[The surgical classification and surgical strategy for en bloc resection of spine tumor]

En bloc resection of spine tumor is the essential treatment method for primary malignant spine tumor,primary aggressive spine tumor and solitary spine metastasis.It can achieve good local control and improve the prognosis.However,given the complex anatomic structure and major adjacent tissue and organ of the spine,en bloc resection of spine tumor remains the research hotspot in surgical treatment of spine tumor.On the basis of adequate surgical classification and surgical strategy,experienced surgical team for spine tumor can achieve good surgical margin while decreasing the morbidity of the en bloc resection of spine tumor.However,the details of surgical classification and surgical strategy require further study.

Measurement of the ^{18}O(α, γ)^{22}Ne Reaction Rate at JUNA and Its Impact on Probing the Origin of SiC Grains

The ^{18}O(α,γ)^{22}Ne reaction is critical for AGB star nucleosynthesis due to its connection to the abundances of several key isotopes, such as ^{21}Ne and ^{22}Ne. However, the ambiguous resonance energy and spin-parity of the dominant 470 keV resonance leads to substantial uncertainty in the ^{18}O(α,γ)^{22}Ne reaction rate for the temperature of interest. We have measured the resonance energies and strengths of the low-energy resonances in ^{18}O(α,γ)^{22}Ne at the Jinping Underground Nuclear Astrophysics experimental facility (JUNA) with improved precision. The key 470 keV resonance energy has been measured to be E_{α}=474.0±1.1  keV, with such high precision achieved for the first time. The spin-parity of this resonance state is determined to be 1^{-}, removing discrepancies in the resonance strengths in earlier studies. The results significantly improve the precision of the ^{18}O(α,γ)^{22}Ne reaction rates by up to about 10 times compared with the previous data at typical AGB temperatures of 0.1-0.3 GK. We demonstrate that such improvement leads to precise ^{21}Ne abundance predictions, with an impact on probing the origin of meteoritic stardust SiC grains from AGB stars.

Deep Underground Laboratory Measurement of ^{13}C(α,n)^{16}O in the Gamow Windows of the s and i Processes

The ^{13}C(α,n)^{16}O reaction is the main neutron source for the slow-neutron-capture process in asymptotic giant branch stars and for the intermediate process. Direct measurements at astrophysical energies in above-ground laboratories are hindered by the extremely small cross sections and vast cosmic-ray-induced background. We performed the first consistent direct measurement in the range of E_{c.m.}=0.24 to 1.9 MeV using the accelerators at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory and Sichuan University. Our measurement covers almost the entire intermediate process Gamow window in which the large uncertainty of the previous experiments has been reduced from 60% down to 15%, eliminates the large systematic uncertainty in the extrapolation arising from the inconsistency of existing datasets, and provides a more reliable reaction rate for the studies of the slow-neutron-capture and intermediate processes along with the first direct determination of the alpha strength for the near-threshold state.

Direct Measurement of the Astrophysical ^{19}F(p,αγ)^{16}O Reaction in the Deepest Operational Underground Laboratory

Fluorine is one of the most interesting elements in nuclear astrophysics, where the ^{19}F(p,α)^{16}O reaction is of crucial importance for Galactic ^{19}F abundances and CNO cycle loss in first generation Population III stars. As a day-one campaign at the Jinping Underground Nuclear Astrophysics experimental facility, we report direct measurements of the essential ^{19}F(p,αγ)^{16}O reaction channel. The γ-ray yields were measured over E_{c.m.}=72.4-344  keV, covering the Gamow window; our energy of 72.4 keV is unprecedentedly low, reported here for the first time. The experiment was performed under the extremely low cosmic-ray-induced background environment of the China JinPing Underground Laboratory, one of the deepest underground laboratories in the world. The present low-energy S factors deviate significantly from previous theoretical predictions, and the uncertainties are significantly reduced. The thermonuclear ^{19}F(p,αγ)^{16}O reaction rate has been determined directly at the relevant astrophysical energies.

[Progress in minimally invasive spinal surgery for spinal metastases]

With the recent advances in tumor treatments,the prognosis of patients with malignancies have been greatly improved.The strategy of surgical treatments for spinal metastases has drawn wide attention.Compared with traditional open surgery,minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) results in similar outcomes,less trauma and more rapid recovery.For patients with spinal metastases,shorter recovery time permits earlier postoperative radiotherapy,achieving better tumor control.This paper discussed the application of MISS in the treatments of spinal metastases in terms of the concept,surgical purpose,indications and surgical options of MISS,hoping to provide reference for clinical practice.

[Effectiveness and safety of holmium laser therapy via flexible bronchoscopy in 40 children with tracheobronchial tuberculosis]

Objective: To explore the effectiveness and safety of holmium laser treatment via flexible bronchoscopy in children with tracheobronchial tuberculosis (TBTB). Methods: The clinical data of 40 children with TBTB admitted in Qilu Children's Hospital of Shandong University from February 2016 to June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the treatment approach, they were divided into conventional treatment group (20 cases) and holmium laser treatment group (20 cases). The sex, age, course of disease and lesion location before treatment, and the time till relief of atelectasis and airway obstruction after treatment were compared between the two groups with t test and χ² test. Results: Among the 40 cases, 24 were males and 16 females, and 35 had lymph node fistula (87.5%) and 5 had granulation proliferation (12.5%). There was no statistically significamt difference between the conventional group and laser group in sex (male ratio: 50%（10/20） vs. 75%（15/20）, χ²=2.66, P=0.10), age （(3.2±2.2） years vs. （2.2±1.8） years, t=1.41, P=0.16), course of disease (<1 month ratio: 30%（6/20） vs. 35%（7/20）, χ²=0.11, P=0.73), lesion location (single lesion ratio： 45%（9/20） vs. 60%(12/20), χ²=0.90, P=0.34). The effectiveness was evaluated after 3 months, and the total effective rate were 100% in laser group and 40% in conventional group, the difference was significant (χ²=25.34, P<0.01). No serious adverse events occurred in the two groups during the observational period. Conclusions: Holmium laser treatment via bronchoscopy is an effective way to remove the tuberculosis foci in the trachea, which can reduce the incidence of further related complications, and could be applied in clinical approach.

Constraining the External Capture to the ^{16}O Ground State and the E2 S Factor of the ^{12}C(α,γ)^{16}O Reaction

The ^{12}C(α,γ)^{16}O reaction is one of the most crucial reactions in nuclear astrophysics. The E2 external capture to the ^{16}O ground state (GS) has not been emphasized in previous analyses but may make a significant contribution to the ^{12}C(α,γ)^{16}O cross section depending on the value of the GS asymptotic normalization coefficient (ANC). In the present work, we determine this ANC to be 337±45  fm^{-1/2} through the ^{12}C(^{11}B,^{7}Li)^{16}O reaction using a high-precision magnetic spectrograph. This sheds light on the existing large discrepancy of more than 2 orders of magnitude between the previously reported ANC values. Based on the new ANC, we experimentally constrain the GS external capture and show that through interference with the high energy tail of the 2^{+} subthreshold state, a substantial enhancement in the GS S_{E2}(300) factor can be obtained (70±7  keV b) compared to that of a recent review (45 keV b), resulting in an increase of the total S factor from 140 to 162 keV b, which is now in good agreement with the value obtained by reproducing supernova nucleosynthesis calculations with the solar-system abundances. This work emphasizes that the external capture contribution for the ground state transition cannot be neglected in future analyses of the ^{12}C(α,γ)^{16}O reaction.

Inhibition of heat shock protein 90 suppresses Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus replication in B. mori

Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) plays a very important role in facilitating the replication of many viruses. Until now, little has been known about the role of Hsp90 in Bombyx mori virus infection. In this study, we explored the role of BmHsp90 in B. mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) replication. We found that BmHsp90 inhibition by geldanamycin (GA) significantly reduced the BmNPV titre, the protein expression level of BmNPV nucleocapsid protein 39 (VP39) and the transcript level of BmNPV genes. Silencing the hsp90 gene in BmN cells by small interfering RNA suppressed BmNPV replication whereas overexpression of hsp90 promoted the replication of BmNPV. After inhibition of Hsp90, the expression of three key genes [signal transducing activator of transcription (stat), suppressor of cytokine signalling protein 2 (socs2), socs6] involved in the Janus kinase/STAT pathway significantly changed, with up-regulation of stat and down-regulation of socs2 and socs6. In addition, the expression of two antiapoptosis genes, BmNPV inhibitor of apoptosis protein1 (BmNPV-iap1) and Bmiap2, was greatly decreased in GA-treated cells, whereas their expression was significantly increased in hsp90-overexpressed silkworm larvae. Our results indicated that inhibition of Hsp90 can suppress BmNPV proliferation in B. mori. Our findings may provide new clues to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of silkworm-virus interactions.

[Follow-up study on natural course changes of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome among young and middle aged patients]

Objective: To explore the natural course of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and its associated factors in young and middle-aged patients with OSAHS. Methods: A total of 52 young and middle-aged OSAHS patients were recruited in this study from West China Hospital of Sichuan University. All patients were performed twice overnight polysomnography (PSG) examinations. At the baseline, patients underwent the first PSG and clinical evaluation from September 2009 to September 2017 and the patients received the second PSG from January 2017 to January 2019. During the follow-up period, these patients had no treatment. All patients were categorized into two groups including mild-to-moderate [5/h≤ apnea-hypopnea index (AHI)<30/h] group and severe (AHI ≥ 30/h) group according to the baseline AHI value. Differences in the clinical characteristics and PSG variables between baseline and follow-up were compared in two groups separately using t-tests or Mann-Whitney U test. The general linear correlation analysis was used to explore the factors related to the severity of OSAHS including AHI, the mean oxyhemoglobin saturation and the minimal oxyhemoglobin saturation during the follow-up period. Results: This study recruited 28 OSAHS patients in mild-to-moderate group [mean age, (39.7±10.2) y] and 24 patients in severe group [mean age, (41.0±7.1) y]. Compared to the baseline, there was a significant increase in AHI value [(45.0±25.3) vs (33.6±27.3)/h, P<0.001] in all OSAHS patients. Notably, the increase of AHI was more significant in the mild-to-moderate OSAHS group [(32.1±22.2) vs (13.6±8.7)/h, P<0.05] but not in severe OSAHS patients [(60.7±19.5) vs (58.0±21.5)/h, P>0.05]. A person correlation analysis revealed that the AHI value was positively related to the age (r=0.531, P=0.004) in mild-to-moderate OSAHS patients. Conclusion: The severity of OSAHS is increased with the age in young and middle-aged patients with mild-to-moderate OSAHS, but not in those with severe OSAHS.

[Associations between objective sleepiness and cognition function before and after CPAP in obstructive sleep apnea patients]

Objective: To examine the association between objective sleepiness and neurocognitive function before and after continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. Methods: A total of 53 patients with overnight polysomnography (PSG) determined moderate-to-severe OSA (apnea hypopnea index (AHI) ≥15 events/h) and with overnight CPAP therapy from West China Hospital, Sichuan University within the period from Feb 2018 to Dec 2018 were enrolled in the study. At the baseline, all patients underwent overnight PSG study, multiple sleep latency test (MSLT), psychomotor vigilance test (PVT), and Epworth sleepiness score (ESS). After CPAP therapy, all patients underwent MSLT and PVT. Paired nonparametric test or t test were used to compare the differences between daytime sleepiness and PVT performance before and after CPAP. Results: Compared with baseline data, AHI [68.8(42.2, 80.0) vs 7.4(3.1, 11.1) events/h, P<0.05] decreased, the percentages of non-rapid eye movement stage 3 sleep time [0(0, 0.5%) vs 4.4%(1.9%, 11.3%), P<0.05] and the percentages of rapid eye movement sleep time [18.6%(13.2%, 22.7%) vs 25.4%(23.85, 30.3%), P<0.05] increased after CPAP therapy. The reaction time (RT) [353.0(317.5, 429.5) vs 333.6(309.7, 381.4) ms, P<0.05], the slowest 10% RT [602.9(473.2, 841.3) vs 505.5(431.6, 618.8) ms, P<0.05] and the fastest 10% RT [260.8(236.6, 300.6) vs 251.4(233.6, 283.2) ms, P<0.05] shortened, and the lapse [6.0(2.5, 16.5) vs 3.0(1.0, 8.5) events, P<0.05] decreased. The mean sleep latency (MSL) [5.8 (3.4, 8.3) vs 7.5(4.7, 12.4) min, P<0.05] increased. The changes in PVT parameters [ΔRT (r=0.20, P>0.05), Δslowest 10% RT (r=0.15, P>0.05), Δfastest 10% RT (r=0.24, P>0.05), and Δlapse (r=0.15, P>0.05)] were not correlated with the change in MSL. The significant association between the slowest 10% RT and ESS was found in baseline data. Conclusions: The change in MSL is not associated with the change in PVT performance before and after CPAP therapy. MSLT and PVT may be different in nature.

[Association between mixed sleep apnea and treatment-emergent central sleep apnea]

Objective: To examine the association between mixed sleep apnea (MA) and treatment-emergent central sleep apnea (TE-CSA). Methods: A total of 256 patients meeting the diagnostic criteria of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) based on overnight polysomnography (PSG) and receiving continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy in West China Hospital, Sichuan University during the period from August 2013 to November 2018 were enrolled in the study. Based on the mixed apnea index (MAI) and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) in the baseline PSG study during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the subjects were categorized into three groups of A (MAI=0/h, n=110), B (NREM-MAI≥5/h and REM-MAI<5/h, n=72) and C (REM-MAI≥5/h and NREM-MAI< 5/h, n=74). Sleep and breathing related parameters before and after CPAP therapy among three groups and the difference of TE-CSA incidence were analyzed. Results: The AHI [(44.2(26.8,64.5)/h,66.6(56.0,81.7)/h, 79.8(63.6, 88.3)/h], REM-AHI [50.0(34.7, 64.7)/h, 60.1(49.1, 70.0)/h, 66.3(56.1, 74.6)/h] and NREM-AHI[43.5(25.9, 65.1)/h,67.6(53.7, 82.4)/h,81.3(64.2, 91.5)/h]) were higher in group B and C compared to group A (all P<0.05),while the mean and lowest oxygen saturation [(92.6%±3.5%),(90.8%±3.6%),(87.3%±5.1%) and (70.6%±14.1%), (61.0%±16.0%), (47.9%±17.0%)] were lower in group B and group C compared to group A (all P<0.05). The incidence of TE-CSA after initial CPAP was 7.8% in all patients, and the incidence was significantly higher in group B of 14.1% compared to group C of 4.1% and group A of 2.7% (all P<0.05). Conclusions: TE-CSA is correlated with baseline MA, and baseline MA in NREM sleep can predict the incidence of TE-CSA after initial CPAP.

[Application of artificial ligament in treatment of lower abdominal wall reconstruction after pubic tumor resection]

OBJECTIVE

For patients who had hemipelvectomies involving the resection of a portion or the whole of the pubis, bony reconstruction was not recommended commonly. However, the soft tissue reconstruction of the lower abdominal wall may benefit these patients. The object of the study was to determine the clinical effect of lower abdominal wall reconstruction with LARS ligament after pubic tumor resection interms of patient-reported and objective outcome.

METHODS

In this series, we reviewed twenty-five patients who underwent pubic tumor resection followed by reconstruction with LARS ligament between February 2012 and February 2018 retrospectively. We evaluated the clinical outcome and complication of this surgical treatment. The function outcome was evaluated according the musculoskeletal tumor society scores (MSTS) for all the patients at the end of the last follow-up.

RESULTS

All the patients were stable during the surgery. There were eight patients who underwent resection of superior ramus of pubis, five patients who had resection of inferior ramus of pubis, and twelve patients who received both superior and inferior ramus of pubis. For all the patients, the mean blood loss was (774±580) mL. The mean operation time was (138±25) min. The mean hospital stay was (19±6) d. For the patients who had resection of superior ramus, inferior ramus, as well as both superior and inferior ramus, the mean blood loss were (763±802) mL, (730±315) mL and (808±485) mL, respectively. The mean operation time were (133±27) min, (135±35) min and (143±20) min, respectively. The mean hospital stay were (18±5) d, (22±9) d and (19±6) d, respectively. The mean follow-up time was (37±21) months. Local recurrence was observed in one patient with chondrosarcoma. One patient with renal cancer metastasis died of the disease. No ligament infection, ligament related complication and incisional hernias were observed. Twenty-three patients could ambulate without assistive devices, and the remaining two could walk by crutches. Postoperative pain was reported as none in nineteen patients, mild in three, and moderate in three. From a functional point, the mean MSTS score was 87±4.

CONCLUSION

Lower abdominal wall reconstruction with LARS ligament after pubic tumor resection could have satisfactory clinical outcome. It could prevent the occurrence of herniation, decrease the infection rate by minishing the dead space, and achieve good patient-reported outcome.

[Diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea using cardiopulmonary coupling analysis]

Objective: To explore the diagnostic value of cardiopulmonary coupling analysis in the screening of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Methods: A total of 44 participants with sleep disorders from Sleep Medicine Center of West China Hospital in May 2016 were included in the study. All participants were monitored with cardiopulmonary coupling while undergoing polysomnography (PSG). The sleep parameters detected by cardiopulmonary coupling and PSG were compared and the correlation between respiratory disturbance index (RDI) of cardiopulmonary coupling and sleep parameters of PSG were analyzed. Using PSG as "golden standard" , the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and the corresponding areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were calculated for cardiopulmonary coupling. Results: There were 44 participants included in the study (37 males and 7 females) with a mean age of (46.3±12.5) years old and a mean body mass index of (25.6±3.7) kg/m(2). And there were 33 subjects diagnosed with OSA. There were no significant difference between respiratory disturbance index (RDI) derived from cardiopulmonary coupling and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) derived from PSG. Correlation analysis showed that the RDI, low frequency coupling monitored by cardiopulmonary coupling was positively correlated with AHI detected by PSG (r=0.849, 0.850, both P<0.001); and the high frequency coupling was significantly negatively correlated with AHI (r=-0.767, P<0.001). For AHI ≥5/h, ≥10/h, ≥15/h, ≥20/h and ≥30/h respectively according to PSG, sensitivity was 0.82, 0.93, 0.96, 0.96, 0.77, specificity was 0.50, 0.75 0.72, 0.80, 0.86, positive predictive value was 0.85, 0.87, 0.83, 0.85, 0.85, negative predictive value was 0.55, 0.86, 0.93, 0.94, 0.79 for cardiopulmonary coupling. The corresponding areas under the ROC curves were 0.868, 0.892, 0.915, 0.942, 0.921 respectively. In addition, when the RDI derived from CPC was higher than 20.4/h, the patients were more likely suffering from OSA, and the sensitivity was 0.79 and the specificity was 0.91. Conclusions: The results of cardiopulmonary coupling are consistent with simultaneous PSG parameters. Cardiopulmonary coupling has a highly diagnostic value for sleep respiratory disorder.

[Effects of continuous positive airway pressure on periodic limb movements during sleep in patients with obstructive sleep apnea]

Objective: To investigate the effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS) in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Methods: The polysomnography (PSG) data of 828 consecutive OSA outpatients from January 2015 to January 2017 who had undergone overnight CPAP titration were analyzed retrospectively. On the basis of changes in periodic limb movements index (PLMI) values (cut off level≥15/h) from baseline PSG (BPSG) to CPAP titration PSG, patients were assigned to one of the following four groups: persistent, CPAP-emergent, CPAP-disappeared, and non-PLMS. Results: Among 828 patients, 756 (91.3%) were male and 72 (8.7%) were female. The mean age was (45.7±10.7) years old, the mean body mass index (BMI) was (27.6±3.5) kg/m(2). The rate of patients was 3.9% in the persistent group, 10.3% in the CPAP-emergent group, 7.5% in the CPAP-disappearance group, and 78.4% in the non-PLMS group. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that female appeared to be associated with the persistent group (P=0.004); older age and higher apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) on BPSG appeared to be associated with the CPAP-emergent group (P=0.012, 0.030). On the other hand, older age was negatively associated with the non-PLMS group (P=0.006). Conclusion: Elderly patients with higher AHI at BPSG may present with CPAP-emergent PLMS.

Experimental measurement of the 12C+16O fusion cross sections at astrophysical energies

The total cross sections of the 12C+16O fusion have been experimentally determined at low energies to investigate the role of this reaction during late stellar evolution burning phases. A high-intensity oxygen beam was produced by the 5MV pelletron accelerator at the University of Notre Dame impinging on a thick ultra-pure graphite target. Protons and γ-rays were measured simultaneously in the center-of-mass energy range from 3.64 to 5.01 MeV, using strip silicon and HPGe detectors. Statistical model calculations were employed to interpret the experimental results. A new broad resonance-like structure is observed for the 12C+16O reaction, and a decreasing trend of its S-factor towards low energies is found.

[Gender differences of REM related obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome]

Objective: To explore the gender differences of rapid-eye-movement (REM) related obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Methods: Consecutive patients with primary complaint of snoring from Sleep Medicine Center of West China Hospital between January 2016 and November 2016 were included in the study. All participants underwent one night polysomnography (PSG) and Epworth sleep scale (ESS) was estimated. The patients diagnosed with OSAHS were classified as REM related OSAHS (REM-OSAHS group) and non-rapid-eye-movement (NREM) related OSAHS (NREM-OSAHS group) based on the PSG parameters. And the gender differences of demographic and polysomnograpic characteristics in both groups were compared. The associations between apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and body mass index (BMI), neck circumference and waist circumference among patients with OSAHS were explored by multiple linear regression analysis. Results: A total of 1 258 patients were diagnosed with OSAHS. There were 997 (79.3%) male and 261 (20.7%) female among these patients, the mean age was (46.4±12.0) years old and mean BMI was (26.6±3.4) kg/m(2). There were 236 patients (18.8%) classified into REM-OSAHS group, and 1 022 patients (81.2%) classified into NREM-OSAHS group; the proportion of REM-OSAHS in female was significantly higher than that in male (34.1% vs 14.7%, P<0.001). After controlling for age, drinking, smoking, hypnotics, coffee, strong tea and sleep related parameters, in NREM-OSAHS group, AHI was positively correlated with BMI, neck circumference and waist circumference (P<0.001) both in male and female. In REM-OSAHS group, AHI was positively correlated with BMI, neck circumference and waist circumference in female (P<0.05), but only significantly correlated with BMI and waist circumference in male (P<0.05). Conclusions: REM-OSAHS is commonly seen in female OSAHS patients. Evaluation of the influences of anthropometric data on the severity of REM-OSAHS should consider the impact of gender.

[Accuracy of Berlin questionnaire with different body mass index cutoff values in the screening of patients with obstructive sleep apnea]

Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of Berlin questionnaire in the screening of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), after using different body mass index (BMI) cutoff values. Methods: The data were collected from September, 2011 to May, 2012 at the Sleep Medicine Center of West China Hospital, Sichuan University (Chengdu, China). A total of 350 consecutive patients (302 males and 48 females, 19-68 years old, average (42.9±11.0) years old) with suspected OSA who underwent an overnight polysomnography (PSG) were recruited into this study. Berlin questionnaire was completed. Based on the severity of OSA which were determined by apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), the patients were classified into four groups of primary snoring (<5 events/h), mild (5-<15 events/h), moderate (15-<30 events/h) and severe OSA (≥30 events/h). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values, negative predictive values and the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of Berlin questionnaire with different BMI cutoff values were calculated. Results: In patients with BMI≥30 kg/m(2,) to diagnose mild-moderate-severe (AHI≥5 events/h), moderate-severe (AHI≥15 events/h), and severe (AHI≥30 events/h) OSA, the sensitivity of Berlin questionnaire were 69.2%, 71.6%, and 76.6%; the negative predictive values were 15.7%, 33.0%, and 56.5%, respectively. In patients with BMI≥24 kg/m(2,) questionnaire had the highest sensitivity (94.3%, 94.8%, and 96.7%, respectively) and negative predictive values (28.0%, 44.0%, and 72.0%, respectively). Conclusions: When BMI cutoff values gradually declines, the sensitivity and negative predictive values of Berlin questionnaire increase, but the specificity and positive predictive values decline. The accuracy of Berlin questionnaire possibly is related to BMI cutoff values.

[Association between subjective and objective sleepiness in obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome patients]

Objective: To examine the association between subjective sleepiness and objective sleepiness in Chinese obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) patients. Methods: A total of 1 660 patients meeting the diagnostic criteria of OSAHS based on overnight polysomnography from West China Hospital, Sichuan University in the period from Jul 2010 to Jul 2014 were enrolled in the study. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) were to evaluate subjective and objective sleepiness, respectively. The subjects were categorized into quartiles [A (0-4) (n=406), B (5-7) (n=325), C (8-12) (n=443), D(13-24) (n=486) groups] based on the ESS score distribution. Survival analysis was used to characterize the association between the ESS score and the mean sleep latency (MSL). Results: The apnea hypopnea index (AHI) in D group was higher than other three groups [(58.7±26.1) vs (36.8±24.2), (42.6±26.7), (45.7±26.6) events/h, all P<0.05]. The mean sleep latency in D group was shorter than other three groups [(8.0±4.6) vs (10.9±4.4), (10.3±4.8), (9.4±4.5) min, all P<0.05]. The Kaplan-Meier survivor functions across the ESS score quartiles were distinct and fourth quartiles were progressively associated with a greater tendency for falling asleep (χ(2)=77.76, P<0.001 by Log-rank test) in the daytime (The percentages of awaking patients in fourth quartiles were progressively lower at the same time). The adjusted hazard ratios for sleep onset during the MSLT for the group B, C and D were 1.05 (95%CI: 0.90-1.22), 1.22 (95%CI: 1.07-1.40), and 1.38 (95%CI: 1.20-1.60), respectively, comparing to group A. Conclusion: Subjective report of daytime sleepiness is consistent with the objective sleepiness in OSAHS patients.

A first-principles study on the intrinsic asymmetric ferroelectricity of the SrTiO3-BaTiO3-CaTiO3 tricolor superlattice at the nanoscale

We report a systematic theoretical study on the ferroelectric behavior of ultrathin three-component ferroelectric films, e.g., CaTiO3-BaTiO3-SrTiO3, sandwiched between electrodes. Using first-principles calculations we demonstrate that such structures have intrinsic asymmetric ferroelectricity which is robust even at the nanoscale. In addition, there exists a certain relationship between the polarization directions and geometric stacking sequences of the superlattices. Specifically, the lowest energy states always have polarizations pointing from CaTiO3 via BaTiO3 to SrTiO3, while the sequence in the metastable states is SrTiO3-BaTiO3-CaTiO3. Therefore we were able to distinguish one ferroelectric state from its opposite state by means of their geometric stackings along the polarization directions. Besides this, band alignment analysis reveals that such structures are well behaved at the metal/ferroelectric interface, confirming the credibility and reliability of our first-principles calculation. Our finding may suggest a controllable and unambiguous way to build ferroelectric and multiferroic tunnel junctions.

A Shorter 146 Sm Half-Life Measured and Implications for 146 Sm- 142 Nd Chronology in the Solar System

The extinct p-process nuclide (146)Sm serves as an astrophysical and geochemical chronometer through measurements of isotopic anomalies of its α-decay daughter (142)Nd. Based on analyses of (146)Sm/(147)Sm α-activity and atom ratios, we determined the half-life of (146)Sm to be 68 ± 7 (1σ) million years, which is shorter than the currently used value of 103 ± 5 million years. This half-life value implies a higher initial (146)Sm abundance in the early solar system, ((146)Sm/(144)Sm)(0) = 0.0094 ± 0.0005 (2σ), than previously estimated. Terrestrial, lunar, and martian planetary silicate mantle differentiation events dated with (146)Sm-(142)Nd converge to a shorter time span and in general to earlier times, due to the combined effect of the new (146)Sm half-life and ((146)Sm/(144)Sm)(0) values.

New determination of the astrophysical S factor SE1 of the 12C(alpha,gamma)16O reaction

A new measurement of the beta-delayed alpha decay of 16N has been performed using a set of high efficiency ionization chambers. Sources were made by implantation of a 16N beam, yielding very clean alpha spectra down to energies as low as 400 keV. Our data are in good agreement with earlier results. For the S factor S(E1), we obtain a value of 74 +/- 21 keV b. In spite of improvements in the measurement, the error in S(E1) remains relatively large because of the correlations among the fit parameters and the uncertainties inherent to the extrapolation.

A combination of anergic cells' adoptive transfer and rapamycin therapy prolongs cardiac allograft survival in mice

The in vivo immunoregulatory effect of anergic cells induced by blocking the costimulatory pathway was investigated in this study. Anergic cells were generated in vitro by mixed culture of murine splenic cells from BALB/c and C3H/HeJ under the blockade of anti-CD154 and anti-CD80 monoclonal antibodies, and the in vitro activity of anergic cells were observed. The 3.0 Gy gamma-irradiated BALB/c mice received cardic allografts from C3H/HeJ, and anergic cells were intravenously injected immediately after transplantation. Recipient mice injected with anergic cells also received rapamycin therapy (1 mg/kg/day) for 14 days. On day 7 after transplantation, the subsets of peripheral blood T lymphocytes, the pathology of grafts and the infiltration of lymphocytes in grafts were analysed. Untreated gamma-irradiated animals showed a graft median survival time (MST) of 9 days. Animals injected with anergic cells only or receiving rapamycin therapy alone showed MST of 11 and 17 days, respectively. MST of allograft in mice treated with control cells plus rapamycin therapy was 9 days. Animals injected with anergic cells plus rapamycin therapy, but receiving third-party allografts (C57BL/6J), showed an MST of 15 days. However, anergic cell injection plus rapamycin therapy prolonged allograft survival significantly (MST 28 days, P < 0.01). The rejection was mild and tissue architecture was preserved in recipient mice receiving anergic cell injection plus rapamycin therapy. Furthermore, anergic cells and rapamycin therapy decreased the percentage of peripheral blood CD4+ and CD8+ T cells (including CD25+, CD152+, CD154+ and CD28+ subsets) and greatly reduced the infiltrating lymphocytes in allografts (including CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ and CD25+ T cells). In conclusion, the treatment based on anergic cells' adoptive transfer plus rapamycin therapy demonstrated a significant prolongation of murine cardiac allograft survival in a donor antigen-specific manner. This therapeutic protocol alleviated allograft rejection to solid allograft in vivo.

Laser spectroscopic determination of the 6He nuclear charge radius

We have performed precision laser spectroscopy on individual 6He (t(1/2)=0.8 s) atoms confined and cooled in a magneto-optical trap, and measured the isotope shift between 6He and 4He to be 43 194.772+/-0.056 MHz for the 2(3)S1-3(3)P2 transition. Based on this measurement and atomic theory, the nuclear charge radius of 6He is determined for the first time in a method independent of nuclear models to be 2.054+/-0.014 fm. The result is compared with the values predicted by a number of nuclear structure calculations and tests their ability to characterize this loosely bound halo nucleus.

A survey on the prevalence and management of hepatitis B after renal transplantation in Asian-Pacific countries

The carrier rate for hepatitis B virus (HBV) varies from 1% to 2% to 10% in Asian-Pacific countries. A survey involving 12 transplant centers from 11 countries in this region showed that 1% to 25% of kidney transplant recipients were infected with HBV, and up to 60% of these subjects showed abnormal liver biochemistry. While nearly all centers tested anti-HBs in potential kidney transplant recipients, HBV vaccination of nonimmune subjects was routine in only 66.7%. One-third of the surveyed units rejected HBsAg-positive subjects as kidney donors, while the others demonstrated differing policies in choosing the respective recipients. Two units (16.7%) excluded HBsAg-positive patients from kidney transplantation, whereas the others only excluded those with severe liver disease. Heterogeneity also applies to the immunosuppressive regimens, the use of HBV DNA in serial monitoring, and the timing of antiviral therapy in HBsAg-positive kidney transplant recipients. The data showed that despite HBV infection being a significant problem in kidney transplantation, there is a lack of uniform management policy, attributable to the clinical complexity and deficiency of research data. Although improvement in clinical outcome is likely with the advent of nucleoside analogue therapy and better monitoring, the financial implications in the adoption of these recent advances remain realistic concerns.

Androgen receptor isoforms in human prostatic cancer tissue and LNCaP cell line

AIM

To investigate the androgen receptor (AR) isoform expressions in human prostatic cancer tissue and LNCaP cell line.

METHODS

With high resolution isoelectric focusing (IEF) method we demonstrated the different expressions of AR isoforms in human prostatic cancer tissues and LNCaP cell line.

RESULTS

Data were obtained from three prostatic cancer specimens and the LNCaP cell line. Three types of AR isoforms were detected with pI values at 6.5, 6.0, and 5.3. For the 3 prostatic cancer specimens, 1 sample showed all the three types of AR isoforms, the second specimen expressed at 6.5 and 6.0, and the third failed to show any type of isoforms. The LNCaP cell line expressed all the three AR isoforms. Binding of 3H-dihydrotestosterone (3H-DHT) to these three isoforms was inhibited by the addition of 100-fold excess of DHT or testosterone, while not by progesterone, oestradiol and diethylstilboestrol.

CONCLUSION

The expression of AR isoforms is different in different prostate cancer tissues, which may be related to the difference in the effect of anti-androgen therapy in different patients.

[Selective isolation of anethole from volatile oil of Foeniculum vulgare Mill by inclusion crystalline with chela-shape host]

AIM

To isolate the components from the volatile oil of Foeniculum vulgare Mill.

METHODS

According to the function of molecular recognition of supramolecular chemistry, chela shape molecule, trans-1, 2-biphenyl-1, 2-acenaphthendiol was used as host molecule and the volatile oil of Foeniculum vulgare Mill as guest molecule. Trans-1, 2-biphenyl-1, 2-acenaphthendiol can recognize the components that endowed with interactional complementarity and form inclusion compound as crystals.

RESULTS

The anethole in the volatile oil was selectively included as trans-1,2-biphenyl-1,2-acenaphthendiol which was obtained in pure state from the inclusion compound by Kugelrohr vacuum technology. The formation of inclusion compound was confirmed by means of IR and powder XRD. The structure of the selectively isolated component was elucidated as trans-anethole by means of IR, 1HMMR and MS.

CONCLUSION

The experimental results showed that the method is simple, rapid and selective for isolation anethole from volatile oil of Foeniculum vulgare Mill.

[Experimental study of compound salvia injection in preventing and treating chronic nephrotoxicity induced by cyclosporin A in rats]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the mechanism of protective effect of Compound Salvia Injection (CSI) on experimental cyclosporin A induced nephrotoxicity.

METHODS

Rats were on low-salt diet and cyclosporin A (CsA) was administered once a day through gastrogavage at dosage of 30 mg/kg.d for 28 days. Expression of the mRNA for intrarenal transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) and renin was measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Intrarenal expression of TGF-beta 1 and Collagen IV was determined by immunohistochemical assays. The effects of CSI on these changes were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Chronic CsA-induced nephropathy might be correlated to TGF-beta 1 and renin mRNA up-regulation as well as matric proteins accumulation in interstitium. CSI could reduce these changes.

CONCLUSION

Decreased CsA-related TGF-beta 1 and renin upregulation expression and accumulation of matrix proteins in the kidney might be related to the protective mechanism of CSI on CsA-induced chronic nephrotoxicity.

Apoptosis and hormonal milieu in ductal system of normal prostate and benign prostatic hyperplasia

AIM

To study the apoptotic rate (AR) and the androgen and estrogen milieu in the proximal and distal ductal systems of prostate, in order to help exploring the effects of these factors on prostatic growth and the pathogenesis of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).

METHODS

The proximal and distal ends of the ductal system were incised from 20 normal prostate as well as the hypertrophic prostate tissue from 20 patients with BPH. The AR was determined by the DNA end-labeling method and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and estrodiol (E2), by radioimmunoassay.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in DHT and E2 density between the proximal and distal ends of the ductal systems in normal prostate. E2 appeared to be higher in BPH than in normal prostatic tissues, but the difference was statistically insignificant. In normal prostatic tissue, the AR was significantly higher in the distal than in the proximal ends of the ductal system (P < 0.05), while the AR of the proximal ends was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than that in the BPH tissue. No significant correlation was noted between the DHT and E2 density and the AR both in the normal prostate and BPH tissues.

CONCLUSION

The paper is the first time describing a difference in AR in different regions of the ductal system of normal prostate, while the hormonal milieu is similar, indicating a functional inhomogeneity of these regions. A low AR in the proximal duct, where BPH originates, and an even lower AR in the BPH tissue, suggesting the participation of apoptosis in the BPH pathogenesis.

[Research on a new side-chain liquid crystalline polysiloxane as stationary phase for capillary column gas chromatography]

A new stationary phase, side-chain liquid crystalline polysiloxane, was obtained and used in capillary column gas chromatography. Two kinds of side-chain polysiloxane, PSI5 and PSI6, were characterized by polarized light microscopy (POM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction and proved to be smectic phase Sc. Two fused-silica capillary columns (0.25 mm i.d.) were coated with 5 g/L solutions of PSI5 and PSI6 in dichloromethane by the static method, named column 15 and column 16. Numbers of theoretical plate were 1,598/m-2,423/m (I5) and 3,191/m-4,235/m (I6) for anthracene at 200 degrees C-240 degrees C. These columns showed wide operation temperature range (I5: 50 degrees C-200 degrees C; I6: 100 degrees C-260 degrees C), outstanding thermostability and weak polarity. These columns exhibited unique selectivity for many organic compounds, especially positional isomers. For example, the mixtures of anthracene, phenanthrene and fluorene were well separated on column I5 and I6; dimethyl benzene isomers were well separated on column I5, but they were not separated on column I6; dimethyl phenol isomers were well separated on column I5, but they were not wholly separated on column I6. The different selectivities of these columns are mainly due to the different chemical structures.

Androgen receptor isoforms in human and rat prostate

AIM

To investigate the androgen receptor (AR) isoforms and its variability of expression in human and rat prostatic tissues.

METHODS

Human benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatic cancer tissues were obtained from patients undergoing prostatectomy, and rat ventral prostate was incised 3 days after castration. Forty-one AR-positive BPH specimens, 3 prostatic cancer specimens, and 6 rat prostates were used. After processing at 4 degrees C, the tissues were examined by means of high resolution isoelectric focusing (IEF) technique to determine their AR isoforms.

RESULTS

From the prostatic specimens, 3 types of AR isoforms were detected with pI values at 6.5, 6.0, and 5.3. In human BPH tissues, 15/41 (36.6%) specimens showed all the three types of isoforms, while 19/41 (46.3%) showed 2 isoforms at various combinations and 7/41 (17.1%), 1 isoform. For the 3 prostatic cancer specimens, one showed 3 isoforms, one, 2 isoforms, and the other failed to show any isoform. All rat prostatic tissues showed 2 isoforms at different combinations. Binding of 3H-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) to the isoforms was inhibited by the addition of 100-fold excess of DHT or testosterone, but not progesterone, oestradiol or diethylstilboestrol.

CONCLUSION

AR isoforms are different in different patients. Although their genesis is not clear, the therapeutic implication of the present observation appears to be interesting, that may help clarifying the individual differences in the response to hormonal therapy.

Histidine(118) in the S2-S3 linker specifically controls activation of the KAT1 channel expressed in Xenopus oocytes

The guard cell K(+) channel KAT1, cloned from Arabidopsis thaliana, is activated by hyperpolarization and regulated by a variety of physiological factors. Low internal pH accelerated the activation kinetics of the KAT1 channel expressed in Xenopus oocytes with a pK of approximately 6, similar to guard cells in vivo. Mutations of histidine-118 located in the putative cytoplasmic linker between the S2 and S3 segments profoundly affected the gating behavior and pH dependence. At pH 7.2, substitution with a negatively charged amino acid (glutamate, aspartate) specifically slowed the activation time course, whereas that with a positively charged amino acid (lysine, arginine) accelerated. These mutations did not alter the channel's deactivation time course or the gating behavior after the first opening. Introducing an uncharged amino acid (alanine, asparagine) at position 118 did not have any obvious effect on the activation kinetics at pH 7.2. The charged substitutions markedly decreased the sensitivity of the KAT1 channel to internal pH in the physiological range. We propose a linear kinetic scheme to account for the KAT1 activation time course at the voltages where the opening transitions dominate. Changes in one forward rate constant in the model adequately account for the effects of the mutations at position 118 in the S2-S3 linker segment. These results provide a molecular and biophysical basis for the diversity in the activation kinetics of inward rectifiers among different plant species.

Rundown of the hyperpolarization-activated KAT1 channel involves slowing of the opening transitions regulated by phosphorylation

Disappearance of the functional activity or rundown of ion channels upon patch excision in many cells involves a decrease in the number of channels available to open. A variety of cellular and biophysical mechanisms have been shown to be involved in the rundown of different ion channels. We examined the rundown process of the plant hyperpolarization-activated KAT1 K+ channel expressed in Xenopus oocytes. The decrease in the KAT1 channel activity on patch excision was accompanied by progressive slowing of the activation time course, and it was caused by a shift in the voltage dependence of the channel without any change in the single-channel amplitude. The single-channel analysis showed that patch excision alters only the transitions leading up to the burst states of the channel. Patch cramming or concurrent application of protein kinase A (PKA) and ATP restored the channel activity. In contrast, nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (ALP) accelerated the rundown time course. Low internal pH, which inhibits ALP activity, slowed the KAT1 rundown time course. The results show that the opening transitions of the KAT1 channel are enhanced not only by hyperpolarization but also by PKA-mediated phosphorylation.

STAT1 is involved in signal transduction in the EPO induced HEL cells

Erythropoietin (EPO) is the major regulator of mammalian erythropoisis, which stimulates the growth and differentiation of hematopoietic cells through interaction with its receptor (EPO-R). Here we use HEL cells (a human erythro-leukemia cell line) as a model to elucidate the pathway of signal transduction in the EPO-induced HEL cells. Our data show that the EPOR (EPO receptor) on the surface of HEL cells interacts with the Janus tyrosine protein kinase (Jak2) to transduce intracellular signals through phosphorylation of cytoplasmic proteins in EPO-treated HEL cells. Both STAT1 and STAT5 in this cell line are tyrosine-phosphorylated and translocated to nucleus following the binding of EPO to HEL cells. Furthermore, the binding of both STAT1 and STAT5 proteins to specific DNA elements (SIE and PIE elements) is revealed in an EPO-dependent manner. Our data demonstrate that the pathway of signal transduction following the binding of EPO to HEL cells is similar to immature erythroid cell from the spleen of mice infected with anemia strain of Friend virus.

An adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive K+ channel of rat neocortical neurons is bi-gated by intracellular ATP and voltage: a novel channel gating mechanism?

To determine whether the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive K+ (K-ATP) channels, which are suggested to be mainly regulated by intracellular ATP or other kinds of triphosphate nucleotides, are gated by membrane potentials (Vm), single K-ATP channel currents were studied on inside-out membrane patches of neurons acutely dissociated from Sprague-Dawley rat neocortex. The K-ATP channels recorded have a unitary conductance from 96.97 +/- 5.32 pS (n = 11) at potentials of approximately 10-60 mV to 98.31 +/- 3.26 pS (n = 11) at approximately -10 to -60 mV. Besides being inhibited by cytoplasmic ATP, channel kinetics was also affected by Vm. Open- and closed-time histograms were well fitted by 2 exponentials, suggesting that the channels have 2 open and closed states. Mean open time (tau om), open probability increased while mean closed time (tau cm) decreased with depolarization. The fitted equations of the relationships between Vm and those kinetic parameters may be described as: tau om = -159.26lnV + 403.64, Po = -0.01Vm2 + 0.08Vm + 0.87 and tau cm = 0.17Vm3-2.5Vm2 + 10.35Vm - 7.68, respectively. We suggest that the K-ATP channels be bi-gated by both intracellular ATP and membrane potentials. This property of the neuronal K-ATP channels may be related to their pathophysiological functions.

[High-dose cytarabine as intensive postremission therapy in acute myelogenous leukemia: effect on long-term disease-free survival]

In an attempt to increase the proportion of patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) remaining in long-term disease-free survival (DFS). 37 patients with AML in complete remission (CR) received HD-Ara-C (1.0 g/m2) as intensive postremission therapy. The results were compared with those of 28 patients who did not receive HD-Ara-C therapy (control group) during the same period. With a median follow-up of 21.7 months (6.9-77.3), median CR duration was 16.0 months for HD-Ara-C group and 10.0 months (2.0-75.2) for the control group. Relapse rates were 48.6% (18/37) and 75% (21/28), respectively. The actuarial 3 and 5 years DFS was 50.2% and 43% for HD-Ara-C group versus 31% and 16.7% for the control group. There was significant difference (P < 0.05). This result suggested that HD-Ara-C could prolong DFS and reduce relapse in patients with AML.