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Objectives Mortality of dermatomyositis patients positive with anti-melanoma differentiation-related gene 5 antibody (anti-MDA5-DM) is alarming, especially during the first several months. Infection is an important cause of early death. As there are no reports regarding the effect of prophylactic use of compounded sulfamethoxazole (coSMZ; each tablet contains 400 mg of sulfamethoxazole and 80 mg of trimethoprim) in anti-MDA5-DM patients, we conducted this study to evaluate the efficacy of coSMZ in reducing the incidence of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP). Methods Consecutive patients with new-onset anti-MDA5-DM from June 2018 to October 2021 in our centre were retrospectively reviewed for >12 months. They were divided into two groups—coSMZ and non-coSMZ—based on the initial use of prophylactic coSMZ. Mortality and the incidence of severe infection within 12 months were compared between two groups. Results Compared with the non-coSMZ group (n  = 93), the coSMZ group (n  = 121) had lower mortality (18.8% vs 51.1%; P   <  0.001) and a lower incidence of PJP (6.8% vs 15.2%; P  = 0.040) and fatal infection (16.1% vs 3.3%; P  = 0.001) during the first 12 months from diagnosis. After adjusting for age, gender, disease duration, peripheral blood lymphocyte count, anti-MDA5 antibody titres, ground-glass opacity scores and treatments, an inverse association was revealed between the prophylactic use of coSMZ and incidence of PJP [adjusted odds ratio 0.299 (95% CI 0.102–0.878), P  = 0.028]. Conclusion Prophylactic use of coSMZ is an effective and safe way to improve the prognosis of anti-MDA5-DM patients by preventing the incidence of PJP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Dermatomyositis (DM) positive with anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (anti-MDA5-DM) is a systemic autoimmune disease with high mortality. This study aimed to explore the risk factors of death in anti-MDA5-DM and validate a prediction model for all-cause mortality in anti-MDA5-DM. Method: We conducted a retrospective study using a single-centre cohort of patients with newly onset anti-MDA5-DM from June 1, 2018 to August 31, 2021. Patients were divided into four groups according to baseline ground-glass opacity (GGO) score: Group A, GGO ≤ 1; Group B, 1 < GGO ≤ 2; Group C, 2 < GGO ≤ 3; Group D, GGO > 3. The primary outcome was death during the follow-up. Secondary outcomes included death within 3, 6, 12 months, severe infection, and remission during the first 12 months. Results: A total of 200 patients were included in the study. Based on multivariable Cox regression, the prognostic factors at baseline were identified as CRP > 5 mg/L, serum ferritin (SF) > 600ng/ml, positive anti-Ro52 antibody, prophylactic use of compound sulfamethoxazole (SMZ Co), four-category GGO score: GGO ≤ 1, 1 < GGO ≤ 2, 2 < GGO ≤ 3, GGO > 3. The final mortality of four groups was 16.4, 22.2, 48.5, 92.0%, respectively. Compared with Group A, the Hazards Ratio (HR) of Group B was 1.408, (p = 0.408), HR of Group C was 3.433 (p = 0.005), HR of Group D was 4.376 (p = 0.001). Conclusions: GGO score is a reliable predictor for risk stratification in anti-MDA5-DM and may provide guidance for individualized managements of patients. Rheumatology key messages: • GGO score is a simple and reliable predictor for risk stratification in anti-MDA5-DM. • Baseline CRP > 5 mg/L, serum ferritin > 600 ng/ml and positive anti-Ro52 antibody are risk factors for death in anti-MDA5-DM patients, and prophylactic use of compound sulfamethoxazole is protective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with the entire solutions defined in the whole space and for all time t ∈ R of a public good game model. The existence of the entire solutions is proved by super- and sub-solution method. Traveling fronts with possibly different wave speeds are used to construct the super- and sub-solutions, in particular, the traveling fronts of a variant of KPP equation are used to derive the t < 0 part of the super solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyze the clinical features and outcomes of the patients with anti-glycyl tRNA synthetase (anti-EJ) syndrome in a large Chinese cohort. Methods: The medical records, imaging, and serologic data of patients with anti-EJ antibodies from the China-Japan Friendship Hospital database were retrospectively investigated. Anti-EJ antibodies were identified using immunoblot assay. Long-term follow-up was conducted. Results: Anti-EJ antibodies were present in 46 (19.7%) of the 234 patients with antisynthetase syndrome (ASS), preceded by anti-Jo-1 and anti-PL-7 antibodies. The mean age of disease onset was 51.2 ± 15.9 years, and 69.6% of these patients were female. The most prevalent clinical feature was interstitial lung disease (ILD) (96.7%), which was also the most common initial manifestation, followed by fever (60.9%), mechanic's hands (56.5%), muscle involvement (50%), and Raynaud phenomenon (8.7%). Ten (21.7%) patients developed rapidly progressive ILD (RP-ILD). Organizing pneumonia (OP) on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans (OR = 37.5, p = 0.006) and a higher C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR) (OR = 28.3, p = 0.01) were independent risk factors for RP-ILD. Muscular pathological features were heterogeneous. Concomitant infection was noted in 63.0% of the patients during the disease course. Hypoalbuminemia (OR = 0.759, p = 0.002) was an independent risk factor for concomitant infection. Patients responded well to glucocorticoid therapy. The 5- and 10-year survival rates of the patients with anti-EJ were 97.8% and 88%, respectively. Conclusion: Anti-EJ syndrome was found to be a relatively common ASS subtype, with a favorable outcome. A notable proportion of the patients experienced RP-ILD, which was prone to OP on HRCT and a higher CAR, and needed aggressive management. Key Points • ILD was the most common initial manifestation of anti-glycyl tRNA synthetase syndrome. • RP-ILD was notable in anti-EJ positive patients. • Anti-EJ positive patients possessed a favorable long-term prognosis, but easily relapsed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Mechanism of anti-MDA5+ DM remains to be fully elucidated. • Peripheral NK cell counts are suggested as biomarkers for monitoring disease activity and predicting short-term prognosis in anti-MDA5+ DM. • CD39+CD56brightCD16dim NK cells show potential in complication prediction and therapy innovation in anti-MDA5+ DM. To investigate the levels and phenotypes of peripheral natural killer (NK) cells in anti-MDA5+ dermatomyositis (DM) patients, and their association with clinical features. Peripheral NK cell counts (NKCCs) were retrospectively collected from 497 patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies and 60 healthy controls. Multi-color flow cytometry was used to determine the NK cell phenotypes in additional 48 DM patients and 26 healthy controls. The association of NKCC and NK cell phenotypes with the clinical features and prognosis were analyzed in anti-MDA5+ DM patients. NKCC was significantly lower in anti-MDA5+ DM patients than in those with other IIM subtypes and healthy controls. A significant decrease in NKCC was associated with disease activity. Furthermore, NKCC < 27 cells/μL was an independent risk factor for 6-month mortality in anti-MDA5+ DM patients. In addition, identification of the functional phenotype of NK cells revealed significantly increased expression of the inhibitory marker CD39 in CD56brightCD16dimNK cells of anti-MDA5+ DM patients. CD39+NK cells of anti-MDA5+ DM patients showed increased expression of NKG2A, NKG2D, Ki-67, decreased expression of Tim-3, LAG-3, CD25, CD107a, and reduced TNF-α production. Decreased cell counts and inhibitory phenotype are significant characteristics of peripheral NK cells in anti-MDA5+ DM patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is a tremendous challenge to prepare solvent-free dense energetic metal–organic frameworks (EMOFs), hence also to improve their stability and energetic performance. In this study, based on in situ microcalorimetry, an interpenetrating EMOF without solvent molecules, [Cu(tztr)]n (1, H2tztr = 3-(tetrazol-5-yl)triazole) was obtained, possessing high stability (Tdec = 360 °C) and outstanding energetic properties (ΔHdet = 7.53 kcal cm−3, D = 8.429 km s−1, P = 40.02 GPa). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two copper metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been synthesized using l -serine Schiff base (2-(2-oxhydryl-phenylmethanimine)-3-oxhydryl-propionic acid ​= ​H 2 pmpa) and L-tyrosine (L-Tyr). The new MOF {[Cu(pmpa)(H 2 O)]·H 2 O} n (1) and another MOF {Cu(L-Tyr) 2 } n (2) were prepared by a one-pot method, and indicate square-based pyramidal geometry. Both MOFs display outstanding catalytic effects for the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) and hexogen (RDX). [Display omitted] • Two copper MOFs were synthesized by green and simple one-pot method. • Both MOFs have excellent catalytic effect for thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) and hexogen (RDX). • The two amino acid MOFs provide new directions for stable, energy-free combustion catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To investigate the association between computed tomography (CT)-detected extramural venous invasion (EMVI)-related genes and immunotherapy resistance and immune escape in patients with gastric cancer (GC). Methods: Thirteen patients with pathologically proven locally advanced GC who had undergone preoperative abdominal contrast-enhanced CT and radical resection surgery were included in this study. Transcriptome sequencing was multidetector performed on the cancerous tissue obtained during surgery, and EMVI-related genes (P value for association < 0.001) were selected. A single-sample gene set enrichment analysis algorithm was also used to divide all GC samples (n = 377) in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database into high and low EMVI-immune related groups based on immune-related differential genes. Cluster analysis was used to classify EMVI-immune-related genotypes, and survival among patients was validated in TCGA and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) cohorts. The EMVI scores were calculated using principal component analysis (PCA), and GC samples were divided into high and low EMVI score groups. Microsatellite instability (MSI) status, tumor mutation burden (TMB), response rate to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), immune escape were compared between the high and low EMVI score groups. Hub gene of the model in pan-cancer analysis was also performed. Results: There were 17 EMVI-immune-related genes used for cluster analysis. PCA identified 8 genes (PCH17, SEMA6B, GJA4, CD34, ACVRL1, SOX17, CXCL12, DYSF) that were used to calculate EMVI scores. High EMVI score groups had lower MSI, TMB and response rate of ICIs, status but higher immune escape status. Among the 8 genes used for EMVI scores, CXCL12 and SOX17 were at the core of the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and had a higher priority in pan-cancer analysis. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the expression of CXCL12 and SOX17 was significantly higher in CT-detected EMVI-positive samples than in EMVI-negative samples (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: A CT-detected EMVI gene signature could be a potential negative biomarker for ICIs treatment, as the signature is negatively correlated with TMB, and MSI, resulting in poorer prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Uterine smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP) is a heterogeneous group of tumors with histological and biological diversity that cannot be defined as a benign leiomyoma or malignant leiomyosarcoma. The study aims to investigate the diagnostic methods, treatment management and prognosis of STUMP patients in a 13-year period.Study Design: We retrospectively reviewed the clinicopathologic information of 31 STUMP patients in Peking University People's Hospital. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare the difference of clinical characteristics between the women in myomectomy group and those in hysterectomy group.Results: The most common clinical presentation was menstrual disorder. The tumors were mainly manifested as hypoechoic, non-cystic nodules with low blood flow signal by pelvic doppler ultrasonography. Most tumors carried Ki-67 index ranging from 10% to 30%. Immunohistochemical markers such as ER, PR, p16 and Desmin was positively expressed in tumors. At the first operation, 21 cases underwent myomectomy and 10 cases underwent hysterectomy. The patients in myomectomy group were younger than those in hysterectomy group. In the follow-up period, two cases experienced a relapse in the form of STUMP within 36 months. One case died of cardiovascular accident while the other cases were alive. Six of 21 women in myomectomy group desired pregnancy and two healthy live births were recorded.Conclusion: The diagnosis of STUMP primarily depends on histopathologic features. Fertility-sparing surgery may be a treatment selection for patients with fertility desire. Patients with STUMP, especially in the case of myomectomy, should be informed of recurrence risk and monitored closely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To develop and evaluate a preoperative risk stratification model for predicting disease-free survival (DFS) based on contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography (ceMDCT) images in patients with gastric cancer (GC) undergoing radical surgery. Methods: We retrospectively enrolled patients with GC who underwent ceMDCT followed by radical surgery. A preoperative risk stratification model was constructed (including risk factor selection, risk status scoring, and risk level assignment) using Cox proportional hazard regression and log-rank analyses in the training cohort; the model was tested in the validation cohort. A nomogram was used to compare the preoperative risk stratification model with a postoperative DFS prediction model. Results: A total of 462 patients (training/validation: 271/191) were included. The ceMDCT features of T category (score of 0 or 2), N category (0, 1, 2, or 3), extramural vessel invasion (0 or 2), and tumor location (0 or 1) were selected to construct the preoperative risk stratification model, with 4 risk levels defined based on risk score. There were significant differences in DFS among the risk levels in both cohorts (p < 0.001). The predictive value of the preoperative model was similar to that of the postoperative model, with concordance indices of 0.791 (95% CI, 0.743–0.837) and 0.739 (95% CI, 0.666–0.812), respectively, in the training cohort and 0.762 (95% CI, 0.696–0.828) and 0.738 (95% CI, 0.684–0.792), respectively, in the validation cohort. Conclusion: A preoperative risk stratification model based on ceMDCT images could be used to predict DFS and thus classify GC cases into various risk levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A facile and highly efficient fluorescence turn-on switch strategy based on the diketone isomerization was developed. • Peroxynitrite can selectively mediate this isomerization, and a selective probe of peroxynitrite was established. • The probe showed faster response time, lower detection limit and high selectivity toward peroxynitrite. • The probe was applied to the imaging of endogenously peroxynitrite in living cells. A fluorescence turn-on switch induced by functional group conversion offers great potential in fluorescent probes and bioimaging due to its high specificity and efficiency. Exploring novel fluorescence turn-on switches and their singling mechanism are of great significance. In this manuscript, a novel fluorescent turn-on switch strategy induced by diketone isomerization was reported. It was found that when the diketone group of the synthesized coumarin derivative was converted into its monoketone or carboxylic acid derivatives, it could be illuminated. With this fluorescence turn-on strategy, the obtained probe could be used as a trigger for peroxynitrite (ONOO−). The imaging and monitoring of ONOO− in RAW 264.7 cells endogenously induced by acetaminophen and heat shock were successfully achieved. This diketone isomerization strategy will promote the design and construction of a series of novel redox probes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Unresponsive thin endometrium caused by Asherman syndrome (AS) is the major cause of uterine infertility. However, current therapies are ineffective. This study is to evaluate the effect of transplantation with collagen scaffold/umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (CS/UC-MSCs) on this refractory disease. Methods: Eighteen infertile women with unresponsive thin endometrium, whose frozen–thawed embryo transfers (FETs) were cancelled due to reduced endometrial thickness (ET ≤ 5.5 mm), were enrolled in this before and after self-control prospective study. Hysteroscopic examination was performed to confirm no intrauterine adhesions, then twenty million UC-MSCs loaded onto a CS were transplanted into the uterine cavity in two consecutive menstrual cycles. Then uterine cavity was assessed through hysteroscopy after two transplants. FETs were performed in the following cycle. Pregnancy outcomes were followed up. Endometrial thickness, uterine receptivity and endometrial angiogenesis, proliferation and hormone response were compared before and after treatment. Results: Sixteen patients completed the study. No treatment-related serious adverse events occurred. Three months after transplantation, the average ET increased from 4.08 ± 0.26 mm to 5.87 ± 0.77 mm (P < 0.001). Three of 15 patients after FET got pregnant, of whom 2 gave birth successfully and 1 had a miscarriage at 25 weeks' gestation. One of 2 patients without FET had a natural pregnancy and gave birth normally after transplantation. Immunohistochemical analysis showed increased micro-vessel density, upregulated expression of Ki67, estrogen receptor alpha, and progesterone receptor, indicating an improvement in endometrial angiogenesis, proliferation, and response to hormones. Conclusion: CS/UC-MSCs is a promising and potential approach for treating women with unresponsive thin endometrium caused by AS. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03724617. Registered on 26 October 2018—prospectively registered, https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/ [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Question: Does metformin inhibit excessive androgen-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in mouse granulosa cells (GCs) in vivo and in vitro?Summary Answer: Metformin inhibits testosterone-induced ER stress and unfolded protein response (UPR) activation by suppressing p38 MAPK phosphorylation in ovarian GCs.What Is Known Already: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with hyperandrogenism. Excessive testosterone induces ER stress and UPR activation in human cumulus cells, leading to cell apoptosis. Metformin has potential inhibitory effects on ER stress and UPR activation, as demonstrated in human pancreatic beta cells and obese mice.Study Design, Size, Duration: Cumulus cells and follicular fluid were collected from 25 women with PCOS and 25 controls at our IVF centre. A dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced PCOS mouse model was constructed and treated with or without metformin. Primary mouse GCs and cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were cultured with testosterone, metformin, a p38 MAPK inhibitor, or p38 MAPK small interfering RNA.Participants/materials, Setting, Methods: The levels of UPR sensor proteins and UPR-related genes were measured in cumulus cells from PCOS and control patients by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) and western blot. The ovaries, oocytes, GCs and COCs were collected from PCOS mice treated with metformin and controls. The expressions of ER stress markers and p38 MAPK phosphorylation were assessed by qPCR, western blot and immunofluorescence. A subsequent in vitro analysis with primary cultured GCs and COCs was used to confirm the influence of metformin on ER stress activation by qPCR and western blot. Finally, the effects of ER stress activation on GCs and COCs in relation to LH responsiveness were examined by qPCR and COC expansion.Main Results and the Role Of Chance: The expression of the ER stress markers GRP78, CHOP and XBP1s in the cumulus cells was higher in PCOS patients than in control patients, as were the levels of the UPR sensor proteins p-IRE1α, p-EIF2α and GRP78. Compared to those of control mice, the ovaries, GCs and COCs of DHT-treated PCOS mice showed increased levels of ER stress marker genes and proteins. Hyperandrogenism in PCOS mouse ovaries also induced p38 MAPK phosphorylation in COCs and GCs. Metformin inhibited ER stress activation was associated with decreased p-p38 MAPK levels. In vitro experiments, testosterone-induced ER stress was mitigated by metformin or p38 MAPK inhibition in primary cultured GCs and COCs. COCs expanded rapidly in the presence of testosterone during LH administration, and ovulation-related genes, namely, Areg, Ereg, Ptgs2, Sult1e1, Ptx3 and Tnfaip6, were strongly expressed in the COCs and GCs. These effects were reversed by treatment with metformin, an ER stress inhibitor or by knockdown of p38 MAPK.Limitations, Reasons For Caution: The number of PCOS patients in this study was small.Wider Implications Of the Findings: This study provides further evidence for metformin as a PCOS treatment.Study Funding/competing Interest(s): This study was funded by the National Key Research and Developmental Program of China (2018YFC1004800), the Key Research and Development Program of Zhejiang Province (2017C03022), the Zhejiang Province Medical Science and Technology Plan Project (2017KY085, 2018KY457), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31701260, 81401264, 81701514), and the Special Funds for Clinical Medical Research of the Chinese Medical Association (16020320648). The authors report no conflict of interest in this work and have nothing to disclose.Trial Registration Number: N/A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study investigated potential correlations between the expression levels of ADAMTS1 and HSPG2 in cumulus cells (CCs) and controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) outcomes. Methods: RT-PCR was used to determine ADAMTS1 and HSPG2 mRNA levels in mice CCs at different timepoints (0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 h) after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) injection, and in CCs after RNAi treatment. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (n = 45) and normal ovulatory controls (n = 103) undergoing IVF/ICSI were recruited. Relative ADAMTS1 and HSPG2 mRNA levels were measured by RT-PCR. Moreover, correlations of ADAMTS1 and HSPG2 levels with COH outcomes were analyzed. Results: At different timepoints after hCG treatment, ADAMTS1 mRNA had the highest level at 12 h, whereas HSPG2 showed opposite profiles to ADAMTS1 with the lowest level at 12 h. HSPG2 expression was upregulated after ADAMTS1 RNAi treatment The PCOS group had higher HSPG2 and lower ADAMTS1 expression levels than controls. In normal ovulatory women (control group), a higher expression of ADAMTS1 and lower expression of HSPG2 were associated with more mature oocytes, transplantable embryos, and good quality embryos, whereas higher transplantable embryo rates and good quality embryo rates were obtained only with lower HSPG2 expression. ROC curves showed the co-measurement of ADAMTS1 and HSPG2 had a better predictive power than separate analyses. Conclusion: The dynamic profiles of ADAMTS1 and HSPG2 were inversely correlated in CCs. In PCOS and normal ovulatory patients, higher ADAMTS1 and lower HSPG2 expression levels in CCs were related to better COH outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A non-enzymatic and highly electrocatalytic H 2 O 2 biosensor was proposed by using a novel electrode composed of hemin-capped biomineralized gold nanoparticles (Hem@AuNPs), reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and chitosan (CS). Owing to the excellent electrocatalytic activity of Hem@AuNPs and great conductivity of rGO, this developed biosensor is capable of ultrasensitive measuring H 2 O 2 in real-time. In addition, the introduction of CS resulted in a film on the electrode, which can enhance the stability by protecting the biosensor from external disturbances. Taking advantages of the peroxidase-like activities of the nanohybrids, the developed electrode exhibited outstanding electrochemical performance toward H 2 O 2 with high selectivity, fast response, superior sensitivity and good stability. More importantly, the lower determination limit of 9.3 nM and wider linear ranges of 5 orders of magnitude enable this biosensor to detect H 2 O 2 releasing from living Hela cells accurately. This work provides tremendous potential for real-time monitoring the secretion of H 2 O 2 in living cells. Highlights • Introduction of biomineralized AuNPs and rGO increases the electrochemical performance of hemin greatly. • The biosensor Hem@AuNPs/rGO/CS/GCE exhibits marvelous electrocatalytic activity towards the non-enzymatic detection of H 2 O 2. • This biosensor can be used to the real-time monitoring of H 2 O 2 released from living cancer cells with satisfactory result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Extramural venous invasion (EMVI) is defined histologically as the active invasion of tumor cells to the lumens of mesenteric vessels beyond the muscularis propria in advanced gastrointestinal cancer, resulting in distant metastases. Purpose To determine the association between synchronous metastatic disease in patients with T4 gastric cancer and EMVI detected on contrast-enhanced multiple-row detector computed tomography (MDCT). Material and Methods A total of 152 patients with T4 gastric carcinoma were retrospectively reviewed and divided into EMVI-positive and EMVI-negative groups where EMVI, as detected on MDCT, was defined as a tubular or nodular soft tissue thickening extending from the tumor along the vessels of the mesentery. Synchronous metastases were detected by MDCT and/or confirmed by postoperative diagnosis. Logistic regression analyses were performed to analyze the predictive factors of synchronous metastases in gastric cancer. Results Synchronous metastases were found in 47 of 152 (30.9%) patients with T4 gastric cancer. Thirty-one of 77 (40.3%) patients in the EMVI-positive group had evidence of metastases compared to 16 (21.3%) of 75 patients in the EMVI-negative group ( P = 0.019). Synchronous metastases were significantly associated with EMVI with an odds ratio (OR) of 2.250 (95% CI, 1.072-4.724). Conclusion EMVI-positive tumors, as an adverse imaging feature, were significantly associated with synchronous metastases in patients with T4 gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the 1-year progression-free survival (PFS) of extramural venous invasion (EMVI), detected with contrast-enhanced multiple-row detector computed tomography (ceMDCT), in patients with stage III gastric cancer. Methods: Between January 2009 and December 2013, 117 patients with pathological-proved stage III gastric cancer based on the criteria of the AJCC 7th were included in this retrospective study. All patients underwent adjuvant chemotherapy postoperatively and had been monitored with the follow-up chest/abdomen/pelvis ceMDCT on 3, 6, and 12 months post-operation. Two radiologists reviewed preoperative images regarding the presence of EMVI, categories of tumor and categories of lymph node. Conventional prognostic histological factors including pathological T/N status, tumor location/growth pattern, histological type/tumor differentiation, and tumor size were also recorded. Disease progression was defined as the presence of radiological or/and pathology-confirmed metachronous metastases, local recurrence, or gastric cancer-related death. The 1-year PFS for both EMVI-positive and EMVI-negative was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier product limit. Hazard ratios for 1-year PFS were generated using a Cox proportional hazard regression on ceMDCT tumor characteristics. Results: The prevalence of EMVI detected with ceMDCT was 43.6% (51/117) in patients with stage III gastric cancer. The EMVI-positive patients had significantly lower 1-year PFS rates (45.1%), than the EMVI-negative patients (75.8%), (Log-rank test, P = 0.0008). In a Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, EMVI and tumor location/growth pattern were identified as independent prognostic factors of 1-year PFS with hazard ratio of 2.272 (95% CI 1.133-4.556, P = 0.021) and 1.982 (95% CI 1.040-3.780, P = 0.039), respectively. Conclusion: EMVI status, detected with ceMDCT, could be used to counsel patients regarding ongoing risks of metastatic disease, implications for surveillance, and systemic chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The band gap of reduced graphene oxide, playing a key role in many application fields, could be controllably tuned by oxygen group. Otherwise, up to now, it is unclear for the relation between these two. Herein, it was addressed by analyzing the thermogravimetric analysis, fourier infrared spectroscopy, and in-situ infrared spectroscopy, a nonlinear variable band gap was confirmed by fitting Tauc plot and also by light responses of RGO detective devices. The results showed that the reduction of oxygen group strongly relies on the annealing temperature. Different oxygen groups were lost at different temperatures. The hydroxyl group and carboxyl groop was lost before 200 °C, the epoxy group and carbonyl group was lost between 200 and 400 °C, the C-OH was lost at 400–600 °C, which exactly led to nonlinear variable band gap from 1.9 eV to 0.9 eV. In addition, the nonlinear photoelectric response of RGO light detective device further proved that trend of band gap. Our work pave a way to deeply apply RGO into electronic fields. [Display omitted] • The relationship between the change of RGO band gap and oxygen group was obtained by in situ infrared spectroscopy. • RGO and silicon are assembled into heterojunction photodetectors, and the trend of band gap variation is proved by the change of its photoelectric response • The relationship among reduction temperature, oxygen group, band gap and photoelectric response was established [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various millimetre-, centimetre- and metre-scale soft-sediment deformation structures (SSDS) have been identified in the Upper Ordovician and Lower-Middle Silurian from deep drilling cores in the Tarim Basin (NW China). These structures include liquefied-sand veins, liquefaction-induced breccias, boudinage-like structures, load and diapir- or flame-like structures, dish and mixed-layer structures, hydroplastic convolutions and seismic unconformities. The deformed layers are intercalated by undeformed layers of varying thicknesses that are petrologically and sedimentologically similar to the deformed layers. The SSDS developed in a shelf environment during the early Late Ordovician and formed initially under shear tensile stress conditions, as indicated by boudinage-like structures; during the latest Ordovician, SSDS formed under a com-pressional regime. The SSDS in the Lower-Middle Silurian consist mainly of mixed layers and sand veins; they formed in shoreline and tidal-flat settings with liquefaction features indicating an origin under a compressional stress regime. By Silurian times, the centre of tectonic activity had shifted to the south-eastern part of the basin. The SSDS occur at different depths in wells that are close to the syn-sedimentary Tazhong 1 Fault (TZ1F) and associated reversed-thrust secondary faults. Based on their characteristics, the inferred formation mechanism and the spatial association with faults, the SSDS are interpreted as seismites. The Tazhong 1 fault was a seismogenic fault during the later Ordovician, whereas the reversed-direction secondary faults became active in the Early-Middle Silurian. Multiple palaeo-earthquake records reflect pulses and cyclicity, which supports secondary tectonic activity within the main tectonic movement. The range of SSDS structures reflects different developments of tectonic activity with time for the various tectonic units of the centralbasin. The effects of the strong palaeo-earthquake activity coincide with uplift, fault activity and syn-tectonic sedimentation in the study area during the Late Ordovician to Middle Silurian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To define potential factors that could predict concomitant neoplastic diseases in patients diagnosed with PM/DM, which could inform screening decisions. Methods: Two researchers independently reviewed articles from Pubmed (MEDLINE), EMBASE, Cochrane Plus Library and ISI Web of Knowledge with no restrictions on study design or language. Given that some of the studies combined PM and DM patients as research subjects while others included only DM patients, data were subjected to meta-analyses for all combined PM/DM studies and studies that included only DM patients to obtain informative results. Results: For PM/DM patients, the following factors are all associated with an increased risk of malignancy: older age, age greater than 45, male sex, dysphagia, cutaneous necrosis, cutaneous vasculitis, rapid onset of myostis (<4 weeks), elevated CK, higher ESR, higher CRP levels. Several factors were associated with lower-than-average risk, including the presence of ILD, arthritis/arthralgia, Raynaud's syndrome, or anti-Jo-1 antibody. For DM patients, results indicated an increased risk of malignancy with older age, male sex, the presence of cutaneous necrosis, elevated ESR (>35 mm/hr), higher CRP levels, or anti-p155 antibody. In addition, the presence of anti-ENA antibodies seem to be related to reduced risk of malignancy. Conclusion: Awareness and implementation of early-stage cancer screening in PM/DM patients who have these identified factors – such as being older than 45, male sex, cutaneous necrosis, cutaneous vasculitis – are of crucial importance from public health and clinical perspectives and provide insight into the etiopathogenesis of CAM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate whether computed tomography (CT) could be used for screening and surveillance of small gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (gGISTs).Method: A total of 162 pathologically confirmed small gGISTs (≤2 cm) between September 2007 and November 2019 were retrospectively enrolled. Thirty-six lesions received contrast-enhanced CT after they were identified by endoscopy and EUS, and forty-three lesions received CT alone before surgery. The detection rate of CT for ≤1 cm gGISTs (micro-gGISTs) and 1-2 cm gGISTs (mini-gGISTs) was investigated, and the detection rate of CT alone was compared with that of CT following endoscopy and EUS. The relationship between EUS- and CT-detected high-risk features were assessed.Results: CT demonstrated a favorable detection rate for mini-gGISTs previously identified by EUS and endoscopy, whereas CT alone showed an inferior detection rate (100 % vs. 75 %, p =  0.02). CT showed a poor detection rate for micro-gGISTs, both for lesions received CT after identified by EUS and endoscopy, and those received CT alone (33.3 % vs. 14.8 %, p =  0.372). CT-detected heterogeneous enhancement pattern and presence of calcification were strongly correlated with heterogeneous echotexture (Spearman's ρ=0.66, p < 0.001) and echogenic foci (Spearman's ρ=0.79, p < 0.001) on EUS, respectively. CT-detected necrosis was moderately correlated with cystic spaces on EUS (Spearman's ρ=0.42, p = 0.02). No correlation was found between EUS- and CT- assessed irregular border.Conclusions: CT could potentially be considered as a surrogate of EUS for surveillance of mini-gGISTs instead of micro-gGISTs, whereas couldn't be used as a screening modality for either micro- or mini-gGISTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on use of rubidium-strontium (Rb-Sr) dating method to determine the age of sphalerite from the Mississippi Valley-type (MVT) zinc-lead (Zn-Pb) deposits in China. Topics discussed include study on sphalerite samples from different region from Sichuan-Yunnan-Guizhou Province, measurements of isotopic Rb and Sr using a VG-354 ionization mass spectrometer and the helium-argon (He-Ar) isotopic system which show that sources ore-forming fluids is mainly precipitate water.