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Background and Purpose: Hemorrhage-caused gene changes in the thalamus likely contribute to thalamic pain genesis. RNA N 6 -methyladenosine modification is an additional layer of gene regulation. Whether FTO (fat-mass and obesity-associated protein), an N 6 -methyladenosine demethylase, participates in hemorrhage-induced thalamic pain is unknown. Methods: Expression of Fto mRNA and protein was assessed in mouse thalamus after hemorrhage caused by microinjection of Coll IV (type IV collagenase) into unilateral thalamus. Effect of intraperitoneal administration of meclofenamic acid (a FTO inhibitor) or microinjection of adeno-associated virus 5 (AAV5) expressing Cre into the thalamus of Fto fl/fl mice on the Coll IV microinjection–induced TLR4 (Toll-like receptor 4) upregulation and nociceptive hypersensitivity was examined. Effect of thalamic microinjection of AAV5 expressing Fto (AAV5- Fto ) on basal thalamic TLR4 expression and nociceptive thresholds was also analyzed. Additionally, level of N 6 -methyladenosine in Tlr4 mRNA and its binding to FTO or YTHDF2 (YTH N 6 -methyladenosine RNA binding protein 2) were observed. Results: FTO was detected in neuronal nuclei of thalamus. Level of FTO protein, but not mRNA, was time-dependently increased in the ipsilateral thalamus on days 1 to 14 after Coll IV microinjection. Intraperitoneal injection of meclofenamic acid or adeno-associated virus-5 expressing Cre microinjection into Fto fl/fl mouse thalamus attenuated the Coll IV microinjection–induced TLR4 upregulation and tissue damage in the ipsilateral thalamus and development and maintenance of nociceptive hypersensitivities on the contralateral side. Thalamic microinjection of AAV5- Fto increased TLR4 expression and elicited hypersensitivities to mechanical, heat and cold stimuli. Mechanistically, Coll IV microinjection produced an increase in FTO binding to Tlr4 mRNA, an FTO-dependent loss of N 6 -methyladenosine sites in Tlr4 mRNA and a reduction in the binding of YTHDF2 to Tlr4 mRNA in the ipsilateral thalamus. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that FTO participates in hemorrhage-induced thalamic pain by stabilizing TLR4 upregulation in thalamic neurons. FTO may be a potential target for the treatment of this disorder.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to identify risk factors that were associated with mandatory intensive care unit (ICU) admission after gastrectomy for gastric cancer. We then employed these risk factors to construct and validate a nomogram for predicting mandatory ICU admission after gastrectomy, which may identify those who require ICU indeed and improve ICU utilization. METHODS A number of 999 gastric cancer patients undergoing gastrectomy from January 2010 to June 2019 were included in the retrospective study. Forty-three patients were classified into mandatory ICU admission groups, and the remaining 956 patients were allocated into the no need for ICU admission group. The candidate variables, including patient demographic characteristics, preoperative laboratory tests and surgical variables, were compared between the two groups. We then carried out univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to find out risk factors for mandatory ICU admission. In order to develop the predictive model, we used Akaike information criterion (AIC) to select risk factors via a step-down backward process from the multivariate regression model. RESULTS A number of risk factors for mandatory ICU admission were identified and subsequently used to build the nomogram: age [odds ratio (OR), 1.03; 95% CI, 1.00-1.07; P=0.031], ASA status (III-IV vs. I-II: OR,1.74; 95% CI, 0.88-3.46; P=0.114), tumor size (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.08-1.51; P=0.004), estimated blood loss (OR, 1.001; 95% CI, 1.000-1.001; P=0.082) as well as intraoperative transfusion (Yes vs. No: OR, 3.82; 95% CI, 1.87-7.82; P

OBJECTIVE To construct and validate a nomogram composed of preoperative variables to predict intraoperative blood transfusion for gastric cancer surgery. BACKGROUND Intraoperative transfusion for gastric cancer surgery is a common medical procedure that is associated with increased postoperative complications. METHODS A total of 999 patients who underwent gastrectomy between January 2010 and June 2019 were randomly allocated into the primary and validation cohorts in a 2:1 ratio. In the primary cohort, logistic analyses were performed to identify independent predictors for transfusion. Using the Akaike information criterion, selected variables were incorporated to construct a nomogram. Validations of the nomogram were performed in the primary and validation cohorts. The discrimination ability of the nomogram was assessed by the concordance index (C-index), and calibration was assessed by calibration curves and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test. RESULTS The following risk factors for transfusion were identified and used to construct the nomogram: ASA status (III-IV vs I-II: odds ratio [OR] 1.74), comorbidities (yes vs no: OR 1.57), tumour location (diffuse vs lower: OR 4.05), cTNM stage (III vs I: OR 1.95), and a preoperative haemoglobin level less than 80 g/L (vs over 120 g/L: OR 35.30). The C-index was 0.859 and 0.850 in the primary and validation cohorts, respectively, which both indicated good discrimination of the nomogram. Additionally, both calibration curves and Hosmer-Lemeshow tests (p-value 0.184 and 0.887, respectively) demonstrated high agreement between the predictions and actual outcomes. CONCLUSION A nomogram composed of preoperative variables to predict blood transfusion for gastric cancer surgery was effectively developed and validated. This nomogram could be used to improve the utilisation of red blood cells for gastrectomy.

Background The aim of this study was to identify a preoperative inflammatory marker with the most predictive value for postoperative complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). We then combined it with other perioperative variables to construct and validate a nomogram for complications after PD. Methods A total of 223 patients who received PD from January 2014 to July 2019 at a high-volume (>60 PDs/year) pancreatic centers in China were included in this retrospective study. All of the PDs were performed by the same surgeon who is beyond the learning curve with more than 100 PDs over the previous 3 years before 2014. 15 preoperative inflammatory markers were collected, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and lactic dehydrogenase. The inflammatory markers' predicting abilities for complications were analyzed by calculating the values of an area under the curve (AUC). The complications included surgical complications (such as pancreatic fistula, delayed gastric emptying and bile leakage) and medical complications (such as sepsis, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, acute heart failure and acute liver failure) in this study. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the perioperative features for independent risk factors for complications after PD. Nomograms with or without the most predictive inflammatory for complications were subsequently developed based on multivariable logistic regression using Akaike information criterion. Nomograms' performance was quantified and compared in terms of calibration and discrimination. We studied the utility of the nomograms using decision curve analysis. Results The albumin/ NLR score (ANS) exhibited the highest AUC value (0.616) for predicting postoperative complications. ANS and approach method were identified as independent risk factors for complications. The nomogram with ANS had higher C-index (0.725) and better calibration. The NRI compared between nomograms was 0.160 (95% CI: 0.023-0.296; P=0.022). By decision curve analysis, the model with ANS had higher clinical value. Conclusions The ANS is a useful predictor and an independent risk factor for postoperative complications after PD. The nomogram with ANS was constructed with better performance and more clinical benefit for predicting postoperative complications.

A generic strategy to regulate various synaptic transistors is of great significance for the integration of multiple synaptic devices with multiple neuromorphic functionalities (e.g., olfactory, auditory, visual sensations, etc.) in an artificial neural network. Here, side-liquid-gated n-type In2O3, 2D MoS2, and p-type pentacene synaptic transistors based on a proton conducting mechanism and hysteresis engineering are proposed. The operating voltage can be significantly reduced from 30 to 3 V by using a high permittivity Er2O3 dielectric layer replacing traditional SiO2. Fundamental synaptic behaviors of both short-term plasticity (STP) and long-term plasticity (LTP) are successfully emulated on all three devices, providing the opportunity to integrate different semiconductor materials on one single chip to fabricate a multifunctional brain network. Interestingly, the PEO and PEO:LiClO4 side-gate electrolytes display different inhibitory post-synaptic currents (IPSCs) due to the difference in the proton-conducing activity and this generates distinct dynamic filtering response characteristics. Most importantly, a proof-of-principle artificial stereo vision system for 3D-object recognition is also constructed based on multiterminal In2O3/Er2O3 synaptic transistors. This novel side-gate regulating strategy is expected to accelerate the development of sophisticated neural networks and provide a great potential for neuromorphic applications.

Background. The heart is one of the most commonly affected organs during sepsis. Mitsugumin-53 (MG53) has attracted attention in research due to its cardioprotective function. However, the role of MG53 in sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction (SIMD) remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to explore the underlying mechanism of MG53 in SIMD and investigate its potential relationship with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα). Methods. The cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model was created to induce SIMD in rats. Protein levels of MG53 and PPARα, cardiac function, cardiomyocyte injury, myocardial oxidative stress and inflammatory indicators, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis were measured at 18 h after CLP. The effects of MG53 on PPARα in SIMD were investigated via preconditioning recombinant human MG53 (rhMG53) and PPARα antagonist GW6471. Results. The expression of MG53 and PPARα sharply decreased in the myocardium at 18 h after CLP. Compared with the sham group, cardiac function was significantly depressed, which was associated with the destructed myocardium, upregulated oxidative stress indicators and proinflammatory cytokines, and excessive cardiomyocyte apoptosis in the CLP group. Supplementation with rhMG53 enhanced myocardial MG53, increased the survival rate with improved cardiac function, and reduced oxidative stress, inflammation, and myocardial apoptosis, which were associated with PPARα upregulation. Pretreatment with GW6471 abolished the abovementioned protective effects induced by MG53. Conclusions. Both MG53 and PPARα were downregulated after sepsis shock. MG53 supplement protects the heart against SIMD by upregulating PPARα expression. Our results provide a new treatment strategy for SIMD.

Introduction The immuno-microenvironment of injured nerves adversely affects mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy for neurotmesis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used noninvasively to monitor nerve degeneration and regeneration. The aim of this study was to investigate nerve repair after MSC transplantation combined with microenvironment immunomodulation in neurotmesis by using multiparametric MRI. Methods Rats with sciatic nerve transection and surgical coaptation were treated with MSCs combined with immunomodulation or MSCs alone. Serial multiparametric MRI examinations were performed over an 8-week period after surgery. Results Nerves treated with MSCs combined with immunomodulation showed better functional recovery, rapid recovery of nerve T2, fractional anisotropy and radial diffusivity values, and more rapid restoration of the fiber tracks than nerves treated with MSCs alone. Discussion Transplantation of MSCs in combination with immunomodulation can exert a synergistic repair effect on neurotmesis, which can be monitored by multiparametric MRI.

The neuropathogenesis of postoperative delirium remains mostly unknown. The gut microbiota is implicated in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders. We, therefore, set out to determine whether anesthesia/surgery causes age-dependent gut microbiota dysbiosis, changes in brain IL-6 level and mitochondrial function, leading to postoperative delirium-like behavior in mice. Female 9 or 18 months old mice received abdominal surgery under 1.4% isoflurane for two hours. The postoperative delirium-like behavior, gut microbiota, levels of brain IL-6, PSD-95 and synaptophysin, and mitochondrial function were determined by a battery of behavioral tests, 16s rRNA sequencing, ELISA, Western blot and Seahorse XFp Extracellular Flux Analyzer. Intragastric administration of Lactobacillus (10 days) and probiotic (20 days) were used to mitigate the anesthesia/surgery-induced changes. Anesthesia/surgery caused different alterations in gut microbiota, including change rate of reduction in the levels of gut lactobacillus, between the 18 and 9 months old mice. The anesthesia/surgery induced greater postoperative delirium-like behavior, increased brain IL-6 levels, decreased PSD-95 and synaptophysin levels, and mitochondrial dysfunction in 18 than 9 months old mice. Treatments with Lactobacillus and probiotic mitigated the anesthesia/surgery-induced changes. These data suggest that microbiota dysbiosis may contribute to neuropathogenesis of postoperative delirium and treatment with Lactobacillus or a probiotic could mitigate postoperative delirium.

Despite many decades of substantial research on doping technologies, which are critical for 2D materials used in optical and electrical devices, efforts on selective doping of 2D materials are still scarce. Here, a novel band matching doping strategy is introduced in highly selective doping of WSe2. The key to its realization is the use of dopants whose molecular orbitals closely match the band structure of the 2D materials to be doped. By gradually adjusting the exposure time in iodine vapor, the carrier polarity of the WSe2 FET from the n-type to the p-type can be reversely controlled, whereas the carrier type of ReS2, MoS2, MoSe2, MoTe2, and WS2 remains unchanged. The iodine vapor treatment is also utilized in the manufacturing process flow of high-performance p–n homojunctions with a near-unity ideality factor of 1.002 along with a current rectification of ∼104 and a complementary inverter on a single WSe2 nanosheet. Moreover, selective doping allows the WSe2/ReS2 diode to change from n–n to p–n type for the first time and greatly enhances its photodetection capability. This work presents important progress in selective modulation of the electrical properties of a certain material in an integrated multiple 2D material array.

Background: The relationship between urine output (UO) and severe-stage progression in the early phase of acute kidney injury (AKI) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between early-phase UO6−12h [UO within 6 h after diagnosis of stage 1 AKI by Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) UO criteria] and severe-stage progression of AKI and to identify a reference value of early-phase UO6−12h for guiding initial therapy in critical care.Methods: Adult patients with UO < 0.5 ml/kg/h for the first 6 h after intensive care unit (ICU) admission (meeting stage 1 AKI by UO) and UO6−12h ≥ 0.5 ml/kg/h were identified from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC) III database. The primary outcome was progression to stage 2/3 AKI by UO. After other variables were adjusted through multivariate analysis, generalized additive model (GAM) was used to visualize the relationship between early-phase UO6−12h and progression to stage 2/3 AKI by UO. A two-piecewise linear regression model was employed to identify the inflection point of early-phase UO6−12h above which progression risk significantly leveled off. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed to assess the robustness of our findings.Results: Of 2,984 individuals, 1,870 (62.7%) with KDIGO stage 1 UO criteria progressed to stage 2/3 AKI. In the multivariate analysis, early-phase UO6−12h showed a significant association with progression to stage 2/3 AKI by UO (odds ratio, 0.40; 95% confidence interval, 0.34–0.46; p < 0.001). There was a non-linear relationship between early-phase UO6−12h and progression of AKI. Early-phase UO6−12h of 1.1 ml/kg/h was identified as the inflection point, above which progression risk significantly leveled off (p = 0.780). Patients with early-phase UO6−12h ≥ 1.1 ml/kg/h had significantly shorter length of ICU stay (3.82 vs. 4.17 days, p < 0.001) and hospital stay (9.28 vs. 10.43 days, p < 0.001) and lower 30-day mortality (11.05 vs. 18.42%, p < 0.001). The robustness of our findings was confirmed by sensitivity and subgroup analyses.Conclusions: Among early-stage AKI patients in critical care, there was a non-linear relationship between early-phase UO6−12h and progression of AKI. Early-phase UO6−12h of 1.1 ml/kg/h was the inflection point above which progression risk significantly leveled off.

Insightful understanding of how graphene capture photoinduced carrier from semiconductor is one of the most important issue for graphene-supported photocatalysts. Here we employ in-situ shell-isolated nanoparticle-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SHINERS) using Ag-core/silica-shell particles (Ag@SiO2) on rhodamine B molecules (RhB)/g-C3N4 nanodots (CNNDs)/electrochemical exfoliated graphene layers (EGLs) reaction platform, to reveal the role of EGLs in hybrid photocatalytic system (HPS). The inherent features of EGLs (such as crystal defects, etc.) for modulating the photoinduced electron-hole separation efficiency of semiconductor are studied. We track the photodegradation process of RhB using dynamic Raman mappings, and combine with hybrid density functional theory (DFT) calculations to present: I) Crystal defects of graphene are prior active sites after they accepted photoinduced carrier from semiconductor; II) Oxygen-containing functional groups for opening/adjusting the band gap of graphene and building the staggered band alignment, can dramatically enhance the photocatalytic efficiency; III) High oxygen content transforms the role of graphene from electron acceptor to electron donor in g-C3N4/graphene system; IV) Graphene can sensitize the semiconductor when an appropriate interface interaction is achieved, for narrowing the band gap and expanding absorption band edge of semiconductor.

Cancer-secreted, extracellular vesicle (EV)–encapsulated miRNAs enable cancer cells to communicate with each other and with noncancerous cells in tumor pathogenesis and response to therapies. Here, we show that treatment with a sublethal dose of chemotherapeutic agents induces breast cancer cells to secrete EV with the capacity to stimulate a cancer stem-like cell (CSC) phenotype, rendering cancer cells resistance to therapy. Chemotherapy induced breast cancer cells to secrete multiple EV miRNAs, including miR-9-5p, miR-195-5p, and miR-203a-3p, which simultaneously targeted the transcription factor One Cut Homeobox 2 (ONECUT2), leading to induction of CSC traits and expression of stemness-associated genes, including NOTCH1, SOX9, NANOG, OCT4, and SOX2. Inhibition of these miRNAs or restoration of ONECUT2 expression abolished the CSC-stimulating effect of EV from chemotherapy-treated cancer cells. In mice bearing xenograft mammary tumors, docetaxel treatment caused elevations of miR-9-5p, miR-195-5p, and miR-203a-3p in circulating EV and decreased ONECUT2 expression and increased levels of stemness-associated genes. These effects following chemotherapy were diminished in tumors deficient in exosome secretion. In human breast tumors, neoadjuvant chemotherapy decreased ONECUT2 expression in tumor cells. Our results indicate a mechanism by which cancer cells communicate with each other and self-adapt to survive in response to cytotoxic treatment. Targeting these adaptation mechanisms along with chemotherapy, such as by blocking the EV miRNA–ONECUT2 axis, represents a potential strategy to maximize the anticancer effect of chemotherapy and to reduce chemoresistance in cancer management. Significance: These findings reveal a critical mechanism of resistance to chemotherapy by which breast cancer cells secrete miRNA-containing extracellular vesicles to stimulate cancer stem cell-like features.

Objectives To determine the predictive value of pretreatment MRI texture analysis for progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with primary nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Methods Ethical approval by the institutional review board was obtained for this retrospective analysis. In 79 patients with primary NPC, texture analysis of the primary tumour was performed on pretreatment T2 and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images (T2WIs and CE-T1WIs). The Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine the association of texture features, tumour volume and the tumour-node-metastasis (TNM) stage with PFS. Survival curves were plotted using the Kaplan-Meier method. The prognostic performance was evaluated with the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses and C-index. Results Tumour volume (hazard ratio, 1.054; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.016–1.093) and CE-T1WI-based uniformity (hazard ratio, 0; 95% CI, 0–0.001) were identified as independent predictors for PFS (p

Objectives:To determine the performance of pretreatment structural and arterial spin labelling (ASL) MRI in predicting p53 mutation in patients with high-grade gliomas (HGGs).Methods:Pre-treatment structural and ASL MRI were performed in 57 patients with histologically confirmed HGGs and information of p53 status. Whole-lesion histogram analysis of cerebral blood flow (CBF) images of the enhancing tumour and the peritumoral oedema in the HGGs were performed. Visually AcceSAble Rembrandt Images features were used as qualitative analysis. The differences of ASL histogram parameters and Visually AcceSAble Rembrandt Images features between HGGs with or without p53 mutation were analyzed with post hoc correction for multiple comparisons. LASSO regression was performed to select the optimal features that could predict p53 mutation, followed by receiver operating characteristic analysis to determine the predictive efficacy.Results:A total of 33 HGGs with p53 mutation and 24 without p53 mutation were included. HGGs with mutant p53 showed lower CBFpercentile5and CBFuniformityof the enhancing tumour (p < 0.05) and higher prevalence of the qualitative MRI feature of enhancing tumour crossing midline (ETCM) (p < 0.05) as compared with HGGs with wild-type p53. LASSO regression showed that the CBFuniformityof the enhancing tumour and ETCM were predictive features for p53 mutation. CBFuniformityshowed an acceptable performance in predicting p53 mutation (area under the curve = 0.721), when combined with the feature of ETCM, its predictive efficacy was significantly improved (area under the curve = 0.814, p = 0.012).Conclusion:An integrated pre-treatment structural and ASL MRI can help to predict p53 mutation in HGGs.

BackgroundImmunotherapy with IFNβ is a promising strategy for treating malignant glioma. However, systemic administration of IFNβ is inadequate because of low intratumoral concentration and major adverse effects. This study aimed to determine whether mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be used as cellular vehicles to locally deliver IFNβ for glioma therapy by using in vivo MRI tracking.MethodsA recombinant lentiviral vector encoding IFNβ and ferritin heavy chain (FTH) reporter genes was constructed to transduce MSCs. The effectiveness and safety of transduction were assessed. After the IFNβ and FTH overexpressed MSCs (IFNβ-FTH-MSCs) were transplanted into intracranial orthotopic rat F98 gliomas via peritumoral, intracerebral, intratumoral or intra-arterial injection, MRI was performed to track IFNβ-FTH-MSCs and to evaluate their therapeutic effect on glioma in vivo, as validated by histologic analysis, quantitative PCR and ELISA assays.ResultsMSCs were efficiently and safely transduced to upregulate their IFNβ secretion and FTH expression by the constructed lentivirus. After peritumoral injection, IFNβ-FTH-MSCs appeared as hypointense signals on MRI, which gradually diminished but remained visible until 11 days. Compared with other administration routes, only peritumoral injection of IFNβ-FTH-MSCs showed a remarkable inhibition on the glioma growth. Nearly 30% of IFNβ-FTH-MSCs survived up to 11 days after peritumoral injection, while most of IFNβ-FTH-MSCs injected via other routes died within 11 days. IFNβ-FTH-MSCs grafted peritumorally secreted IFNβ persistently, leading to pronounced Batf3+dendritic cells and CD8+T lymphocyte infiltration within the glioma.ConclusionsMSCs can be used as cellular vehicles of IFNβ to treat malignant glioma effectively via peritumoral injection.

Wearable sensors with high sensitivity, fast response and recovery are highly desirable for many new application fields. Herein, we synthesized the cotton fiber which coated with reduced graphene oxide doped with silver nanowire (rGO-Ag NW@cotton fiber) via a simple and environmentally friendly hydrothermal method. The flexible and wearable rGO-Ag NW@cotton fiber based piezoresistive sensor was fabricated with the orientation of face-to-face, where the cotton fiber coated with reduced graphene oxide (rGO@cotton fiber) was used as the lower part of the sensor. The addition of silver nanowire (Ag NW) provides a faster and more convenient channel for charge transfer, resulting in the greatly improvement of the performance, showing the high sensitivity, accompanied with the fast response and relaxation properties. With the effectively wrapping and protection of reduced graphene oxide (rGO), Ag NW was well protected and avoid being oxidized by the air, which contributes significantly to the excellent stability of the sensor. Under the synergistic effect of Ag NW and rGO, rGO-Ag NW@cotton fiber based piezoresistive sensor can be well used in detecting human activities such as finger pressing, bending, twisting, walking and pulse waves, showing high sensitivity, fast response, fast recovery and high stability. These results indicate that the rGO-Ag NW@cotton fiber based piezoresistive sensor has an enormous potential for application in the flexible and wearable pressure sensors.

This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine in intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) after cesarean delivery. This multicenter study enrolled 208 subjects who were scheduled for selective cesarean delivery from 9 research centers. Patients received 0.5 ug/kg dexmedetomidine (study group) or normal saline (control group) after delivery and an intravenous PCA pump after surgery (100 μg sufentanil +300 μg dexmedetomidine for the study group, 100 μg sufentanil for the control group, background infusion: 1 ml/h, bolus dose: 2 ml and lock time: 8 min). The sufentanil consumption, pain scores, rescue analgesia, sedation scores, analgesic satisfaction, the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and the first passage of flatus were recorded within 24 h after surgery. The sufentanil consumption in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group (p = 0.004). Compared with the control group, the study group had lower pain scores (p

To optimize the performance of silver nanowire (Ag NW) film heaters and explore the effect of graphene on a film, we introduced poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) and graphene modified with ethyl cellulose (graphene-EC) into the film. The high-quality and well-dispersed graphene-EC was synthesized from graphene obtained by electrochemical exfoliation as a precursor. The transparent film heaters were fabricated via spin-coating. With the assistance of graphene-EC, the stability of film heaters was greatly improved, and the conductivity was optimized by adjusting the Ag NW concentration. The film heaters exhibited a fast and accurate response to voltage, accompanied by excellent environmental endurance, and there was no significant performance degradation after being operated for a long period of time. These results indicate that graphene-EC plays a crucial role in optimizing film stability and heat dispersion in the film. The Ag NW/PEDOT:PSS-doped graphene-EC film heaters show a great potential in low-cost indium-tin-oxide-free flexible transparent electrodes, heating systems, and transparent film heaters.

Background The response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) varies by estrogen receptor (ER) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) statuses, with responses being lower in ER-positive, HER2-negative tumors as compared with ER-negative, HER2-positive or triple-negative tumors. Neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET) is an attractive alternative to NAC for ER-positive, HER2-negative cancer. However, a prior trial comparing NET with standard NAC in ER-positive tumor showed that the difference of response was not significant. Studies demonstrated that the mTOR inhibitor everolimus could sensitize breast tumors to endocrine therapy. A pilot open-label, randomized trial has been designed to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy and tolerability of neoadjuvant everolimus plus letrozole versus NAC in treating postmenopausal women with ER-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. Methods Forty postmenopausal women with non-metastatic ER-positive, HER2-negative invasive breast cancer with a primary tumor > 2 cm or positive axillary lymph node(s) proved by biopsy will be randomly (1:1) enrolled from Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital to receive neoadjuvant everolimus plus letrozole for 18 weeks or fluorouracil, epirubicin plus cyclophosphamide (FEC) for six cycles before surgery. Primary outcome is the feasibility of the trial. Secondary outcome measures include ultrasound response rate, pathological complete response rate, breast-conserving surgery rate, toxicities, and changes in the percentages of peripheral blood CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, T helper cells, regulatory T cells, and NK cells. Discussion This is the first study to determine the feasibility, efficacy and tolerability of head-to-head neoadjuvant everolimus plus letrozole versus neoadjuvant FEC in treating postmenopausal women with ER-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. The trial will provide evidence to assess the feasibility of a future multicenter, randomized controlled trial, and will provide valuable clinical data of the immunoregulatory effect of everolimus in breast cancer. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov registry, ID: NCT02742051. Registered on 7 April 2016. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13063-017-2228-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Xiaohui Duan,1,* Liejing Lu,1,* Yong Wang,2 Fang Zhang,1 Jiaji Mao,1 Minghui Cao,1 Bingling Lin,1 Xiang Zhang,1 Xintao Shuai,2,3 Jun Shen1 1Department of Radiology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, 2PCFM Lab of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, 3BME Center, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China *These authors contributed equally to this work Abstract: Understanding the long-term fate and potential mechanisms of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) after transplantation is essential for improving functional benefits of stem cell-based stroke treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered an attractive and clinically translatable tool for longitudinal tracking of stem cells, but certain controversies have arisen in this regard. In this study, we used SPION-loaded cationic polymersomes to label green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing MSCs to determine whether MRI can accurately reflect survival, long-term fate, and potential mechanisms of MSCs in ischemic stroke therapy. Our results showed that MSCs could improve the functional outcome and reduce the infarct volume of stroke in the brain. In vivo MRI can verify the biodistribution and migration of grafted cells when pre-labeled with SPION-loaded polymersome. The dynamic change of low signal volume on MRI can reflect the tendency of cell survival and apoptosis, but may overestimate long-term survival owing to the presence of iron-laden macrophages around cell graft. Only a small fraction of grafted cells survived up to 8 weeks after transplantation. A minority of these surviving cells were differentiated into astrocytes, but not into neurons. MSCs might exert their therapeutic effect via secreting paracrine factors rather than directing cell replacement through differentiation into neuronal and/or glial phenotypes. Keywords: mesenchymal stem cells, magnetic resonance imaging, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, polymersome, ischemic stroke, green fluorescence protein

Zinc oxide thin film UV photodetectors based metal-semiconductor-metal structure were fabricated on Au interdigital electrodes by radio frequency magnetron sputtering. The performances of the UV photodetector under different annealing and testing temperatures from RT to 200 °C have been studied, obtaining optimized annealing temperature and suitable working temperature range. The detailed photoresponse mechanism has been discussed by analyzing competitive behaviors of several factors. The photodetector has good photoresponse linearity across a wide range of incident light intensity, and the response time, recovery time and responsivity were 0.82 ms, 0.64 ms and 124 A/W respectively under the 2.5 mW/cm 2 at 5 V applied bias. The low annealing temperature of ZnO film makes it be applied in flexible photodetector with great potential.

Aim: This study was aimed at assessing the role of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) in mechanical allodynia resulting from lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and exploring the osthole's anti-nociceptive effect on ERK activation. Methods: Radicular pain was generated by applying nucleus pulposus (NP) to the L5 dorsal root ganglion (DRG). Allodynia was measured using Von Frey filaments to calculate the mechanical pain threshold. Phosphorylated ERK and total ERK protein in the lumbar spinal dorsal horn was detected by using the Western blot technique. Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) mRNA was assessed by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: The application of NP to L5 DRG induced mechanical hypersensitivity which lasted for at least 28 days, and a significant increase of ERK phosphorylation in the ipsilateral spinal dorsal horn from postoperative day (POD) 1 to POD 21. ERK inhibitor attenuated NP-induced hyperalgesia compared to the dimethyl sulfoxide-(vehicle control) administered group (p < 0.05). Epidural treatment with osthole could ameliorate NP-evoked hyperalgesia by suppressing the activation of ERK rather than decreasing the expression of ERK protein. Osthole could also inhibit the increased expression of COX-2 mRNA in spinal dorsal horn, which was a known downstream effect of ERK signaling pathway. Conclusions: Our results suggest that ERK activation in the spinal dorsal horn plays a vital role in NP-evoked hyperalgesia. Osthole exerts analgesic effect on radicular inflammatory pain in LDH rat model, by down-regulating the mRNA expression of the target gene of COX-2 via inhibiting ERK activation in the spinal dorsal horn.

PURPOSE To determine perioperative risk factors predicted complications in elderly Chinese patients undergoing oral and maxillofacial reconstruction with radial forearm free flaps (RFFF). PATIENTS AND METHODS The authors implemented a retrospective study and enrolled a sample of patients at least 65-year old who underwent resection of oral and maxillofacial tumors and RFFF reconstruction from January 2011 to June 2018. Predictor variables were divided into: demographic variables (gender, age, weight, comorbidities, history of smoking, radiotherapy history, primary lesions); hemodynamic (preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin and albumin level, blood loss, blood transfusion, urine output (mL), and rate (mL/kg/h), and infusion rates for crystalloids and colloids (mL/kg/h, and volumes given intraoperatively and postoperatively for 24 hours); anesthetic and surgical (American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, visual analogue score, duration of tourniquet, and operation). The primary outcome was the presence of postoperative complications (yes/no), and secondary outcome was types of complications (medical and surgical). All the variables were analyzed by univariate and multivariable analysis and statistical significance was set at a P

Polyprodrug-based delivery technique is a fast-growing and effective strategy to improve the therapeutic efficacy of small molecule drugs. We herein developed a robust mitoxantrone (MTO)-based polyprodrug nanoplatform for systemic cisplatin prodrug delivery and combination cancer therapy. Our results show that this nanoplatform can concurrently transport MTO and cisplatin to tumor cells and significantly inhibit tumor growth.

Objective To develop and validate a nomogram incorporating systemic inflammatory markers (the Albumin/NLR Score [ANS]) to predict postoperative complications after vascularized fibula flap reconstruction. Patients and methods A total of 238 patients who underwent vascularized fibula flap reconstruction between March 2012 and December 2016 were collected as the primary cohort. Univariable and multivariable analysis were performed to identify independent risk factors for postoperative complications. Backward stepwise logistic regression analysis was then applied with and without the ANS; and nomograms were established based on these criteria. Independent validation of these nomograms was carried out in an independent validation cohort including 106 consecutive patients from December 2016 and January 2018. Results Radiotherapy history (odds ratio [OR] = 0.336; 95% CI, 0.157–0.717; P = 0.005), the ANS (OR = 0.248; 95% CI, 0.093–0.661; P = 0.005) and fluid infusion rate over 24 h (OR = 0.671; 95% CI, 0.479–0.94; P = 0.02) were identified as independent risk factors for postoperative complications. A higher C-index was found in both the primary (0.759; 95% CI, 0.719–0.739) and validation cohort (0.704; 95% CI, 0.613–0.659) for the nomogram incorporating the ANS, and NRI was 0.496 (95% CI, 0.072–0.920; P = 0.022) comparing of these nomograms. Furthermore, a wider threshold probability (0.2–0.9) and superior clinical value were observed in the nomogram incorporating the ANS on the decision curve. Conclusion The ANS was an independent risk factor for postoperative complications associated with vascularized fibula flap reconstruction. The nomogram incorporating the ANS was established with better accuracy and showed more potential clinical benefit for the estimation of postoperative complications.

Background: Surgery plays a significant role in the comprehensive treatment of breast cancer, and opioids are often the first-choice analgesics in the perioperative period. However, recent studies showed that opioids may enhance the angiogenesis of breast cancer and the recurrence and metastasis of tumor cells. Objectives: We aim to investigate the influence of opioids on recurrence and metastasis of breast cancer in nude mice. Methods: Forty female nude mice with breast tumor were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 10). They were treated with (i) normal saline (10 mL/kg), (ii) morphine (10 mg/kg), (iii) morphine plus naloxone (10 + 4 mg/kg), and (iv) naloxone (4 mg/kg) for 2 weeks. Four groups of MDA-MB-231 cells were administered (i) Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium, (ii) morphine (10 μmol/mL), (iii) morphine plus naloxone (10 + 10 μmol/mL), and (iv) naloxone (10 μmol/mL). The influence of morphine in each treated group was evaluated by immunocytochemistry and Western blotting. Results: Mice in the morphine group had higher rates of Ki67-positive cells, lower rates of apoptotic index, and a significant increase in the microvessels density of the tumor as evidenced by CD31 staining (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the MDA-MB-231 cells in the morphine group showed an increase in p-Akt, c-Myc, and thrombosponin-1 expression. Conclusion: In the current study, we found that morphine promotes the angiogenesis of the recurrent postoperative tumors of nude mice with breast cancer and the proliferation of tumor cells and such promotion may be related to the PI3K-c-Myc signaling pathway.

Aims Opioids (i.e. morphine) were found to induce triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) metastasis while nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (i.e. ketolorac) were associated with decreased metastasis in TNBC. These contradictory findings demand clarification on the effect of postoperative morphine and ketorolac on TNBC metastasis. Materials and methods TNBC xenograft mice were established using MDA-MB-231 cells. When tumors reached ~100 mm3, the primary tumor was resected. Mice were then randomly assigned to four groups (n = 14): (i) saline, (ii) morphine (10 mg kg−1) (iii) morphine + ketorolac (10 mg kg−1 of morphine and 20 mg kg−1 of ketorolac) (iv) ketorolac (20 mg kg−1); administrated for three consecutive days after resection. Three weeks after resection, the number of lung metastases was measured. Microvessel density, thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) and c-Myc expression in recurrent tumors were determined. To elucidate the above phenomenon in vitro, MDA-MB-231 cells were treated according to the regiment above; with or without supplementation of an AKT inhibitor to determine the activation of PI3K/AKT/c-Myc pathway. Key findings In mice, morphine promoted TNBC metastasis and angiogenesis, decreased TSP-1 expression and increased c-Myc expression, while co-administration of ketorolac significantly reversed the phenotypes above (p Significance Our study indicated that morphine enhanced TNBC metastasis and angiogenesis while ketorolac suppressed this effect. Mechanistically, this may be related to the enhancement of TSP-1 synthesis after ketorolac administration which further de-activated PI3K/AKT/c-Myc pathway.

Peripheral nerve injury downregulates the expression of the μ-opioid receptor (MOR) and voltage-gated potassium channel subunit Kv1.2 by increasing their DNA methylation in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). Ten-eleven translocation methylcytosine dioxygenase 1 (TET1) causes DNA demethylation. Given that DRG MOR and Kv1.2 downregulation contribute to neuropathic pain genesis, this study investigated the effect of DRG TET1 overexpression on neuropathic pain. Overexpression of TET1 in the DRG through microinjection of herpes simplex virus expressing full-length TET1 mRNA into the injured rat DRG significantly alleviated the fifth lumbar spinal nerve ligation (SNL)-induced pain hypersensitivities during the development and maintenance periods, without altering acute pain or locomotor function. This microinjection also restored morphine analgesia and attenuated morphine analgesic tolerance development after SNL. Mechanistically, TET1 microinjection rescued the expression of MOR and Kv1.2 by reducing the level of 5-methylcytosine and increasing the level of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in the promoter and 5' untranslated regions of the Oprml1 gene (encoding MOR) and in the promoter region of the Kcna2 gene (encoding Kv1.2) in the DRG ipsilateral to SNL. These findings suggest that DRG TET1 overexpression mitigated neuropathic pain likely through rescue of MOR and Kv1.2 expression in the ipsilateral DRG. Virus-mediated DRG delivery of TET1 may open a new avenue for neuropathic pain management.

We developed a facile method of combustion synthesis followed by a selenylation process to synthesize carbon-encapsulated CdSe hybrid nanobelts. In the nanohybrids, hexagonal-wurtzite-structured CdSe quantum dots (QDs) are formed in situ and embedded uniformly in the carbon nanobelt (CNB) matrix, resulting in the formation of an analogous p–i–n junction along the radius of the QDs due to the appearance of an inversion layer on the QD surfaces, which favors the separation of photoexcited electron–hole pairs by built-in electric field. Electrons accumulate in the QD core, while holes migrate to the QD surface and then quickly transfer to the CNB matrix. Additionally, the nanohybrids can enhance significantly the absorption of the whole energy range of visible light. The nanohybrids can show p-type conductivity with hole mobility as high as 1.4 × 104 cm2 V−1 s−1, and, furthermore, the single nanohybrid-based devices not only show excellent photodetection performance at a certain bias, but also show photovoltaic-based self-powered photodetection performance at zero bias upon illuminating one end electrode of the devices, pointing a way to the development of novel photoelectronic materials and devices for energy applications.

Layered GeSe2 nanobelts doped with Bi have been synthesized by thermal reduction of Bi2Se3 nanopowder using germanium (Ge). The nanobelts prepared showed excellent p-type conductivity, with hole mobility as high as 690 cm2 V−1 s−1. The introduction of Bi leads to the formation of a commensurate superstructure, and induces the growth of nanobelts along the [010] direction. Two-terminal devices, based on individual GeSe2:Bi nanobelts with Ag electrodes, showed symmetrical resistive switching (RS) behavior accompanied by negative differential resistance. A space charge polarization model has been proposed. For the doping of Bi, the ordered superstructure defects and variable valences create trap centers, in which charges can effectively be captured and stored to generate polarization effects under a relatively large applied electric field. Additionally, the relatively large negative RS window can further be utilized as a non-volatile resistance random access memory (RRAM). The superior stability, reversibility, non-destructive readout and good cycling performance of the nanodevices demonstrated that Bi-doped GeSe2 nanobelts have considerable potential in next-generation non-volatile memory applications.

Background Oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) is the most common subtype of oral cancer. A predictive gene signature is necessary for prognosis of OTSCC. Methods Five microarray data sets of OTSCC from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and one data set from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were obtained. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of GEO data sets were identified by integrated analysis. The DEGs associated with prognosis were screened in the TCGA data set by univariate survival analysis to obtain a gene signature. A risk score was calculated as the summation of weighted expression levels with coefficients by Cox analysis. The signature was used to distinguish carcinoma, estimated by receiver operator characteristic curves and the area under the curve (AUC). All were validated in the GEO and TCGA data sets. Results Integrated analysis of GEO data sets revealed 300 DEGs. A 16-gene signature and a risk score were developed after survival analysis. The risk score was effective to stratify patients into high-risk and low-risk groups in the TCGA data set (P P Discussion We identified a useful 16-gene signature for prognosis of OTSCC patients, which could be applied to clinical practice. Further studies were needed to prove the findings.

The aim of the study was to find out what perioperative risk factors predicted complications in patients having reconstructions with radial forearm free flaps (RFFF). We organised a retrospective study of 169 patients (mean (range) age 54 (22-86) years, 100 of whom were female) who had oral and maxillofacial tumours resected, and reconstructed with RFFF, from January 2011-December 2016. We recorded predictive variables, subdivided into: personal and clinical (sex, age, weight, coexisting conditions, history of smoking, radiotherapy, and primary lesions); haemodynamic (perioperative concentrations of haemoglobin and albumin, blood loss, blood transfusion, urinary output (ml), and rate (ml/kg/hour), and infusion rates for crystalloids and colloids (ml/kg/hour, and volumes given intraoperatively and postoperatively for 24hours); and anaesthetic and surgical (American Society of Anesthesiologists(ASA) grade, visual analogue pain score (VAS), and duration of tourniquet and operation). The primary outcome was the presence of a postoperative complication, and the secondary outcome the types of complications (medical and surgical). The significance of differences among the variables was assessed by univariate and multivariate analysis, and probabilities of less than 0.05 were accepted as significant. There were 26 complications, of which 15 were surgical and 11 medical. Risk factors were: preoperative radiotherapy, postoperative haemoglobin and albumin concentrations, VAS for pain, and volume of crystalloids transfused during the first 24hours. Although reconstruction with a RFFF is a common and safe treatment for patients with oral and maxillofacial tumours, regulating perioperative risk factors, particularly those related to anaesthesia (including VAS and management of fluids) is important in the reduction of the number of complications.

Purpose Fibular free flap transfer is a powerful tool available to the reconstructive surgeon when treating oral and maxillofacial defects, but complications still occasionally occur and predictive analysis focusing on this specific flap is limited in terms of risk factors for complication. The purpose of this study was to identify key variables associated with complications in patients undergoing fibular free flap transfer. Patients and Methods The data of 163 consecutive patients who underwent fibular free flap surgery at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, between 2012 and 2015 were reviewed retrospectively. Patient demographic data, laboratory data, surgical data, and fluid infusion–related data that may have an influence on free flap outcomes were recorded. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify relevant risk factors. Results A total of 163 fibular free flaps were transferred for mandibulofacial reconstruction in 163 patients with a mean age of 50.9 years. Postoperative complications developed in 33 (20.2%). Multivariate analysis showed that free flap complications were significantly associated with radiotherapy history (odds ratio [OR], 5.12; P = .001), postoperative anemia (OR, 1.048; P = .041), postoperative hypoalbuminemia (OR, 0.844; P = .002), and prolonged operative time (OR, 1.005; P = .004). Conclusions Radiotherapy history, decreased postoperative hemoglobin and albumin levels, and prolonged operative time are potential predictors of postoperative complications after fibular free flap reconstruction for mandibulofacial defects.

T helper cells play essential roles in anti-tumor immune response. However, the postoperative changes of peripheral T cell subsets and their clinical significance in breast cancer patients remain largely unknown.We evaluated the perioperative changes of T lymphocyte subsets in invasive breast cancer (IBC) patients and breast fibroadenoma (BF) patients preoperatively (preop) and 6, 24, 72 hours postoperatively (POH6, POH24, and POH72). Proportions of CD3, CD4, CD8, T helper (Th) 1, Th2, Th17 cells, regulatory T cells (Treg), and CD4In IBC patients, Th1 cells diminished while Tregs elevated in postoperative 72 hours in the peripheral blood. In contrast, no significant perioperative changes of T cell subsets were observed in BF patients. Postoperative lower Th1 cells at POH 72 of IBC patients were correlated with greater tumor burden, HER2 positive and Ki67 positive. The increased Tregs at POH 72 of IBC patients were correlated with larger tumor size and HER2 positive. Th1 cell decline and Treg increment were both associated with shorter DFS in IBC patients.The variations of peripheral T helper cell subsets showed postoperative immunosuppression and were associated with poor prognosis in IBC patients.

Background/Aims: Cesarean-induced isthmocele can cause heavy or prolonged menses, dyspareunia, and dysmenorrhea. We compared the efficacy of vaginal surgery and operative hysteroscopy for the treatment of cesarean-induced isthmocele. Methods: Seventy-seven women with cesarean-induced isthmocele underwent either vaginal surgery or operative hysteroscopy between August 2008 and December 2011. We evaluated operating time, blood loss, complications, and postoperative pregnancy. Operative efficacy was defined as an improvement in menstrual periods and a change in residual isthmocele nidus size on transvaginal ultrasonography. Results: The operative efficacy of vaginal surgery was superior to that of hysteroscopy (93.5 vs. 64.5%; p < 0.001). However, patients who underwent vaginal surgery had a longer operative time (55 vs. 25 min; p < 0.001) and greater blood loss (50 vs. 10 ml; p < 0.001). Two patients in each group were able to achieve subsequent pregnancy. Patients who had menstrual periods longer than 7 days after surgery were more likely to have a residual nidus. Conclusions: The therapeutic efficacy of vaginal surgery is superior to operative hysteroscopy in the treatment of cesarean-induced isthmocele.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate effect of single- and multiple-dose of parecoxib on shoulder pain after gynecologic laparoscopy. Methods: 126 patients requiring elective gynecologic laparoscopy were randomly allocated to three groups. Group M (multiple-dose): receiving parecoxib 40mg at 30min before the end of surgery, at 8 and 20hr after surgery, respectively; Group S (single-dose): receiving parecoxib 40mg at 30min before the end of surgery and normal saline at the corresponding time points; Group C (control): receiving normal saline at the same three time points. The shoulder pain was evaluated, both at rest and with motion, at postoperative 6, 24 and 48hr. The impact of shoulder pain on patients' recovery (activity, mood, walking and sleep) was also evaluated. Meanwhile, rescue analgesics and complications were recorded. Results: The overall incidence of shoulder pain in group M (37.5%) was lower than that in group C (61.9%) (difference=-24.4%; 95% CI: 3.4~45.4%; P=0.023). Whereas, single-dose regimen (61.0%) showed no significant reduction (difference with control=-0.9%; 95% CI: -21.9~20.0%; P=0.931). Moreover, multiple-dose regimen reduced the maximal intensity of shoulder pain and the impact for activity and mood in comparison to the control. Multiple-dose of parecoxib decreased the consumption of rescue analgesics. The complications were similar among all groups and no severe complications were observed. Conclusions: Multiple-, but not single-, dose of parecoxib may attenuate the incidence and intensity of shoulder pain and thereby improve patients' quality of recovery following gynecologic laparoscopy.

BACKGROUND: In vitro experiments and in vivo animal studies suggest detrimental effects of volatile anesthetics including isoflurane on brain cells. It is not clear whether volatile anesthetics can cause human brain cell injury. METHODS: The SH-SY5Y cells, a human neuroblastoma cell line, were induced to differentiate into terminal neuron-like cells. These differentiated cells and the HCN-2 cells, a human cortical neuronal cell line, were exposed to 2% to 5% isoflurane, 6% sevoflurane, or 12% desflurane for 48 hours at 37°C. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and the expression of caspase 3, synaptophysin, and drebrin were then measured. RESULTS: Exposure of the differentiated SH-SY5Y and HCN-2 cells to 2% to 4% isoflurane did not increase LDH release and the expression of caspase 3 whose activation leads to apoptosis. The expression of synaptophysin, a synaptic protein, and drebrin, a dendritic spine protein, in the differentiated SH-SY5Ycells was also not affected by 2% to 4% isoflurane. Exposure to 6% sevoflurane or 12% desflurane did not affect LDH release from differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. However, 5% isoflurane significantly increased LDH release from those cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that volatile anesthetics at clinically relevant concentrations do not cause human neuron-like cell injury. Isoflurane also may not alter the quantity of dendritic spines and synapses in these human cells.

Immediate postmastectomy reconstruction has become an increasingly popular choice for breast cancer patients recently. However, whether molecular subtype of cancer impacts the incidence of breast reconstruction is unclear. We aimed to investigate the association between breast cancer subtype defined by immunohistochemistry hormone receptor (HR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status and recent rates of immediate postmastectomy reconstruction in the United States. The National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was used to evaluate stage I–III breast cancer patients with different subtypes who underwent either mastectomy alone or mastectomy plus reconstruction between 2010 and 2012. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify factors influencing the incidence of immediate reconstruction. Of 47,123 women included, 33.1% (10,712/32,376) of HR+/HER2−, 33.1% (1912/5768) of HR+/HER2+, 29.6% (850/2875) of HR−/HER2+, and 27.7% (1689/6104) of triple negative breast cancer patients received immediate breast reconstruction (chi-square test, P

In this work, an application of the “generalized equivalent cable bundle method” (GECBM) for modeling electromagnetic (EM) emission of complex cable bundles in an automobile is presented. The whole model consisting of an automobile and a cable bundle composed of large number of cables is properly reduced by using the GECBM. Then the method of moments (MoM) is employed for calculation of far and near fields around the cable bundle. Some numerical results of the complete and reduced models are compared and good agreements demonstrate the viability of this method.

A generalized equivalent cable bundle method for modeling crosstalk of complex cable bundle with each cable excited by a signal source at one end and terminated in arbitrary load at the other end is presented in this paper. As far as this method is concerned, a modified four-step procedure is established to define the electrical and geometrical characteristics of the reduced cable bundle. Numerical simulations are performed to demonstrate the viability and effectiveness of this method.

Food industry in the world economic field has the pivotal status and becomes a pillar of the national economy development. C food company faces the increasingly competitive market. In order to realize the optimization of supply chain company C, the paper analyzes food production and sales link, then constructs feasible optimization scheme of company C. The optimization scheme of supply chain helps food companies reduce production cost, improve product quality and strengthen the competitive advantage.