Search

OBJECTIVE We aim to explore the capacity of perioperative pupillary variables to predict acute pain in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). METHODS Patients scheduled to undergo thoracic or abdominal surgery under general anesthesia between April 2021 and June 2021 were enrolled. We measured the pupil diameter, pupillary light reflex (PLR), and pupillary reflex dilatation 5 min before anesthesia induction (T1), 5 min after intubation (T2), at the end of anesthesia (T3), immediately before extubation (T4), and 5 min after extubation (T5). We assessed the early postoperative pain intensity in the PACU using Numeric Rating Scales (NRS) at recovery, 5 min after recovery, and 10 min after recovery. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between perioperative pupillary variables and postoperative pain intensity. RESULTS Fifty-one patients were enrolled, 50 of whom were included in the final analysis. A total of 13 patients (26%) needed remedial analgesia in the PACU. Pupil parameters at T1, T2, T3, and T5 were not associated with NRS in the PACU. Multiple logistic regression models and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves indicated that only latency of PLR at T4 can predict postoperative acute pain. The ROC analysis showed that the cutoff value for latency of PLR at T4 was 0.29 s to discriminate between no pain and pain, and the area under the curve was 0.778 (95% CI 0.634-0.922, p = 0.002) with sensitivity 50.0% and specificity 91.7%. CONCLUSION The latency of PLR immediately before extubation may be a useful predictor for postoperative acute pain in the PACU.

To facilitate the extraction of source image information, and preserve the consistency of heterogeneous regional features, a multiscale image fusion method based on a joint cascaded convolutional coding network (JCa2Co) is proposed. The JCa2Co network can retain vast quantities of information from source images in a multiscale perspective. The approach includes an encoder, a fusion layer and decoder. In the fusion layer, the Fuzzy Regional Characteristics (FRC) scheme is considered, and the multiscale feature maps are extracted from image subregions to ensure regional image consistency. Firstly, a joint cascaded encoder is used to extract multiscale features of the source image, in which the output of each layer is connected to every other layer. The fusion layer based on FRC is then performed to fuse each scale feature. Finally, the fused image is reconstructed by the decoder. In addition, to verify the regional consistency of the fused image, a regional consistency measure is proposed. Experiments are performed on the TNO Image Fusion Database. The experimental results exhibit that the proposed JCa2Co method has better comprehensive performance than the eight state‐of‐the‐art fusion methods. Moreover, it can effectively integrate meaningful information in infrared and visible images and has excellent performance in objective evaluation and visual quality, which is beneficial to target recognition and tracking.

Parkinson's disease (PD), the typical neurodegenerative disease, is characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). However, no therapeutic agent used currently could slow down neuronal cell loss so as to decelerate or halt the progression of PD. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been utilized to treat the dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. Wen-Shen-Yang-Gan decoction (WSYGD) has a good effect on the clinical treatment of PD with constipation. However, it is not clear which ingredients and what mechanism are responsible for the therapeutic effect. In this study, the pharmacodynamic study of WSYGD in PD mice was applied. Concurrently, a novel method for the identification of metabolic profiles of WSYGD has been developed. Finally, we found that WSYGD could protect the PD mice induced by rotenone. The underlying mechanism of the protective effect may be related to the reduction of the DA neurons apoptosis via reducing inflammatory reaction. By virtue of UPLC-MS and chemoinformatics method, 35 prototype compounds and 27 metabolites were filtered out and tentatively characterized. In conclusion, this study provides an insight into the metabolism of WSYGD in vivo to enable understanding of the metabolic process and therapeutic mechanism of PD.

BACKGROUND This study aims to compare the burnout level and perceptions of burnout between oncology physicians and nurses, and to explore the relationship between these perceptions and the burnout level in physicians and nurses separately. METHODS The whole crew of the Peking University Cancer Hospital was invited to participate in the survey. Maslach Burnout Scale Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) was used. Ten additional items on the perceptions of burnout were added to assess concerns on burnout, perceptions on the negative impact of burnout and perceptions on how to prevent burnout. RESULTS In total, 862 (71%) oncology clinicians completed the questionnaire, including 285 physicians (33%) and 577 (67%) nurses. The proportion of the high risk of low personal accomplishment (PA) is higher in nurses than in physicians (39.3% V.S. 29.8%, p = 0.007). Most clinicians (72.2% of physicians, 82.4% of nurses) would like to participant in interventions to prevent burnout, but only a few of them (5.7% of physicians, 4.1% of nurses) had an opportunity to participate in. Both physicians (91.9%) and nurses (89.8%) rated increasing paid vacation as the most priority strategy to prevent burnout. The job-hopping intention is correlated to a high level of burnout in both physicians and nurses. CONCLUSIONS The burnout level did not differ significantly between oncology nurses and physicians, except the low PA level. There was a big gap between their needs for burnout interventions and the resources they really had. The clinicians with a job-hopping intention should be paid attention to their burnout.

OBJECTIVE To assess changes in body image distress (BID) over time, identify factors associated with BID, and explore the mediating role of body image on the longitudinal association between stoma status (permanent stoma, temporary stoma, or nonstoma) and psychological distress in postoperative colorectal cancer (CRC) patients in China. METHODS Participants (N = 255) 1-2 weeks postsurgery completed self-report questionnaires assessing BID (Body Image Scale) and psychosocial distress (Distress Thermometer, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale); 212 (83%) completed 6-month follow-up surveys. Generalized estimating equations were used to identify factors associated with BID for longitudinal data analysis. RESULTS A total of 46.7% of participants reported BID at follow-up. Prevalence of BID and BID scores did not significantly change over time in the total sample. Body image scores decreased in patients whose temporary stoma was removed during follow-up (p

Zhen-Nian Zhang,1,* Zhen Hui,1,* Chang Chen,1 Yan Liang,1 Li-Li Tang,1 Su-Lei Wang,1 Cheng-Cheng Xu,1 Hui Yang,1 Yang Zhao,1 Jing-Si Zhang2 1Department of Neurology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210022, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Neurology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Jing-Si ZhangDepartment of Neurology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 528 of Zhangheng Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201203, People’s Republic of ChinaTel/Fax +86 13127823579Email zhangzn88_dr@163.comObjective: The present study aimed to investigate the effect of echinacoside on autophagy-related indicators through the mTOR signaling pathway, especially the effect on the clearance of autophagy substrate P62 and α-synuclein, the core pathological products of Parkinson’s disease (PD), to provide new strategies for the treatment of PD.Methods: A mouse model of subacute PD was established by the intraperitoneal injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). First, the neurobehavioral symptoms in mice of each group were evaluated, and the monoamine neurotransmitters in the striatum in each group were measured with a high-performance liquid phase. Immunofluorescence double staining was adopted to observe the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), α-synuclein, and LC3. The transmission electron microscope was used to observe the changes of ultrastructure in substantia nigra and the formation of autophagosomes. Then, the expressions of TH, α-synuclein, Beclin 1, LC3, P62, mTOR, and the up-stream protein AKT were detected by Western blot.Results: When compared with the model group, the neurobehavioral function significantly improved in the echinacoside group (P < 0.01), together with increased expression of TH, DA, and DOPAC in the brain (P < 0.01). In the echinacoside group, while the expressions of Beclin 1 and LC3-II increased (P < 0.01), the expression levels of P62 and α-synuclein decreased significantly (P < 0.01). Echinacoside could up-regulate the expression level of the survival signal p-AKT/AKT and decrease the expression of mTOR.Conclusion: Echinacoside could increase autophagy by inhibiting the expression of mTOR, thereby promoting the clearance of α-synuclein and the degradation of the autophagy substrate P62 and exerting the neuroprotective effect.Keywords: Parkinson’s disease, MPTP, echinacoside, α-synuclein, P62, autophagy, mTOR

PURPOSEEffective interventions to improve prognosis in metastatic esophagogastric cancer (EGC) are urgently needed. We assessed the effect of the early integration of interdisciplinary supportive care for patients with metastatic EGC on overall survival (OS).PATIENTS AND METHODSAn open-label, phase III, randomized, controlled trial was conducted at Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute. Patients with previously untreated metastatic EGC were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned (2:1) to either early interdisciplinary supportive care (ESC) integrated into standard oncologic care or standard care (SC). ESC was provided by a team of GI medical oncologists, oncology nurse specialists, dietitians, and psychologists; patients in the SC group received standard oncologic care alone. The primary end point was OS in the intention-to-treat population.RESULTSBetween April 16, 2015, and December 29, 2017, 328 patients were enrolled: 214 in the ESC group and 114 in the SC group. At the data cutoff date of January 26, 2019, 15 (5%) patients were lost to follow-up. The median number of cycles of first-line chemotherapy was five (interquartile range [IQR], 4-7) in the ESC group and four (IQR, 2-6) in the SC group. The median OS was 14.8 months (95% CI, 13.3 to 16.3) in the ESC group and 11.9 months (95% CI, 9.6 to 13.6) in the SC group (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.51 to 0.9; P = .021).CONCLUSIONThe early integration of interdisciplinary supportive care is an effective intervention with survival benefits for patients with metastatic EGC. Further optimization and standardization are warranted.

Shouman Wang,1,2 Kejing Zhang,1,2 Lili Tang,1,2 Yuan Yang,1,2 Hao Wang,3 Zhiyang Zhou,1,2 Jian Pang,1,2 Feiyu Chen1,2 1Department of Breast Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, People’s Republic of China; 2Clinical Research Center for Breast Cancer in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan Province, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Breast Surgery, Second People’s Hospital of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Feiyu ChenDepartment of Breast Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No. 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha City, Hunan Province, 410008, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 13467511343Fax +86 073189753615Email chenfy13@csu.edu.cnObjective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the associations between seven tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (tSNPs) and risk of breast cancer assessed by tumor pathological characteristics and body mass index (BMI).Methods: Seven tSNPs of four breast cancer susceptibility genes were analyzed in 734 Chinese women with breast cancer and 672 age-matched healthy controls; then, the association with clinicopathological characteristics, BMI, molecular subtype, TNM (T, tumor; N, lymph node; M, metastasis) staging and lymph node status was determined by unconditional logistic regression.Results: Rs12951053 in TP53 and rs16945628 in BRIP1, displayed increased risk of breast cancer in the BMI ≧ 25 kg/m2 group (OR=1.50, 95% CI: 1.02– 2.21, P=0.041 and OR=1.92, 95% CI: 1.13– 3.26, P=0.015, respectively). The other five tSNPs (rs1805812, rs2735385 and rs6999227 in NBS1, rs7220719 in BRIP1 and rs2299941 in PTEN) displayed a decreased risk of breast cancer in the 18.5≤BMI< 25 kg/m2 group. Rs12951053 in TP53 and rs7220719 in BRIP1 exhibited an increased risk of triple‐negative breast cancer (OR=1.50, 95% CI: 1.05– 2.15, P=0.026 and OR=2.13, 95% CI: 1.05– 4.29, P=0.032, respectively), but three tSNPs in NBS1 (rs1805812, rs2735385 and rs6999227) all displayed a negative association with both luminal B and triple-negative breast cancer. The tSNP rs2299941 in PTEN also exhibited a negative association with each molecular subtype, except triple-negative breast cancer. The majority of tSNPs displayed a negative association with stage II or III breast cancer. Most tSNPs showed a negative association with breast cancer that was lymph node negative or with 1– 3 positive nodes. Only rs12951053 in TP53 displayed a positive association with lymph node-negative breast cancer (OR=1.43, 95% CI: 1.08– 1.91, P=0.013).Conclusion: The majority of tSNPs displayed a negative association with breast cancer and only a few tSNPs (rs12951053 in TP53, rs16945628 and rs7220719 in BRIP1) showed an increased risk of breast cancer as defined by clinicopathological characteristics.Keywords: breast cancer, SNP, molecular subtype, BRIP1, NBS1

Objective To examine the trajectory of psychosomatic symptoms and to explore the impact of psychosomatic symptoms on setup error in patients undergoing breast cancer radiotherapy. Methods A total of 102 patients with early breast cancer who received initial radiotherapy were consecutively recruited. The M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI) and three different anxiety scales, i.e., the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI), were used in this study. The radiotherapy setup errors were measured in millimetres by comparing the real-time isocratic verification film during radiotherapy with the digitally reconstructed radiograph (DRR). Patients completed the assessment at three time points: before the initial radiotherapy (T1), before the middle radiotherapy (T2), and before the last radiotherapy (T3). Results The SAS and STAI-State scores of breast cancer patients at T1 were significantly higher than those at T2 and T3 (F=24.44, P

Annular epidermolytic ichthyosis (AEI) is a rare autosomal dominant ichthyosis that was recently described in 10 separate families in the English literature. There are no reports on the phenotypic heterogeneity of AEI. We investigated, for the first time, a large Chinese AEI pedigree exhibiting interfamilial phenotypic heterogeneity. We collected clinical data and DNA from the members of the family, and skin lesions were obtained from two patients with different phenotypes. Skin imaging examinations were performed. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing were used to detect gene mutations. The characteristic features of granular layer degeneration in the two biopsies were verified via histological methods. The missense mutation c.1436T > Cin KRT1 was detected in all nine patients. This study demonstrates that AEI may present with different clinical phenotypes and that mutation analysis for suspected cases is necessary to obtain a precise diagnosis.

Acne inversa is a chronic inflammatory follicular disease with autosomal dominant inheritance. In recent years, many functional mutations in the NCSTN genes have been identified as the cause of familial acne inversa. Herein, we recruited four patients and seven unaffected individuals from a Chinese family and performed Sanger sequencing of the NCSTN gene. One novel frameshift mutation, c.450_459del (p.Ser 151GlnfsX48), was identified in exon 5 of the NCSTN gene. Three normal-looking children carrying the mutation were proven to be patients. We also presented a literature review from previous studies of acne inversa, suggesting that NCSTN is a hotspot gene for acne inversa. Most affected individuals experienced onset in adolescence. We confirmed the diagnosis in this family based on the mutation. This finding will help expound the relationship between the NCSTN gene and the pathogenesis of acne inversa and emphasize the value of genetic diagnosis in monogenic disorder.

BACKGROUND Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated and hyperproliferative skin disease with both genetic and environmental components. Copy number variations (CNV) of IL22 and LCE3C-LCE3B deletion have been confirmed to be predisposed to psoriasis vulgaris (PsV) in several ethnic groups. However, it remains to be clarified whether CNVs of IL22 and LCE3C are associated with different subtypes of psoriasis (psoriatic arthritis, PsA; erythrodermic psoriasis, EP; and generalized pustular psoriasis, GPP). MATERIAL AND METHODS We enrolled 897 Han Chinese individuals, including 478 patients and 419 healthy controls, and detected CNVs of IL22 and LCE3C using the comparative CT method by real-time PCR, and Pearson's χ² test was used to evaluated the copy number difference among subtypes. RESULTS CNVs of IL22 were significantly higher in PsV than in healthy controls (P

Purpose: Death anxiety is commonly experienced by individuals with advanced cancer who have a limited life expectancy. The Death and Dying Distress Scale (DADDS) is a validated measure that was created to capture this experience; but no Chinese version is available to date. We conducted a cross-sectional study to explore the psychometric properties of a Chinese version DADDS (DADDS-C) and address prevalence of death anxiety among patients with advanced cancer.Methods: Patients with advanced cancer were recruited from Peking University Cancer Hospital. Measures administered included: DADDS-C, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), General Anxiety Disorder-7(GAD-7), Quality of Life at End of Life in Cancer (QUAL-EC), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being Scale (FACIT-sp). McDonald's Omega, Cronbach's alpha, Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis were used to test DADDS-C's reliability and validity. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for death anxiety.Results: Of 300 patients approached, 256 (85%) provided informed consent and completed the questionnaires. Of these participants, 43 (16.8%) had moderate death anxiety based on scores of ≥45 on the DADDS-C. Three factors (feeling shortness of time, dying and death distress, being a burden to others) explained 71.643% of shared variation with factor loadings ranging from 0.629 to 0.822. Cronbach's alpha was 0.939; Omega total was 0.959. DADDS-C had acceptable convergent and discriminant validity. Logistic regression analysis indicated that two factors (better relationship with healthcare providers and preparation for end of life) protected patients from death anxiety.Conclusion: DADDS-C is a valid tool for measuring death anxiety in Chinese patients with advanced cancer. The presence of at least moderate death anxiety in a substantial minority of these patients calls for screening for this symptom and for more routine psychological interventions to alleviate and prevent such distress in this population.

Metalens is one kind of two-dimensional ultrathin lenses with subwavelength artificial structures that can focus light in a compact, flexible way. However, most strategies for designing metalenses ...

BACKGROUND Both demoralization and depression are common forms of psychological distress in cancer patients. This study aimed to investigate the severity of demoralization in Chinese cancer patients and to explore the factors influencing depression and demoralization and their effects on quality of life to better understand the differences and the relationship between demoralization and depression. METHODS Cross-sectional study design, in-patients sequentially recruited from a tertiary-level cancer hospital in Beijing between January 2016 and April 2016 completed Mandarin version of Demoralization Scale (DS-MV), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Revised Life Orientation Test (CLOT-R), Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), and the 12-items Short Form Health Survey, version 2 (SF-12 V2) and provided socio-demographic and clinical information. RESULTS 296/424 (70.0%) of patients completed questionnaires. The mean score of DS is 30.4 (SD = 13.0). There are 28% (83/296) patients who experienced a low level of depression but a high level of demoralization. Resignation medical coping method (b = 0.279, P < .001), hopelessness (b = 0.492, P < .001), positive life orientation (b = -0.170, P < .001), and education level (b = -0.132, P < .001) were found to be predictors of demoralization, while only resignation medical coping method (b = 0.373, P < .001) and hopelessness (b = 0.350, P < .001) were found to be predictors of depression. Depression is a mediator between demoralization and physical aspects of quality of life (γ = -0.1604, LLCI = -0.244, ULCI = -0.080). CONCLUSION Demoralization is a prevalent psychiatric problem in Chinese cancer patients, and a large proportion of patients had low depression but high demoralization. Therefore, screening for demoralization in Chinese oncology practice is essential. A positive life orientation was found to be protective against demoralization.

Background Pretibial dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB-Pt) is an extremely rare subtype of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) characterized by blistering and scar formation. The pathogenesis of the disease is mainly due to the mutation of COL7A1 gene encoding type VII collagen fibers, resulting in the destruction of the anchoring structure of the epidermis and dermis. Aims The purpose of this study was to discover the major mutations in DEB-Pt by studying this family and reviewing the literature on DEB-Pt. Patients/methods We examined the patients by clinical manifestations and histopathology, extracted DNA from blood samples from 7 individuals in the family via FlexiGene DNA Kit, and then sequenced the samples using whole-exon sequencing (WES). Result Characteristic clinical manifestations such as blisters and scars were found in the patients. Genetic analysis revealed a missense mutation in exon 87(c.6860G>A) of COL7A1 gene, which has never been reported before. Conclusion The discovery of the new mutation extends the COL7A1 mutation database. We also reviewed all the mutation in DEB-Pt from relevant literature at home and abroad. This will facilitate the molecular diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of DEB-Pt.

Aflatoxins [AFs] are secondary metabolites of the fungus species Aspergillus spp. Both animal and epidemiological studies provided sufficient evidence on the carcinogenic, immunotoxic, mutagenic, and genotoxic potential of AFs. While ingestion is the main route of exposure for AFs through consumption of contaminated food products, agricultural workers and personnel who handle AF-contaminated grains are also at higher risk of exposure via inhalation. The main objective of the review is to provide a comprehensive overview of past scientific studies on occupational exposure to AFs, high-risk occupations, and disease outcomes. A search of peer-reviewed articles was done on PubMed and Web of Science Databases. A total of 164 papers was identified and 61 journal articles were selected for further review. High risk occupations include animal husbandry and processing of grain cereals and/or animal feed. Primary liver cancer and respiratory cancers were the most reported as a result of occupational exposure to AFs. For future studies, improved study designs, better characterization of AFs exposure in an occupational setting, and use of biomarkers are recommended in order to promote better understanding of occupational exposure to AFs and the resulting disease burden among workers.

Genetic testing for germline mutations in BRCA1/2 of patients with breast cancer (BC) is part of routine patient care. However, BRCA1/2 mutations account only for a fraction of familial BC. A custom panel of 22 gene sequencing was performed on each patient. Among the 481 female patients, 135 patients were detected to carry pathogenic (P)/likely pathogenic (LP) mutations (28.1%), which corresponded to 12 different cancer predisposition genes [14.6% (70/481) on BRCA1 gene, 5.0% (24/481) on BRCA2 gene, 8.5% (41/481) on non‐BRCA1/2 genes]. Moreover, 24.7% (119/481) of patients had mutation of unknown significance (VUS) in these genes. The most common (8/481) pathogenic mutation is BRCA1 c.5470_5477del, while BRIP1 2392 C > T of patients was detected. All the mutations detected were mainly seen in the homologous recombinant repair pathway. Compared to BRCA2 mutation, BRCA1 mutation is higher in younger female patients (P

In recent decades, the decline of coastal water quality has promoted the birth of a new industrialized aquaculture mode in China, which involves the cultivation of organisms using underground seawa...

Viral encephalitis is the most common cause of encephalitis. It is responsible for high morbidity rates, permanent neurological sequelae, and even high mortality rates. The host immune response plays a critical role in preventing or clearing invading pathogens, especially when effective antiviral treatment is lacking. However, due to blockade of the blood-brain barrier, it remains unclear how peripheral immune cells contribute to the fight against intracerebral viruses. Here, we report that peripheral injection of an antibody against human Tim-3, an immune checkpoint inhibitor widely expressed on immune cells, markedly attenuated vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) encephalitis, marked by decreased mortality and improved neuroethology in mice. Peripheral injection of Tim-3 antibody enhanced the recruitment of immune cells to the brain, increased the expression of major histocompatibility complex-I (MHC-I) on macrophages, and as a result, promoted the activation of VSV-specific CD8+ T cells. Depletion of macrophages abolished the peripheral injection-mediated protection against VSV encephalitis. Notably, for the first time, we found a novel post-translational modification of MHC-I by Tim-3, wherein, by enhancing the expression of MARCH9, Tim-3 promoted the proteasome-dependent degradation of MHC-I via K48-linked ubiquitination in macrophages. These results provide insights into the immune response against intracranial infections; thus, manipulating the peripheral immune cells with Tim-3 antibody to fight viruses in the brain may have potential applications for combating viral encephalitis.

Autophagy serves a crucial role in the etiology of kidney diseases, including drug-induced renal impairment, inherited kidney disease, diabetic nephropathy and aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN) and is, therefore, a potential target for treatment. We previously demonstrated that rapamycin could attenuate AAN in mice; however, the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. Therefore, whether the renal protective effect of rapamycin (an autophagy activator) is related to autophagy in aristolochic acid (AA)-treated mice was of particular interest. The pathophysiological roles of rapamycin were investigated in AA-induced nephrotoxicity in mice and the mechanisms of rapamycin action were explored by evaluating the modulation of autophagy in rapamycin-treated mice and cultured renal tubular epithelial cells. Supplementation with rapamycin reversed AA-induced kidney injury in mice and improved AA-induced autophagy damage in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, rapamycin inhibited the renal expression of phosphorylated (p-)mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and p-ribosomal S6 protein kinase 1, which in turn activated renal autophagy and decreased apoptosis, probably by removing AA-elicited damaged mitochondria and misfolded proteins. The findings of the present study demonstrated that rapamycin protects against AA-induced nephropathy by activating the mTOR-autophagy axis and suggested that rapamycin may be a promising pharmacological target for the treatment of AAN.

Purpose. Hip fracture is a common injury in geriatric populations, which is associated with poor quality of life. However, the ideal anesthesia technique for this disease is yet to be identified. This study aimed to compare the combined lumbar-sacral plexus block (CLSB) plus general anesthesia (bispectral index (BIS) 60–80) with the unilateral spinal anesthesia (SA) on activity of daily living in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. Methods. A total of 124 elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery were randomly assigned to two groups. Patients in the SA group received light-specific gravity spinal anesthesia, and patients in the CLSB group received lumbar and sacral plexus block with general anesthesia (BIS 60–80). The primary outcomes were 30-day activity of daily living (ADL). The secondary outcomes were postoperative pain scores, postoperative delirium, in-hospital cost, and major complications. Results. The ADL scores of postoperative day 30 (POD30) in the CLSB group are higher than those in the SA group (27.34 ± 7.01 versus 24.70 ± 6.40, P = 0.045 ). Compared to preoperative ADL scores, there were higher increased scores in the CLSB group than in POD30 (CLSB group 8.09 ± 3.39 versus SA group 4.87 ± 3.90, P < 0.001 ). Mild-to-moderate pain did not have differences between the two groups (rest pain: 3 versus 2, P = 0.344 ; motion pain: 5 versus 4, P = 0.073 ). There were no significant differences in incidence of postoperative delirium, PONV, and other complications. Conclusion. The unilateral SA can reduce the deterioration of ADL after hip fracture surgery and provide a better postoperative recovery.

The relationship between vitamin D and cardiovascular health in children remains unclear. Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is supposed to be a potential risk factor associated with poorer outcomes after congenital heart disease (CHD) surgery. The maximum vasoactive-inotropic use after cardiac surgery is considered to be a good predictor of adverse outcomes. We aimed to assess the correlation between preoperative VDD and the maximum vasoactive-inotropic score (VISmax) at 24 h postoperatively. Nine hundred children with CHD were enrolled in this study, and preoperative total serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Related demographic and clinical characteristics were collected. A total of 490 boys (54.4%) and 410 girls (45.6%) with a mean age of 1 year (range: 6 months-3 years) were enrolled. The median 25(OH)D level was 24.0 ng/mL, with 32.6% of patients having VDD [25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL]. The univariate analysis indicated that VDD [odds ratio (OR): 2.27; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.48–3.50] is associated with a risk of increased VISmax at 24 h postoperation. Multivariate analysis revealed that VDD (OR: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.09–3.02), a Risk-adjusted Congenital Heart Surgery score of at least three points (OR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.09–2.19), and cardiopulmonary bypass time (OR: 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01–1.02) were independently associated with an increased VISmax within 24 h after cardiac surgery. VDD in pediatric patients before cardiac surgery is associated with the need for increased postoperative inotropic support at 24 h postoperation.

Comorbid conditions among cancer survivors are not a stranger to oncologists, but the conditions change when the cancer therapy toolbox expands. New interdisciplinary fields are recognized. We ask clinicians from psycho-oncology, cardio-oncology, and neurology to tell us how the fields have progressed and what to expect when we are standing at the crossroads of cancer.

Zhen-Nian Zhang,1,* Zhen Hui,1,* Chang Chen,1 Yan Liang,1 Li-Li Tang,1 Su-Lei Wang,1 Cheng-Cheng Xu,1 Hui Yang,1 Jing-Si Zhang,2 Yang Zhao1 1Department of Neurology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210022, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Neurology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Yang ZhaoDepartment of Neurology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 157 of Daming Road, Qinhuai District, Nanjing, 210022, People’s Republic of ChinaTel/Fax +86 13851498418Email zhao_dr66@163.comObjective: To explore the neuroprotective effect and the related mechanisms of echinacoside (ECH) in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced Parkinson’s disease (PD) mice.Methods: Parkinson’s disease is induced in mice by MPTP and the neurobehaviors of mice in different groups are observed. Then, immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis are adopted to measure the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and α-synuclein in the substantia nigra (SN). The content of dopamine (DA) and other neurotransmitters in the brain is detected by high-performance liquid chromatography. The expression of nerve growth factors and inflammatory factors in SN in mice in each group is measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Finally, the expression of oxidative stress-related parameters in each group is measured.Results: Compared with the model group, the pole-climbing time among mice in the moderate and high-dose ECH groups is significantly reduced (P < 0.01). The rotarod staying time, as well as fore and hind-limb strides, shows a significant increase (P < 0.01), as does spontaneous activity (P < 0.01). Moreover, the expression levels of TH, DA, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in SN in mice show significant increases in these two groups (P < 0.01). The content of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase indicates significant increases in the low, moderate, and high-dose ECH groups (P < 0.01), and the content of MDA was reduced (P < 0.01). In the high-dose ECH group, the expression of interleukin (IL) 6 and tumor necrosis factor-α is significantly reduced (P < 0.01), while the expression of IL-10 shows a marked increase (P < 0.01) alongside a decrease in the expression of α-synuclein (P < 0.01).Conclusion: Echinacoside improves neurobehavioral symptoms in PD mice and significantly increases the expression of TH and DA. The neuroprotective effect potentially correlates with anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation actions, promotes the expression of nerve growth factor, and reduces the accumulation of α-synuclein.Keywords: Parkinson’s disease, MPTP, echinacoside, α-synuclein, oxidative stress, neuroprotection, BDNF, GDNF, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10

Aflatoxin exposure, malnutrition and growth impairment in children present significant public health problems in low- and middle-income countries. Recent epidemiology studies show that exposure to aflatoxins through dietary sources in early life contributes to growth retardation among children. However, the findings remain inconclusive due to limited comparative studies in high versus low aflatoxin exposure regions. This cross-sectional study presents aflatoxin exposure levels among children aged 6 to 12 years, and further evaluates the association between aflatoxin exposure levels, malnutrition and growth impairment in Kenya, East Africa. AFB

The Pancharatnam–Berry (PB) phase is generally utilized to realize a single wavelength spin-dependent function or dual-wavelength functions but operating only in one spin state. A dual-wavelength multifunctional metasurface relying on both spins has been rarely designed due to the rather complicated degrees of freedom to be considered. In this Letter, both dynamic and PB phases are adopted, instead of a pure PB phase, to propose a multiplexing metasurface that can independently and simultaneously manipulate left- and right-handed circularly polarized incidences at dual wavelengths. It is demonstrated experimentally as well as numerically that such spin-dependent dual-wavelength metalenses can make circularly polarized incidences of different wavelengths split into and focus at multi-dimensional positions. Our work demonstrates a new avenue in designing spin-dependent dual-wavelength multifunctional optical devices.

Background CD74-ROS1 fusion genes have been detected in non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC), but not in inflammatory breast cancer. Case presentation Herein, we report a CD74-ROS1 fusion gene identified in a 64-year-old Chinese woman with inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). The patient initially presented with a rapidly growing mass in the left breast with diffuse erythema developing over a period of 2 months. Diagnosis of invasive breast carcinoma was made by core needle biopsy. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) demonstrated multiple organ metastases. Genomic DNA was extracted from tumor tissue and analyzed using next-generation sequencing (NGS). The CD74-ROS1 fusion gene was detected in the genomic DNA. The patient refused crizotinib treatment, and could not tolerate the side effects of palliative chemotherapy. Unfortunately, the patient died 4 months after diagnosis. Conclusion We report the case of a CD74-ROS1 fusion gene in a patient with IBC. This may reveal, for the first time, a possible association between CD74-ROS1 gene fusion and rapid progression of inflammatory breast cancer. Multigene panel testing can be performed when rapidly progressive breast cancer occurs and could reveal potential therapeutic strategies.

The inflammasome is an important protein complex that cleaves the proinflammatory cytokines pro-IL-1β and pro-IL-18 into their active forms. Owing to its critical role in eliciting innate immune responses, IL-1β has been suggested to contribute to various skin diseases, including psoriasis, vitiligo, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and atopic dermatitis (AD). Recently, several types of activators and inhibitors of different inflammasomes, as well as inflammasome-related genes and genetic susceptibility loci, have been identified in these immune-related common skin diseases. In particular, inflammasome activators and inhibitors presented highly cell-type-specific activity, suggesting that the inflammasome might perform different functions in different cell types. Moreover, most of these findings were based on experimental disease models, and the clinical features of the models partly resemble the typical symptoms of the diseases. In this review, from the perspective of activators and inhibitors, we collected evidence from the widely-studied inflammasomes, NLRP3, AIM2, and NLRP1, in psoriasis, vitiligo, SLE, and AD. Importantly, some small-molecule inhibitors hold therapeutic promise for the treatment of these diseases.

The “One Belt and One Road” initiative raises new requirements on inter-national education of China’s colleges and universities. For historical and cultural reasons, colleges and universities in China are facing both oppor-tunities and challenges in human parasitology teaching for Bachelor of Medicine-Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students. We shall keep up with the pace of the time, and provide education with Chinese characteristics by expanding and changing our teaching ideas. Under the guidance of the “Belt and Road” initiative, we shall continuously develop the education and teaching of human parasitology for international MBBS students, improve international competitiveness and influence, promote the international process of China’s education and teaching of human parasitology and make a contribution to the higher education and teaching of China.

This study assessed the utility of ultrasound-guided lateral transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block combined with rectus sheath (RS) block for peritoneal dialysis catheter placement surgery. Thirty consecutive patients with end-stage renal disease scheduled to have peritoneal dialysis catheter placement received a left lateral TAP block combined with RS block performed under ultrasound guidance. The TAP and RS blocks were, respectively, conducted with 15 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine and 10 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine. Pain intensity was evaluated by verbal rating scale during operation, and the degree of patient and surgeon satisfaction was qualified by a categorical scale. Twenty-nine patients received successful blocks without any other adjuvant anesthetic drugs. One patient required rescue analgesia with lidocaine infiltration. No complications related to regional anesthesia were noted. Ultrasound-guided left lateral TAP block combined with RS block can serve as the primary anesthetic modality for peritoneal dialysis catheter placement surgery.

Accurate estimates of evapotranspiration (ET) over croplands on a regional scale can provide useful information for agricultural management. The hybrid ET model that combines the physical framework, namely the Penman-Monteith equation and machine learning (ML) algorithms, have proven to be effective in ET estimates. However, few studies compared the performances in estimating ET between multiple hybrid model versions using different ML algorithms. In this study, we constructed six different hybrid ET models based on six classical ML algorithms, namely the K nearest neighbor algorithm, random forest, support vector machine, extreme gradient boosting algorithm, artificial neural network (ANN) and long short-term memory (LSTM), using observed data of 17 eddy covariance flux sites of cropland over the globe. Each hybrid model was assessed to estimate ET with ten different input data combinations. In each hybrid model, the ML algorithm was used to model the stomatal conductance (Gs), and then ET was estimated using the Penman-Monteith equation, along with the ML-based Gs. The results showed that all hybrid models can reasonably reproduce ET of cropland with the models using two or more remote sensing (RS) factors. The results also showed that although including RS factors can remarkably contribute to improving ET estimates, hybrid models except for LSTM using three or more RS factors were only marginally better than those using two RS factors. We also evidenced that the ANN-based model exhibits the optimal performance among all ML-based models in modeling daily ET, as indicated by the lower root-mean-square error (RMSE, 18.67–21.23 W m−2) and higher correlations coefficient (r, 0.90–0.94). ANN are more suitable for modeling Gs as compared to other ML algorithms under investigation, being able to provide methodological support for accurate estimation of cropland ET on a regional scale.

// Wenyuan Zhou 1, 2, * , Huijun Ma 1, 2, 3, * , Guoqing Deng 1, 2 , Lili Tang 1, 2 , Jianxin Lu 1, 2, 4 and Xiaoming Chen 1, 2 1 Institute of Glycobiological Engineering/School of Laboratory Medicine & Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China 2 Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education of China, School of Laboratory Medicine & Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China 3 Department of Laboratory, Women and Children’s Hospital of Qingdao, Qingdao, China 4 Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China * These authors have contributed equally to this work Correspondence to: Jianxin Lu, email: jxlu313@163.com Xiaoming Chen, email: xmchen01@163.com Keywords: fucosyltransferases; FUT2; lung adenocarcinaoma; proliferation; metastasis Received: March 22, 2017 Accepted: September 05, 2017 Published: October 19, 2017 ABSTRACT Fucosylation, which is catalyzed by fucosyltransferases (FUTs), is one of the most important glycosylation events involved in cancer. Studies have shown that fucosyltransferase 8 (FUT8) is overexpressed in NSCLC and promotes lung cancer progression. However, there are no reports about the pathological role of fucosyltransferase 2 (FUT2) in lung cancer. To identify FUT2 associated with lung cancer, the expression and clinical significance of FUT2 in lung cancer was investigated by Real-Time PCR, Immunohistochemistry and Western Blot. In addition, we investigated the effect of knockdown FUT2 in lung adenocarcinoma cells. The results showed that the expression of FUT2 in lung adenocarcinoma is higher than that in adjacent noncancerous tissues. Knocking down FUT2 in A549 and H1299 cells decreased cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and increased cell apoptosis compared to corresponding control cells. Furthermore, Western Blot showed that knockdown FUT2 can impact the expression of migration-associated and apoptosis-associated proteins in A549 cells. Our results suggest that FUT2 may be associated with lung adenocarcinoma development and thus is a potential biomarker or/and therapeutic target in lung adenocarcinoma.

This work evaluates chronic safety in middle-aged ovariectomized rats supplemented with different dosages of green tea polyphenols (GTP) in drinking water. The experiment used 6-mo-old sham (n = 39) and ovariectomized (OVX, n = 143) female rats. All sham (n = 39) and 39 of the OVX animals received no GTP treatment and their samples were collected for outcome measures at baseline, 3 mo, and 6 mo (n = 13 per group for each). The remaining OVX animals were randomized into 4 groups receiving 0.15%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% (n = 26 for each) of GTP (wt/vol), respectively, in drinking water for 3 and 6 mo. No mortality or abnormal treatment-related findings in clinical observations or ophthalmologic examinations were noted. No treatment-related macroscopic or microscopic findings were noted for animals administered 1.5% GTP supplementation. Throughout the study, there was no difference in the body weight among all OVX groups. In all OVX groups, feed intake and water consumption significantly decreased with GTP dose throughout the study period. At 6 mo, GTP intake did not affect hematology, clinical chemistry, and urinalysis, except for phosphorus and blood urea nitrogen (increased), total cholesterol, lactate dehydrogenase, and urine pH (decreased). This study reveals that the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of GTP is 1.5% (wt/vol) in drinking water, the highest dose used in this study.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to describe follow-up care for breast and colorectal cancer survivors in countries with varying levels of resources and highlight challenges regarding posttreatment survivorship care. METHODS We surveyed one key stakeholder from each of 27 countries with expertise in survivorship care on questions including the components/structure of follow-up care, delivery of treatment summaries and survivorship care plans, and involvement of primary care in survivorship. Descriptive analyses were performed to characterize results across countries and variations between the WHO income categories (low, middle, high). We also performed a qualitative content analysis of narratives related to survivorship care challenges to identify major themes. RESULTS Seven low- or /lower-middle-income countries (LIC/LMIC), seven upper-middle-income countries (UMIC), and 13 high-income countries (HICs) were included in this study. Results indicate that 44.4% of countries with a National Cancer Control Plan currently address survivorship care. Additional findings indicate that HICs use guidelines more often than those in LICs/LMICs and UMICs. There was great variation among countries regardless of income level. Common challenges include issues with workforce, communication and care coordination, distance/transportation issues, psychosocial support, and lack of focus on follow-up care. CONCLUSION This information can guide researchers, providers, and policy makers in efforts to improve the quality of survivorship care on a national and global basis. As the number of cancer survivors increases globally, countries will need to prioritize their long-term needs. Future efforts should focus on efforts to bridge oncology and primary care, building international partnerships, and implementation of guidelines.

Background Consumption of moldy food has previously been identified as a risk factor for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in high-risk countries; however, what contributing roles these dietary carcinogenic mycotoxins play in the etiology of ESCC are largely unknown. Methods A mycotoxin biomarker-incorporated, population-based case-control study was performed in Huaian area, Jiangsu Province, one of the two high-risk areas in China. Exposure biomarkers of aflatoxins (AF) and fumonisins (FN) were quantitatively analyzed using HPLC-fluorescence techniques. Results Among the cases (n = 190), the median levels of AF biomarker, serum AFB1-lysine adduct, and FN biomarker, urinary FB1, were 1.77 pg/mg albumin and 176.13 pg/mg creatinine, respectively. Among the controls (n = 380), the median levels of AFB1-lysine adduct and urinary FB1 were 1.49 pg/mg albumin and 56.92 pg/mg creatinine, respectively. These mycotoxin exposure biomarker levels were significantly higher in cases as compared to controls (p 1 and FB1 (p Conclusions Mycotoxin exposure, especially to AFB1 and FB1, was associated with the risk of ESCC, and a greater-than-additive interaction between co-exposures to these two mycotoxins may contribute to the increased risk of ESCC in Huaian area, China.

The objectives of the present study were to examine the dynamic changes in breast milk melatonin throughout the course of lactation and to explore factors associated with changes in melatonin concentrations and rhythms in both preterm and term breast milk. Breast milk was collected sequentially at 03:00, 09:00, 15:00, and 21:00 in one day. Melatonin was analyzed in 392 breast milk samples from 98 healthy nursing mothers at 0 to 30 days postpartum. In both preterm and term breast milk, the melatonin concentration presented a circadian rhythm with the acrophase at around 03:00. Subgroup analysis showed the peak melatonin concentrations differed significantly across lactation stages, with the highest concentration in the colostrum, followed by transitional and mature breast milk. At 03:00, preterm breast milk had a higher concentration of melatonin than term breast milk in the colostrum (28.67 pg/mL vs. 25.31 pg/mL, p vs. 22.55 pg/mL), and mature breast milk (22.37 pg/mL vs. 20.12 pg /mL). Further studies are warranted for their roles and significance on melatonin in breast milk in nutrition and metabolism of neonates.

This paper presents a new method for edge detection of color images that is based on interval type-2 fuzzy similarity. Firstly, the noise of the image is estimated, and the image with noise higher than the threshold value is filtered out. Then this paper combines the type-2 fuzzy set theory to calculate the adjacent pixel similarity of each channel pixels in the image. After type reduction, it is divided into the edge and non-edge pixels by threshold. Compare to Sober operator, Canny operator, LOG operator and type-1 fuzzy similarity, the proposed method has a great balance noise resistance and edge detection accuracy.

Purpose Distress screening using measures of patient-reported outcomes (PRO) has been introduced in China and is increasingly recognized as contributing to whole-patient care. We carried out a multi-centered cross-sectional survey of Chinese cancer inpatients to explore the symptom burden, symptom clusters, and risk factors of distress. Method Patients were recruited from five hospitals in four provinces. The Distress Assessment and Response Tool (DART) was used as the screening tool. Demographic and medical information was collected. Descriptive analysis, the chi-square test, logistics regression analysis, and hierarchical clustering analysis were used. Results Totally 1045 valid questionnaires were collected (83.6% validity ratio). Low well-being (39.4%), lack of appetite (35.4%), tiredness (32.9%), pain (21.1%), and anxiety (19.8%) were the top five symptoms. Patients in Ci County had a heavier symptom burden than patients at other sites. Depression, anxiety, nausea, drowsiness, and pain were considered pain-illness symptoms; lack of appetite, low well-being, tiredness, and shortness of breath were considered fatigue-illness symptoms. Social difficulty was a risk factor for all symptoms. A high proportion of suicide ideation (38.8%) and suicide intention (10.5%) was identified among patients with potential depression. Conclusion The high symptom burden of Chinese cancer inpatients indicates the necessity of distress screening; well-designed screening programs such as the multidimensional DART and its acceptability in China should be further explored. Social difficulty has a universal impact on patients' well-being, and psychosocial care should be integrated into holistic symptoms management.

This design is based on the open source Android version 8.0 system to develop the mobile phone platform client, using the eclipse integrated development environment to research and develop Bluetooth control. The remote control of the car is realized by Bluetooth technology, gravity sensor and voice. The design is mainly composed of hardware system and software system. It can realize the car’s forward, backward, rear left turn, rear right turn, front left turn, front right turn and other functions. This design scheme provides a new solution for the design and implementation of wireless remote control vehicle, and also plays a certain reference role for the design of remote control smart home system in the future.

We numerically studied the spin-dependent optical torque on a 2D chiral plasmonic nanomotor excited by circularly polarized lights. An interesting phenomenon of so-called negative optical torque is demonstrated on condition that the scattering optical torque is opposite to and larger than absorption optical torque under a plasmonic resonance of dipolar mode. Moreover, the calculated optical torque, exerted on the nanomotor, is monotonically tunable depending on the ellipticity of light. It is theoretically estimated that the spin-dependent rotation frequency can be modulated from about 3.56 kHz to 8.91 kHz under incident intensity of 1 mW ∕ μ m 2 . Our results demonstrate a counterintuitive rotation phenomenon on light-driven 2D chiral nanomotor, and open a manipulation avenue to control optically-induced torque via absorption and/or scattering of light by 2D chiral plasmonic meta-atom.

Accurately mapping of regional-scale evapotranspiration (ET) from the croplands using remote sensing is currently challenged by limited spatial information on crop and field management to properly characterize the biophysical constraints on ET. A multi-model ensemble can potentially address this challenge, however, conventional ensemble models using the simple average (MEAN) or Bayesian Model Average (BMA) assign a fixed weight to each model and may not fully utilize the strengths of individual models. To this end, we developed four ensemble ET Models (EEMs) that use different machine learning (ML) classifiers, namely K-nearest neighbors, random forest, support vector machine, and multi-layer perception neural network (MLP), to assign varying weights to assemble six physically-driven remote sensing-based ET models. These ML-based EEMs were compared against the six individual ET models and two conventional ensemble methods (MEAN and BMA) using latent heat fluxes (λE) observations from 47 cropland eddy covariance flux sites covering diverse environments across the globe. Results suggested that while MEAN and BMA can reduce some uncertainties in the individual models, ML-based EEMs can better integrate the capabilities of multiple biophysical constraints on ET used across the individual models. The four ML-based EEMs yielded daily λE for training, validation, and testing datasets with the coefficient of determination (R2) and root mean squared error (RMSE) within 0.75 – 0.83 and 18 – 21 W m−2, respectively, among which the MLP algorithm was found to be the most efficient with respect to accuracies and costs. These performance metrics were much better than those from the conventional ensemble models (R2 = 0.69 – 0.71, RMSE = 23 – 25 W m−2) and six individual ET models (R2 = 0.53 – 0.69, RMSE = 26 – 35 W m−2). Results suggested that ML-based EEMs perform much better than the conventional approaches and hence can be viable tools for mapping cropland ET across a wide environmental gradient.

At optical frequencies, we design an anisotropic metasurface to realize high-Q perfect absorption in numerical calculation. By establishing the Norton equivalent network model, we first reveal that the root cause of this phenomenon is the coupling excitation of the localized surface plasmon (LSP) mode and the surface plasmon polariton (SPP) mode. This absorber can realize bifunctional switching and is expected to realize the energy conversion of photons–SPP–photons. Meanwhile, we analyze the control of the structural design on high-Q perfect absorption. This research will provide theoretical guidance for the further development of applications related to high-Q perfect absorption such as absorption filters with specific wavelengths and narrow band photon emitters.

The polarization of light, the vector nature of electromagnetic waves, is one of the fundamental parameters. Finding a direct and efficient method to measure the state of polarized light is extremely urgent for nano-optical applications. Based on Malus’s law, we design an ultracompact metasurface composed of silver nanorods, which is demonstrated to directly measure the state of linear polarization by a grayscale image. Using an ultrathin metasurface, we generate grayscale images with gradient grayscale levels which are linked directly to the polarization state of the incident light. The direction of the linear polarization of incident light can be conveniently and efficiently obtained through extracting the angle of the brightest area of the grayscale image. The ultrathin metasurface operates in the broadband 750–1100 nm spectral range. It is a novel and significant method to analyze the linear polarization state of light, which provides opportunities for various applications, such as polarimetric multispectral imaging and miniaturized polarimeter.

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare and very aggressive subtype of breast cancer with clinical manifestations similar to acute inflammation. The prognosis of IBC is still poor even though combination therapy with surgery, chemotherapy, and target therapy, mainly due to a lack of fully understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of IBC pathogenesis and progression. In the present article, we have comprehensively reviewed the connection of the pathogenesis of IBC and inflammation, immune reaction and cancer, particularly focused on the role and mechanism of tumor microenvironment related to IBC formation, tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion and metastasis as well as the clinical manifestations of IBC. As the diverse cells including inflammatory cells, immune cells, and tumor cells and the soluble molecules produced by these cells in the microenvironment play an essential role in IBC development and progression. Therefore, anti-inflammatory therapy and immunotherapy with available agents warrant further investigation in the treatment of IBC.