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BackgroundReactor core computational fluid dynamics (CFD) plays a crucial role in identifying core vulnerabilities, optimizing feature structures, and improving safety and economic in nuclear reactors. However, conventional pressurized water reactor fuel assemblies often feature a multitude of spacer grids with mixing vanes, leading to challenges in mesh generation and numerical solution instability, excessive computational resource requirements. The current momentum source model established on the basis of the mechanism of fluid-structure interaction has not considered the effect of the low-pressure region on the fluid downstream of the mixing vanes, leading to significant errors in predicting the axial flow distribution downstream of the mixing vanes. Furthermore, it is challenging to identify the solid domain of the mixing vanes and to add momentum source terms.PurposeThis study aims to present a joint simulation scheme based on detailed porous media and momentum source modeling to simulate coolant flow in 5×5 rod bundle channels with mixing vanes, hence to reduce cells, lower mesh generation difficulty, and enhance numerical stability during the CFD solving process.MethodsThis scheme employed a detailed porous media approach in the spacer zone, while adopting Global Momentum Source Model in the vane zone. Simultaneously, a domain identification scheme was developed to determine the placement of momentum sources and detailed porous media models. The position of mixing vanes within the fluid domain was accurately located by this approach and established detailed porous media and momentum source models based on the fluid-structure interactions in the grid spacer zone and leeward side and windward side of mixing vanes. To simulate the flow field distribution within the spacer zone, a detailed porous media model was employed to enhance local flow resistance, thereby achieving an accurate simulation of the flow field distribution in the spacer zone. Finally, validation against experimental and body-fitted mesh simulations was performed to examine the effectiveness of this scheme in simulating flow blockage, fluid flow, mixing, and vortex shedding.ResultsThis scheme, compared to the momentum source scheme, exhibits stronger numerical stability. In the vane zone, the established momentum source model simultaneously considers the effects of the leeward side and the windward side of mixing vanes, leading to a more accurate prediction of axial flow velocity and heat transfer downstream of the mixing vanes. This approach allows for modeling without needing to consider the structure of the spacer grids with mixing vanes, thus greatly simplifying mesh generation. It achieves complete structured mesh modeling, significantly reducing the number of cells, and enhancing computational efficiency. Validation confirm the effectiveness of this scheme and results in a 90% reduction in cells and a 60% decrease in computational time for modeling and simulation of a 5×5 rod bundle channel with mixing vanes.ConclusionsThis scheme offers simplicity in modeling, reduces CFD computation time, insensitivity to mesh, and superior robustness. Furthermore, when identifying larger-scale components, the approach involves identifying the multi-span fuel components, since the mixing vanes form a regular array in both axial and transverse directions. Therefore, domain identification at a larger scale can be achieved by modifying coordinates, applying momentum source model developed in this paper.

Electrochemical reaction is a continuous dynamic process, accompanied by electron transfer and generation of short-lived intermediates. The mechanism investigation of electrochemical interfaces is pivotal for the progression of energy storage, electro-organic synthesis, electrocatalysis, and electroanalysis. The valuable insights for optimizing performance, improving efficiency, and developing novel methodologies can be attained by elucidating the complicated pathways involved in the electrochemical processes. Thus, how to monitor transient intermediates formed at the solid-liquid interface becomes the critical point in unraveling these intricate processes. To this end, a series of in-situ analytical methods such as in-situ electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (in-situ EPR), in-situ Raman spectroscopy, in-situ infrared spectroscopy (in-situ IR) and in-situ electrochemical mass spectrometry (in-situ EC-MS) have been exploited to probe the chemical transformations at the electrode/electrolyte interface. Among them, due to the superior specificity for interpreting molecular information, EC-MS has progressively gained extensive attention as a powerful and reliable tool for capturing intermediates and revealing the mechanisms in electrochemical reactions. In this review, the research progresses in the recent advancements in the detection of transient reaction intermediates through electrochemical mass spectrometry were presented. The discussion centered on elucidating the principle and configuration of the devices employed in EC-MS, with a specific focus on electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometry (AIMS) and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS). In addition, the review delved into the wide-ranging applications of EC-MS in monitoring electrochemical processes in electro-organic synthesis, electrocatalysis, lithium-ion batteries, electrochemiluminescence, and bioelectrochemical reactions. Despite the remarkable progress has made, the challenges in the field of EC-MS are prospected. There is still an urgent need for further improvement of the experimental apparatus to enhance the sampling efficiency and time resolution to capture short-lived and low-concentration reaction intermediates. In the future, we anticipate that EC-MS will be combined with other in situ analytical techniques, such as in situ infrared or Raman spectroscopy, enabling multi-dimensional characterization and monitoring of electrochemical reaction intermediates.

In broad sense, beverages made from nuts and plant fruits/pulp, as well as other plant-derived materials including proteins etc. are collectively known as plant-based milk. Plant-based milk has multiple advantages such as lactose free, cholesterol free, hormone free, low saturated fat, antibiotics free, special sensory flavor, as well as unique nutritional functions, which fit with the diversified needs of consumers. The market size of plant-based milk in China is huge, which also has great development potential. However, there are still many unsolved problems, such as backward processing technology, insufficient raw material development, unsatisfied sensory properties, vague nutritional and digestive characteristics, and incomplete academic discipline etc. From this, the processing problems of plant-based milk, new processing technology and equipment, innovative technology development trend, industrialization policy comprehensively are described and discussed in this paper. This paper will contribute to the industrial development of domestic plant-based milk, and further satisfying people's growing demand for nutrition and health.

The development of underground space in Shanghai has entered a period of rapid development since the 1990s, and the construction of sponge cities in Shanghai has also been steadily advancing in recent years. However, there is a lack of relevant research on how to embody the concept of sponge city in underground space development and systematically promote sponge city. Based on the strategic system of water ecology, water environment, and water safety in the concept of sponge city, the problems of rainwater infiltration process, groundwater protection, and guidance of underground drainage facilities in the development of underground space are analyzed. A preliminary development and utilization model of underground space in Shanghai based on the concept of sponge city is proposed. Meanwhile, suggestions are put forward to improve the technical system of underground space development and utilization and practice the concept of ecological civilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The waterjet duct can change the flow field of the stern, and it has a great influence on the resistance performance of the ship. The resistance performance of marine vehicles driven by waterjets is very different from that of conventional ships, so it is meaningful to study the changes to the resistance performance of the ship. We used the CFD software STAR-CCM +, treated the waterjet duct as the appendage and compared the change of the flow field in the stern after the installation of the waterjet duct at different angles. We described the change mechanism of the ship's resistance and resistance components by comparing the change in pressure distribution of the waterjet duct's surface and the flow field around the hull. The results show that STAR-CCM+ can realize the prediction of ship resistance performance because the simulation results achieved perfect accuracy, and it is gradually becoming the development direction of the resistance performance prediction of marine vehicles driven by waterjets. The installation of the waterjet duct will increase the resistance of the ship, which is mainly due to the increase of pressure resistance. In addition, the resistance performance of a ship driven by waterjets can be improved by the optimization of the waterjet duct's angle.

Low temperature enamel (LTE) coating is a new type of inorganic coating developed for metal surface corrosion protection. Understanding melting behavior of LTE coating during sintering process assist in the control of sintering technology, and produce a fully covering and smooth coating. Mass and heat changes of LTE coating powder during sintering process were investigated using synchronous thermal analyzer. Glass transition temperature and thermal expansion coefficient of LTE coating cyclinder sample were measured using thermal mechanical analyzer. Under different heating rates, changes of viscosity, height, volume with contact angle of LTE coating cyclinder sample were studied using self-made hot-stage microscope. Results show that with the increase of heating rate, sintering temperature, softening temperature, and spherical temperature of LTE coating cyclinder sample decrease. The viscosity is also reduced, which is benefical for coating leveling, suggesting that the 20 °/min heating rate is optimum. Height and contact angle of LTE coating cylinder sample begin to enter plateau at the temperature range of 530 ~ 550 °C, indicating that this temperature range should be chosen as the sintering temperature of LTE coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A retrospective analysis was made on 5 cases who had the traumatic carotid artery injury with massive epistaxis (from September 2007 to June 2011). All of them were finally diagnosed by digital substraction angiography (DSA). Among them, 2 cases of traumatic pesudoaneurysm from internal maxillary artery were embolized with polyvinyl alcohol particles and gelatin sponge. One case was carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF) with traumatic pesudoaneurysm located in the sphenoid sinus. This patient's internal carotid artery (ICA) and fistula was blocked with balloon, and then ICA was clipped proximal to the posterior communicating artery. One case with injuried ICA was treated with blocking by balloon. The pesudoaneurysm located in ICA cavernous segment of one case was embolized with coil and liquid glue. No recurrence was found after successful surgeries. Patients with massive epistaxis or recurrent epistaxis after craniofacial trauma should undergo CT angiography (CTA) or DSA examination so as to get proper diagnosis and treatment as early as possible.

Autopsy is of great significance to the elucidation of the pathological changes, pathogenesis and cause of death of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and can provide theoretical basis for more scientific and accurate prevention and control of the outbreak. Based on related laws and regulations, such as Law of the People's Republic of China on Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases, the clinical manifestations and epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19, and the related guidelines on the prevention and control of the outbreak, combined with the practical work of forensic pathology examination, the Guide to the Forensic Pathology Practice on Death Cases Related to Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (Trial Draft) has been developed. This guide includes information on the background investigation of the cases, autopsy room requirements, personal prevention and protections, external examinations, autopsy, auxiliary examinations, and so on. This guide can be used as a reference by forensic and pathological examination institutions, as well as examination staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To observe the changes of bone mineral density (BMD) and osteocalcin ( OC) after the application of glucocorticoid (GC) in patients with primary nephrotic syndrome. Methods Group A was the control group containing 20 healthy cases. The experimental group consisted of 73 patients with primary nephrotic syndrome. Four groups were divided based on their different period of glucocorticoid therapy, including group B (2-6 months, n = 19), group C (7-12 months, n =21), group D (13 - 18 months, n = 17), and group E ( more than 18 months, n = 16). The clinical data were collected. Bone mineral density and serum OC were measured. Results (1) No statistically difference of sex, age, and body mass index was found among the subjects in group A-E. The levels of hemoglobin, serum albumin, serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), serum calcium, and serum phosphate were not statistically different among the subjects in group B-E. (2) BMD of L1 was lower in group B than that in group A (P < 0.05). BMD of L1-L4 was lower in group C than that in group A (L1, L3, P <0.01; L2, L4, P < 0. 05). BMD of L1 - L4, the femoral neck, and the greater trochanter was lower in group D than that in group A (L1-L4, greater trochanter, P <0.01; femoral neck, P < 0. 05). BMD at each part was lower in group E than that in group A (L1-L4, P <0.01; femoral neck, greater trochanter, Ward's triangle region, P <0.05); (3) Serum OC was lower in group B and group C than that in group A (P <0. 05), but there was no statistically significant difference of serum OC among group D, group E, and group A; (4) BMD of each bone location in calcium group and in the groups that did not use or only used anti-osteoporotic drugs irregularly decreased compared to the group that used calcium plus active vitamin D regularly (P < 0.05). BMD at the greater trochanter reduced significantly in the group that irregularly uses or did not use anti-osteoporotic drugs compared to the oral calcium group (P < 0. 05). Conclusion Serum OC decreases in patients with primary nephrotic syndrome during the early period of glucocorticoid therapy. Long-term therapy with GC can cause the loss of bone mineral density, and the decrease is mostly at the lumbar spine. The treatment with calcium plus active vitamin D can prevent glucocorticoid-induced bone mass loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the efficacy of operation on unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIA). Methods We selected 43 patients with UIA without history of SAH from October 2009 to January 2013 in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University. The 43 patients were divided into two groups, 17 patients who had not been treated by operation were assigned in control group; while 26 patients who received operation were assigned in case group. The clinical data of the 43 cases were analyzed retrospectively. We followed up 43 patients from March 2003 to May 2013 . The prognosis of patients were statistically analyzed, and the rupture rate in control group, the disability rate and mortality in two groups were calculated. Results The rupture rate and the mortality of the patients were both 9.5% in control group, and the rate increased in the following years, while the mortality of the patients and the disability rate was both 6.90% in case group. Conclusion The patients with UIA without history of SAH should be operated actively once they are diagnosed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical exercise can reduce the overall risk of cardiovascular disease, prolong lifespan and improve the quality of life, but some studies have shown that there is a certain correlation between vigorous physical exercise and sudden cardiac death. A number of retrospective or prospective studies on sports-related sudden cardiac death (SrSCD) have been conducted at home and abroad. This article reviews the related studies on the definition, epidemiological characteristics, common causes of SrSCD and effects of excercise on cardiovascular function, pre-exercise screening and evaluation of SrSCD, in order to understand the latest research progress on SrSCD and provide clues and references for SrSCD research.

Objectives: By retrospective study of the epidemiological characteristics of sports-related sudden death (SrSD), the risk factors associated with SrSD were analyzed and explored to provide a scientific basis for comprehensive prevention and treatment of SrSD., Methods: The personal information (sex, age, occupation, etc.), case information (time, place, type of sports, relative time between SrSD occurrence and exercise, etc.), death related information (sign or prodrome, medical history and surgical history, etc.), rescue situation (witnesses, on-site assistance, the availability of paramedics, etc.) of 374 SrSD cases in Guangdong Province from 2017 to 2021 were collected. Statistical analysis was conducted aiming at the key factors., Results: In the 374 cases, there were significantly more males than females (19.78:1); the number of people aged between >39 and 59 was the largest (151, 40.37%); non-manual workers (68.98%) were more than manual workers; the top three sports with the highest number cases were basketball (34.49%), running (19.52%) and badminton (12.03%); from 3 pm to 9 pm (63.10%) was the time period with the highest incidence of events; sudden death mainly occurred during exercise (75.27%) and within 1 h after exercise (20.05%); the on-site rescue rate was very low (6.15%); the rate of autopsies was extremely low (1.07%); sudden cardiac death was the most common cause (67.11%)., Conclusions: SrSD is most common in males aged >39 to 59 years old, mostly in non-manual workers, and usually occurs in basketball and running. Sudden death is more likely to occur during exercise and within 1 h after exercise. Therefore, the above potential risk factors should be focused on and studied in daily comprehensive prevention and treatment to provide scientific basis for accurate prevention and first aid of such sudden death.

Objectives: To study the phenomenon of pulmonary hypostasis in corpses of various causes of death, and to explore the potential value of this phenomenon in assisting forensic pathological diagnosis of drowning., Methods: A total of 235 cases with clear cause of death through systematic autopsy were collected from January 2011 to June 2021 in Guangzhou. According to the location of body discovery, the cases were divided into the water body group (97 cases) and the non - water body group (138 cases), and the water body group was further divided into the water drowning group (90 cases) and the water non - drowning group (7 cases). Non-water body group was further divided into the non - water drowning group (1 case) and the non - water non - drowning group (137 cases). Three senior forensic pathologists independently reviewed autopsy photos to determine whether there was hypostasis in the lungs. The detection rate of pulmonary hypostasis was calculated., Results: The detection rate of pulmonary hypostasis in the water drowning group (90 cases) was 0, and the negative rate was 100%. The detection rate of pulmonary hypostasis in the water non - drowning group (7 cases) was 100% and the negative rate was 0. The detection rate of pulmonary hypostasis in the water body group and in the non - water body group (after excluding 2 cases, 136 cases were calculated) was 7.22% and 87.50%, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in the detection rate of pulmonary hypostasis between water body group and non - water body group, and between water drowning group and water non - drowning group ( P <0.05)., Conclusions: The disappearance of pulmonary hypostasis can be used as a specific cadaveric sign to assist in the forensic pathological diagnosis of drowning.

Since the beginning of this century, three types of coronavirus have widely transmitted and caused severe diseases and deaths, which strongly indicates that severe infectious diseases caused by coronavirus infection are not accidental events. Coronavirus-infected diseases are mainly manifested by respiratory symptoms, with multiple organ dysfunctions. Precisely investigating the pathological process, characteristics and pathogenesis of coronavirus-infected diseases will be beneficial for us to understand clinical manifestations and provide targeted suggestions on prophylaxis and treatment. This paper briefly reviews the pathological findings of three known coronavirus-infected diseases, and attempts to construct the pathological spectrum of coronavirus-infected diseases, aiming to provide reference and thinking for autopsy, histopathological examination and animal infection model study of coronavirus-infected diseases.

To explore the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the growth of legume crop, pot and field experiments with soybean were conducted. Treatments of inoculation (+AMF) and non-inoculation with AMF (-AMF) were set up for the pot experiment, and AMF mycelium non-limited and limited for the field experiment. Results of the pot experiment showed that inoculation with AMF significantly increased soybean aboveground biomass (16.5%) and root nodules number (131.4%), above-ground plant phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations and uptakes. In the field trial, the above-ground and root biomasses and root nodules number under AMF mycelium non-limited were significantly increased by 123.6%, 61.5%, and 212.5% compared with those under the limited condition, respectively. Plant phosphorus uptake, nitrogen concentration and uptake, and soil available nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations were significantly higher under AMF mycelium non-limited than the limited both in both shoot and root. Our findings provide theoretical reference for further understanding the relationship between legume crop and AMF, as well as the efficient utilization of phosphorus fertilizer.

We investigated the effects of seasonal temperature variation on the treatment perfor-mance and underlying mechanisms of nitrogen transformation in a tidal flow constructed wetland (TFCW) with the complete autotrophic nitrogen removal over nitrite (CANON) process. Different temperatures resulted in periodical variations in nitrogen transformation pathways and removal performance of the TFCW with CANON process, which was mainly due to the changes of dominant bacterial communities for nitrogen removal in the system. When temperature was higher than 20.0 ℃, nitrogen transformation and associated microbial characteristics in the TFCW were significantly affected, and the CANON process remained to be the principal pathway for nitrogen removal. The abundance and activity of anammox bacteria experienced different degrees of reduction when temperature dropped below 20.0 ℃. At the temperature of 9.3-20.0 ℃, the proliferation and increased activities of nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) made the nitrification/denitrification process instead of the CANON process became the primary total nitrogen (TN) removal route in the TFCW, and the TN removal efficiency of the system declined to 34.8%±13.0%. Under the temperature range of 2.2-9.0 ℃, anammox bacteria, which was inhibited at the low temperatures, presented competitive advantage in comparison with NOB and denitrifiers, resulting that nitrogen removal in the TFCW relied on the CANON process again. Correspondingly, nitrogen removal rate of the system was 54.8%±4.8%. This study was conductive to the optimization of the TFCW with CANON process, as well as its engineering application.

A rapid and sensitive UHPLC-HR-MSn method was developed for the identification of chemical constituents in capillary wormwood extract. ACQUITY UHPLC HSS T3 chromatography column (2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.7 μm) was used with 0.1% formic acid-acetonitrile solution as the mobile phase in gradient elution. The extract was detected by ESI-LTQ-Orbitrap equipped with an ESI ion source in a negative mode. Based on the accurate mass measurements, retention time, mass fragmentation patterns and literature reports, a total of 50 compounds including 21 flavonoids, 22 phenolic acids, 6 coumarins and 1 other compound were tentatively screened and characterized. These results are helpful for the comprehensive quality control, better comprehension of the metabolism and further study of pharmacodynamic substance from capillary wormwood extract., Competing Interests: The authors of this article and the planning committee members and staff have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose., (Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.)

Objective: To analyze the parameters of urodynamic tests for patients with type-III B prostatitis and evaluate the significance of the results of urodynamic tests in the choice of therapies for this disease., Methods: Urodynamic tests were performed for 87 type-III B prostatitis patients aged 22-45 (30.7 ± 8.5) years, who had moderate or severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and failed to respond to routine therapy. Different treatments were administered according to the results of urodynamic tests followed by observation of the therapeutic effects., Results: Urodynamic abnormalities were found in 70 of the 87 patients, bladder outlet obstruction in 28 (32.2%), detrusor overactivity in 25 (28.7%), bladder hyperesthesia in 18 (20.7%), low compliance in 10 (11.5%), detrusor-external urethral sphincter dyssynergia in 1 (1.1%), and impaired detrusor contractile function in 1 (1.1%). Treatments achieved obvious effectiveness in 26 cases (29.9%), effectiveness in 51 (58.6%), and no effectiveness in 10 (11.5%)., Conclusion: Urodynamic tests contribute significantly to the choice of therapies for type-III B prostatitis patients with moderate or severe LUTS.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of bio-mesh-reinforced pancreaticogastrostomy., Methods: A total of 23 patients undergoing bio-mesh-reinforced pancreaticogastrostomy from May 2011 to January 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. Their demographic data, operative parameters and post-operative outcomes were recorded. The severity of pancreatic leak was determined according to the criteria of International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula (ISGPF)., Results: The mean anastomotic time was 24 (20-35) minutes. Intra-operative leak tests showed all pancreatic anastomoses were watertight. Six patients (26.1%) had pancreatic leakage of grade A. One patient (4.3%) had pancreatic leakage of grade B. No patient developed postoperative pancreatic leakage of class C. One case of abdominal infection was reported. No severe complications such as hemorrhage, bile leakage or gastrojejunostomy leakage were observed. All patients recovered well within Month 1 post-discharge., Conclusion: This novel technique may be a simple and feasible strategy for all types of pancreatic remnants.

Objective: To explore the therapeutic efficacies of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) plus low-dose theophylline for moderate bronchial asthma., Methods: A total of 280 patients with moderate bronchial asthma at People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University between January 2011 and December 2011 were recruited and randomized into 2 groups: observation group with inhaled budesonide 400 µg/d plus aminophylline tablet (0.1 g, 3 times/day, oral administration and control group with inhaled budesonide 320 µg/day plus formoterol 9 µg/day. The course of treatment was around 6 months. The forced expiratory volume in one second % predicted (FEV1% predicted), interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5 and IgE of peripheral blood were compared before and after treatment., Results: Before and 6 months after treatment, the values of FEV1 % predicted, IL-4, IL-5 and IgE for the observed group were 68% ± 6% and 76% ± 6%, (14.5 ± 4.4) and (7.2 ± 2.6) ng/L, (27.4 ± 6.2) and (24.2 ± 5.9) ng/L, (771 ± 130) × 10(3) and(592 ± 104) × 10(3) U/L, respectively, while those for the control group were 66% ± 8% and 77% ± 6%, (13.7 ± 4.3) and (7.7 ± 4.0) ng/L, (26.9 ± 5.8) and (24.6 ± 4.8) ng/L, (752 ± 154) and (604 ± 122) × 10(3) U/L, respectively. There were significant improvements in both groups (all P < 0.05). No differences existed between two groups (all P > 0.05)., Conclusion: Compared with ICS plus inhaled long-acting β2-agonists (LABA), ICS plus low-dose theophylline shows similar efficacies in the improvement of lung function and the control of airway inflammation for asthmatics.

Objective: To investigate KCNQ1, KCNH2, KCNE1 and KCNE2 gene variants in the cases of sudden manhood death syndrome (SMDS)., Methods: One hundred and sixteen sporadic cases of SMDS and one hundred and twenty-five healthy controlled samples were enrolled. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples. Gene variants of KCNQ1, KCNH2, KCNE1 and KCNE2 were screened by direct sequencing., Results: A total of 14 mutations and 14 SNP were detected. Two non-synonymous mutations of them were newfound. There was no non-synonymous mutation found in the control group., Conclusion: There are KCNQ1, KCNH2, KCNE1 and KCNE2 gene variants found in Chinese SMDS cases. KCNQ1, KCNH2, KCNE1 and KCNE2 gene mutation may correlate partly with the occurrence of some cases of the SMDS in China.

Objective: To study the effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of bilateral subthalamic nucleus (STN) on the motor and non-motor symptoms in moderate or advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) patients., Methods: From August 2006 to January 2010, 21 consecutive PD patients with refractory motor fluctuations or dyskinesia underwent operations at our hospital. All patients were evaluated by unified Parkinson's disease rating scale (UPDRS), Hoehn & Yahr (H&Y) stage, Parkinson's disease questionnaire (PDQ-39), mini mental state examination (MMSE), Parkinson's disease sleep scale-Chinese vision (PDSS-CV), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), Hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD) and Hamilton anxiety rating scale (HAMA). And the daily dosage of dopaminergic agents was recorded at 1 week pre-operation and 3, 6 and 12 months post-operation., Results: Ten patients finished a 12-month follow-up. Their motor functions showed significant improvement. And the scores of UPDRS-motor, tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia and axial symptoms reduced significantly in the on-stimulation-off-medication condition and the on-stimulation-on-medication condition vs the on-medication condition pre-operation. And the improvement of tremor was the most pronounced (52.1% and 77.7% respectively). The H&Y stage decreased significantly from 3.2 ± 0.7 to 2.5 ± 0.4 post-operation. The activities of daily living improved while PDQ-39 declined significantly from 56 ± 9 pre-operation to 32 ± 13 at 12 months follow-up. The score changes of MMSE, PDSS-CV, PSQI, HAMA and HAMD were statistically insignificant. The levo-dopa equivalent dose of 1-year post-operation decreased significantly by 49.2% versus that of pre-operation (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Bilateral STN-DBS can significant ameliorate the motor symptoms of moderate or advanced PD patients, reduce the dosage of anti-PD medications and improve the quality of life. This procedure has the advantages of a greater safety, minor side effects and an easy controllability.

Nondestructive fruit quality assessment in packing houses can be carried out using near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. However, in industrial process, some experimental conditions (e. g. temperature, fruit variety) cannot be strictly controlled and their changes would reduce the robustness of the NIR-based models. In the present paper, a total of 100 honey fruits from two super markets were used as experimental materials. Fifty honey fruits were stored at room temperature and the other fifty samples were stored at 0-4 degrees C. NIR diffuse reflectance spectra of the honey peaches were measured in the spectral range of 4 000-2 500 cm(-1) using InGaAs detector. After outlier diagnosis using leverage values and Dixon test and spectra data pretreatment with Norris derivative filter (segment length: 5, gap: 5), partial least square (PLS) regression with standard normal variate (SNV) transformation and stepwise multilinear regression (SMLR) with multiplicative scatter correction (MSV) were used to establish calibration models based on first derivative spectra. Comparing the two calibration methods of PLS and SMLR, the performances of the models developed by SMLR were found much better than that by PLS method. The best results for PLS models were: correlation coefficient of calibration (R(c)) = 0.965, root mean square errors of calibration (RMSEC) = 0.3010 Brix, correlation coefficient of cross-validation (R(cv)) = 0.812, root mean square errors of cross-validation (RMSECV) = 0.67 degrees Brix and ratio of standard deviation to root mean square errors of cross-validation (RPD) = 1.72, which were slightly worse than those for SMLR: R(c) = 0.929, RMSEC = 0.424 degrees Brix of calibration and R(cv) = 0.887, RMSECV = 0.532 degrees Brix of cross-validation and RPD = 2.16. The RPD values for SMLR models in three different spectral regions 4 290-7 817, 7 817-10 725 and 4 290-10 725 cm(-1) were: 1.97, 1.89 and 2.16, respectively. The performance of the model developed by SMLR in the 4 290-7 817 cm(-1) region was much better than that in the 7 817-10 725 cm(-1) region. The results indicated that the SMLR method could develop a good calibration model by selecting wavelengths insensitive to temperature and NIR spectra could be used for sugar content prediction of fruit samples with varied temperature when developing a global robust calibration model to cover the temperature range.

Objective: To discuss the value of a simple occlusive technique of the triple vessels, ie, portal vein, superior mesenteric vessels and splenic vein, in complicated pancreaticoduodenectomy., Methods: The technique was fulfilled with a No.8 urethral catheter to encycle the portal vein, superior mesenteric vessels and its near tissue plus pancreatic tail and splenic vein than the neck of pancreas was transected and well exposure superior mesenteric vein and complete transaction of uncinate. From November 2005 to November 2006 the technique was applied to 12 cases of pancreatic malignancy which presented very infiltrated and adhesive to the hilar vascular structure., Results: The 12 cases were accomplished according with this technique. The operating time was (292.4 +/- 36.3) min (270 - 390 min) and the intraoperative blood loss was (833.3 +/- 618.4) ml (300 - 2500 ml). The postoperative complication included one case of lymphatic leakage, two cases of pneumonia, one case of abdominal infection and two cases of wound infection. There was no perioperative mortality. The postoperative hospital stay was 17 d (11 - 29 d)., Conclusions: Use this triple vessels occlusive technique can improve the safety and feasibility in complicated cases of pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Objective: To explore the strategy of isolated complete resection of the caudate lobe of the liver through the anterior liver-splitting approach., Methods: From January 1995 to June 2006, isolated complete caudate resection of the caudate lobe of the liver through the anterior liver-splitting approach in which accessed the caudate lobe by separation the liver parenchyma along the interlobar plane, was performed on 19 patients with tumors originated in caudate lobe. They were included hepatocellular carcinoma in 13 cases, cholangiocarcinoma in 4 cases and hemangioma in 2 cases, the tumor size range from 4 - 12 cm. The approach to hepatic resection involved routine use of Peng's multifunctional operative dissector, inflow and outflow of hepatic vascular control before hepatic parenchyma transection, low central venous pressure and selective use of liver hanging maneuver, as well as retrograde caudate lobectomy., Results: The operations were successful in 19 patients. Operating time averaged at (296 +/- 55) min. The average amount of blood loss were 1200 ml (ranged from 500 - 3000 ml). Postoperative complications included ascites in 2 cases, pleural effusion in 5 cases and bile leakage in 2 cases. They were cured by drainage. No mortality occurred in the perioperative period., Conclusions: The application of anterior approach for isolated caudate lobectomy can converse certain kind of caudate lobe tumor from non-resectable to respectable resulting in widening the indication. The intraoperative routine use of Peng's multifunctional operative dissector, application of inflow and outflow of hepatic vascular control, low central venous pressure and selective use of liver hanging maneuver, as well as retrograde caudate lobectomy make the anterior liver-splitting approach for isolated complete caudate lobectomy safer and easier.

Objective: To investigate the regulatory effects of rat mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) on T lymphocyte proliferation by examining the early activated markers such as CD25 and CD69., Methods: MSC had been isolated and expanded in vitro. Then it was identified by cell morphology, membrane phenotype, and differentiation potential. Nylon wool column was applied to purify T-lymphocytes. MSCs and T-lymphocytes were cultured together and were stimulated by phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), and then the expressions of CD25 and CD69 were assessed. The levels of TGF-beta1 and IL-10 in the supernatants of MSC cultures were detected by using ELISA., Results: (1) The expression of CD25 is suppressed in a dose-dependent manner when the T-lymphocytes are co-cultured with 10,000 MSCs or more, while 100 MSCs have no detectable effect; (2) The suppression of CD25 can be lasted more than 96 hrs; (3) The down regulation of CD25 is mediated by some soluble factors; (4) The reduced expression of CD25 caused by MSC inhibition is not mediated by TGF-beta1 and IL-10., Conclusion: MSCs have significant immune regulatory effects on PHA-stimulated T-lymphocyte culture. It might provide a remarkable immune suppression in organ-transplantation to achieve better outcome in the near future.

Objective: To investigate the prognostic significance of micrometastasis (MM) in peripheral blood of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated by chemo-radiation therapy., Methods: Peripheral blood was taken from 67 NSCLC patients before and after definitive chemo-radiation therapy. CK19 mRNA of the peripheral blood was measured by nested RT-PCR and both their relationship with clinicopathological features and prognostic significance were further investigated., Results: The micrometastasis-positive rates were 65.7% (44/67) and 32.8% (22/67), respectively, before and after the treatment. The micrometastasis-positive rate before treatment was closely in correlation with N-stage (P = 0.014). In contrast, it turned out to be more closely related with histological types (P = 0.019), weight loss (P = 0.01), KPS status (P = 0.027) as well as N-stage (P = 0.032) after chemo-radiation therapy. 4-yr distant metastasis rates (DMR) for micrometastasis-positive and -negative patients were 78.3% and 70.4%, respectively, before the treatment (P = 0.544) while they were 100% and 62.9%, respectively, after the chemoradiation (P < 0.001). The median survival time (MST) and 4-yr overall survival rate (OSR) for pretreatment micrometastasis-positive and -negative patients were 13.8 months and 17.6 months, and 18.2% and 17.4%, respectively (P = 0.619), while for post-treatment micrometastasis-positive and -negative patients they were 7.8 months and 27.6 months and 0 and 26.4%, respectively (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that the post-treatment positive micrometastasis was an independent unfavorable prognostic factor (P = 0.000)., Conclusion: Detection of micrometastasis in peripheral blood may possess a prognostic significance after definitive chemo-radiation therapy. Micrometastasis-negative patients have better prognosis compared to those with positive micrometastasis.

Objective: To review the experience for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma with tumor thrombus in inferior vena cava., Methods: From July 2003 to May 2005, hepatectomy combined with thrombectomy were performed on 7 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma with tumor thrombus in inferior vena cava. In order to remove the tumor thrombus in inferior vena cava, total hepatic vascular exclusion were adopted on all cases to control the blood flow of IVC. According to the position of extension of tumor thrombus, 5 different procedures were adopted in the cases to control the suprahepatic IVC and extract the tumor thrombus out of IVC and atrium. Procedure 1: Median sternotomy, extracorporeal bypass, cardiac arrest, incision on right atrium and IVC were performed on 1 case for thrombectomy. Procedure 2: Median sternotomy, extracorporeal bypass without cardiac arrest, incision on IVC and (or without) incision on right atrium were performed on 2 cases for thrombectomy. Procedure 3: Abdominal approach to control intrapericardial IVC through an incision on diaphragm was performed on 1 case for thrombectomy. Procedure 4: Abdominal approach to control suprahepatic IVC above diaphragm through a small incision made on vena cava foramen for thrombectomy was performed on 1 case. Procedure 5: Abdominal approaches to control suprahepatic IVC below diaphragm for thrombectomy were performed on 2 cases., Results: All operations were successfully performed. The postoperative complications included pleural effusion in 1 case, subphrenic fluid collection in 1 case and wound infection in 1 case. The average survival time of 7 cases was 9.8 month. The longest survival time was 26 months., Conclusion: Hepatectomy and thrombectomy can be safely performed on the case of HCC combined with tumor thrombus in IVC. Surgical treatment can relieve the patient from the risk of sudden death caused by heart failure and pulmonary.

The concentration of the camponent of PEG/PE blends was analyzed quantitatively by infrared spectroscopy. The absorption peak area ratio of the selected mixture peaks used as the calibrating basis for the quantitative analysis was more reasonable than the peak area ratio of the pure peaks. The theoretical equation deducted by Beer-Lamber law was used to establish the working curve to calculate the composition of the responding functional groups in the film of the PEG/PE blends. The characteristic peaks of the crystal can not be selected as the calibrating basis for the quantitative measurement, because the crystallization has a great effect on the intensity of the absorption peaks.

Objective: To explore the clinical value and significance of retrograde caudate lobectomy., Methods: From December 2003 to January 2005, 7 patients underwent retrograde caudate lobectomy in which division and ligation of short hepatic veins were carried out at the final stage of the procedure in stead of at the initial stage., Results: The procedures were carried out smoothly with no operative death in all the 7 cases including isolated complete caudate lobectomy in 4 cases, isolated partial caudate lobectomy in 1 case, combined right half liver resection in 2 case. The average operation time, blood loss and length of stay after operation was (273 +/- 44) min, (1114 +/- 241) ml (800-1500 ml) and 16 days respectively. Complications including pleural effusion and ascites in 1 case respectively were fully recovered. During the follow-up, 1 patient died at 6 months for tumor recurrence in lung and the remaining 6 patients are alive at the follow-up of 5 to 16 months., Conclusions: Retrograde caudate lobectomy is a new procedure suitable for those caudate neoplasms which are adhering to or infiltrating to IVC or too big to move side by side. The application of this technique can converse certain kind of caudate lobe tumor from non-resectable to resectable resulting in widening the indication.

Objective: To analyze the feasibility of developing a tunnel between inferior vena cava (IVC) and caudate lobe before passing a tape through it, and to explore the significance of liver hanging maneuver in liver-splitting anterior approach for hepatectomy., Methods: Blunt dissection was used to develop the tunnel before a tape was passed through. A hemostatic plate was placed on the surface of liver parenchyma if needed. In the procedure of hepatectomy, the tape was pulled up to create an interspace between liver parenchyma and IVC so that the IVC can be protected during transection., Results: Liver hanging maneuver was performed successfully in 47 cases. There were no severe complications related to the procedure in these cases. The procedure was terminated in 1 case because of severe bleeding., Conclusions: 1. Liver hanging maneuver is feasible in terms of anatomy and technique. 2. With liver hanging maneuver, IVC can be protected safely and the intrahepatic vessels and ductal system at the transaction line can be exposed clearly. It also makes anterior approach for hepatectomy safer and easier.

Objective: To observe the influence of guinea pig mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) culture in vitro on the immunological status in heterogeneous recipient, and to evaluate the immunomodulation of MSCs to the immune rejection of liver xenotransplantation., Methods: The mononuclear cell fraction obtained by centrifugation over Percoll was cultured in vitro. Cell surface epitopes were analyzed by flow cytometry technique, and MSCs were incubated at the addition of adipocyte induction media, and stained in Oil Red O. The immunoglobulin and complement in rat recipient serum were assayed after infusion of donor MSCs. Thirty guinea pigs and thirty Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups. All rat recipients undertook cyclophosphamide (CTX) infusion. Group A was MSCs infusion group, group B was saline infusion group and group C was dexamethasone (DXM) infusion group. Orthotopic guinea pig to rat liver transplantation model was established. The survival time and the immunopathology of graft were observed., Results: According to flow cytometry assay, MSCs were positive for CD44 and CD29, while negative for CD34 and CD45. Lipid droplets were found in the MSCs cytoplasm after being incubated in adipogenic inducation media. The concentrations of IgG, IgM, C3 at all time point after MSCs infusion were significantly decreased than before (P < 0.05), while the concentrations of IgA and C4 did not changed. The survival time of group A (431 +/- 27 min) was obviously longer than group B (148 +/- 16 min) and group C (141 +/- 22 min) (P < 0.01). The intense hyperacute rejection rapidly occurred of group B and C after blood re-perfusion. The severe immunopathological injury could be observed at the grafts of group B and C. However, the hyperacute rejection of group A occurred slightly., Conclusions: MSCs can be identified by virtue of cell morphology, membrane phenotype and differential potential. MSC may play a role in the immunosuppression in hyperacute rejection in the liver xenotransplantation.

Objective: To investigate the effect of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on the expression of connexin 26, 32 and 43 genes and the alteration of gap junction communication function in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells., Methods: Human hepatocellular carcinoma cell of the lines SMMC-7721 and BEL-7404 were cultured in normal medium and medium containing ATRA at a concentration of 10(-5) mol/L for 24, 48 and 72 hours respectively. RT-PCR procedure was adopted to detect the mRNA expression of CX 26, 32 and 43. Scrape-loading and dye transfer procedure was performed to examine the gap junction communication function., Results: CX26 mRNA and CX32 mRNA were not expressed in the cell lines SMMC-7721, however, expression of CX26 mRNA and expression of CX32 mRNA were found 48 and 72 hours after being induction by ATRA respectively. CX26 mRNA and CX32 mRNA were not expressed in the cell lines BEL-7404, however, expression of CX26 mRNA and expression of CX32 mRNA were found 48 hours after induction by ATRA. Expression of CX43 mRNA was found in all cells, whether being induced by ATRA or not. Scrape-loading and dye transfer procedure showed that lucifer yellow was seen in only 1-2 lines by the delimited mark in the untreated SMMC-7721 cells and in 3-4 lines by the delimited mark in the SMMC-7721 cells treated by ATRA. But no dye transfer phenomenon was found in the BEL-7404 cells whether they were ATRA-treated or not., Conclusion: ATRA is able to affect the expression of CX26 and CX32 in HCC cell lines SMMC-7721 and BEL-7404 by acting at the transcription level. Reinforcement of gap junction communication function is found in the SMMC-7721 cells and not in the BEL-7404 cells, which shows that ATRA modulates the gap junction intercellular communication, by acting in different mechanisms.

Objective: To explore the significance of surgical treatment of HCC originating from caudate lobe., Methods: From 1995 to 2003, caudate lobectomy, including 19 cases of isolated lobectomy and 20 cases of combined lobectomy, were performed in 39 patients with HCC originating from caudate lobe, and the factors that might influence postoperative liver function were compared between the two groups., Results: All tumors were resected successfully. One patient died of postoperative renal failure. Hydrothorax occurred in 3 patients, ascites in 4 patients, and bile leakage in 1 patient. The survival rates of 1, 3, 5 year were 53%, 50%, 39% respectively., Conclusions: Caudate lobectomy is a effective method for HCC originating from caudate lobe.

Objective: To investigate the differences in prognostic factors between the young and old lung cancer patients treated by chemo-radiotherapy., Methods: The clinical data were collected from 70 young patients (< 40 years old, the study group) and 82 randomly selected old patients (> or = 40 years old, the control group) treated by chemo-radiotherapy. Survival analysis was done by the Kaplan-Meier method, univariate analysis by Log rank test and multivariate analysis by Cox proportional hazard model, respectively., Results: Median survival time was 10 months in the study group and 12 months in the control group. The 2-year survival rate was 11.1% versus 23.1% and the 5-year survival was 3.1% versus 5.4%, respectively. Univariate analyses demonstrated that symptom duration time, mis-diagnosis duration time, clinical stage, chemo-radiation regimen, radiation dose, DDP dose, weight loss and Karnofsky performance status were associated with the prognosis of the study group, and symptom duration time, clinical stage, radiation dose, DDP dose, weight loss and Karnofsky performance status were associated with that of the control group. Multivariate analyses showed that clinical stage, weight loss and Karnofsky performance status were independent prognostic factors for both groups, but DDP dose only for the study group., Conclusion: The overall survival was similar in young and old patient groups; There was some difference in prognostic factors between the two groups; DDP dose was an independent prognostic factor for young lung cancer patients which might bear dose-response relationship.

Background: To summarize the preliminary experience on Iressa for refractory non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)., Methods: Fifty-five patients with NSCLC, who failed after surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or combination of the above modalities, were registered in this clinical trail. Prior to Iressa, 50 patients were in stage IV, and 5 in stage III. Iressa was administered orally at 250 mg, once a day until cancer progressed or severe toxicity occured, which made patients intolerable. The median time for administration of Iressa was 4 months., Results: The toxicity of Iressa was tolerable with 47% of skin toxicity (rash) and 2%-7% of diarrhea, nausea, orally mucosal ulceration and alopecia. Overall response rate was 20%. Different sites of distant metastases responded to Iressa in different ways with higher response rate for pulmonary disseminations. One quarter of patients felt improvement of their symptoms over 2 weeks. Median survival time for entire group was 5 months (1-17 months). Median time to progression (TTP) was 3.6 months. Survival at 6 months was 67%. Prognostic predictor, which could imply the outcome, was skin toxicity with higher response rate and longer survival time ( P < 0.05), and no relationship with sex, histological types of NSCLC and distant metastasis had been found., Conclusions: Iressa could be tolerated by refractory NSCLC patients with acceptable side-effects, and have palliative effects.

Objective: To analyze the prognostic factors in patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)., Methods: Fifty-eight patients with stage I NSCLC treated from 1991 to 1995 were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical features, histopathology and prognostic factors were analyzed by SPSS10.0 statistic software. The expression of c-myc, MDM2, c-erbB-2, EGFR, p53, p14(ARF), p16(INK4), p21(WAF1) and nm23 was detected by immunohistochemical assay. The overall survival rate, local-regional control rate and distant metastasis rate were observed., Results: The overall survival rate, local-regional recurrent rate and distant metastasis rate were 71.1%, 11.1% and 33.5%, respectively. In univariate analysis, tumor cell differentiation was an independent prognostic factor (P = 0.028); overexpression of c-myc or c-erbB-2 had significantly poor overall survival and high distant metastasis rate (P < 0.05). The total oncogene immunoreactive score (IRS) and comprehensive IRS were associated with poor overall survival. In multivariate analysis, tumor cell differentiation and comprehensive IRS were independent prognostic factors for overall survival. Among the high-risk group of patients, those who had received chemotherapy seemed to have a higher overall survival rate and a lower distant metastasis rate in this study, but the difference was not statistically significant., Conclusion: For stage I NSCLC patients, tumor cell differentiation and comprehensive IRS are independent prognostic factors for overall survival. Adjuvant chemotherapy might somehow improve the survival for the patients with high-risk factors.

Objective: To discuss the experiences of diagnosis and treatment for vasoactive intestinal peptide-secreting-tumors (VIPoma) by summarizing clinical informations of 15 patients with VIPoma., Methods: To analyze Clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations, imaging features, operation, pathological findings and follow up survey of 15 patients, among them 1 case from our hospital and the other 14 cases were searched in chinese biological and medical literature database from Jan 1987 to Dec 2002., Results: The main clinical manifestation include periodical secretory watery diarrhea, hypokalemia, achlorhydria, in addition, periodical backache, skin rash, and polyps of colon were presented in the case in our hospital. The immunohistochemical expression of many kinds of digestive hormone including VIP presented positive; All clinical symptoms of which except polyps disappeared after operation, elevated VIP data in serum also markedly decreased. Part resection of superior mesenteric vein was performed in the same patient., Conclusions: VIPoma is rare. Typical symptoms and the serum value of VIP were keys to diagnosis, the operation is the most effective means for treatment. Resection of tumor, Radiofrequency tissue ablation, liver transplantation can be selected for metastatic VIPoma in the liver.

Objective: To study whether the clinico-pathologic characteristics and survival of young lung cancer patients < 40 years of age differ from those of lung cancer patients >or= 40 years of age., Methods: Retrospective analysis was carried out to compare the clinico-pathologic features and survival of 129 young patients (young group) with those of 140 randomly selected older ones (elderly group)., Results: The young group, when compared with the older group, had more female (P = 0.037), longer mean duration of symptoms (4.7 m vs 2.5 m, P < 0.001), higher misdiagnostic rate (65.1% vs 24.3%, P < 0.001) with longer mean duration of misdiagnosis for the misdiagnosed patients (5.6 m vs 2.5 m, P < 0.001), more adenocarcinoma (54.3% vs 42.1%, P < 0.001), higher pathologic grade (69.5% vs 36.0%, P < 0.001), more advanced-stage diseases at diagnosis (74.4% vs 45.7%, P < 0.001), more patients receiving combined-modality treatment (94.6% vs 62.1%, P < 0.001) and more distant failures as initial relapse (64.7% vs 50.6%, P = 0.02). The median survivals and 5-year survival rates were better in patients with stage I-II disease in the young group than the older group (54 m vs 33 m and 46.2% vs 25.0%, P = 0.0495), even though the overall median survivals and 5-year survival rates were similar in either group (11 m vs 14 m and 8.3% vs 11.9%, P = 0.2889). There was no difference in family or smoking history (P = 0.227 and 0.171)., Conclusion: Younger patients with lung cancer present difference in clinico-pathologic features from the older ones, but the survivals of the two groups are similar. To define younger lung cancer as "the younger type of lung cancer" may have a practical clinical significance.