DPSCs regulate epithelial-T cell interactions in oral submucous fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a precancerous lesion characterized by fibrous tissue deposition, the incidence of which correlates positively with the frequency of betel nut chewing. Prolonged betel nut chewing can damage the integrity of the oral mucosal epithelium, leading to chronic inflammation and local immunological derangement. However, currently, the underlying cellular events driving fibrogenesis and dysfunction are incompletely understood, such that OSF has few treatment options with limited therapeutic effectiveness. Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) have been recognized for their anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrosis capabilities, making them promising candidates to treat a range of immune, inflammatory, and fibrotic diseases. However, the application of DPSCs in OSF is inconclusive. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the pathogenic mechanism of OSF and, based on this, to explore new treatment options.

METHODS

A human cell atlas of oral mucosal tissues was compiled using single-cell RNA sequencing to delve into the underlying mechanisms. Epithelial cells were reclustered to observe the heterogeneity of OSF epithelial cells and their communication with immune cells. The results were validated in vitro, in clinicopathological sections, and in animal models. In vivo, the therapeutic effect and mechanism of DPSCs were characterized by histological staining, immunohistochemical staining, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy.

RESULTS

A unique epithelial cell population, Epi1.2, with proinflammatory and profibrotic functions, was predominantly found in OSF. Epi1.2 cells also induced the fibrotic process in fibroblasts by interacting with T cells through receptor-ligand crosstalk between macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)-CD74 and C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4). Furthermore, we developed OSF animal models and simulated the clinical local injection process in the rat buccal mucosa using DPSCs to assess their therapeutic impact and mechanism. In the OSF rat model, DPSCs demonstrated superior therapeutic effects compared with the positive control (glucocorticoids), including reducing collagen deposition and promoting blood vessel regeneration. DPSCs mediated immune homeostasis primarily by regulating the numbers of KRT19 + MIF + epithelial cells and via epithelial-stromal crosstalk.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the current ambiguity surrounding the cause of OSF and the limited treatment options available, our study reveals that epithelial cells and their crosstalk with T cells play an important role in the mechanism of OSF and suggests the therapeutic promise of DPSCs.

Quantitative systems pharmacology modeling of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer for translational efficacy evaluation and combination assessment across therapeutic modalities

HER2-positive (HER2+) metastatic breast cancer (mBC) is highly aggressive and a major threat to human health. Despite the significant improvement in patients' prognosis given the drug development efforts during the past several decades, many clinical questions still remain to be addressed such as efficacy when combining different therapeutic modalities, best treatment sequences, interindividual variability as well as resistance and potential coping strategies. To better answer these questions, we developed a mechanistic quantitative systems pharmacology model of the pathophysiology of HER2+ mBC that was extensively calibrated and validated against multiscale data to quantitatively predict and characterize the signal transduction and preclinical tumor growth kinetics under different therapeutic interventions. Focusing on the second-line treatment for HER2+ mBC, e.g., antibody-drug conjugates (ADC), small molecule inhibitors/TKI and chemotherapy, the model accurately predicted the efficacy of various drug combinations and dosing regimens at the in vitro and in vivo levels. Sensitivity analyses and subsequent heterogeneous phenotype simulations revealed important insights into the design of new drug combinations to effectively overcome various resistance scenarios in HER2+ mBC treatments. In addition, the model predicted a better efficacy of the new TKI plus ADC combination which can potentially reduce drug dosage and toxicity, while it also shed light on the optimal treatment ordering of ADC versus TKI plus capecitabine regimens, and these findings were validated by new in vivo experiments. Our model is the first that mechanistically integrates multiple key drug modalities in HER2+ mBC research and it can serve as a high-throughput computational platform to guide future model-informed drug development and clinical translation.

[Application progress of implementation research on diabetes management]

Diabetes is one of the most important non-communicable chronic diseases. Although a large amount of clinical evidence on the effectiveness of diabetes prevention and treatment interventions has been established, the current quality of care and results are still insufficient. Implementation Research can bridge the gap between research and practice. Implementation Research on diabetes management can clarify what is effective and what is ineffective in management, and promote the transformation of complex, multi-component interventions into medical practice faster and more effectively. This paper reviews the main research contents and application of implementation research of diabetes management at home and abroad, aiming to provide reference for related research and promote the application of implementation research in diabetes management in China.

[Effect and safety of Lasso suture hook in transvaginal sacrospinous ligament fixation]

To investigate the feasibility and safety of the Lasso suture hook in transvaginal sacrospinous ligament fixation, a total of 38 patients with vaginal vault prolapse at or above stage Ⅱ, and aged 46-75(62.7±12.5)years, who underwent transvaginal sacrospinous ligament fixation at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January 2018 to January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. After complete exposure of the right sacrospinous ligament, the cervical/uterosacral ligament was sutured to the sacrospinous ligament using Lasso hook and polypropylene sutures. The completion rate of the operation, intraoperative complications, operation time, blood loss, and postoperative situations were observed, and the objective cure rate and subjective satisfaction were followed up. Transvaginal sacrospinous ligament fixation was successfully performed in all 38 patients using Lasso suture hooks. There were no bladder or rectum injuries during the operations, and no pelvic hematoma occurred. The operation time was 15-40 (24±9.5) min; the intraoperative bleeding was 20-60 (40±12.5) ml; the visual analogue scale(VAS)score was 3-5 (3.2±1.4) points on the first day of postoperative, and 2-4 (2.2±1.8) points on the third day of postoperative. No numbness or pain in buttocks and lower limbs after the operation. The 3-month follow-up results showed that the objective surgical success rate of the postoperative pelvic organ prolapse quantitation (POP-Q) score was 100% (38/38). The 1-year follow-up results showed that the objective surgical cure rate of postoperative POP-Q score was 92.1% (35/38). The score of Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-Short Form 20 (PFDI-20)was 42-180(120.4±44.9)before operation and 8-75 (28.0±14.3) after operation(t=15.90, P<0.001); The score of Pelvic Floor Function Impact Questionnaire-Short Form7 (PFIQ-7) was 52-214(112.8±44.5)before operation and 5-29 (14.3±6.0) after operation (t=14.40, P<0.001), and the subjective satisfaction rate is 89.5% (34/38) conducted by Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I). Transvaginal sacrospinous ligament fixation with Lasso suture hook is simple, safe, and feasible.

[Fibrocartilaginous lipoma: a clinicopathological analysis of six cases]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics, immunophenotype, molecular genetics and differential diagnoses of fibrocartilaginous lipomas which consist of adipose tissue, fibrocartilage and fibrous elements. Methods: The clinicopathological features, immunohistochemical profiles and molecular profiles in six cases of fibrocartilaginous lipomas diagnosed at Foshan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University and the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University from January 2017 to February 2022 were included. The follow-up information, diagnosis and differential diagnoses were evaluated. Results: There were three males and three females with a median age of 53 years (range 36-69 years) at presentation. Tumors were located in the extremities, the head and neck region and trunk; and presented as painless masses that were located in the subcutaneous tissue or deep soft tissue. Grossly, three cases were well defined with thin capsule, one case was well circumscribed without capsule, two cases were surrounded by some skeletal muscle. The tumors were composed of fatty tissue with intermingled gray-white area. The tumors ranged from 1.50-5.50 cm (mean 2.92 cm). Microscopically, the hallmark of these lesions was the complex admixture of mature adipocytes, fibrocartilage and fibrous element in varying proportions; the fibrocartilage arranged in a nodular, sheet pattern with some adipocytes inside. Tumor cells had a bland appearance without mitotic activity. Immunohistochemical analysis using antibodies to SMA, desmin, S-100, SOX9, HMGA2, RB1, CD34, adipopholin was performed in six cases; the fibrocartilage was positive for S-100 and SOX9, adipocytes were positive for S-100, adipopholin and HMGA2; CD34 was expressed in the fibroblastic cells, while desmin and SMA were negative. Loss of nuclear RB1 expression was not observed. Other genetic abnormalities had not been found yet in four cases. Follow-up information was available in six cases; there was no recurrence in five, and one patient only underwent biopsy of the mass. Conclusions: Fibrocartilaginous lipoma is a benign lipomatous tumor with mature adipocytes, fibrocartilage and fibrous elements. By immunohistochemistry, they show the expression of fat and cartilage markers. No specific molecular genetics changes have been identified so far. Familiarity with its clinicopathological features helps the distinction from its morphologic mimics.

[Application of transvaginal morcellation within disposable extraction bag with traction wire in laparoscopic myomectomy]

To investigate the effect and clinical value of morcellation within disposable extraction bag with traction wire through posterior vaginal fornix in laparoscopic myomectomy. A total of 42 patients who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy and morcellation through posterior vaginal fornix in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from June 2019 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. After the uterine fibroids were removed, the fibroids were placed into the extraction bag, tightening the mouth of the bag with a traction wire to make it airtight. After the uterine incisions were sutured, the extraction bag was taken out through the posterior fornix of the vagina, and the fibroids were broken up with a scalpel in the bag and taken out. The fibroids were successfully removed from the 42 patients through the posterior fornix of the vagina. There were no fibroids fragments found in the peritoneal cavity and vagina. There were no malignant cells or spindle cells found in the peritoneal lavage cytology before and after the operation. After filling the extraction bags with water, there was no leakage. There were 39 cases of uterine leiomyoma, 2 cases of cell-rich uterine leiomyoma, and 1 case of smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential in postoperative pathological diagnosis. Forty-two cases were followed up for 6 to 30 months. The posterior vaginal fornix incision healed well and there was no recurrence or metastasis. Morcellation within disposable extraction bag with traction wire through posterior vaginal fornix in laparoscopic myomectomy is a safe and feasible method for fibroids removal, which may help to reduce the dissemination of iatrogenic tumors.

First Report of Alternaria alternata Causing Leaf Spot Disease on Daylily in China

Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.; Xanthorrhoeaceae) originated from Eastern Asia and are widely cultivated as perennial ornamentals from the tropics to their native high latitudes. In June 2021, daylily cultivar 'Tao Hua Zhai' with leaf spot symptoms were found at the Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai, China. The disease prevalence was about 14.5 % in a 33,000 m2 planting area indicated by survey statistics. Symptoms of the disease initially appeared as small, circular, brown spots on the leaves. As disease progressed, spots increased gradually until they were distributed uniformly over the lamina, the leaf tip became withered and the rest of the leaf became chlorotic. Symptomatic leaf tissue pieces (5 × 5 mm) from lesion margins were sterilized with 75 % ethanol for 1 min, rinsed three times with sterile distilled water, then incubated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates at 28 °C in the dark. A pure culture (ATHF-1) was obtained. Its upper surface on PDA was olive green with loose aerial hyphae, and its lower surface was brown.Conidiophores were brown, single or branched, producing numerous short chains conidia. Conidia were obclavate to obpyriform or ellipsoid, pale brown to dark brown, with a short cylindrical beak at the tip, contained 2-6 transverse septa and 0-4 longitudinal septa. The size of conidia were 15.9-47.3 µm × 7.6-16.6 µm (n=50), and length/width ratios were 1.51 to 4.92. Based on the morphological characteristics, the fungus was identified as Alternaria spp. (Simmons, 2007). For molecular characterization, three genes (the internal transcribed spacers [ITS], plasma membrane ATPase [ATPase] and major allergen Alt a 1) of ATHF-1 were amplified with primer pairs ITS1/ITS4 (White et al. 1990), ATPDF1/ATPDR1 (Lawrence et al. 2013) and Alt-for/Alt-rev (Hong et al. 2005), respectively. The sequences were deposited in GenBank (ITS, MZ983611; ATPase, MZ962978; Alt a 1, OK021654). Blastn searches showed the nucleotide sequences of ATHF-1 were highly similar to the reference sequences of Alternaria tenuissima (ITS, 99 % to KU982591; ATPase, 98 % to MT833928; Alt a 1, 100 % to MT109294). A phylogenetic tree based on the ITS, ATPase and Alt a 1 sequences was constructed by MEGA7.0, which showed that ATHF-1 was closely related to A. tenuissima and A. alternata. But according to Woudenberg et al. (2015), they were synonymized under the species name A. alternata. So, based on morphological and molecular characteristics, the fungus was identified as A. alternata. For pathogenicity tests, ten healthy two-month-old potted seedlings from tissue culture daylilies were sprayed with 20 ml of suspension (approximately 2×105 spores/ml), ten daylilies were used as controls and sprayed with sterile water. After covering with transparent plastic bags for 48 h to maintain humidity, the plants were placed in the greenhouse at 25 ℃ with 12 h photoperiod. The pathogenicity tests were repeated twice. Seven days after inoculation, lesions appeared on the plants inoculated with the pathogen, which were consistent with the symptoms observed in the field, while the controls remained symptomless. The morphological characteristics and gene sequences of the re-isolated strain from the diseased leaves were consistent with those of the inoculated strain. To our knowledge, this is the first report of A. alternata affecting leaf spot disease on daylily in China. Identification of the causal agent of the disease is important for developing effective disease management strategies. References: Hong, S.G., et al. 2005. Fungal Genet Biol. 42(2):119-129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fgb.2004.10.009 Lawrence, D.P., et al. 2013. Mycologia. 105(3):530-546. https://doi.org/10.3852/12-249 Simmons, E.G. 2007. Alternaria: An Identification Manual. CBS Fungal Biodiversity Centre, Utrecht, the Netherlands. White, T. J., et al. 1990. Amplification and Direct Sequencing of Fungal Ribosomal RNA Genes for Phylogenetics. PCR protocols: a guide to methods and applications, 18(1), 315-322. Woudenberg J.H.C., et al. 2015. Studies in Mycology. 82(82):1-21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.simyco.2015.07.001.

Efficient high-charge Laguerre-Gaussian mode conversion by using a periscopic axicon mirror

Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) modes can be converted from fundamental Gaussian mode by using phase optical elements such as spiral phase plates (SPP), but the conversion efficiency is strongly reduced in high charge plates because of the transverse intensity deviation. In this paper, a three-step scheme is proposed to dramatically improve the conversion efficiency. First, a fundamental Gaussian beam is converted to a 1st-order LG beam via a 1st-order SPP and a spatial filtering system. Then, by using a periscopic axicon mirror (PAM), the lst-order LG beam is transformed into an annular beam with larger beam radius. Finally, by using a second high-order SPP, this intensity-matched ring beam can be effectively converted to a high-charge LG0l beam. Through optimization of the PAM's parameter, the total conversion efficiency from fundamental Gaussian beam to LG0l mode as high as 91.85% is obtained, which is much higher than the case without PAM. Numerical simulations are carried out by the particle-in-cell (PIC) code EPOCH to verify the effectiveness of the scheme.

Distribution and identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis lineage in Kashgar prefecture

Objectives

Kashgar prefecture is an important transportation and trade hub with a high incidence of tuberculosis. The following study analyzed the composition and differences in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) lineage and specific tags to distinguish the lineage of the M.tb in Kashgar prefecture, thus providing a basis for the classification and diagnosis of tuberculosis in this area.

Methods

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of 161 M.tb clinical strains was performed. The phylogenetic tree was constructed using Maximum Likelihood (ML) based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and verified through principal component analysis (PCA). The composition structure of M.tb in different regions was analyzed by combining geographic information.

Results

M.tb clinical strains were composed of lineage 2 (73/161, 45.34%), lineage 3 (52/161, 32.30%) and lineage 4 (36/161, 22.36%). Moreover, the 3 lineages were subdivided into 11 sublineages, among which lineage 2 included lineage 2.2.2/Asia Ancestral 1 (9/73, 12.33%), lineage 2.2.1-Asia Ancestral 2 (9/73, 12.33%), lineage 2.2.1-Asia Ancestral 3 (18/73, 24.66%), and lineage 2.2.1-Modern Beijing (39/73, 53.42%). Lineage 3 included lineage 3.2 (14/52, 26.92%) and lineage 3.3 (38/52, 73.08%), while lineage 4 included lineage 4.1 (3/36, 8.33%), lineage 4.2 (2/36, 5.66%), lineage 4.4.2 (1/36, 2.78%), lineage 4.5 (28/36, 77.78%) and lineage 4.8 (2/36, 5.66%), all of which were consistent with the PCA results. One hundred thirty-six markers were proposed for discriminating known circulating strains. Reconstruction of a phylogenetic tree using the 136 SNPs resulted in a tree with the same number of delineated clades. Based on geographical location analysis, the composition of Lineage 2 in Kashgar prefecture (45.34%) was lower compared to other regions in China (54.35%-90.27%), while the composition of Lineage 3 (32.30%) was much higher than in other regions of China (0.92%-2.01%), but lower compared to the bordering Pakistan (70.40%).

Conclusion

Three lineages were identified in M.tb clinical strains from Kashgar prefecture, with 136 branch-specific SNP. Kashgar borders with countries that have a high incidence of tuberculosis, such as Pakistan and India, which results in a large difference between the M.tb lineage and sublineage distribution in this region and other provinces of China.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-022-07307-4.

The expression of cytokeratin and apoptosis-related molecules in echinococcosis related liver injury

The study aimed to investigate the expression of cytokeratin and apoptosis-related molecules in the livers of two types of hepatic echinococcosis mice models and to preliminarily explore the relationship between the expression of cytokeratin and apoptosis in echinococcosis related liver injury. We established a mouse model infected by Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus multilocularis and observed the expression of cytokeratin and apoptosis related proteins in the two types of hepatic echinococcosis tissues during different stages by immunohistochemical staining. A co-culture model was established using normal hepatocytes and different concentrations of E. granulosus and E. multilocularis protoscoleces. Cell Counting Kit-8 was used to detect cell proliferation, flow cytometry was used to detect hepatocyte apoptosis, and western blot was used to quantify cytokeratin and apoptosis-related proteins, such as caspase3, caspase9, Bcl-2, and Bax. Surgical specimens were obtained from patients with hepatic echinococcosis to analyze the expressions of cytokeratin, caspase3, caspase9, Bcl-2, and Bax by western blot. The expressions of cytokeratin and caspase3 were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The qRT-PCR method was used to determine the expression of CK8 and CK18 in the liver tissues. In vivo experiments showed that compared to that in the control group, the cytokeratin and caspase3 proteins in the liver tissues of the two types of hepatic echinococcosis were strongly expressed around the lesions of liver echinococcosis; there was a difference between cytokeratin expression of the two different echinococcosis parasites in the liver. Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus multilocularis in the co-culture model in vitro could promote the expression of CK, caspase3, caspase9, and Bax protein, decrease the expression of Bcl-2, promote hepatocyte apoptosis, and inhibit cell proliferation; in clinical samples, we found that compared with that in the normal tissues, the expression of cytokeratin, caspase3, caspase9, and Bax in echinococcus tissues was high, but that in Bcl-2 was low. Furthermore, the expression of CK8 and CK18 mRNA were higher in echinococcus tissues than that in the normal tissues and immunohistochemistry analysis also showed that cytokeratin and caspase3 levels were higher in echinococcus tissues than that in the normal tissues. The expression of cytokeratin and apoptosis-related molecules, reflecting liver damage, is high in the liver and is caused due to hepatic echinococcosis. This study provides the first evidence of cytokeratin could be useful for evaluating liver tissue damage caused by echinococcus infection.

[Influence of guided bone regeneration on marginal bone loss of implants in the mandible posterior region: a 10-year retrospective cohort study]

Objective: To investigate the effect of guided bone regeneration (GBR) on marginal bone loss (MBL) in the region of the mandibular posterior tooth by using a retrospective cohort study, in order to provide reference for clinical practice. Methods: The research subjects were patients who received dental implants from October 2008 to June 2011 in the region of the mandibular posterior tooth at the Department of Oral Implantology, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University. According to whether GBR was performed or not and the time of implant insertion, the patients were divided into the controls group (patients without bone grafting), simultaneous GBR implantation group, and delayed GBR implantation group. On this basis, the MBL was measured according to radiographs by comparing the marginal bone level from that of immediate postoperation 10 years ago. General data was collected and compared among groups, including modified plaque index (mPI), modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI), probing depth (PD), and gingival papilla height. Results: The controls group (patients without bone grafting), implantation group, and delayed GBR implantation group followed 58, 76, 26 implants in 26, 32, 13 patients aging at (46.5±9.9), (45.5±10.7), (58.3±6.4) respectively. The duration of the follow-up was (11.2±0.7), (11.1±0.8), (11.1±0.9) years respectively. The 10-year implant survival rate was 100% (58/58), 100% (76/76), 100% (26/26). The MBL was (0.91±0.28), (0.84±0.27), (1.01±0.27) mm respectively. The MBL difference of patients with simultaneous GBR implantation and delayed GBR implantation showed statistical significance (P<0.05), but these two groups showed no statistical significance compared with the controls group (P>0.05). The mPI, mSBI, PD, and gingival papilla height of the three groups all had no significance on statistics (P>0.05). Conclusions: It can be concluded that there is no difference in long-term marginal bone resorption between simultaneous and delayed implantation with or without GBR (using autologous blood mixed with granular bone meal) in the posterior mandibular area.

[Clinical features, diagnosis and treatment key points of dental implant prostheses for diabetic patients]

Diabetes mellitus is a relative contraindication of dental implant therapy, that limits the application of implant therapy severely. Diabetic status often leads to secondary vascular and bone lesions, which affect treatment adversely and lead to an increased failure rate. Therefore, how to implement implant therapy for diabetic patients has become a difficult question for dentists. According to the research and experience over the years on diabetic patients, and referring to the current research progress on this topic, the authors will discuss the clinical characteristics of diabetic patients and the details of treatment process, for reference.

Using mixed silages of sweet sorghum and alfalfa in total mixed rations to improve growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass traits and meat quality of sheep

Combining sweet sorghum (SS) with alfalfa for ensiling has the potential to make a high-quality silage with relatively a better nutrient balance. However, the existing data are insufficient about how changes in ratios of SS to alfalfa in different silage mixtures affect animal performance and meat quality. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of feeding total mixed rations containing mixed silages of SS and alfalfa on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass traits and meat quality of Karakul sheep. Five total mixed rations were formulated with different SS proportions at 100%, 80%, 60%, 40%, and 20% on a fresh weight basis. Thirty 4-month old male Karakul sheep with 25.5 ± 1.4 kg BW were randomly allocated into five treatment groups, each with six lambs for this experiment. The results indicated that the Karakul sheep consuming total mixed rations containing SS-Alfalfa (SS-AF) silage mixtures with a lower proportion of SS tended to increase nutrient digestibility, growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality. Feeding diets with SS at 40% and 20% inclusion rate showed a significant linear increase in the apparent digestibility of DM, CP and NDF, as well as subcutaneous fat thickness and water holding capacity (P < 0.5). Moreover, reduction in SS inclusion rate in these diets caused significant (P < 0.05) linear and quadratic increases in DM intake, final BW, average daily gain, carcass weight, and the amino acid contents of meat (P < 0.05). Conversely, feeding diet with lower SS inclusion rate led to decrease in feed conversion ratio and shear force significantly (P < 0.05) for these sheep. It appears that 40% inclusion of SS was the optimal rate in making the SS-AF silage mixture for lambs to achieve a superior production performance and high-quality meat products in Karakul sheep. However, further research is needed to investigate the effect of feeding SS-AF silage mixtures alongside contrasting ingredients on rumen function, ruminal microorganisms and digestive enzyme activity of sheep and other ruminant animals.

Photoinduced multistage phase transitions in Ta2NiSe5

Ultrafast control of material physical properties represents a rapidly developing field in condensed matter physics. Yet, accessing the long-lived photoinduced electronic states is still in its early stages, especially with respect to an insulator to metal phase transition. Here, by combining transport measurement with ultrashort photoexcitation and coherent phonon spectroscopy, we report on photoinduced multistage phase transitions in Ta2NiSe5. Upon excitation by weak pulse intensity, the system is triggered to a short-lived state accompanied by a structural change. Further increasing the excitation intensity beyond a threshold, a photoinduced steady new state is achieved where the resistivity drops by more than four orders at temperature 50 K. This new state is thermally stable up to at least 350 K and exhibits a lattice structure different from any of the thermally accessible equilibrium states. Transmission electron microscopy reveals an in-chain Ta atom displacement in the photoinduced new structure phase. We also found that nano-sheet samples with the thickness less than the optical penetration depth are required for attaining a complete transition.

[Circulating endothelial microparticles for prediction of therapeutic effect in advanced lung cancer]

Objective: To explore the correlation of endothelial microparticles and progression of advanced lung cancer, and its predictive value in therapeutic effect. Methods: The data of patients with advanced lung cancer in the Oncology Department of Frist Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from October 2018 to May 2019 were collected. Blood routine, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), tumor markers, and circulating endothelial microparticles (CD105+ EMPs) were measured before treatment. Flow cytometry was used to detect the number of CD105+ EMPs, and multivariate regression analysis was used to study the predict factors of advanced lung cancer progression. Results: A total of 88 patients were recruited in the study, including 60 in the objective response (OR) group and 28 in the disease progression (PD) group. There were no significant differences in gender, age, basic diseases, tumor stage, cancer type and therapeutic intervention between two groups, while there were significant differences in tumor marker, LDH, total microparticles (MPs), and endothelial microparticles (CD105+ EMPs) between two groups (P<0.05). In the multivariate regression analysis, CD105+ EMPs ≥70 events/μl (OR=3.623, 95%CI=1.345~9.761, P=0.011) and LDH (OR=1.008, 95%CI=1.001~1.015, P=0.032) were able to predict the progression of advanced lung cancer. A predictive model of advanced lung cancer progression was established based on the multivariate regression results. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.729 (95%CI=0.620~0.837, P=0.001), the sensitivity was 32.1%, the specificity was 91.6%, the positive predictive value was 64.2%, and the negative predictive value was 74.3%. Conclusion: Circulating endothelial microparticles are associated with the progression of advanced lung cancer, it combined with LDH can predict the therapeutic effect of advanced lung cancer.

[Efficacy of olaparib combined with pembrolizumab in second-line treatment for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer]

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of olaparib in combination with pembrolizumab with pembrolizumab alone in second-line treatment for patients with extensive stage-small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) whose ages ranged from 40 to 80 years. Methods: From March 2017 to October 2019, 21 patients with progressed or relapsed small cell lung cancer after standard first line treatment were enrolled in this study. The olaparib/pembrolizumab group (n=11) was treated by olaparib 300mg twice per day combined with pembrolizumab 200mg once every 3 weeks, while pembrolizumab group was treated by pembrolizumab alone. Results: The objective response rate (ORR) of olaparib/pembrolizumab group and pembrolizumab group were 45.5% and 10.0%, respectively (P=0.149), and the disease control rate (DCR) were 81.8% and 70.0% (P=0.635). The median progression-free survival (PFS) were 5.93 months and 3.53 months (P=0.036), the median overall survival (OS) were 10.43 months and 8.43 months (P=0.063). The adverse reaction incidences of all grades were 90.9% and 70.0% (P=0.311), and the incidences of grade Ⅲ-Ⅴ including myelosuppression were 36.4% and 10.0% (P=0.311), gastrointestinal reaction were 9.1% and 10.0%, (P=1.000) and other immune-related adverse events were 18.2% and 30.0% (P=1.000). Further analysis showed the metastatic number (P=0.006), platinum sensitivity (P=0.036) and LDH level (P=0.022) significantly affected the ORR of olaparib/pembrolizumab therapy. Conclusion: Our preliminary study indicates that olaparib combined with pembrolizumab is an efficient and safe second-line treatment therapy for patients with ES-SCLC.

Simulated model of RAPID concept: highlighting innate inflammation and liver regeneration

Background

The resection and partial liver segment II/III transplantation with delayed total hepatectomy (RAPID) concept is a novel transplantation technique for removal of non‐resectable liver tumours. The aim of this study was to establish a simulated RAPID model to explore the mechanism involved in the liver regeneration.

Methods

A RAPID model was created in rats involving cold ischaemia and reperfusion of the selected future liver remnant (FLR), portal vein ligation, followed by resection of the deportalized lobes in a second step. Histology, liver regeneration and inflammatory markers in RAPID‐treated rats were compared with those in controls that underwent 70 per cent hepatectomy with the same FLR size. The effects of interleukin (IL) 6 and macrophage polarization on hepatocyte viability were evaluated in an in vitro co‐culture system of macrophages and BRL hepatocytes.

Results

The survival rate in RAPID and control hepatectomy groups was 100 per cent. The regeneration rate was higher in the RAPID‐treated rats, with higher levels of IL‐6 and M1 macrophage polarization (P < 0·050). BRL hepatocytes co‐cultured with M1 macrophages showed a higher proliferation rate through activation of the IL‐6/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase pathway. This enhancement of proliferation was inhibited by tocilizumab or gadolinium trichloride (P < 0·050).

Conclusion

The surgical model provides a simulation of RAPID that can be used to study the liver regeneration profile.

Research Progress on Automatic Assessment of Bone Age

Abstract

Bone age is an important indicator of human growth and development, which can objectively reflect the growth level and maturity of individuals. Traditional manual bone age assessment usually compares the X-ray of the left wrist with the reference standard to obtain the corresponding bone age. This method is time-consuming and its results vary with different observers. In recent years, with the continuous development of computer science, bone age assessment has began to change from traditional manual assessment to automatic assessment. Although there has already been numerous researches on automatic bone age assessment, most of them are still in the experimental stage. This paper reviews related research and progress on automatic bone age assessment at home and abroad in recent years, in order to provide reference and research ideas for relevant researchers.

[Epidemiological characteristic and current status of surgical treatment for esophageal cancer by analysis of national registry database]

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics and current status of surgical management for esophageal cancer in China. Methods: A national database was setup through a network platform. The clinical data of esophageal cancer treated by surgery was collected from 70 major hospitals in China between January 2009 and December 2014. Results: Complete data of 8 181 cases of esophageal cancer patients who underwent surgery were recorded in the database and recruited in the analysis. Among them, 6 052 cases were male and 2 129 were female, the average age was 60.5 years.The epidemiological investigation results showed that 148 cases (1.8%) had history of psychological trauma, 7 527 cases (92.0%) were lower social economic status, 5 072 cases (62.0%) were short of fresh vegetables and fruits, 6 544 cases (80.0%) ate rough food frequently, 3 722 cases (45.5%) drank untreated water directly from lake or river or shallow well, 3 436 cases (42.0%) had a unhealthy eating habit, including habits of eating food fast (507 cases, 6.2%), eating hot food or drinking hot tea/soup (998 cases, 12.2%), eating fried food (1 939 cases, 23.7%), 4 410 cases (53.9%) had the habits of smoking cigarettes and 2 822 cases (34.5%) drank white wine frequently.The pathological results showed that 7 813 cases (95.5%) were squamous cell carcinoma, 267 cases were adenocarcinoma (3.3%), 25 cases were adenosquamous cell carcinoma (0.3%) and 50 cases were small cell carcinoma (0.6%). A total of 1 800 cases (22.0%) received preoperative neoadjuvant therapy due to locally advanced disease or difficulty of resection. The esophagectomies were performed through left thoracotomy approach in 5 870 cases (71.8%), through right chest approach in 2 215 cases (27.1%), and the remain 96 cases (1.2%) received surgery though other approaches.A total of 8 001 cases (97.8%) underwent radical resection, the other 180 cases (2.2%) received palliative resection. The 30-day postoperative mortality rate was 0.5%, the overall ≥ grade Ⅱ postoperative complication rate was 11.6% (951 cases). The 1-yr, 3-yr, and 5-yr overall actual survival rates were 82.6%, 61.6%, and 52.9%, respectively. Conclusions: The data analysis of the national database for esophageal cancer shows that bad eating habits or eating rough food without enough nutrients, lower social and economic status, drinking white wine and smoking cigarettes frequently may be correlated with tumorigenesis of esophageal cancer. However, strong evidences produced by prospective observation studies are needed. Overall, the long-term survival of esophageal cancer patients has been improved gradually due to the application of advanced surgical techniques and reasonable multimodality treatment.

[The surgical effect on obstructive sleep apnea with laryngopharyngeal reflux]

Objective:To explore the effect of surgical treatment for OSA with laryngopharyngeal reflux（LPR）. Method:A retrospective analysis was made in 42 patients diagnosed as moderate to severe OSA with LPR and treated with modified-coblation assisted Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty（M-CAUP）. The results of PSG, reflux symptom index（RSI）, reflux finding score（RFS） and 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring before and after operation were compared. Result:The AHI after operation was significantly lower than that before operation（P<0.05）, and the average oxygen saturation and minimum blood pressure saturation were increased（P<0.05）. The total scores of RSI and RFS after operation were lower than those before operation（P<0.05）. The percentage of time of pH<4.0 in esophagus 24 hours after operation was lower than that before operation（P<0.05）. Conclusion:For patients with moderate to severe OSA combined with LPR with oropharyngeal obstruction, surgical treatment can not only reduce airway stenosis and obstruction, but also improve the symptoms and signs of LPR.

Direct observation of magnetic contrast obtained by photoemission electron microscopy with deep ultra-violet laser excitation

Magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) and magnetic linear dichroism (MLD) have been investigated in a photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM) system excited by a deep ultra-violet (DUV) laser (with λ = 177.3 nm and hυ = 7.0 eV) for the first time. High resolution PEEM magnetic images (down to 43.2 nm) were directly obtained on a (001)-oriented magnetic FePt film surface with a circularly-polarized light under normal incidence. Furthermore, a stepped Cr seeding layer was applied to induce the formation of large-area epitaxial FePt films with (001) and (111) two orientations, where MLD with large asymmetry was observed in the transition area of two phases. It demonstrates that DUV laser can be a powerful source for high resolution magnetic imaging in the laboratory in absence of synchrotron facilities.

[IL-25-regulated type 2 innate lymphoid cells activation promote allergic fungal rhinosinusitis]

Objective: To investigate the regulation of IL-25 on type Ⅱ innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) activation in the pathogenesis of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS). Methods: Nasal mucosa tissues were collected from 16 AFRS patients and 12 patients, who underwent nasal endoscopic surgery for cerebrospinal rhinorrhea or skull base benign tumor during the period from June 2016 to June 2017 in Department of Rhinology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. Firstly, flow cytometry was used to detect ILC2s in nasal mucosa of both groups. Secondly, the expression of IL-25, IL-5 and IL-13 in nasal mucosa was detected by immunofluorescence and/or Western Blot assay. Finally, fungal extracts, IL-25 and glucocorticoids were used to stimulate nasal mucosal epithelial cells and tissues in vitro respectively to detect the regulatory effect of IL-25 on ILC2s. SPSS 16.0 software was used to analyze the data. Results: The prevalence of ILC2s in nasal tissues was higher in patients with AFRS than those of the control group ((3.85±1.52)%(Mean±SD) vs (0.32±0.10)%, U=9.00, P<0.05). There was a positive correlation between the prevalence of ILC2s and the number of eosinophils in nasal mucosa of patients with ARFS (r=0.80, P<0.05). The expression of IL-25, IL-5 and IL-13 in nasal mucosa epithelium of AFRS group was significantly higher than that of the control group (0.49±0.13 vs 0.23±0.09, 0.23±0.05 vs 0.10±0.04, 0.31±0.08 vs 0.14±0.07, t value was 5.90, 7.21, 5.69, respectively, all P<0.05). Fungal stimulation enhanced the expression of IL-25 protein in nasal epithelial cells of both groups (0.67±0.19 vs 0.25±0.12 (AFRS group), 0.62±0.17 vs 0.27±0.16 (control group), q value was 8.65, 9.26, respectively, all P<0.05). In the IL-25 stimulated nasal mucosa at a concentration of 1, 10 and 100 ng/ml, the expression level of retinoid acid-related orphan receptor α (RORα) mRNA was 2.07±1.53, 5.06±0.93, 7.38±2.30, respectively; the expression level of GATA binding protein 3 (GATA3) mRNA was 3.58±1.29, 6.14±1.55, 7.64±2.28, respectively; the expression level of IL-5 protein was 0.21±0.06, 0.32±0.06, 0.38±0.10, respectively; the expression level of IL-13 was 0.52±0.13, 0.69±0.22, 0.82±0.21, respectively, which were significantly higher than that in the unstimulated nasal mucosa (1.00±0.00, 1.00±0.00, 0.11±0.05, 0.35±0.15, F value was 63.45, 59.27, 49.35, 20.20, respectively, all P<0.05). The up-regulation could be inhibited by dexamethasone (F value was 89.20, 92.47, 99.63, 49.82, respectively, all P<0.05). Conclusions: Epithelial-derived IL-25 up-regulates the expression of IRC2s-dependent transcription factors RORα and GATA3 mRNA, which are positively correlated with elevated IL-13 and IL-5 expression levels in tissues, may be involved in AFRS inflammatory response, and are inhibited by glucocorticoids.

[Task-related functional connectivity of anterior cingutate in opiate drug addicts during physical detoxification: a task fMRI study]

Objective: To explore the brain areas which have abnormal functional connectivity with anterior cingutate in opiate drug dependence during physical detoxification using a task-related functional magnetic resonance imaging(fMRI), and to find out the role of anterior cingutate dysfunction in the relapse of opiate drug addicts during physical detoxification. Methods: From January to December 2016, eighteen participants of opiate drug addicts during physical detoxification who completed in Drug Rehabilitation Center of Anhui Province, and eighteen healthy controls recruited performed a cue-elicited craving task in a MRI scanner while signal data were collected. Two regions of interest were the right anterior cingutate and the left anterior cingutate, then the linear correlation between the whole brain and the anterior cingutates was calculated to find out the abnormal functional connectivity of the anterior cingutates. Results: Contrasted experimental group with the healthy controls, the functional connectivity of bilateral fusiform gyrus, caudate nucleus, and the anterior cingutates was increased in the opiate drug addicts during physical detoxification group (P<0.05),and the functional connectivity between anterior cingutates and polus temporalis, hippocampi, Middle frontal gyrus of orbit, Supplementary motor area, dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus was decreased(P<0.05). Conclusion: The anterior cingutates dysfunction of functional connectivity in a cue-elicited craving task may play a important role in the relapse of opiate drug addicts during physical detoxification.

[Comparison of the accuracy of neuronavigation and linear measurement in the positioning of parasagittal meningioma]

Objective: To explore the accuracy of preoperative positioning of neuronavigation and linear measurement localization in the parasagittal meningioma. Methods: Thirty-eight patients with parasagittal meningioma who underwent neurosurgery in the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College from January 2016 to April 2018 were preoperatively positioned with neuronavigation localization and linear measurement localization. The actual position of the tumor was observed during operation, and the accuracy of the two methods was compared. The time taken by the neural navigation positioning and the linear measurement positioning method was recorded, and the difference between the two methods was compared. Results: All cases were treated with neuronavigation and linear measurement, and the tumors were completely exposed after localization. Compared with the actual tumor center position measured during surgery, the average error distance between 38 nerve navigation and actual tumor center position was (2.7±1.9) mm, and the average error distance between linear measurement and actual tumor center position was (3.2±1.3) mm. The difference was not statistically significant, P value=0.207. Neuronavigation includes booting, data import, registration, positioning, etc., which takes an average of (22.3±2.3) minutes. The linear positioning method included image data measurement and localization, and the average time was(1.7±0.3) minutes. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant, and the P value was less than 0.001. Conclusion: The linear measurement localization method and the neuronavigation localization method have good accuracy for preoperative localization of the parasagittal meningioma.

[Effect of α7nAChR mediated cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway on inhibition of atrial fibrillation by low-level vagus nerve stimulation]

Objective: To investigate the effect of α7nAChR mediated cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway on inhibition of atrial fibrillation by low-level vagus nerve stimulation(LL-VNS). Methods: Eighteen beagles were randomized into control group (n=6), LL-VNS group (n=6) and methyllycaconitine (MLA) + LL-VNS group (n=6). All the beagles were subjected to rapid atrial pacing at 800 beats/min for 6 hours.And the effective refractory period (ERP) of atriums and pulmonary veins and induced atrial fibrillation (AF) were measured hourly during non-pacing.After cessation of pacing for 3 hours, the beagles in control group were injected with saline into four ganglionated plexis (GPs), the beagles in LL-VNS group were given LL-VNS and saline injected into four GPs, and the beagles in MLA+ LL-VNS group were injected with MLA into four GPs combined with LL-VNS.And the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and acetylcholine (ACh) in the plasma at baseline condition, 3 h and 6 h were measured.At the end of this experiment, atrial tissues were collected to examine the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, ACh, NF-κBp65 and STAT3 proteins. Results: During the right atrium pacing for the first 3 hours, the ERPs were gradually decreased while AF inducibility were gradually increased in all groups. At the end of this experiment, compared with the control group and MLA+ LL-VNS group, the ERPs in LL-VNS group were increased, and the induced times and duration of AF were significantly decreased. The levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in plasma were all significantly decreased in LL-VNS group and MLA+ LL-VNS group when compared with the control group(pg/ml) [IL-6: (101±6) vs (119±7), P<0.05; (102±5) vs (119±7), P<0.05; TNF-α: (17.8±1.7) vs (22.1±2.0), P<0.05; (17.9±2.2) vs (22.1±2.0), P<0.05]. And the levels of ACh were higher than in the control group(μg/ml)[(151±13) vs (123±10), P<0.05; (145±5) vs (123±10), P<0.05]. After cessation of pacing for 6 hours, compared with the control groupand MLA+ LL-VNS group, the tissue levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly decreased in LL-VNS group (P<0.05). The concentrations of NF-κBp65 proteins in atrial tissues were lower in the LL-VNS group (P<0.05), and the levels of STAT3 proteins in those tissues were higher in the LL-VNS group than in thein the two other groups (P<0.05). Conclusion: LL-VNS could inhibit the atrial electrical remodeling and atrial fibrillation induction; cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway mediated by α7nAChR may be the important mechanism in vagal nerve regulated AF.

[Application of modified brain protection double-lumen drainage tube in external drainage of chronic subdural hematoma]

Objective: To compare the clinical effects of modified double-lumen drainage tube and traditional silicone tube in external drainage of chronic subdural hematoma. Methods: Selected 49 patients suffering from chronic subdural hematoma hospitalized in the Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College between July 2016 and June 2018 who underwent external drainage, and divided them randomly into experimental groups (using modified brain protection double lumen drainage tube in 23 cases) and control group (using traditional silicone drainage tube in 26 cases). Comparison of postoperative hematoma residual volume, the tube indwelling time, the numbers of drainage tube contact with brain tissue and arachnoid membrane, the numbers of infections, the numbers of postoperative epilepsy cases, and changes in Modified Rankin Scale scores between the two groups. Results: At the time of extubation, the residual amount of hematoma in the experimental group was (13±7) ml, and that in the control group was (17±8) ml. There was no significantly statistical difference in the residual amount of hematoma between the experimental group and the control group (P>0.05). The tube indwelling time of the experimental group was (2.0±0.9) days, and that of the control group was (2.7±0.8) days. The difference between the experimental group and the control group in the drainage tube indwelling time was statistically significant (P<0.05). No cases of drainage tube contact with brain tissue and/or arachnoid membrane appeared in the experimental group, and 7 cases of drainage tube contact with brain tissue or arachnoid membrane appeared in the control group. No infection occurred in both groups. No cases of epilepsy occurred in preoperative, and there were 0 cases of epilepsy in the experimental group and 1 case in the control group in postoperative. There were significantly statistical differences in each of the two groups in the modified Rankin scale before and after surgery (P<0.001), there was no significant difference in postoperative Modified Rankin Scale scores between the two groups. Conclusion: The modified brain protection double-lumen drainage tube has good drainage effect in the external drainage of chronic subdural hematoma, and the short tube retention time, causing fewer complications. It is a safe and effective tool for treating chronic subdural hematoma, and it is worthy of clinical promotion.

[The clinical significance of PRL-3,VEGF expression in sinonasalsquamous cell carcinoma]

Objective:To analyze the clinical significance of phosphatase of regenerating liver-3(PRL-3) and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)expression in sinonasal squamous cell carcinomas.Method:We use immunohistochemical analysis and RT-PCR to detecte the expression of PRL-3 and VEGF protein in 62 cases of sinonasal squamous carcinoma tissues(SNSCC),30 cases of nasal polyps(NP),and 25 cases of normal nasal mucosa(NM).Result:①The expression of PRL-3 and VEGF in sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma tissues were statistically higher than in nasal polyps and normal nasal mucosa tissues (P<0.05).②The expression of PRL-3 and VEGF were not correlated with patient's age or gender(P>0.05).But the High expression of PRL-3 and VEGF in SNSCC was significantly related with advanced,lower tumor differentiation and lymph node metastasis(P<0.05).③The expression of PRL-3 and VEGF was positively correlated in sinonasal squamous cell carcinomas.Conclusion:The expression of PRL-3 and VEGF in SNSCC may involve in the regulation of tumor growth and differentiation.The expressing intensity may reflect the proliferation activity of sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma cell.PRL-3 and VEGF may promote the tumor metastasis in a synergistic manner.

[Application of reflux symptom index in diagnosis of allergic patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux]

Objective:To explore the diagnostic value and optimal diagnostic threshold of reflux symptom index(RSI) in allergic patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux. Method: All the adult allergic patients with respiratory tract symptoms completed the RSI with the consent of the patients. A total of 150 patients with RSI＞13 were screened out. The LPR patients were confirmed by 24 h pH-metry of pharyngo-laryngoesophageal (allergic group). The same number of non allergic laryngeal reflux patients were selected as control group (non allergic group). The ratio of RSI＞13 to LPR was calculated. The total score of RSI and each score were compared between the allergic group and the non allergic group. ROC curve was used to analyze the highly suspicious RSI score thresholds for patients with reflux laryngitis. Result:Only 53(35.33%) of 150 patients with RSI＞13 were diagnosed as LPR after 24 h pH-metry test in allergic patients. Among the 9 symptoms of RSI, the scores of 6 symptoms in allergic group were significantly higher than those in non allergic group(P<0.05). The average RSI score of allergic group was 23.57±3.17. The average RSI score of non allergic group was 17.57±2.64. The total score of allergic group was higher than that of non allergic group(P<0.05). According to the RSI score ROC curve of allergic group, the area under 95% confidence interval curve was 0.815. RSI had certain diagnostic accuracy for allergic patients with LPR. The best critical value of RSI score for allergic patients with LPR was 18, the sensitivity was 94.3%, and the specificity was 56.7%. Conclusion:RSI can be used to screen allergic patients with LPR, diagnostic score threshold RSI＞18 points, has a certain diagnostic accuracy.

[A preliminary study on the relationship between laryngopharyngeal reflux and chronic rhinosinusitis]

Objective:To study the relationship between laryngopharyngeal reflux and chronic rhinosinusitis. Method:A total of 46 patients were enrolled in this study including 25 cases with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, 10 cases with chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps and 11 cases underwent surgery due to abnormal nasal anatomy such as nasal septum deviation, bubble in the turbinate, etc. as control group. The expression of pepsin was detected using immunohistochemistry in three groups. The intensity of pepsin expression and CT score of sinus, blood eosinophils percentage, blood neutrophils percentage, blood basohils percentage, blood mononuclear percentage, blood lymphocytes percentage were analyzed. Result:There were 8 strong positive cases (32%, 8/25), positive in 8 cases (32%, 8/25), 2 weakly positive cases (8%,2/25), 7 negative cases (28%, 7/25) in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps group. In the chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps group, the expression of pepsin was strong positive in 4 cases (40%, 4/10), positive in 3 cases (30%, 3/10), weakly positive in 1 cases (10%, 1/10), negative in 2 cases (20%, 2/10). There were no strong positive expression in the control group, positive in 2 cases (18.2%, 2/11), weakly positive in 3 cases (27.3%, 3/11), negative in 6 cases (54.5%, 6/11), chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps group and chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps group higher than the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in pepsin expression between chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps group and without group (P=0.617). Spearman correlation analysis indicated that the intensity of pepsin was positively correlated with the score of Lund-Markay (r=0.349,P=0.017), there was no correlation with the percentage of various inflammatory cells. Conclusion:The positive expression intensity of pepsin in chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps is significantly higher than that in normal control group, suggested that there is a correlation between laryngopharyngeal reflux and chronic rhinosinusitis. Laryngopharyngeal reflux is positively correlated with the severity of nasal polyps. Chronic nasal inflammation caused by laryngopharyngeal reflux is not mediated by a certain kind of inflammatory cells.

[Minimal fat renalangiomyolipoma with multiple lymph nodes enlargement and postoperative refractory lymphatic fistula: a case report and literature review]

Renal angiomyolipoma (AML) is a common benign tumor in the urinary system, mainly composed of adipose tissue, blood vessels and muscle tissue. Renal AML is sporadic in most of patients, while a few are associated with tuberous sclerosis. Classical renal AML occurs predominantly in middle-aged females. Most cases are found incidentally during imaging examinations. The fat content makes AML have unique imaging characteristics and is easy to be identified with other renal tumors. However, the amount of fat varies in each tumor. AML that contains only microscopically detectable fat and whose amount of intratumoral fat may be too small to be identified on unenhanced computed tomography (CT) images is termed minimal fat or fat-poor renal AML, which appears as a high density shadow in the renal parenchyma on unenhanced CT images. Thus, it can be difficult to distinguish it from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) on imaging. Since the imaging findings are atypical, the diagnosis depends on pathological results. In addition, a few of AML can mimic malignant neoplasms. Recent studies suggested that AML might involve to peri-renal or renal sinus fat, regional lymphatics and other visceral organs, as well as inferior vena cava, which further makes the diagnosis more difficult. However, there is currently no reports about involvement of regional limphatics in minimal fat renal AML. In this article, we report a 27-year-old female patient without family history of tuberous sclerosis, who came to visit the hematologist because a high density shadow near the left kidney was found during CT scan which was accompanied by neck, armpits, groin, abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal lymph nodes enlargement. She was suspected of lymphoma in the beginning and transferred to Department of Urology to perform laparoscopic left renal mass and retroperitoneal lymph node excision and pathological examination for a definitive diagnosis. Finally, pathologic results revealed AML. Postoperative continuous lymphatic fistula developed and the retroperitoneal drainage of chylous fluid was 100-200 mL per day, lasting for 12 weeks. The fistula was successfully closed after conservative treatment including fasting and rehydration. This article summaries and discusses the diagnosis and treatment of renal AML with lymph nodes enlargement and the management of postoperative refractory lymphatic fistula by reviewing the related cases and literature.

[Curative effect analysis of two surgical methods for removal of pituitary adenoma via endonasal transsphenoidal approach]

Objective: To compare the efficacy of endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery and microsurgery for pituitary adenomas. Methods: One hundred and ten patients with pituitary adenoma who were treated by single nostril transsphenoidal surgery in the department of neurosurgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College from June 2014 to December 2016 were enrolled.These cases were randomly divided into endoscopic group 53 cases (including 36 cases of functional pituitary adenoma and 17 cases of non-functional pituitary adenoma) and microscope group 57 cases (including 34 cases of pituitary adenoma and 23 cases of non-functional pituitary adenomas), with no significant difference in preoperative clinical data about gender, age, tumor size and endocrine function (P>0.05). The total tumor resection rate, postoperative complication rate and the rate of functional tumor hormone levels were compared between the two groups. Results: The total resection rate of tumor in patients with endoscope and microscope group were 75.5% (40/53) and 70.2% (40/57) without statistically significant difference (P>0.05). The total resection rate and hormone level decline effective rate of functional pituitary adenomas in neuroendoscope group (91.7%, 33/36; 83.3%, 30/36) were higher than those in microscope group (70.6%, 24/34; 61.8%, 21/34) with statistically significant difference (P<0.05). Another side, there was no statistically significant difference in total resection of non-functional pituitary adenomas between endoscope group (41.2%, 7/17) and microscope group (69.6%, 16/23) (P>0.05). The total incidence of postoperative complications in endoscopic group (9.4%, 5/53) was lower than that in the microscope group (24.6%, 14/57), with statistically significant difference (P<0.05), in which the rate of postoperative complications of functional pituitary adenomas and nonfunctional pituitary adenoma in endoscopy group (8.3%, 3/36; 11.8%, 2/17) and in microscope (20.6%, 7/34; 30.4%, 7/23) had no statistical significance (P>0.05). Conclusion: Pituitary adenoma resection rate in two ways had no obvious difference, but the advantages of endoscopic surgery for functional pituitary adenomas were obvious.The incidence of postoperative complications of endoscopic surgery was lower than that of microscopic surgery, but there was no difference between functional and non-functional tumors.

[Effect of different course of omeprazole in the treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux]

Objective:To compare the efficacy and safety of omeprazole in the treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux. Method:One hundred and sixty patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux in our hospital from March 2015 to January 2017 (diagnosis treatment for 8 weeks) were selected and randomly divided into group A, B, C, D, with 40 cases in each group. Each group of patients were treated with omeprazole enteric-coated capsules (20mg, Bid) for 1, 2, 3 and 4 months, respectively. The reflux symptom index(RSI), reflux finding score(RFS) score, and 24h intraesophageal pH-metry , pepsin detection were compared between the four groups before treatment, at the end of treatment, at 1 month and 2 months after treatment. The efficacy and side effects were evaluated.Result:With the increase of treatment course, patient's RSI and RFS score, 24h pH-metry <4.0 percentage, pepsin positive rate decreased gradually, and there was a significant difference between before and after treatment. After treatment, there was a statistical significance in group B and group A, group C and group B. There was no significant difference between group D and group C. After the end of treatment and up to 2 months of follow-up, the RSI and RFS scores gradually increased and 24h Ph-metry <4.0 percentage, pepsin positive rate increased in group A and B,and those were not significantly different in group C and group D. With the increase of treatment duration, the effective rate of treatment increased, which was 67.5%, 80.0%, 90.0% and 95.0%, respectively. The difference was statistically significant, but the adverse effects did not increase (P>0.05).Conclusion:Omeprazole is safe and effective in the treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux. The symptoms and signs of the patients are obviously improved during the 5 months of the course, and the condition is relatively stable and the recurrence rate is low.

[Analysis of Arsenic Compounds in Blood and Urine by HPLC-ICP-MS]

OBJECTIVES

To establish an analysis method for the detection of 6 arsenic compounds [AsC, AsB, As（Ⅲ）, DMA, MMA and As（V）] in blood and urine by high-performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry （HPLC-ICP-MS）, and apply it to real cases.

METHODS

Triton was used to damage cells, and then EDTA·2Na·2H2O was used to complex arsenic compounds in cells, and sonication and protein deposition by acetonitrile were performed for sample pretreatment. With the mobile phase consisted of ammonium carbonate and ultrapure water, gradient elution was performed for obtaining the arsenic compounds in samples, which were analysed by ICP-MS with Hamilton PRP-X100 column.

RESULTS

The limits of detection in blood were 1.66-10 ng/mL, while the lower limits of quantitation in blood ranged from 5 to 30 ng/mL. The limits of detection in urine were 0.5-10 ng/mL, while the lower limits of quantitation in urine were 5-30 ng/mL. The relative standard deviation of inter-day and intra-day precisions was less than 10%. This method had been successfully applied to 3 cases.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has established an analysis method for detecting 6 common arsenic compounds in blood and urine, which can be used to detect the arsenic compounds in the blood and urine from arsenic poisoning cases as well as the patients under arsenic treatment.

[The molecular-cytogenetic characterization and tyrosine kinase inhibitors efficacy in newly diagnosed chronic phase CML patients with variant Philadelphia chromosomes]

Objective: To investigate the molecular-cytogenetic characterization and impact on tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) therapy in chronic phase of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML-CP) patients with variant Ph chromosome (vPh). Methods: The clinical data of 32 patients with vPh chromosomes were collected and compared with 703 patients with typical Ph chromosome in newly diagnosed CML-CP who were on first-line imatinib (IM) and with BCR-ABL transcript of P210. Results: There was no significant difference in demographic and hematological characteristics between vPh and classic Ph patients. 3(9.4%) of the 32 vPh cases were simple variant translocations. Among the remaining 29 cases with complex variant translocations, 28 cases (87.5%) involved 3 chromosomes, and only 1 (3.1%) involved 4 chromosomes. Except for 8, 15, 18, X, and Y chromosomes, the other chromosomes were involved. The frequency of chromosome 12q(15.5%) and 1p (12.1%) were higher involved. The most common FISH signal pattern was 2G2R1Y (74.1%), followed by 1G1R2F (14.8%), 2G1R1Y (3.7%), 1G2R1Y (3.7%), 1G1R1Y (3.7%). The comparison of complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) (P=0.269), major molecular response (MMR) (P=0.391) were carried out between simple and complex mechanisms, without difference. Compared with the classic Ph, the patients with vPh had higher IM primary resistance rate (χ2=3.978, P=0.046), especially primary hematological resistance (χ2=7.870, P=0.005), but the difference of CCyR (χ2=0.192, P=0.661), MMR (χ2=0.822, P=0.365), EFS (χ2=0.509, P=0.476), OS (χ2=3.485, P=0.062) were not statistically significant, and multivariate analysis showed that the presence of vPh did not affect OS (RR=0.692, 95%CI 0.393-1.765, P=0.658)、EFS (RR=0.893, 95%CI 0.347-2.132, P=0.126) and PFS (RR=1.176, 95%CI 0.643-2.682, P=0.703). Conclusion: CML-CP patients with vPh and classic Ph had similar demographic and hematological characteristics. Except for 22q11, 9q34, the frequency of chromosome 12q and 1p were higher involved. The most common FISH signal pattern was 2G2R1Y, and different mechanisms had no impact on TKIs therapy. Compared with cases with classic Ph chromosomes, the patients with vPh chromosomes had higher risk of IM primary resistance, especially primary hematological resistance, which can obtain deeper molecular response quickly after changing to second-generation TKIs and didn't affect long-term outcomes and OS.

[Effects of different concentrations of MgSiF(6) as electrolyte for micro-arc oxidation on the bond strength between titanium and porcelain]

Objective: To investigate the effects of different concentrations of MgSiF(6) as electrolyte on the bond strength between titanium and porcelain after micro-arc oxidation (MAO) treatment and screen the suitable concentration of MgSiF(6) that can improve the bond strength between titanium and porcelain. Methods: Four different concentrations of MgSiF(6) (10, 20, 30, 40 g/L) were chosen as MAO reaction solutions. Sandblasting treatment was selected as a control group. After porcelain was fused to each specimen, titanium-porcelain bond strengths were evaluated by the three-point bending test according to ISO 9693. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were adopted to evaluate the morphologies and elemental compositions of both the MAO coatings and the interfaces of the titanium-porcelain restoration. Results: The surface of titanium specimen in the control group was sharp and rough, while specimens in both 10 g/L group and 20 g/L group were porous and homogeneous. However, the pores found on the specimens in the latter group were larger in diameter (approximately 1.0-2.0 μm) than those on the former one (0.2-0.5 μm). The bond strengths of the control group and the experimental groups (10, 20, 30, 40 g/L MgSiF(6)) were (27.08±3.16), (38.18±2.65), (44.75±2.21), (36.44±2.04), (31.04±2.59) MPa, respectively. All the experimental groups showed higher bond strengths than the control group did (P<0.05), and the bond strength of 20 g/L MgSiF(6) group was significantly higher than those of the other groups (P<0.05). Besides, the interfaces between titanium and porcelain were tight and compact in the 20 g/L group, while different amounts of pores and cracks were visible in the other groups. Additionally, after the three-point bending test, few residual porcelains could be observed on the surfaces of specimens in the control group. Conclusions: MAO treatment with 20 g/L MgSiF(6) on titanium can improve bonding strength between titanium and porcelain.

Cardiac μ-opioid receptor contributes to opioid-induced cardioprotection in chronic heart failure

BACKGROUND

The therapeutic potential of cardiac μ-opioid receptors in ischaemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury during opioid-modulating diseases, such as heart failure, is unknown. We aimed to explore the changes of cardiac μ-opioid receptor expression during heart failure, and its role in opioid-induced cardioprotection.

METHODS

Rats received doxorubicin (DOX) or were subjected to coronary artery ligation to induce heart failure, or received normal saline (NS) as control. Hearts from NS or DOX rats were isolated and subjected to myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion in an in vitro perfusion system. The opioid [D-Ala,²N-MePhe,⁴ Gly-ol]-enkephalin (DAMGO), with a high μ-opioid receptor specificity, morphine, and remifentanil were administrated before I/R with or without opioid receptor antagonists, or an extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitor.

RESULTS

Cardiac μ-opioid receptor mRNA concentrations were 3.2 times elevated in DOX-treated rats compared with NS rats, while cardiac μ-opioid receptor protein concentrations showed 6.1- and 3.5-fold increases in DOX-treated and post-infarcted rats, respectively. DAMGO reduced I/R-caused infarct size, expressed as the ratio of area at risk, from 0.50 (0.04) to 0.25 (0.03) in failing rat hearts, but had no effect on infarct size in control hearts. DAMGO promoted phosphorylation of ERK and glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β only in failing hearts. DAMGO-mediated cardioprotection was blocked by an ERK inhibitor. The μ-opioid receptor antagonist D-Pen-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Orn-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH2 (CTOP) prevented morphine- and remifentanil-induced cardioprotection and phosphorylation of ERK and GSK-3β in failing hearts. In contrast, δ- and κ-opioid receptor selective antagonists were less potent than CTOP in the failing hearts.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiac μ-opioid receptors were substantially up-regulated during heart failure, which increased DAMGO-induced cardioprotection against I/R injury.

[Photoelastic analysis of the influence of prosthetic material on the stress distribution in bone around implant]

Objective: To provide a reference for a suitable alternative treatment choice for implant-supported prostheses, and to explore the influence of 3 types of prosthetic material on the stress distribution around implant. Methods: The implant-abutment analogs were embedded individually into photoelastic resin blocks, which were medical pure titanium castings reproducing the surface and outline of implant (diameter 4.3 mm, length 11.5 mm) and esthetic abutment (regular profile, 1 mm). The prostheses were divided into 3 groups according to the type of prosthetic material. Each group consisted of 5 samples. The samples of composite resin ceramic and zirconia group were milled by chair-side computer aided design and computer aided manufacture (CAD/CAM) system. The samples of porcelain-fused-to-metal crown group were made manually and a pre-arranged silicone rubber impression of CAD/CAM crown would guide to shape the veneer porcelain. Each set was submitted to a 300 N compressive load axially or obliquely (75°). The stress value in the peri-implant bone at the level of the neck, neck1/3, middle1/3 and root1/3 of the sections (0.5, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5 mm) from implant was analyzed by digital photoelasticity, and the stress cushioning effect of 3 types of prosthetic material was comprehensively evaluated. Results: The time spent reaching the stress peak of composite resin ceramic group [(1.58±0.08) s, axially; (2.75±0.21) s, obliquely] was larger than that of the zirconia group [(1.40±0.12) s, axially; (2.30±0.25) s, obliquely] (P<0.05) under the same download mode. Although there were no significant differences in equivalent stress values of the measurement points among the three groups (P>0.05), a downward trend of equivalent stress values of composite resin ceramic group was observed compared to zirconia group, regardless of load type. When loaded obliquely, the highest degree of stress concentration at the level of the neck of implant were found in the porcelain-fused-to-metal crown group. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, composite resin ceramic was more beneficial to the biomechanical behavior of implant in stress buffer compared to zirconia.

[Transnasal endoscopic surgery of communicating neoplasm outside cerebral dura mater and orbital fasciae]

Objective:This paper is intend to observe the feasibility of surgical approach with which communicating neoplasm outside cerebral dura mater and orbital fasciae was removed by transnasal endoscopic surgery.Method:Nine patients suffered from communicating neoplasm in the area of naso-orbital-cranio complex were treated with transnasal endoscopic surgery. The size of skull base bone defect was from 1.25 cm×1.13 cm to 3.25 cm×2.69 cm. No eye enucleation was done. No reconstructions of skull base and medial wall of orbital cavity were done. Iodoform gauze was packed in paranasal sinuses fourteen days. Patients with malignant tumor were treated radiation therapy and chemical therapy after surgical treatment. The degree of resection, complications of intracranial and orbital cavities, survival condition were the focus of this study.Result:The tumor were completely removed and all operations were successfully completed by trasnasal endoscopic surgery. Only one patient was required blood transfusion due to seriously bleeding from tumor during the operation. There was no orbital, intracranial, and vascular complications. The defect of bone at skull base and lamina papyracea were automatic reconstructed. Three patients have showed recurrence of neoplasm, and two of them died during two years of following up time.Conclusion:Transnasal endoscopic surgery is a safe, reliable and effective approach to treat communicating neoplasm in the area of naso-orbital-cranio complex, of which main part of tumor exists in the sinunasal cavity.

[Establishment of a model of hydrogen peroxide-induced injury in pulmonary artery endothelium cells and relevant mechanisms of oxidative stress]

Objective: To establish a hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) induced injury model of pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) and explore the molecular mechanisms of oxidative stress on the structure and function of PAECs in this model. Methods: Human PAECs were treated with H(2)O(2) at different concentrations (25, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1 600, 3 200, 6 400 μmol/L) for 4 and 24 h, respectively. The PAECs survival curve was obtained according to the cell viability measured by CCK-8 assay. The cell apoptosis of PAECs was detected by flow cytometry. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and mitochondrial activity were measured using small molecule fluorescent probes. Proteins were extracted and the phosphorylation levels of signal molecules in PAECs were detected by Western blot assays. Results: (1) The effect of H(2)O(2) at various concentrations on cell viability of PAECs: cell viability of PAECs decreased in proportion to increasing concentration of H(2)O(2) after incubation for 4 h. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) of PAECs exposed to H(2)O(2) for 4 and 24 h were 397.00 and 488.77 μmol/L, respectively. (2) The effect of H(2)O(2) on cell apoptosis of PAECs: After H(2)O(2) incubation for 4 h, proportions of PAECs at late-apoptosis ((22.58±3.69) %) and necrotic stage( (11.86±4.27)%) were significantly higher than those of control PAECs at late-apoptosis stage( (3.41±1.44)%, P<0.01) and at necrotic stage ((1.94±1.15) % , P<0.05). The survival rate of PAECs post H(2)O(2) was dramatically lower than that of control PAECs ((7.98±3.21)% vs. (48.89±8.08)%, P<0.01). However, there is no statistical difference between both groups regarding to the early apoptosis. (3) The effect of H(2)O(2) on mitochondrial activity and ROS production of PAECs: the mitochondrial activity and ROS generation of PAECs treated by H(2)O(2) were significantly increased compared to those in control PAECs (P<0.01). (4) The effect of H(2)O(2) on signaling molecules in PAECs: there was a significant increase in phosphorylation level of Akt in PAECs incubated with H(2)O(2) for 30 minutes compared to that in control PAECs (P<0.01), while there was no significant difference in levels of Akt between H(2)O(2) treated PAECs and control PAECs. Phosphorylation level of JNK as well as p38 were also significantly upregulated in H(2)O(2) treated PAECs (P<0.01). Conclusion: H(2)O(2) at the concentration of 400 μmol/L could induce human PAECs injuries via the regulation of Akt and MAPK signaling pathways.

Sibelium in combination with dibazole in the treatment of angioneurotic headache

Angioneurotic headache is a common nerve headache featured by intermittence, repetition, paroxysm and aggravation, which can severely affect the sufferer’s quality of life. Currently, there are multiple drugs which can be used for relieving this type of headache, and the effectiveness and safety of drugs have been a subject of interest in clinical practice. To observe the effects of sibelium in combination with dibazole and offer a basis for the clinical treatment, 136 patients with angioneurotic headache who were admitted to hospital between February and September 2015 were selected and randomly divided into a test group and a control group, 68 in each. Patients in the test group were treated with sibelium in combination with dibazole, while patients in the control group were given sibelium only. The effects, adverse reactions, complications and toxic and side effects of the treatment in the two groups were observed. Furthermore, the blood flow speed and hemodynamic changes before and after treatment were compared. The results demonstrated that the hemodynamic indexes and cerebral blood flow speed of the patients in the test group showed obvious changes after treatment, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05); the improvement of the above indexes of the test group was superior to that of the control group, and the difference had statistical significance (P<0.05); the overall effective rate of the test group was higher than that of the control group (94.12% vs 76.47%) (P<0.05); the medication safety of the test group was higher than that of the control group (all P<0.05). It can be concluded that sibelium in combination with dibazole has a remarkable effect in treating angioneurotic headache as it can significantly improve hemodynamic indexes and cerebral blood flow speed. Moreover, the therapy seldom induces toxic and side effects, adverse reactions or complications.

[Brief survey of some foreign currents of classical acupuncture]

This paper reviews the history of acupuncture's dissemination to Japan, France, and England in the modern period. In particular, it examines how Chinese acupuncture methods were modified in each of these countries and how these modifications were theoretically justified based on new readings of classical texts. In each country, these currents of acupuncture practice all claimed to be transmitting true traditional acupuncture, even as they developed along different trajectories and created new and different theories and practices of acupuncture. Some of these foreign methods were re-exported back to China, where they, in turn, have influenced the development of Chinese acupuncture.

[Application of tipping-point analysis to address missing data in clinical studies]

To use a visualized method, tipping-point analysis to address missing data in clinical study and discuss related problems. All the possible outcomes caused by missing data were listed and the tipping points where P-values of hypothesis test changed at 0.05 significant level were found out, then the ratio of P<0.05 was calculated, reflecting the reliability of the study's result. Tipping-point analysis can be applied to both continuous and binary data to help find points where p-values are changed. The area of P<0.05 of continuous data is 93.6%, indicating that the reliability of success of the study is large; and the area of P<0.05 of binary data is 29.7%, reflecting that the reliability of success of the study is small. Tipping-point analysis, which provides a visualized evidence for decision making, is suitable for analyzing clinical studies with missing data.

[Drainage characteristic of the brain interstitial fluid detected by using fluorescence and magnetic tracer method]

OBJECTIVE

Compare the results of molecular diffusion and mass flow in the interstitial space(ISS) displayed by using optical and magnetic probes and study partitioned drainage of the brain interstitial fluid (ISF).

METHODS

In the study, 36 male SD rats were randomly divided into fluorescent inspection group (18), magnetic tracer group (18). Then they were divided equally into caudate nucleus (Cn), thalamus (T) and substantia nigra (Sn) subgroup, 6 rats in each subgroup. Referencing the brain stereotaxic atlas, the coronal globus pallidus as center level, Cn, T or Sn were acted as puncture positioning target. A 10 μL microsyringe was stereotaxically positioned and the lucifer yellow (LY) solution of 2 μL 10 mmol/L was infused into centric position. The coronary slices undergo cardiac perfusion and fix respectively in time point Cn 3 h, T 2 h and Sn 1 h. The rat brain was placed in rat stainless steel brain matrices and cut backward along visual intersection. The injection point of coronal slice as the center level, take 3 slices in front of the center level and 2 slices behind of it. 1 mm for each slice and 6 slices in total. Then slices were detected by laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM). Simultaneous, in the same coordinate brain regions of another three groups, a gadolinium-diethylene triamine pentaacetic acidm (Gd-DTPA) solution of 2 μL 10 mmol/L was infused into different injection and detected by MRI tracer-based method. Then the Radiant can be used to measure distribution area of Gd-DTPA.

RESULTS

LY and Gd-DTPA have different distribution regions in Cn, T and Sn. After LY and Gd-DTPA were introduced into the Cn subgroup 3 h, compare the 1 to 6 levels distribution area of LY and Gd-DTPA as follows: (10.95±4.27) mm² vs. (8.33±2.25) mm², (18.16±4.74) mm² vs. (16.42±2.88) mm², (24.57±3.65) mm² vs. (20.75±2.29) mm², (34.81±3.32) mm² vs. (28.88±1.51) mm², (30.53±3.12) mm² vs. (20.92±2.75) mm², (12.15±4.92) mm² vs. (10.00±1.89) mm². The statistical analysis of every level was made by T test, and the difference of the distribution area between the two tracers were not statistically significant (t=0.940, P=0.400; t=0.546, P=0.614; t=1.534, P=0.200; t=2.809, P=0.480; t=2.693, P=0.055; t=0.707, P=0.518); After LY and Gd-DTPA were introduced into the T subgroup 2 h, compare the 1-6 levels distribution area of LY and Gd-DTPA as follows: (5.56±4.61) mm² vs. (3.33±2.25) mm², (16.21±3.36) mm² vs. (11.42±2.88) mm², (19.00±5.21) mm² vs. (15.75±2.29) mm², (25.32±5.49) mm² vs. (22.33±3.25) mm², (17.34±5.31) mm² vs. (15.92±2.75) mm², (7.67±6.19) mm² vs. (5.00±1.89) mm². The statistical analysis of every level was made by T test, and the difference of the distribution area between the two tracers were not statistically significant (t=0.753, P=0.493; t=1.875, P=0.134; t=0.990, P=0.378; t=0.810, P=0.464; t=0.413, P=0.701; t=0.716, P=0.514); After LY and Gd-DTPA were introduced into the Sn subgroup 1 h, compare the 1-6 levels distribution area of LY and Gd-DTPA as follows: (6.78±4.56) mm² vs. (4.75±2.00) mm², (12.65±5.04) mm² vs. (10.44±1.13) mm², (19.51±6.54) mm² vs. (17.55±0.30) mm², (28.72±5.45) mm² vs. (24.48±1.32) mm², (21.34±4.42) mm² vs. (17.72±0.25) mm², (13.00±5.46) mm² vs. (12.00±2.88) mm². The statistical analysis of every level was made by T test and the difference of the distribution area between the two tracers were not statistically significant (t=0.705, P=0.519; t=0.743, P=0.499; t=0.517, P=0.656; t=1.310, P=0.260; t=1.416, P=0.292; t=0.281, P=0.793), but the distribution area of LY is slightly more than Gd-DTPA.

CONCLUSION

LSCM imaging technology confirmed partitioned drainage of the brain ISF found by MRI tracer-based method and provided technology and method validation for MRI tracer-based method. LSCM imaging technology with higher contrast and resolution, therefore more sophisticated partitioned drainage of the brain interstitial fluid were got.

Correlation of PICCO/CT on cardiac output index value and prognosis in patients with heart disease

The aim of this paper is to study the correlation between the cardiac output index value and the prognosis of patients with heart disease with the help of Pulse-induced Contour Cardiac Output (PICCO) and computed tomography (CT). Three hundred eighteen patients with pathologically confirmed heart disease were selected as study subjects. The Sime ns Av anto 1.6T type superconducting magnetic resonance meter and GE Light Speed Pro 48 slice spiral CT were used for the phased array coil scanning and enhanced scanning, respectively and to analyze the relationship between the cardiac output index value and prognosis in patients with heart disease with the help of PICCO and CT. The accuracy rates of PICCO and CT in determining the cardiac output index of heart disease were 93.2% and 76.1%, respectively, which were significantly different (P less than 0.05). The coincidence rate between the results of the cardiac output index and pathological results of heart disease from PICCO and CT were 57.6%and 54.7%, respectively. According to the χ2 test results, the diagnostic results of PICCO were consistent with the pathological results of the heart disease group (Kappa = 0.039, 0.496, P less than 0.05). The coincidence rate for the five-year survival rate of PICCO/CT with the total survival rate and the results of the patients were 56.7% and 43.8%, respectively. The coincidence rate of PICCO and CT diagnosis results with the cardiac output index values, as well as prognosis results, was high. In judging the value of the cardiac output index and the prognosis of patients with heart disease, PICCO was superior to CT. The diagnostic results of PICCO have a strong correlation with the pathological results, therefore, PICCO can be used to accurately determine the cardiac output index and the prognoses of patients with heart disease.

Superconductivity in HfTe5 across weak to strong topological insulator transition induced via pressures

Recently, theoretical studies show that layered HfTe₅ is at the boundary of weak & strong topological insulator (TI) and might crossover to a Dirac semimetal state by changing lattice parameters. The topological properties of 3D stacked HfTe₅ are expected hence to be sensitive to pressures tuning. Here, we report pressure induced phase evolution in both electronic & crystal structures for HfTe₅ with a culmination of pressure induced superconductivity. Our experiments indicated that the temperature for anomaly resistance peak (Tp) due to Lifshitz transition decreases first before climbs up to a maximum with pressure while the Tp minimum corresponds to the transition from a weak TI to strong TI. The HfTe₅ crystal becomes superconductive above ~5.5 GPa where the Tp reaches maximum. The highest superconducting transition temperature (Tc) around 5 K was achieved at 20 GPa. Crystal structure studies indicate that HfTe₅ transforms from a Cmcm phase across a monoclinic C2/m phase then to a P-1 phase with increasing pressure. Based on transport, structure studies a comprehensive phase diagram of HfTe₅ is constructed as function of pressure. The work provides valuable experimental insights into the evolution on how to proceed from a weak TI precursor across a strong TI to superconductors.

Revealing Extremely Low Energy Amplitude Modes in the Charge-Density-Wave Compound LaAgSb_{2}

Using infrared spectroscopy and ultrafast pump probe measurement, we have studied the two charge-density-wave (CDW) instabilities in the layered compound LaAgSb_{2}. The development of CDW energy gaps was clearly observed by optical spectroscopy, which removed most of the free carrier spectral weight. More interestingly, our time-resolved measurements revealed two coherent oscillations that softened by approaching the two phase transition temperatures, respectively. We addressed that these two oscillations come from the amplitude modes of CDW collective excitations, the surprisingly low energies (0.12 THz and 0.34 THz for the higher and lower temperature ones, respectively) of which are associated with the extremely small nesting wave vectors. Additionally, the amplitude and relaxation time of photoinduced reflectivity of LaAgSb_{2} single crystals stayed unchanged across the CDW phase transitions, which is quite rare and deserves further investigation.