Low Cr Research Articles

Pressure effect on the structural, magnetic and thermophysical properties of X12Cr13 martensitic stainless steel prepared by powder metallurgy method

Low carbon (C: 0.03-0.15%) and high Cr contents (Cr: 11-15%) martensitic stainless steel (MSS) is widely used for industrial applications due to its good mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. In this study, we investigated the pressure effect on the structural, magnetic and thermophysical properties of X12Cr13 MSS which was compacted using powder metallurgy method under 400 and 600 MPa pressures and sintered at 1200 °C temperature for an hour under Ar atmosphere. Pressing and sintering processes resulted in increased density of microstructures from 5.84 g/cm 3 to 6.12 g/cm 3 , decreased porosity from 7.58% to 3.39%, increased hardness from 93.24 HB to 110.09 HB (N/ mm 2 ) and decreased carbide particles from 2.65% to 2.13 wt% in the structures. We observed α -Fe, γ -Fe and M 23 C 6 (M: Cr or Fe) phase formations in the structure due to the applied pressure and the sintering process. The magnetic properties of these steels have been investigated as a function of temperature between 300-400 K and applied magnetic field of ±4 T. We observed improved magnetic properties with increasing pressure, and ferromagnetic to paramagnetic phase transition occurred from 300 K to 400 K. While maximum saturation magnetization is found to be 70 emu/g at 300 K for 600 MPa sample, maximum magnetic susceptibility and permeability for 600 MPa sintered sample are recorded as 17.13 and 1.08 m 3 /kg, respectively. Also, the maximum specific heat capacity and enthalpy are recorded as 1.85 J/g °C and 536.05 J/g (at 579 °C temperature) on the sample compacted on the 600 MPa pressure, respectively. • X12Cr13 MSS samples were prepared by P/M method at 400 MPa and 600 MPa. • 600 MPa pressing and 1200 °C sintering enhanced physical and magnetic properties • MSS prepared at 600 MPa exhibits 110.09 HB hardness and 6.12 g/cm 3 density. • The maximum saturation magnetization found to be 70 emu/g at RT for 600 MPa sample. • The 600 MPa sample provided 536.0 J/g heat storage capacity at 579°C.

Association of Plant and Microorganisms on Textile Wastewater Remediation

Phytoremediation of heavy metals containing textile wastewater using vetiver grass (Chrysopogone zizanioides) associated with Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been performed. Two levels of heavy metal in wastewater (<1 and 100 ppm) in two replication were treated using C. Zizanioides associated with Bacillus sp. and C. Zizanioides associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Assessment of C. zizanioides capability was determined by the efficiency of heavy metals (Cu and Cr) removal and its accumulation in both of leaves and roots of the plants. It was obtained that the experiment of low concentration of Cr was totally eliminated from 0.06 to 0.00 ppm and on the other hand, about 42.6 percent (of 118.65 to 66.06 ppm) for high concentration decreased using C. zizanioides with Bacillus sp. The use of C zizanioides associated with P. aeruginosa was also able to eliminate totally low concentration Cr in textile wastewater (0.08 to 0.00 ppm) and about 69.2 percent (158.76 to 48.9 ppm) of the high Cr concentration. Elimination of Cu from wastewater was 74.4% (0.48 to 0.12) and 55.7% (61.34 to 27.16 ppm) for the treatment using C. zizanioides with Bacillus sp. at a low and high level of concentrations respectively. Meanwhile, combined C. zizanioides with Pseudomonas aeruginosa absorb the Cu 100% (0.36 to 0.00 ppm) and 65% (64.93 to 22.77 ppm) for wastewater with low and high concentrations of Cu respectively. Combination of C. zizanioides, Bacillus sp., and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are fruitful in heavy metals containing wastewater remediation.

The association between cognitive reserve, cognition and brain age in Midlife: The CARDIA Study

AbstractBackgroundCognitive reserve (CR) factors have been suggested to be protective of cognitive function in older adults. Less is known about this relationship in midlife, and whether the protective effect of CR may depend on brain age (relative to chronological age) in midlife. We aimed to investigate whether CR factors are associated with cognition in midlife, independent of brain age.MethodsAs part of the ongoing prospective Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study, we identified 612 Black and White participants (mean age 55 SD 3.5) with brain MRI and cognitive testing. We generated a CR composite score from structural equation modeling including four CR‐enhancing factors: education, cognitive activities, occupational cognitive complexity, and adult literacy. Cognitive function was assessed at Year 30 with a composite measure of tests of memory, processing speed, executive function, and language. Brain age was ascertained using a previously validated high dimensional neuroimaging pattern analysis, based on machine learning algorithms, that quantifies individual differences in age‐related atrophy using MRI‐derived structural brain characteristics. We used linear regression to assess the associations between CR composite above or below median (high versus low), brain aging, and cognitive function, adjusting for chronological age, sex, race, intracranial volume, and scanning site.ResultsThere was a modest association between the CR composite and brain age; higher CR was associated with lower brain age (β‐0.40, CI: ‐0.67 to ‐0.13). High CR was associated with better performance on all cognitive tests compared to low CR (p&lt;0.001 for all). These associations remained with the inclusion of brain age as a covariate. Having high CR is associated with better cognitive performance regardless of brain age (Figure 1).ConclusionOur findings suggest that CR factors are associated with better cognitive function in midlife, and that brain aging and CR are two independent factors that may contribute to cognitive aging in midlife.

A transverse Ising model for the Fe50-xCr25+xV25 Heusler alloy

• Cr contents are modelled by EFT. • M-T curves are obtained. • TIM is very successful for the lower Cr contents. • Critical transverse fields are obtained vs Cr contents. Effects of chromium (Cr) contents on ferromagnetic properties of the Heusler alloy are modeled and analyzed by using the effective field theory (EFT) in the context of the transverse Ising model (TIM). Temperature dependent results due to variations in magnetization and Curie temperature are provided. The bridge constant between EFT and experimental magnetization is obtained as k=140. It is shown that the theoretical results of magnetization match with the experimental results reported by Shen et al. for a certain critical transverse field. Cr content effects on the transverse field.

Effect of Cr on Isothermal Structure Transformation of Iron Oxide Scale

Herein, the effect of different contents of Cr on the isothermal structure transformation of FeO is systematically studied by a thermogravimetric analyzer, and it is found that the temperature range of eutectoid transformation of FeO in Fe–Cr alloy is 300–500 °C. Combined with the experimental data, the kinetic model of isothermal phase transformation of FeO is established based on Johnson–Mehl–Avrami–Kolmogorov equation, and the time–temperature–transformation curve of isothermal transformation of FeO is predicted, which follows the law of C curve, and the C curve shifts backward with the increase of Cr content. Therm‐calc thermodynamic software calculates the Fe–O phase diagrams of different Cr contents. Combined with the experimental results, the effect mechanism of Cr content on FeO eutectoid transformation is clarified. With the increase of Cr content, the stability of FeO decreases, and under the same isothermal temperature and time, high Cr content has greater undercooling, a higher driving force of phase transition, and the starting time of eutectoid transformation is earlier than that of lower Cr content.

Cadomian metabasites of the Eastern Pyrenees revisited

This study presents a new geochemical, petrological, and geochronological U–Pb dataset from Ediacaran metabasites of the Canigó and Cap de Creus massifs, Eastern Pyrenees. The rocks are composed of calcic amphibole + plagioclase + chlorite + epidote ± quartz plus titanite + apatite + ilmenite ± biotite ± rutile as accessory phases and show relict igneous textures. Peak pressure-temperature determinations share common conditions, ranging 452–482ºC and 5.2–7.7kbar. These intermediate P-T conditions suggest Barrovian-type metamorphism, most likely related to a collisional setting. The metabasites correspond to evolved basaltic rocks (Mg#&lt;0.55) with moderate TiO2 content (up to 2.08wt.%) and relatively low Cr (43–416ppm). The rocks are moderately enriched in light rare earth elements (LREE) relative to heavy rare earth elements (HREE) (average (La/Lu)n of 2.7) and the N-MORB normalized multi-element patterns show negative slopes, with prominent negative Nb anomalies ((Nb/La)NMORB=0.33–0.78). These variations are akin to island arc tholeiites generated in back-arc basins and to other metabasites described in the Eastern Pyrenees with a putative Ediacaran age, and they differ from the Ordovician tholeiitic metabasites from the Canigó massif, which derived from a contaminated E-MORB source. The positive ƐNd(T) values (0.82–3.05) of the studied metabasites preclude a notable contribution from an older continental crust. U-Pb dating (LA-ICP-MS) of one chlorite-rich schist sample in contact with the metabasites from the Canigó massif yielded a main peak at ca. 632Ma. We argue that the Cadomian metabasites from the Pyrenees formed during back-arc extension in the continental margin of Gondwana and were later affected by (probably early Variscan) medium-P metamorphism before the HT-LP metamorphism classically described in the Pyrenees.

Trends and Factors Associated With Cardiac Rehabilitation Participation - Data From Japanese Nationwide Databases.

Few studies have comprehensively evaluated the trends and factors associated with CR participation across major cardiovascular diseases in Japan.Methods and Results: This study performed a nationwide cross-sectional study using the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan and the Japanese Registry of All Cardiac and Vascular Diseases and the Diagnosis Procedure Combination database. This study described the nationwide trends and evaluated patient- and hospital-level associated factors of CR participation for patients with acute heart failure (AHF), acute coronary syndrome (ACS), acute aortic dissection (AAD), peripheral artery disease (PAD), and after cardiovascular surgery using mixed-effect logistic regression analysis. Although the annual number of patients who underwent CR has increased during the study period, the total number of patients participating in outpatient CR was lower than that of inpatient CR. The outpatient CR participation rate was lower for patients with AHF (3.5%), AAD (3.2%), and PAD (1.7%), compared with ACS (7.9%) and after surgery (9.4%). Age, sex, body mass index, Barthel index, Charlson comorbidity index, and institutional capacity were identified as significant associated factors of CR participation in inpatient and outpatient settings. Participation in outpatient CR was still low, and higher age, multi-comorbidity, and low institutional capacity contributed to the lower outpatient CR participation rate. Identification of the associated factors may help cardiologists to increase CR participation.

Petrogenesis of mantle peridotites in Neo‐Tethyan ophiolites from the Eastern Himalaya and Indo‐Myanmar Orogenic Belt in the geo‐tectonic framework of Southeast Asia

The Neo‐Tethyan ophiolites of the Tuting‐Tidding Suture Zone (TTSZ), Eastern Himalaya (viz., Tidding Ophiolite Complex and Mayodia Ophiolite Complex) and Indo‐Myanmar Orogenic Belt (IMOB, i.e., Nagaland Ophiolite Complex and Manipur Ophiolite Complex) which lie along the southern extension of the Indus‐Tsangpo Suture Zone have been collectively investigated through the mantle‐derived peridotite sequence. The peridotites (harzburgite and dunites) in the Eastern Himalaya ophiolites are refractory, constrained by the high Fo olivine content (~95), high Cr# [Cr/(Cr + Al)] (0.90–0.99), as well as by the parental melt composition of Cr‐spinels (Al2O3 melt = 3.05–7.55 wt%, FeO/MgO = 0.69–6.46). They have slightly “U‐shaped” chondrite‐normalized Rare Earth Elements (REE) patterns with slight enrichment in Light Rare Earth Elements (LREE) relative to the patterns expected for residues of partial melting, thereby indicating a reaction with the LREE‐enriched melt. These peridotites represent residual portions of a depleted/enriched mantle that underwent partial melting up to 23% in the nascent forearc of an intra‐oceanic subduction zone, and later metasomatized by high‐temperature silicate melts and low‐temperature hydrous fluids. They are composed of a very refractory olivine‐spinel assemblage (Fo: 91.68–96.44; Cr#: 0.90–0.99), corroborating a boninitic parentage, with influence from melt‐rock interactions. In the case of the IMOB ophiolites, a wide range of chemical compositions is observed in the mantle sequence. Lherzolites display low Cr# (0.12–0.26) and TiO2 (&lt;0.11) associated with high Mg# [Mg/(Mg + Fet)] (0.69–0.76) in the Cr‐spinels present in them. They represent the residual product of a fertile mantle that underwent low‐degree partial melting (2%–10%) in a divergent mid‐ocean ridge (MOR) tectonic setting. On the other hand, the harzburgites and dunites of the IMOB have high Cr# (0.84–0.90) and low TiO2 (&lt;0.06 wt%) Cr‐spinels and exhibit slightly U‐shaped REE distributions indicating their derivation from a highly depleted mantle source, which experienced higher degree partial melting (17%–24%) similar to those of supra‐subduction zone (SSZ) harzburgites and dunites of the TTSZ peridotites. The occurrence of both MOR and SSZ types of melting regimes indicates that the peridotites in the IMOB ophiolites formed at two major different stages of the pre‐subduction and subduction events, respectively. However, the peridotites of Eastern Himalaya ophiolites were formed only during subduction tectonics. Thus, we argue that the mantle peridotites in the ophiolites of northeast India evolved from lherzolite through clinopyroxene‐harzburgite and harzburgite then to highly refractory dunite, supporting multistage melting and melt‐rock reaction processes during their generation.

Clinical and Functional Implications of MYC Variants As a New Class of Pathogenic Variants in AML

MYC, a well-known oncogene, is implicated in a majority of cancers, but there is little data on its role in myeloid malignancies. We recently described a novel internal tandem duplication of MYC gene (MYC-ITD) in a subset of patients with AML. As the prevalence of MYC aberrations have not been well documented in AML, we interrogated the genome, transcriptome and associated clinical and laboratory data from the largest cohort of pediatric AML patients to define the prevalence, frequency of co-occurring cytomolecular alterations and outcomes associated with MYC variants. Mutation Profiling: Diagnostic specimens from 1,806 patients with AML (age 0-29 years) enrolled on COG Phase III trials were retrospectively interrogated using contemporary NGS techniques or a PCR based "Tandem Repeat" assay for MYC-ITD. Conventional karyotyping and mutational analysis, including NGS, were used to determine additional cytogenetic and molecular abnormalities. Of the 1,806 patients studied, MYC aberrations were identified in 58 patients (3.2%) with 50% (N=29) harboring MYC-ITD, 46.5% (N=27) with a SNV or indel (MYCSNV/indel) and 2 patients (3.5%) with dual MYC-ITD and SNV. For MYC-ITD, tandem duplications occurred in exon 3 (Max binding domain) with ITD lengths ranging from 252-588 bp. The majority of MYCSNV/indel (77%) were identified at the P72-P78 hotspot with 33.3% (N=9) harboring the P74>L mutation and 18.5% (N=5) having the T73>N mutation. Functional Studies: Given the novelty of the ITD variant, we initially characterized the functional properties of MYC-ITD in vitro. Similar to wild-type (MYCWT), MYC-ITD is localized to the nucleus and requires Max to bind to specific DNA sequences (E-boxes). However, in contrast to MYCWT, MYC-ITD fails to recognize sequences containing a single E-box in vitro, but exhibits higher affinity toward sequences with two or more E-boxes. MYC-ITD is consistently more efficient in activating promoters with multiple E-boxes than MYCWT. Thus, MYC-ITD may possess different DNA-binding and protein-interacting properties, potentially leading to altered transcriptional regulation and biological output. Given the alterations in DNA binding properties, we evaluated the functional consequences of MYC-ITD in our cord blood stem cell/endothelial cell (EC) co-culture system. Normal cord blood stem cells were transduced with MYC-ITD vs. MYCWT and grown in an EC co-culture system. MYC-ITD transduced cord blood stem cells showed significantly higher proliferation compared to MYCWT or control GFP-transduced cells with proliferation advantage of 37-and 45-fold after 14 and 21 days in co-culture, respectively (p<0.001). Clinical Impact: Analysis of cooperating cytomolecular lesions revealed a striking difference between MYC-ITD and MYCSNV/indel. MYC-ITD was highly enriched in core-binding factor (CBF) AML found in 86% (N=25)[(N=18, 62%) with inv(16) and (N=7, 24%) with t(8;21)] (Figure 1A), vs. 26% in the MYCWT cohort and had a paucity of somatic mutations. Conversely, MYCSNV/indel was enriched in NUP98-NSD1 fusions (N=7, 27%), FLT3-ITD (N=10, 38%) and NPM1 mutations (N=9, 33%) (Figure 1A), which was significantly higher than the WT cohort. Patients with MYC-ITD had a morphologic CR rate after course 1 of 92.3% vs. 80% (p=0.249) in patients with MYCSNV/indel with a corresponding relapse rate of 24% and 52% (p=0.046). Lower CR and higher relapse reflects the higher proportion of patients with high-risk lesions (FLT3-ITD, NUP98-NSD1 and WT1) in MYCSNV/indel and favorable CBF in MYCITD. Those with MYC-ITD and MYCSNV/indel had a 5-year event free survival (EFS) of 70% vs. 38.5%, respectively (p=0.018) with a corresponding overall survival (OS) of 76% and 47% (p=0.023) similar to patients with favorable or high risk disease (Figure 1B). Conclusion: Here we define MYC aberrations as a new class of pathogenic variants in childhood AML. We demonstrate functional and clinical characterization of a novel MYC-ITD and contrast this novel variant to that of established pathogenic MYCSNV/indel. We show the high prevalence of co-occurring core-binding factor fusions with MYC-ITD, and high frequency of co-occurring NUP98-NSD1, FLT3-ITD and NPM1 mutations in MYCSNV/indel. Patients with MYC-ITD have superior clinical outcomes while patients with MYCSNV/indel have clinical outcomes similar to high-risk patients, likely due to the associations with the disease associated fusions. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

Lenalidomide-Rituximab or Lenalidomide-Rituximab-Bendamustine in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Follicular Lymphoma: Priimary Analysis of the Randomized Phase II HOVON110/Rebel Trial

Introduction The R2 regimen (lenalidomide-rituximab) is effective in treatment-naive and relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma (R/R FL). Combining R2 with bendamustine (R2B) is feasible (Stevens WBC et al., Hemasphere 2020) and hypothesized to deepen remission and prolong event-free survival (EFS) compared to historic controls. We performed a randomized phase II trial of R2 and R2B, aiming at identifying the most promising arm to take forward to a randomized phase III trial. Methods In the multicenter, prospective, randomized, non-comparative phase II part of the HOVON110/ReBeL study (Dutch Clinical Trial Register NTR3028), patients (pts) with FL relapsed after ≤5 prior therapies were randomized 1:1 to R2 (Arm A) or R2B (Arm B). Stratification factors used were FLIPI score (0-2 vs 3-5), number of prior treatments (1 vs 2-5), prior bendamustine use and relapse during rituximab maintenance (RM). Arm A pts received 6 cycles of R2 q28 days (lenalidomide 20 mg day 1-21, rituximab 375 mg/m2 day 1); Arm B pts received 6 cycles of R2B q28 days (lenalidomide 20 mg day 3-21, rituximab 375 mg/m2 day 1, bendamustine 90 mg/m2 day 1,2). In both arms, pts with partial or complete remission (PR/CR) received 2 years of RM treatment, once every three months. Subcutaneous rituximab was allowed. Thrombosis prophylaxis was advised during induction; antimicrobial prophylaxis with valaciclovir and cotrimoxazole was mandatory in arm B. Arms A and B were separately evaluated for efficacy and toxicity. Co-primary endpoints were CT-based CR rate according to Cheson 2007 criteria at end of induction (EOI) and incidence of severe toxicities (ST), defined as grade ≥ 3 non-hematological toxicity, specified grade 4 hematologic toxicity (neutropenia lasting ≥ 7 days despite GCSF, febrile neutropenia, thrombocytopenia) or non-lymphoma related death. An event for event-free survival was defined as induction failure, progression, relapse or death from any cause. PET-CT was performed before and after induction. Central pathology and blinded central PET-CT review (Lugano classification) were performed. Results Between 2014 and 2019, 92 of 150 planned pts were randomized. The trial was stopped early because of slow accrual. Two pts (1 in each arm) were ineligible. Baseline characteristics were comparable between Arms A/B in terms of gender and median age (64/62 years). Most pts had stage III/IV disease (85%/80%), an intermediate/high risk FLIPI score (78%/89%) and had undergone 1 prior treatment (75%/76%; range 1-5). For pts in arms A/B, 80%/76% completed all 6 induction cycles and 41%/43% completed 8 cycles of RM. Main reasons for discontinuation during induction were progressive disease (PD) (n=4 per arm) and toxicity or other reasons in 5/7 patients. Severe toxicity (ST) occurred in 3 pts in arm A (6.8%; 2 fatal pneumonia cases) and in 6 pts in arm B (13.0%; no fatalities), while 43%/66% of pts experienced any grade 3-4 AE (2%/7% grade 4). These comprised mainly skin toxicity, infections and gastrointestinal toxicity. In the R2B arm, 1 pt had Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia during RM. Based on intention to treat (ITT) and local CT assessment (efficacy co-primary endpoint), 16% of R2 and 22% of R2B treated pts achieved a CR at EOI; the overall response rate (ORR) was 70% and 72%, respectively. The complete metabolic remission rate (CMR) by central PET-CT review at EOI was 48% and 54%. At a median follow-up of 48 months (mo), EFS was 39% and 61%; median EFS was 24.6 mo and not reached (NR). Importantly, median time to next treatment (TTnT) was 9.2 mo and NR. There were 7 second primary malignancies (SPM) in 5 pts in Arm A) and 5 SPM in 4 pts in Arm B). Overall survival was excellent in both arms with 72% and 91% of pts alive at 48 months. Causes of death during the study were progression of FL (n=8) and toxicity (n=3) in Arm A; FL (n=3), toxicity (n=1) and suicide (n=1) in Arm B. Conclusions This randomized non-comparative phase II trial of R2 and R2B in R/R FL patients showed high CT-based OR rates and PET-CT CMR rates, but low CT-based CR rates for both treatments. At a median FU of 48 months, 39% of R2 treated patients and 61% of R2B treated patients were still alive and in remission; this compares favorably with historic real world controls (Batlevi et al, Blood Cancer J 2020). Both regimens were associated with less severe toxicity than expected (pre-set acceptability threshold of 20% ST), supporting further investigation of R2 combinations in randomized phase III trials. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

Real-World Impact of Time from Leukapheresis to Infusion (Vein-to-Vein Time) in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory (r/r) Large B-Cell Lymphoma (LBCL) Treated with Axicabtagene Ciloleucel

Background: Compared with other CAR T-cell products, axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel) had a shorter median wait time from leukapheresis to infusion, referred to as vein-to-vein time (real-world: axi-cel, 28 d vs tisagenlecleucel, 45 d; clinical trial: lisocabtagene maraleucel, 37 d; Riedell et al. Transplant Cell Ther 2022; Abramson et al. Lancet 2020). A study based on the JULIET trial suggested that reduced wait time is associated with increased efficacy (Chen et al.Value Health 2022). Here, we assessed the real-world impact of vein-to-vein time on outcomes of axi-cel in r/r LBCL. Methods: A total of 1383 patients from 78 US centers treated with commercial axi-cel for r/r LBCL between October 2017 and August 2020 were identified from a non-interventional post-authorization safety study using the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) registry. Patients with the following were excluded: primary central nervous system lymphoma or lymphoma other than LBCL, prior non-transplant cellular therapy, missing data on comorbidity (Sorror et al. Blood 2005), unknown or outlying date of leukapheresis (≤2 d before lymphodepleting [LD] chemotherapy or ≥144 d before infusion), or no follow-up. Effectiveness outcomes were overall and complete response rates (ORR and CR rates), duration of response (DOR), and progression-free and overall survival (PFS and OS). Adverse events of interest included cytokine release syndrome (CRS, Lee 2014 criteria), immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS, ASTCT criteria), and prolonged neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated using logistic and Cox regressions after adjustment of key prognostic factors such as age, comorbidities, ECOG performance status, disease characteristics at diagnosis, and bridging therapy (Table 1). Adjusted curves were generated based on the direct adjusted survival function (Makuch J Chronic Dis 1982). Results: Overall, median vein-to-vein time (from leukapheresis to infusion) for axi-cel was 27 d (interquartile range [IQR], 26-32 d), including a median of 5 d (IQR, 5-5 d) from start of LD chemotherapy to infusion. Vein-to-vein times were consistent regardless of the following baseline characteristics: disease histology, sex, race, ethnicity, ECOG performance status before infusion, or chemo-sensitivity. Patients with shorter vein-to-vein times appeared to be younger and less likely to have comorbidities (Table 1). Patients with vein-to-vein time of ≥40 d were more heavily pretreated and more likely to receive bridging therapy. At a median follow-up of 24.2 months, better outcomes were observed in patients with shorter vein-to-vein times. CR rates were 60%, 61%, and 50% (ORR 77%, 77%, and 70%) for patients with vein-to-vein time of <28 d, ≥28 to <40 d, and ≥40 d, respectively. OS at 24 months was 53% for patients with vein-to-vein time of both <28 d and ≥28 to <40 d, vs 38% for those with ≥40 d wait time. After other key prognostic factors were adjusted, patients with vein-to-vein time of ≥ 40 d had significantly lower CR rate and OS compared with patients with <28 d (OR 0.61 [95% CI 0.42-0.90] for CR; HR 1.33 [95% CI 1.05-1.70] for OS) and ≥28 to <40 d wait time (OR 0.66 [95% CI 0.45-0.97] for CR; HR 1.36 [95% CI 1.06-1.74] for OS). CRS of any grade or Grade ≥3 and prolonged neutropenia were consistent regardless of vein-to-vein time. Patients with vein-to-vein time of <28 d had more ICANS of any grade compared with those with ≥28 to <40 d wait time (OR 1.34 [95% CI 1.06-1.71]), while ICANS of Grade ≥3 was not significantly different between the two groups (Table 1). Among patients alive at Day 30, those with vein-to-vein time of ≥28 to <40 d and ≥40 d had higher rates of prolonged thrombocytopenia compared with those with <28 d wait time (OR 1.44 [95% CI 1.07-1.92] and 1.95 [95% CI 1.29-2.95], respectively). Conclusions: In this real-world analysis, most patients with r/r LBCL received axi-cel infusion within 5 weeks after apheresis. Shorter vein-to-vein time was associated with a favorable CR rate, OS, and reduced risk of prolonged thrombocytopenia even after adjustment of key prognostic factors; however, ICANS of any grade may be higher. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of shortening vein-to-vein time in patients treated with axi-cel. FLL and Z-HH contributed equally. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

Unravelling the ultramafic rock-driven serpentine soil formation leading to the geo-accumulation of heavy metals: An impact on the resident microbiome, biogeochemical cycling and acclimatized eco-physiological profiles

In the present study, we have underpinned the serpentine rock, serpentinized ultramafic soil and rhizosphere's microbial communities, signifying their heavy metals-exposed taxa signatures and functional repertoires in comparison to non-serpentine soils. The results revealed that the serpentine rock embedded soil highlighted the geo-accumulation of higher amount of Cr and Ni impacting soil microbial diversity negatively by metal stress-driven selection. Biolog Ecoplate CLPP defined a restricted spectrum of C-utilization in the higher heavy metal-containing serpentine samples compared to non-serpentine. The linear discriminant analysis (LDA) score identified a higher abundance of Desulfobacterota, Opitutales, and Bacteroidales in low Cr and Ni-stressed non-serpentine-exposed samples. Whereas the abundance of Propionibacteriales and Actinobacteriota were significantly enriched in the serpentine niche. Further, the C, N, S, Fe, and methane biogeochemical cycles linked functional members were identified, and showing higher functional diversity in low Cr and Ni concentration-containing rhizosphere JS-soils. The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) value confirmed the abundance of functional members linked to specific biogeochemical cycle, positively correlated with relevant pathway enrichment. Ultimately, this study highlighted the heavy metal stress within a serpentine setting that could limit the resident microbial community's metabolic diversity and further select the bacteria that could thrive in the serpentine-associated heavy metal-stressed soils. These acclimatized microbes could pave the way for the future applications in the soil conservation and management.

Link between melt-impregnation and metamorphism of Atlantis Massif peridotite (IODP Expedition 357)

IODP Expedition 357 drilled 17 shallow sites scattered over ~ 10 km in the west to east spreading direction across the Atlantis Massif oceanic core complex (OCC, MAR, 30 ºN). Mantle exposed in the footwall of the Atlantic Massif OCC is nearly wholly serpentinized (80–100%) harzburgite and subordinate dunite. A recent whole-rock chemistry study by Whattam et al. (Chemical Geology 594. 10.1016/j.chemgeo.2021.120681, 2022) subdivides Atlantis Massif peridotites into: Type I fluid–rock dominated serpentinite, which exhibits almost nil evidence of melt-impregnation or silica metasomatism; Type II melt–rock dominated, mafic melt-impregnated serpentinite; and Type III melt–rock dominated Si-metasomatized serpentinite. In this study, on the basis of EPMA, three kinds of Cr–spinel are distinguished in Expedition 357 serpentinite: (I) primary, unmetamorphosed mantle array, (II) low-Ti metamorphosed, and (III) high-Ti melt reacted. All Cr–spinel of western site Type I serpentinite is unmetamorphosed (n = 34) and comprises 68% of all unmetamorphosed Cr–spinel. Metamorphosed Cr–spinel (n = 100) are the most abundant and occur in the central and eastern site Type II and Type III serpentinite, whereas melt-reacted Cr–spinel and chromite are restricted to the central sites and occur predominantly in serpentinized dunite. Estimates of the degree of melt extraction of Type I serpentinite using F = 10ln(spinel Cr#) + 24 are ~ 9–17%. Fugacity calculations of primary, unmetamorphosed Cr–spinel yield Δlog(fO2)FMQ of − 1.7 to + 1.0 and calculations using olivine–spinel Mg–Fe exchange thermometry yield a mean closure temperature of 808 ± 39 °C. Mafic melt-impregnation resulted in Cr–spinel with anomalously high TiO2 of 0.27–0.68 wt.% and production of Ti-rich chromite (up to 1.23 wt.% TiO2). Greenschist facies metamorphism (< 500 °C) resulted in Mg–Fe2+ exchange between Cr–spinel and forsterite and anomalously low Cr–spinel Mg#; higher degrees of amphibolite facies metamorphism (~ 500–700 °C) also resulted in anomalously high Cr# due to Al–Cr exchange. As has been previously established, significant Al loss from chromite cores above 550 °C is the result of equilibration with fluids in equilibrium with chlorite, which may be valid for our samples. On the basis of Cr–spinel vs. whole-rock compositions, a clear relationship exists between melt-impregnation and metamorphism of central and eastern serpentinite, which we postulate to be the result of heat associated with magma injection and subsequent localized contact metamorphism. To our knowledge, such a relation between mafic melt-impregnation of peridotite and metamorphism (of peridotite) has not previously been established in general and specifically for the Atlantis Massif peridotite. Closure temperatures of 440–731 °C of metamorphosed Cr–spinel approximate greenschist to amphibolite facies metamorphic conditions.

Petrogenesis of Jian forsterite jade solely composed of end-member forsterite (Fo 99.8): Constrained by trace element and oxygen isotope

The Jian forsterite jade, named for its enrichment of end-member forsterite, is a new type of jade discovered in Ji'an County (Jilin Province, Northeast China). The formation mechanism of this rare end-member forsterite remains unclear. In this study, we present the mineral chemistry and oxygen isotope analysis of end-member forsterite to elucidate the formation mechanism of the Jian forsterite jade. The Jian forsterite jade can be divided into three main types: yellowish-green, dark-green, and black. The Jian forsterite jade consists mainly of forsterite, serpentine, as well as minor brucite, spinel, phlogopite, dolomite, calcite, magnesite, and magnetite. The Fo% content (100 × Mg/[Mg + Fe], mol%) of forsterite varies from 96.69 to 99.82. All tested forsterite samples show low Ni, Mn, Cr, and Ca contents and very high B contents. The δ18O values of forsterite range from 13.79 ‰ to 18.57 ‰, which are significantly higher than those from the mantle and are similar to those from skarn, marble, and calc-silicate rocks. The oxygen isotope values of forsterite, coupled with a distinctive trace element signature, suggest that the genesis of end-member forsterite results from a siliceous fluid-mediated decarbonation of Mg-rich dolomite. The genesis of the Jian forsterite jade can be outlined in two main metamorphic stages: (1) high-temperature prograde stage related to the interaction of the gneiss-derived SiO2-rich fluids with overlying dolomite. High temperature leads to the formation of forsterite, spinel, and calcite mineral assemblage. (2) low-temperature retrograde stage characterized by the infiltration of hydrous fluids. Hydrous silicate minerals, mostly serpentine, phlogopite, and talc, are formed during this stage. Our work highlights and confirms the effectiveness of the trace element geochemistry of forsterite in identifying magnesian skarns, and classifies the forsterite in the Jian forsterite jade as an extreme example of this occurrence.

Mapping Phyllosilicates on the Asteroid Bennu Using Thermal Emission Spectra and Machine Learning Model Applications

AbstractBennu, the target of the OSIRIS‐REx mission, is an asteroid with compositions analogous to low petrologic type CI, CM, CR, and/or ungrouped carbonaceous chondrites. Asteroids like Bennu provide information about the building blocks of the early Solar System. Analysis of the mid‐infrared remote sensing data informs mineral quantification. We apply a phyllosilicate specific model, developed by Breitenfeld et al. (2021, https://doi.org/10.1029/2021je007035) that distinguishes between Mg and Fe serpentines, to Baseball Diamond 1 (BBD1), equatorial station 3 (EQ3), and touch‐and‐go OSIRIS‐REx thermal emission spectrometer data. The average total phyllosilicate predictions are 73 (BBD1) and 72 vol% (EQ3). We observe higher Fe‐cronstedtite and lower Mg‐rich serpentine content in the equatorial region of Bennu than average. Mid‐infrared spectral variability may be explained by sorting effects through mass movement.

The Effects of Chromium and Vanadium on Biomarkers of Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolism in Workers Exposed to Coal Fly Ash.

Chromium (Cr) and vanadium (V) are micronutrients playing a role in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism but can be toxic at high concentrations, especially in specific forms. The study documents the effect of Cr and V concentrations on glucose and lipid metabolism in workers exposed to coal fly ash. We quantified selected metals (Cr, V) in the blood and serum of workers from a thermal power plant in Kosovo and compared them with the reference biological values. We determined fasting serum glucose and lipid profiles using a biochemical analyzer Synchron CX7 (Beckman Coulter). We quantified blood and serum Cr and V by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We also evaluated the association between carbohydrate and lipid metabolism biomarkers (glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides) and co-exposure to coal fly ash. Power plant workers had significantly higher blood Cr and V levels (p < 0.0001) and significantly lower serum Cr and V levels (p < 0.0001) than the controls. We also found statistically significant (p < 0.0001) correlations between high blood Cr levels and low glucose/blood Cr ratios as well as between high serum Cr levels and low glucose/serum Cr ratios. Finally, in power plant workers, high blood V levels significantly correlated with low triglycerides/blood V and cholesterol/blood V ratios (p < 0.0001), while high serum V levels correlated with low cholesterol/serum V ratios (p = 0.005). Based on these findings, we concluded that the glucose/Cr, triglycerides/V and cholesterol/V ratios should be considered when evaluating carbohydrate and lipid metabolism disorders in occupationally-exposed workers.

Bio-Geochemical Processes: Insights from Fe-Mn Mineralization in the Aegean Sea (Greece)

In this study, we have compiled new and existing mineralogical and geochemical data on Fe-Mn mineralization from the Aegean region [Attica (Grammatiko, Legrena, and Varnavas), Evia and Milos islands], aiming to provide new insights on the genesis of Fe-Mn mineralization in that region and its potential environmental implications. A common feature of those deposits is the relatively low Cr, Co, V, Ni, Mo, and Cd content, whereas Ba, As, W, Cu, Pb, and Zn show remarkably variable values. The Mn-Fe deposits from Milos exhibit the highest tungsten content, while a positive trend between MnO and W, combined with a negative trend between MnO and Fe2O3 suggests the preference of W to Mn-minerals. The occurrence of bacterio-morphic Fe-Mn-oxides/hydroxides within Mn-Fe mineralizations in the studied region, indicates the important role of micro-organisms into redox reactions. Moreover, the presence of micro-organisms in the Fe-Mn-deposits, reflecting the presence of organic matter confirms a shallow marine environment for their deposition. A salient feature of the Varnavas and Milos Mn-Fe ores is the presence of sodium chloride coated fossilized micro-organisms, suggesting development from a solution containing relatively high Na and Cl concentrations. Furthermore, from an environmental point of view, consideration is given to the bioavailability of elements such as As, Pb, and W, related to the above-mentioned mineralizations. The high bio-accumulation factor for W (Wplant/Wsoil × 100) recorded in the Neogene sedimentary basins of Attica, related to the Grammatiko Fe-Mn mineralization, reflects the high W mobility under alkaline conditions and the potential environmental impact of similar deposits with elevated W content.

Clinical features and survival analysis in non-M(3) acute myeloid leukemia patients with ASXL1 gene mutation

Objective: To examine the survival rates and clinical characteristics of people with newly discovered non-M(3) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who carry the ASXL1 gene mutation. Methods: From January 2016 to April 2021, the clinical information of patients with newly diagnosed non-M(3) AML at Shandong University's Qilu Hospital was retrospectively examined, and their clinical characteristics and survival were compared and analyzed. Gene mutation was detected by next-generation sequencing. Results: ① The study included 256 AML patients who were initially diagnosed and had complete data, including 47 cases of ASXL1 gene mutation-positive (ASXL1(+)) patients and 209 cases of ASXL1 gene mutation-negative (ASXL1(-)) patients. All patients were divided into three groups: elderly (≥60 years old, n=92) , middle-aged (45-59 years old, n=92) , and young (≤44 years old, n=72) . ②WBC, and age were higher in patients with ASXL1 mutations compared to ASXL1(-) patients, while complete response after the first round of treatment (CR(1)) was lower (P<0.05) . In the elderly group, WBC and the proportion of aberrant cells in nuclear cells in ASXL1(+) patients were higher than those in ASXL1(-) patients (P<0.05) . In the young group, the WBC of ASXL1(+) patients was higher than that of ASXL1(-) patients (z=-2.314, P=0.021) . ③IDH2 mutation and ASXL1 mutation was related (P=0.018, r=0.34) . In ASXL1(+) patients, the proportion of peripheral blasts in the high VAF group (VAF>40% ) was higher than that in the low VAF group (VAF<20% ) , and the proportion of aberrant nuclear cells was higher in the duplication and replacement mutation patients than in the deletion mutation patients (P<0.05) . ④The overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of ASXL1(+) patients were shorter than those of ASXL1(-) patients (median, 10 months vs 20 months, 10 months vs 17 months; P<0.05) . The proportion number of aberrant cells in nuclear cells (≥20% ) , complex karyotypes, and TET2 mutation were all independent risk variables that had an impact on the prognosis of ASXL1(+) patients, according to multivariate analysis (P<0.05) . Conclusion: ASXL1-mutated non-M(3) AML patients have higher WBC in peripheral blood, a higher proportion of aberrant cells in nuclear cells, lower CR(1) rate, and shorter OS and PFS. Additionally, a poor prognosis is linked to higher VAF, duplication, and substitution mutations in the ASXL1 gene, as well as the high proportion of aberrant cells in nuclear cells, complex karyotype, and TET2 mutation.

Synchronous reduction and removal of hexavalent chromium from wastewater by modified magnetic chitosan beads

As one of the highly toxic heavy metal contaminants, hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) poses a serious hazard to the environment and public health due to its excellent solubility in aqueous environment. To synchronously reduce and remove Cr(VI) from wastewater efficiently, a class of functionalized magnetic chitosan (CS) beads (MCB-ECH-SH/SO3H) was synthesized with CS as the substrate material and in situ assembling Fe3O4 nanoparticles as the incorporated magnetic material, followed by epichlorohydrin (ECH) cross-linking and l-cysteine grafting. Results showed that Cr(VI) in aqueous solution could be rapidly adsorbed onto MCB-ECH-SH/SO3H via electrostatic attraction, meanwhile -SH groups introduced by l-cysteine grafting could not only significantly facilitate the reduction of Cr(VI) to less toxic trivalent chromium (Cr(III)), but also promote the resultant Cr(III) chelating onto adsorbent due to the proton consumption caused by Cr(VI) reduction, resulting in the synergistic enhancement of Cr(VI) detoxification and total chromium (Cr(Total)) removal. The batch adsorption experiments revealed that the well designed MCB-ECH-SH/SO3H could be applied over a wide pH range (initial pH of 1.0–7.0), and showed much higher remove efficiency (99.6 ± 0.2 %) of Cr(VI) than MCB and MCB-ECH at initial pH 5.0 (60 °C) due to the improvement of stability and reducing capacity. The Cr(Total) sorption behaviors were well according with the pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir models, indicating a single-layer, exothermal, and chemical sorption process, while the maximum Cr(Total) removal capacity of MCB-ECH-SH/SO3H was estimated to be 293.46 mg∙g−1, exceeding most of previously reported related adsorbents. Moreover, MCB-ECH-SH/SO3H could still maintained strong adsorption performance after five cycles and exhibited excellent ability to remove 95 % Cr(VI) within 1 h for low concentration Cr(VI)-containing wastewater. The combination of synchronous reduction and adsorption property, high removal capacity, convenient magnetic separation and good recycling performance makes MCB-ECH-SH/SO3H an ideal candidate for chromium-containing wastewater treatment.

Therapeutic target and clinical impact of day-to-day blood pressure variability in hypertensive patients with covid-19.

Blood pressure variability (BPV) is essential in hypertensive patients and is frequently associated with organ damage. As of today, hypertension is still the most common comorbidity in COVID-19, but the impact of BPV and the therapeutic target of BPV on outcomes in COVID-19 patients with hypertension remain unclear. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between BPV and severity of COVID-19, in-hospital mortality, hypertensive status, and efficacy of antihypertensives in suppressing hypertensive covid-19 patient BPV. This cohort retrospective study enrolled 351 patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Subjects were classified according to the severity of COVID-19, the presence of hypertension, and their BPV status. During hospitalization, mean arterial pressure (MAP) was measured at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., and BPV was calculated as the coefficient of variation of MAP (MAPCV). MAPCV values above the median were defined as high BPV. In addition, we compared the hypertensive status, COVID-19 severity, in-hospital mortality, and antihypertensive agents between the BPV groups. The mean age was 53.85 ± 18.84 years old. Hypertension was significantly associated with high BPV with prevalence ratio (PR) = 1.38 (95% CI = 1.13–1.70; p = 0.003) or severe COVID-19 (PR = 1.39; 95% CI = 1.09–1.76; p = 0.005). In laboratory findings, high BPV group had lower Albumin, higher WBC, serum Cr, CRP, and creatinine to albumin ratio. High BPV status also significantly increased risk of mortality (HR = 2.30; 95% CI = 1.73–3.86; p < 0.001). Patients with a combination of severe COVID-19 status, hypertension, and high BPV status had the highest risk of in-hospital mortality (HR = 3.51; 95% CI = 2.32–4.97; p < 0.001) compared to other combination status groups. In COVID-19 patients with hypertension, combination therapy with calcium channel blockers (CCB) as well as CCB monotherapy significantly develop low BPV (PR = 2.002; 95 CI% = 1.33–3.07; p = 0.004) and low mortality (HR = 0.17; 95% CI = 0.05–0.56; p = 0.004). Hypertensive status and severe COVID-19 were significantly associated with high BPV, and these factors increased in-hospital mortality. CCBs might be antihypertensive agents that potentially effectively suppressing BPV and mortality in COVID-19 patients.