The objective of this study was to understand and measure epigenetic changes associated with the occurrence of CHDs by utilizing the discordant monozygotic twin model. A unique set of monozygotic twins discordant for double-outlet right ventricles (DORVs) was used for this multiomics study. The cardiac and muscle tissue samples from the twins were subjected to whole genome sequencing, whole genome bisulfite sequencing, RNA-sequencing and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Sporadic DORV cases and control fetuses were used for validation. Global hypomethylation status was observed in heart tissue samples from the affected twins. Among 36,228 differentially methylated regions (DMRs), 1097 DMRs involving 1039 genes were located in promoter regions. A total of 419 genes, and lncRNA–mRNA pairs involved 30 genes, and 62 proteins were significantly differentially expressed. Multiple omics integrative analysis revealed that five genes, including BGN, COL1A1, COL3A1, FBLN5, and FLAN, and three pathways, including ECM-receptor interaction, focal adhesion and TGF-β signaling pathway, exhibited differences at all three levels. This study demonstrates a multiomics profile of discordant twins and explores the possible mechanism of DORV development. Global hypomethylation might be associated with the risk of CHDs. Specific genes and specific pathways, particularly those involving ECM–receptor interaction, focal adhesion and TGF–β signaling, might be involved in the occurrence of CHDs.

Effects of the spanwise wavelength (λ) of a sinusoidal wavy cylinder with elliptic cross-section on wake structures and fluid forces are numerically investigated at a Reynolds number Re = 100. A wide range of the wavelength, $0.43 \le \lambda /{D_m} \le 8.59$, is considered with a wave amplitude of a/Dm = 0.048, where Dm is the hydraulic diameter of the wavy cylinder. Based on vortical structures, Strouhal number (St) and wake closure length (Lc), fluid forces, streamline topologies and spatio-temporal evolutions of the near wake, five distinct flow patterns (I–V) are identified depending on λ/Dm. The drag force reaches its minimum in pattern III, the fluctuating lift force is zero in flow patterns III and IV. Distinct from the classical flow where alternate vortex shedding occurs synchronously over the entire cylinder span, flow pattern IV has alternate vortex shedding over a one half-wavelength of the wavy elliptic cylinder, antiphased with that over the other half-wavelength, thus leading to zero fluctuating lift over one complete wavelength. A thorough comparison of the wakes is made between the wavy elliptic cylinder and wavy circular or square cylinder, distinguishing the underlying flow physics behind the salient behaviours observed.

The mumps resurgence has frequently been reported around the world in recent years, especially in many counties mumps vaccines have been widely used. This study aimed to describe the spatial epidemiological characteristics of mumps in Jiangsu, and provide a scientific basis for the implementation and adjustment of strategies to prevent and control mumps. The epidemiological characteristics were described with ratio or proportion. Spatial autocorrelation, Tango's flexible spatial scan statistics, and Kulldorff's elliptic spatiotemporal scan statistics were applied to identify the spatial autocorrelation, detect hot and cold spots of mumps incidence, and aggregation areas. A total of 172 775 cases were reported from 2004 to 2020 in Jiangsu. The general trend of mumps incidence is declining with a bimodal seasonal distribution identified mainly in summer and winter, respectively. Children aged 5–10 years old are the main risk group. A migration trend of hot spots from southeast to northwest over time was found. Similar high-risk aggregations were detected in the northwestern parts through spatial-temporal analysis with the most likely cluster time frame around 2019. Local medical and health administrations should formulate and implement targeted health care policies and allocate health resources more appropriately corresponding to the epidemiological characteristics of mumps.

Anaemia is a global public health problem affecting women worldwide, and reproductive-age women are at increased risk. We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study analysing the prevalence of overall anaemia and anaemia according to severity in Chinese pre-pregnant women to update current knowledge on anaemia epidemiology. Based on the National Free Preconception Check-up Projects supported by the Chinese government, 5 679 782 women participating in this project in 2017 were included in the present study. The cyanmethemoglobin method was applied to assess Hb concentrations. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were applied for associated factors. The prevalence of anaemia among Chinese pre-pregnant women was 21·64 % (mild: 14·10 %, moderate: 7·17 % and severe : 0·37 %). The prevalence of overall and severe anaemia was the highest in Tibet and the lowest in Beijing among thirty-one provinces. Women’s age, region, ethnic origin, educational level, occupation and pregnancy history were all correlated with anaemia. Women with B blood type (adjusted OR (aOR) = 0·89), higher BMI (overweight: aOR = 0·84; obesity: aOR = 0·70) and alcohol consumption (aOR = 0·69) were less likely to have anaemia, while those with rhesus negative blood type (aOR = 1·10), history of anaemia (aOR = 2·60), older age at menarche (aOR = 1·19), heavy menstrual blood loss (aOR = 1·39), longer menstrual period (aOR = 1·09) and shorter menstrual cycle (aOR = 1·08) were more likely to suffer from anaemia. Meat or egg eaters were not significantly associated with severe anaemia. Anaemia is of moderate public health significance among Chinese pre-pregnant women. Interventions should be considered to prevent anaemia to the greatest extent possible to avoid potential harm in this population.

The molten-salt method was used to synthesize CaBi2Ta2O9 (CBTa) powder, and the influence of temperature on the structure and micromorphology of products was investigated using X-ray diffraction and the scanning and transmission electron microscope. The results showed that highly crystalline CBTa nanoplates exhibit single orthorhombic symmetry and could be obtained in the temperature range of 850–900 °C. Among which, the nanoplates prepared at 900 °C have optimal properties (average grain size of 1.7 μm and uniform size distribution). Above 900 °C, various CaO–Ta2O5 binary compounds, Bi2O3, and BiTaO4 formed due to the decomposition of CBTa and subsequent reactions of decomposition products, transforming plate-like grains to cuboid nano-particles with a small amount of prismatic grains. Possible reaction mechanisms at different synthesizing temperature were proposed. This work provides a method for the preparation of template grains to synthesize textured CaBi2Ta2O9 high-temperature piezoelectric ceramics by the template grain growth method.

Surface modification of the elastomer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) by exposure to oxygen plasma for four minutes creates a thin, stiff film. In this study, the thickness and mechanical properties of this surface-modified layer were determined. Using the phase image capabilities of a tapping-mode atomic force microscope (AFM), the surface-modified region was distinguished from the bulk PDMS; specifically, it suggested a graded surface layer to a depth of about 200 nm. Load-displacement data for elastic indentation using a compliant AFM cantilever was analyzed as a plate bending on an elastic foundation to determine the elastic modulus of the surface (37 MPa). An applied uniaxial strain generated a series of parallel nanocracks with spacing on the order of a few microns. Numerical analyses of this cracking phenomenon showed that the depth of these cracks was in the range of 300–600 nm and that the surface layer was extremely brittle, with toughness in the range of 0.1– 0.3 J/m2.

Exposure of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) to oxygen plasma creates a thin, stiff surface-modified layer that reaches a submicron depth. Due to a significant modulus mismatch between the stiff surface-modified layer and the compliant bulk PDMS the surface-modified layer forms intricate patterns of surface buckles when under compressive stress and nano-cracks when under tensile stress. It is desirable to be able to design patterns of nano-cracks, or at least to have an understanding of them. Among the properties necessary to do this are the thickness and elastic modulus of the surface-modified layer. Due to the very small length scale of the surface-modified layer, it is a significant challenge to measure these properties. In this proceedings paper, a two-step method is described for determining the thickness and elastic modulus of the surface-modified layer using the atomic force microscope (AFM). First, nanoindentation is performed from which the bending stiffness of the surface-modified layer is calculated. Second, the surface-modified layer thickness is determined by using phase imaging on the cross-section of oxidized PDMS to map the region of the relatively stiffer surface-modified layer.