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Background: Advanced nursing practice and education with a Master's degree as the necessary preparation, is viewed as a major strategy to cultivate senior nursing talents. Competencies are central to advanced nursing practice and education, but how can competencies be measured? Entrustable professional activities (EPAs) have been used widely in medicine as a practical approach for bridging the gaps between competency and clinical practice. Considering the paucity of research in EPAs for nursing graduates in China, it is needed to develop EPAs specifically for Chinese Master of Nursing Specialist (MNS) graduates to improve patient safety and quality patient care. Objectives: To develop and evaluate a core competency-based EPAs framework for Chinese MNS graduates. Methods: A four-stage approach was adopted for the EPAs development, including: (1) forming a research team, (2) drafting an initial EPAs framework, (3) reviewing EPAs framework, and (4) conducting EPAs consensus assessment. Results: A framework containing twelve EPAs was developed, including: 1) perform health assessments, 2) identify and prioritize nursing diagnoses, 3) formulate and implement care plan, 4) perform basic and specialized care operations, 5) recognize and manage medication needs of patients, 6) assess and manage patients with mental health problems, 7) recognize and assist in rescuing critically ill patients, 8) perform transition and handover, 9) participate in multidisciplinary team collaborative care, 10) provide health education and nursing consultation, 11) formulate and implement discharge plans, and 12) instruct nursing students in a clinical setting. The I-CVI score for the two rounds of Delphi ranged from 0.92 ∼ 1.00 and 0.96 ∼ 1.00, respectively. The mean of Equal's score for the three domains ranged from 4.20 ∼ 4.47, 4.25 ∼ 4.51, and 4.23 ∼ 4.37, respectively. Conclusion: The developed EPAs framework in this study is a reliable tool to assess the core competencies of Chinese MNS graduates in clinical practice and assist with their curricula design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation increases treatment-related mortality (TRM) after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). We analyzed 141 adult acute leukemia (AL) patients suffered allo-HCT between 2017 and 2021, who developed CMV viremia post-HCT and treated with valganciclovir or foscarnet, to evaluate effectiveness and safety of both drugs. Viremia clearance rates (14 and 21 d post treatment) and toxicities were similar in two groups. However, valganciclovir was associated with a lower cumulative incidence of CMV recurrence within 180 days (16.7% vs. 35.7%, p=0.029) post CMV clearance. Finally, 2-year TRM was lower in valganciclovir group (9.7% ± 0.2% vs. 26.2% ± 0.3%, p = 0.026), result a superior 2-year overall survival (OS; 88.1% ± 5.2% vs. 64.4% ± 5.5%, p = 0.005) and leukemia-free survival (LFS; 82.0% ± 5.9% vs. 58.9% ± 5.6%, p = 0.009). Valganciclovir might decrease CMV viremia recurrence and led to better long-term outcome than foscarnet in adult AL patients developed CMV viremia post-HCT. Considering the inherent biases of retrospective study, well-designed trials are warranted to validate our conclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) films have been widely used as electronically controlled dimming technology, and solving the problem of narrow angle of PDLC is a cutting-edge challenge for their application. In this paper, a theoretical model of the viewing angle characteristics of PDLC is constructed, and the corresponding samples are experimentally fabricated. It is found that the simulation results of transmittance changing with the viewing angle are in good agreement with the experimental results. Furthermore, the technical approaches to improve PDLC viewing angle characteristics and achieve a wide viewing angle are discussed theoretically. The results show that the PDLC films for wide viewing angle can be obtained by using liquid crystal materials with smaller anisotropy of refractive index and polymer materials with refractive index slightly higher than the ordinary refractive index of liquid crystal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exosomes are related to effective communication between cells. In this study we aimed to investigate the effect of porcine follicular fluid exosomes (FF-Exo) on cumulus expansion, oocyte mitochondrial membrane potential, and maturation in in vitro culture. We used different concentrations of FF-Exo (Exo-0, Exo-1, Exo-10, Exo-20, and Exo-40) and added them to an oocyte maturation medium. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and western blot (WB) showed that the isolated samples were exosomes. Immunofluorescence showed that exosomes could be taken up by cumulus cells. Compared with the Exo-0 group, there was no significant difference in oocyte maturation rate in the Exo-1 group (p > 0.05), while the Exo-10 group (p < 0.05), Exo-20 group (p < 0.01) and Exo-40 group (p < 0.01) significantly increased. The maturation rate of the Exo-20 and Exo-40 groups was the highest, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). However, different concentrations of treatment could not effectively induce cumulus expansion and the results of JC1 showed that it had no significant effect on mitochondrial membrane potential (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the results suggest that porcine FF-Exo are involved in oocyte nuclear maturation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adult patients with newly diagnosed de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML), who had less than a 50% reduction in blast numbers and with > 15% residual blasts after first cycle of induction chemotherapy, defined as type 1 primary refractory (REF1), have grave prognosis. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 58 patients with REF1 who received salvage treatments with curative intension to evaluate the impact of salvage regimens with regard to response and overall survival (OS). Seventeen patients received intermediate- or high-dose cytarabine (ID/HD Ara-C) based intensive salvage chemotherapy, 36 patients received G-CSF primed less intensive chemotherapy and 5 patients received novel targeted drugs based low intensive therapy. The CR/CRi and MLFS rate was 6/17 and 2/17, 14/36 and 3/36, 3/5 and 0/5, respectively. The median OS for the whole cohort was 20.3 months. Median OS was comparable between the 3 arms. Overall, 42 patients underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), 14 patients in the intensive arm, 24 patients in the less intensive arm and 4 patients in the low intensive arm. Median survival for allo-HSCT patients was significantly longer than for non-allo-HSCT patients (38.8 months vs. 2.1 months, p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, achievement of CR/CRi after the salvage regimen were predictive of OS. We conclude that no significant difference in outcome among traditional salvage regimens in patients with REF1. G-CSF primed less intensive chemotherapy could serve as an alternative of ID/HD Ara-C based intensive chemotherapy and allo-HSCT is indispensable for long-term survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid crystal dimer CB7CB (1″,7″-bis(4-cyanobiphenyl-4′-yl)heptane) is confined between two concentric cylinders with the liquid crystal director initially aligned axially along the concentric cylinder. When a non-uniform radial electric field perpendicular to the concentric cylinder axis is applied, the director is gradually changed as the applied voltage increases. We obtain a threshold voltage analytical formula for the angular deformation of the director between two concentric cylinders. In addition, the effect of different flexoelectric coefficients on the deformation of the director between two concentric cylinders under the radial electric field was also investigated. The results show that the flexoelectric coefficients will determine how the director will be deformed. It provides a more accurate theoretical analysis for predicting the coupling effects of dielectric effect and giant flexoelectric effect on the director orientation distribution between two concentric cylinders under a non-uniform radial electric field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrostatic discharge is a vexing problem in liquid crystal display device, which can cause abnormal display. Conventional solutions for liquid crystal doped with antistatic agent usually introduce additional impurity ions and increases the power consumption of liquid crystal display device. In this study, multi-walled carbon nanotube doped liquid crystal cells without obvious clusters are successfully fabricated. Comparing the electro-optic properties of undoped and doped cells, it is verified that doping does not negatively affect the liquid crystal cells with E7 host by measuring basic parameters such as relative permittivity, threshold voltage and response time. The liquid crystal cells are then tested using an electrostatic discharge generator to simulate the human-machine air discharge that occurs during actual operation. The immunity of the doped versus undoped cells is quantitatively compared in terms of the duration of so-called image sticking, it is found that the electrostatic discharge immunity of cell has a significant relationship with electrical conductivity. In addition, the relationship between the conductivity and relaxation time of image sticking is obtained by theory. It is determined that doping carbon nanotubes into E7 can effectively improve the electrostatic discharge immunity of liquid crystal display device without negatively affecting practical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Platelet transfusion refractoriness (PTR) is an intractable issue in hematological patients, which increases bleeding risks and hospitalization costs to a great extent. We reviewed 108 patients with hematological diseases including acute leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, aplastic anemia, and others who received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) from January 2019 through December 2020. After multivariable logistic regression, we found that splenomegaly (odds ratio [OR] = 26.98, p <.001) and JAK mutation (OR = 17.32, p =.024) were independent risk factors for PTR. During the period of transplantation, patients in the PTR group had a significantly higher platelet transfusion demand, which was reflected in the increased number of platelet transfusions (10.23 ± 6.696 vs. 5.06 ± 1.904, p <.001). After multivariate adjustment, PTR turned out to be independently associated with worse overall survival (hazard ratio = 2.794, 95% confidence interval = 1.083–7.207, p =.034). In conclusion, we found that splenomegaly and JAK gene mutation were independent risk factors for PTR in patients with hematological diseases. A history of PTR prior to allo-HSCT indicates a poor prognosis. What is the context? Platelet transfusion refractoriness is a critical issue, and it greatly increases bleeding risks and hospitalization costs. Patients with hematological diseases tend to develop PTR. PTR results from immune and nonimmune factors and the latter account for 80–90%. At present, there are few studies focused on the inducing factors of PTR, and the specific mechanism is not clear. What is new? In this study, we investigated 108 patients with hematological disorders who received allogeneic HSCT from January 2019 to December 2020. We found that splenomegaly and JAK gene mutation were independent risk factors for PTR in patients with hematological diseases. PTR had a passive effect on the prognosis of patients after HSCT, as indicated by worse OS and a trend toward lower platelets after transplantation. PTR might affect megakaryocyte reconstitution after transplantation. What is the impact? This study provides evidence that hematological patients with splenomegaly should be alert to the occurrence of PTR, which often indicates a worse prognosis of transplantation. Spleen reduction and JAK inhibitors in the treatment of PTR are worth exploring. Abbreviations PLT: platelets; PTR: platelet transfusion refractoriness; HSCT: hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; OR: odds ratio; HR: hazard ratio; CI: confidence interval; IQR: interquartile range; SD: standard deviation; HLA: human leukocyte antigen; HPA: human platelet antigen; OS: overall survival; RFS: relapse free survival; PI: post-transfusion increment; PPR: percentage platelet recovery; CCI: corrected count increment; ICU: intensive care unit; AA: aplastic anemia; MDS: myelodysplastic syndrome; AML: acute myeloid leukemia; ALL: acute lymphocytic leukemia; CML: chronic myeloid leukemia; CMML: chronic myelomonocytic leukemia; MPN: myeloproliferative neoplasm; SI: splenic irradiation; Abs: antibodies; CR: complete remission; DAC: decitabine; GVHD: graft-versus-host disease; BM: bone marrow; PB: peripheral blood [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared to open water, the presence of ice floes in ice-covered water may pose additional challenges to the towing operations of offshore platforms. This paper proposes a numerical model for analyzing course stability of a gravity-based structure during towing operation in managed ice fields, considering coupled motions of tugs, towed platform, and ice floes. A discrete element method is applied to simulate interaction between drifting ice floes and structures, and verified by existing model tests. The motions of tug and towed platform are coupled through a catenary towline model. A proportional-differential controller is employed to adjust heading and lateral position of tug. The effects of main factors, such as tugs' number, towline length, ice concentration, rudder area and controller gains on course stability are discussed through numerical case studies. The presented numerical approach is expected to provide practical guidance for towing design, and ensure safety of towing operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prognosis for adults with relapsed/refractory (R/R) B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) is poor. Blinatumomab is a CD3/CD19-directed BiTE® (bispecific T-cell engager) molecule approved globally for the treatment of BCP-ALL in adults and children. This multicenter open-label single-arm China registrational study evaluated the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of blinatumomab in Chinese adults with Philadelphia chromosome-negative (Ph−) R/R BCP-ALL (NCT03476239). Patients aged ≥ 18 years were treated with up to 5 cycles of blinatumomab. The primary objective was to evaluate the hematological response rate (complete remission/complete remission with partial hematological recovery [CR/CRh]) within 2 cycles of blinatumomab. At the interim analysis (April 12, 2019), 90 patients (median age 31.5 years [range: 18-74]; 53.3% female; 77.8% with bone marrow blasts ≥ 50% at study entry) were enrolled at 23 study centers in China and had received blinatumomab. As of data cutoff, 43 patients (47.8%) continued the study. The CR/CRh rate within 2 cycles of blinatumomab was 45.6% (41/90 [CR, 37; CRh, 4]; 95% CI: 35.0–56.4). Median overall survival was 9.2 months (95% CI: 6.5–11.7); median relapse-free survival was 4.3 months (95% CI: 3.2–9.4). Mean serum concentration at steady-state and systemic clearance of blinatumomab in Chinese patients were within the range reported in adults from global clinical trials. No new safety risks were identified in Chinese patients. The efficacy and safety of blinatumomab in these heavily pre-treated Chinese patients with Ph− R/R BCP-ALL is comparable to that for patients within global clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposed an original comprehensive thermal treatment coupled with gasification and combustion (CGC) of oil sludge (OS), which was designed to produce hydrogen-rich syngas. Based on the experimental results of OS gasification with steam, the combustion characteristics of char from OS gasification were analyzed by thermogravimetric experiments under different heating rates of 10, 20 and 30 °C/min. The combustion process of OS gasification char can be divided into three stages, including water evaporation, volatile combustion and heavy component combustion. The average values of activation energy (E) obtained by Friedman, FWO and Starink methods were 89.98 kJ/mol, 147.61 kJ/mol and 143.09 kJ/mol, respectively. According to OS gasification and OS gasification char combustion experiments, the comprehensive thermal treatment process CGC of OS was simulated by Aspen Plus. The simulation results showed that increasing both gasification temperature and the mass ratio of steam to OS (SOS) could promote the hydrogen production. Considering energy consumption, the recommended OS gasification temperature, SOS and char combustion temperature were 800 ∼ 900 °C, 0.3 ∼ 0.5, and 900 ∼ 1000 °C, respectively, which could ensure full burning of char and reduce the generation of pollutants. The CGC process could reduce CO2 emissions by 44.2% from carbon flow analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vaccine hesitancy is one of the top ten health threats. We aimed to (1) assess parental Category B vaccines hesitancy and associated sociodemographic factors in China, and (2) explore the association between attitude toward vaccines and self-reported hesitant behavior. A cross-sectional study was performed through a web-based anonymous online questionnaire survey between 9 February and 7 April 2021. Chinese parents aged ≥ 18 years with one child aged < 6 years were included to assess vaccine hesitancy using the vaccine-hesitancy scale (VHS). Structural equation model was used to determine relationships between variables. Of 2952 Chinese parents included in the analysis, 17.5% were highly hesitant in Category B vaccines. Parents who were younger, less educated, engaged in health-related occupations, and had been vaccinated against influenza in the past year were more hesitant when vaccinating their children (P < 0.001). VHS score accuracy to identify vaccine-hesitant behavior was acceptable, and the optimal cutoff was 37.50 (with 61.96% parental vaccine hesitancy). Parents who lack confidence or believe vaccines were risk were more likely to show vaccine hesitant behavior (P < 0.001). In China, effective interventions need to be implemented to eliminate parental Category B vaccines hesitancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare the outcomes of antihuman T lymphocyte globulin (ATG-F) and porcine antihuman lymphocyte globulin (p-ALG) as part of a conditioning regimen in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for severe aplastic anemia (SAA). we performed a retrospective analysis, evaluating the outcome of patients with SAA who received ATG-F based conditioning (n = 26) with those receiving p-ALG conditioning (n = 34). The median time to neutrophil engraftment was 11 days (range, 8 − 38) and 11 days (range, 9 − 24) in the p-ALG and ATG-F groups (P = 0.857); the median platelet engraftment time was 15 (range, 9 − 330) days and 13 (range, 10 − 56) days (P = 0.155). There were no significant differences in grades II − IV acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD), grades III − IV aGVHD, chronic GVHD (cGVHD), and the moderate-severe cGVHD between the ATG-F and p-ALG groups (P>0.05). Patients in the ATG-F group functioned significantly better on role-physical (P = 0.006), general health (P = 0.029), and physical component summary (P = 0.009). The estimated overall survival and failure free survival rates at 5 years were 88.5% ± 6.3% vs. 82.4% ± 6.5% (P = 0.515), 84.6% ± 7.1% vs. 79.4% ± 6.9%, respectively (P = 0.579). The infection rates were 61.53% and 47.05%, respectively (P = 0.265). As part of the conditioning regimen, p-ALG achieved a similar efficacy as ATG-F without increasing the incidence of transplantation complications in SAA patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of different doses of anthracyclines combined with arsenic trioxide (ATO) and all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) for induction in newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). One hundred and forty patients were included between January 2011 and December 2017. Seventy patients received low dose anthracycline, ATO and ATRA for induction chemotherapy; and other seventy patients received standard dose anthracycline, ATO and ATRA for induction chemotherapy. The outcomes of both groups were similar: low dose group versus standard dose group: early mortality 5.7% vs. 10.0% (P = 0.532), disease-free survival (DFS), probabilities of overall-survival (OS) at 2 years 94.6% vs. 95.1% (P = 0.657), 92.8% vs. 88.2% (P = 0.951), respectively. However, the standard-dose group was associated with a longer duration of neutropenia (p < 0.001) and thrombocytopenia (p < 0.001), more volumes of platelets (p = 0.037) and red blood cell transfusions (p < 0.001), and a higher rate of infections (p = 0.042). Low-dose group achieves outcomes similar to those of standard dose group for APL patients, but the low-dose group may be even safer than standard-dose group. So the low-dose anthracycline may be a better choice for newly diagnosed APL patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) middle surface antigen (MHBs) mutation or deletion occurs in patients with chronic HBV infection. However, the functional role of MHBs in HBV infection is still an enigma. Here, we reported that 7.33% (11/150) isolates of CHB patients had MHBs start codon mutations compared with 0.00% (0/146) in acute hepatitis B (AHB) patients. Interestingly, MHBs loss accounted for 11.88% (126/1061) isolates from NCBI GenBank, compared with 0.09% (1/1061) and 0.00% (0/1061) for HBV large surface antigen (LHBs) loss and HBV small surface antigen (SHBs) loss, respectively. One persistent HBV clone of genotype B (B56, MHBs loss) from a CHB patient was hydrodynamically injected into BALB/c mice. B56 persisted for >70 weeks in BALB/c mice, whereas B56 with restored MHBs (B56M+) was quickly cleared within 28 days. Serum cytokine assays demonstrated that CXCL1, CXCL2, IL-6 and IL-33 were significantly increased during rapid HBV clearance in B56M+ mice. Furthermore, the enhancers and promoters of B56 were proved to be required for B56 persistence in mice. Ablating MHBs expression improved the persistence of a new clone (HBV1.3, genotype B) which was recreated by using enhancers and promoters of B56. These data demonstrated that MHBs deletion can promote the persistence of specific HBV variants in a hydrodynamic mouse model. MHBs re-expression restored a rapid clearance of HBV, which was accompanied by cytokine responses including the elevation of CXCL1, CXCL2, IL-6 and IL-33. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Broadband light (BBL) is one of the intense pulsed light. BBL treatment for nonablative, noninvasive skin tightening and rejuvenation reportedly elicits satisfactory clinical outcomes. Up until now, self-controlled case series with objective evaluation of efficacy of facial pores in response to BBL treatment have not been reported. We aimed to assess its safety and efficacy on enlarged facial pores by objective measuring technique. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of BBL on the appearance of facial pores. 25 patients received five treatments with BBL at 2-week intervals. One split-face was treated by BBL, another split-face was untreated as a control. Objective measurements of the quantitative number of pores were calculated with a VISIA-CR imaging system. Skin elasticity, transepidermal water loss, skin sebum excretion, and skin surface hydration values were also evaluated by using an Elastimeter, Vapometer, Sebumscale, and Moisturemeter. Pretreatment, the total average number of facial pores was 835.88 and 835.68 for BBL-treated facial sides and untreated facial sides, respectively (p =.993). These values were 801.44 and 811.8, respectively, 2 months after the final treatment (p =.606). There were no long-term side effects. BBL seems to be a safe and mildly effective approach to reduce detectable pores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this study was to investigate the expression of acrosin inhibitor (AI), ubiquitin (Ub), and small ubiquitin-related modifier 1 (SUMO1) proteins during in vitro capacitation of pig sperm. Duroc pig sperm was divided into fresh sperm and capacitation treatment groups. Protein expression was evaluated using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) systems, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), western blotting, and immunofluorescence. The results showed that the expression of AI (30 kDa) incapacitated sperm was significantly lower than that in fresh sperm (P < 0.05), and that the levels of ubiquitinated and SUMO1-ylated proteins in capacitated sperm were significantly higher than those in fresh sperm (P < 0.05). Immunofluorescence results showed that AI, Ub, and SUMO1 were located in the acrosome region of the fresh and capacitated sperm heads. After capacitation, the fluorescence intensity of AI and SUMO1 decreased, while that of Ub increased. The protein band at 30 kDa represented the AI-Ub-SUMO1 complex, indicating that this complex was involved in sperm capacitation. Furthermore, SUMO1 increased the stability of AI at 30 kDa, preventing its complete decomposition, while at 46 kDa, in the absence of SUMO1, AI is bound to ubiquitin, and was completely degraded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early hemorrhagic death remains a major cause of treatment failure in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). This study investigated the role of fibrinogen concentrations in early hemorrhage and overall survival (OS) of APL patients. Laboratory and clinical data, including fibrinogen concentrations and other coagulation indexes, bleeding events, and survival data, of 198 patients newly diagnosed with APL from February 2012 to December 2017 were extracted from patient records and retrospectively investigated. Patients with moderate/severe bleeding had significantly lower median fibrinogen concentrations (p =.023), higher Chinese disseminated intravascular coagulation scoring system (CDSS) (p <.001), and were more often female (p =.034) than patients with no such bleeding. Additionally, patients with fibrinogen <1.0 g/L and 1.0–1.6 g/L had significantly higher moderate/severe bleeding rates than those with fibrinogen >1.6 g/L (p =.015; p =.023). However, moderate/severe (p =.088) and severe bleeding rates (p =.063) were comparable for patients with fibrinogen <1.0 g/L and 1.0–1.6 g/L. Multivariate analysis showed that fibrinogen ≤1.6 g/L (p =.036), platelet counts ≤10 × 109/L (p =.037), and CDSS scores ≥5 (p =.023) were independent risk factors for moderate/severe bleeding. Survival analysis indicated that moderate/severe bleeding (p =.018), fibrinogen ≤1.6 g/L combined with prothrombin time >12.8 s (p =.005), age ≥60 years (p =.001), and CDSS ≥5 (p =.044) were independent predictors of 1-year OS. Fibrinogen ≤1.6 g/L may be an independent risk factor for early bleeding in newly treated patients with APL and is associated with a worse 1-year OS. Increasing fibrinogen to >1.6 g/L may help to prevent bleeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by the mutation of the GLA gene, encoding the α-galactosidase, which is responsible for the catabolism of neutral glycosphingolipids. Microalbuminuria or low-grade proteinuria, and continuously progressive renal failure are common manifestations in FD males. However, sudden onset of nephrotic syndrome in FD, is rarely reported. A 32-year-old Chinese man was admitted to our hospital because of sudden onset of generalized edema due to nephrotic syndrome. He denied hypohidrosis, nocturia, and any history of episodic hand or foot pain. A few scattered angiokeratoma can be found on the low back skin on examination. Except for the similar locating pattern of angiokeratoma, no evident abnormality was found in the laboratory work up and physical examination of his younger brother. The patient was diagnosed with FD companying with minimal change disease by renal biopsy. Genetic analysis on our patient and his sibling revealed a nonsense GLA gene variant (c.707G > A, p.Trp236*), which has been previously reported in FD. Immunotherapy alone (steroids and tacrolimus), but without enzyme replacement therapy, much improved the massive proteinuria. Follow up to date, his 24-h urine protein is stable at about 0.5 g, and renal function keeps normal. Sudden onset of nephrotic syndrome, although rare, may occur in FD, even as the primary renal manifestation, but this usually suggests additional renal disease. Immunosuppressive treatment should be considered in such FD patient companying with nephrotic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing evidence has revealed that plasma fibrinogen levels may serve as prognostic indicators in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), yet the exact association is still elusive. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of all available studies concerning the relationship between plasma fibrinogen level and survival in AML patients. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for overall survival (OS) were calculated to evaluate the effect. A random-effect model was applied and the robustness of the pooled results was confirmed by subgroup and sensitivity analysis. A total of 9 studies were eligible to assess the association between plasma fibrinogen level and prognosis in AML. Among these investigations above, 5 studies adopted OS as their outcome indicator and were selected for the final meta-analysis. The pooled result suggested that plasma fibrinogen level was significantly relevant to increased mortality risk in AML patients (HR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.01–1.44, p =.000, I2=85.4%). In conclusion, high plasma fibrinogen level may independently predict worse OS in patients with AML. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Han Y, Smithheart JW, Smyth RL, Aziz TN, Obenour CR. 2019. Assessing vertical diffusion and cyanobacteria bloom potential in a shallow eutrophic reservoir. Lake Reserv Manage. 36:169–185. Harmful blooms of cyanobacteria are an increasing threat to many lakes and reservoirs. While vertical mixing has been shown to be an important control on cyanobacteria dominance in some lakes, the relevance of mixing in relatively shallow turbid systems remains unclear. To explore mixing and its impact on cyanobacteria bloom potential, we leveraged data from a multiyear field campaign of a central North Carolina reservoir where artificial circulators were installed to (1) implement a parsimonious one-dimensional (1D) turbulent diffusion model with an artificial circulation term, (2) introduce a novel multi-objective calibration approach considering both water column temperature and stability, and (3) explore how mixing affects cyanobacteria bloom potential through changes in cyanobacteria light exposure relative to other algal taxa. Our multi-objective calibration approach is shown to realistically simulate both water temperature (R2 = 0.99) and water column stability (R2 = 0.62) throughout the year. Analysis of artificial mixing demonstrates the relative insignificance of the circulator deployment in our study area and suggests that at least eight times the implemented circulation rate would be required to substantially reduce the ability of buoyant cyanobacteria to outcompete other algal taxa for light. Overall, this study demonstrates an efficient and systematic approach for characterizing vertical mixing in lakes and reservoirs, which can be used to assess the viability of artificial circulation prior to deployment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We retrospectively analyzed outcomes of 120 hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) patients with T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), with emphases on gene mutations and pre-transplant minimal residual disease (MRD). Patients with NOTCH1/FBXW7 (N/F) mutations but no RAS or PTEN abnormalities were considered genetic low risk (gLoR), whereas those with RAS/PTEN alterations or no N/F mutations were considered high risk (gHiR). The gLoR and gHiR groups differed significantly in 3-year CIR (gLoR: 12.4%, gHiR: 41.2%, p =.026) and RFS (gLoR: 80.7%, gHiR: 35.2%, p =.025). Patients with MRD at transplantation had significantly higher CIR rates than those with no MRD (56.7% vs 22.6%, p <.001). Among the 57.5% of patients with no MRD, 3-year CIR and RFS differed significantly between the gHiR and gLoR groups (CIR-gHiR: 38.7%, gLoR: 6.7%, p =.039; RFS-gHiR: 42.3%, gLoR: 86.1%, p =.012). Gene mutations and pretransplant MRD predict high risk of relapse and worse RFS in patients with T-ALL after HSCT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with relapsed or refractory E2A-PBX1 positive acute B lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) receiving anti-CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T) were retrospectively assessed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of disease burden on outcomes and to identify predictive variables. Of the three case patients, case 1 relapsed after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. After being treated with anti-CD19 CAR-T, the patient showed minimal residual disease (MRD), and his fusion genes turned negative. Case 2, who suffered refractory leukemia, received anti-CD19 CAR-T treatment in an attempt to remove the MRD before transplantation. She showed MRD, and her fusion genes turned negative. Case 3 received anti-CD19 CAR-T treatment because of relapse after allo-SCT at the molecular level. After infusion, she developed severe pneumonia accompanied with the indication that the leukemia had progressed. Our findings suggest that anti-CD19 CAR-T cells therapy with a remarkable MRD eradicating ability might be an effective option for patients with relapsed and refractory E2A-PBX1 positive B-ALL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important regulators of the biological functions and underlying molecular mechanisms of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the role of the lncRNA ZEB1-AS1 in CRC is not thoroughly understood. In this study, we found that ZEB1-AS1 was markedly upregulated in CRC. ZEB1-AS1 knockdown significantly suppressed CRC cell proliferation and induced apoptosis, whereas enhanced expression of ZEB1-AS1 had the opposite effect. Bioinformatics analysis identified miR-181a-5p as a candidate target of ZEB1-AS1. Moreover, we found an inverse correlation between ZEB1-AS1 and miR-181a-5p expression in CRC tissue. Inhibition of miR-181a-5p significantly upregulated ZEB1-AS1, whereas overexpression of miR-181a-5p had the opposite effect, suggesting that ZEB1-AS1 is negatively regulated by miR-181a-5p. Using luciferase reporter and RIP assays, we found that miR-181a-5p directly targets ZEB1-AS1. Importantly, ZEB1-AS1 may act as an endogenous ‘sponge’ to regulate miRNA targets by competing for miR-181a-5p binding. In summary, our findings provide the evidence supporting the role of ZEB1-AS1 as an oncogene in CRC. Our study also demonstrates that miR-181a-5p targets not only protein-coding genes but also the lncRNA ZEB1-AS1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gelatin-calcium carbonate films incorporated with different natural antioxidants (sodium ascorbate, d-sodium erythorbate, and tea polyphenols) were investigated in this study. The results indicated that all of the films with antioxidants displayed promoted tensile strength and higher thickness than that of the control (p< 0.05), and most films had higher values of elongation at break. Furthermore, the addition of antioxidants favored the reduction of water vapor permeability and water solubility in comparison with the control (p< 0.05). The alternations of light transmission could vary depending on the type and concentration of antioxidants. In addition, the surface properties of films were characterized by atomic force microscopy, indicating that antioxidants caused the formation of gelatin-calcium carbonate aggregates and clusters. Moreover, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra demonstrated that antioxidants facilitated the conformational changes of the secondary structure and functional groups of gelatin in films. Gelatin-calcium carbonate films containing different natural antioxidants exhibited improved 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl radical scavenging capacities, compared to the control (p< 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Peptide nucleic acid (PNA) is one of the most widely used synthetic DNA analogs. Conjugation of functional molecules to PNA is very effective to further widen its potential applications. For this purpose, here we report the synthesis of several ligand monomers and introduced them to PNA. These ligand-modified PNAs attract cerium ion and are useful for site-selective DNA hydrolysis. It should be noted that these ligands on PNA are also effective even under the conditions of invasion complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research which was conducted to analyze the prognostic factors for survival in 75 Chinese patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). Researchers evaluated patients with PTCL who were newly diagnosed between April 2004 and November 2011 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University. They found that the three year overall survival rate of all patients was 49% and that age and bone marrow involvement were factors which affected overall survival.

Streptococcus suis (S. suis), a significant zoonotic bacterial pathogen impacting swine and human, is associated with severe systemic diseases such as streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome, meningitis, septicaemia, and abrupt fatality. The multifaceted roles of complement components C5a and C3a extend to orchestrating inflammatory cells recruitment, oxidative burst induction and cytokines release. Despite the pivotal role of subtilisin-like serine proteases in S. suis pathogenicity, their involvement in immune evasion remains underexplored. In the present study, we identify two cell wall-anchored subtilisin-like serine proteases in S. suis, SspA-1 and SspA-2, as binding partners for C3a and C5a. Through Co-Immunoprecipitation, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent and Far-Western Blotting Assays, we validate their interactions with the aforementioned components. However, SspA-1 and SspA-2 have no cleavage activity against complement C3a and C5a performed by Cleavage assay. Chemotaxis assays reveal that recombinant SspA-1 and SspA-2 effectively attenuate monocyte chemotaxis towards C3a and C5a. Notably, the ΔsspA-1, ΔsspA-1 and ΔsspA-1/2 mutant strains exhibit compromised survival in blood, and resistance of opsonophagocytosis, alongside impaired survival in blood and in vivo colonization compared to the parental strain SC-19. Critical insights from the murine and Galleria mellonella larva infection models further underscore the significance of sspA-1 in altering mortality rates. Collectively, our findings indicate that SspA-1 and SspA-2 are novel binding proteins for C3a and C5a, thereby shedding light on their pivotal roles in S. suis immune evasion and the pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]