4.9%), 9V (4.9%), 1 (3.3%), and 4, 6B, and 20 (each 1.6%). The percentage of S. pneumoniae strains resistant to erythromycin, clindamycin, and cotrimoxazole were 100%, 86.9%, and 100%, respectively. The percentage of S. pneumoniae strains resistant to penicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, cefuroxime, ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, cefepime, and meropenem were 42.6%, 18.0%, 82.0%, 18.0%, 13.1%, 13.1%, and 36.1%, respectively. The percentage of multidrug-resistant strains was 95.6%. Strains of all serotypes isolated in this study were highly resistant to erythromycin, cotrimoxazole, and clindamycin. Strains with serotype 19A had the highest rates of resistance., Conclusions: Serotype 19A strains were most frequently isolated from children with IPD treated in our hospital. The strains causing IPD are highly resistant to antibiotics.