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High-β_{θe} (a ratio of the electron thermal pressure to the poloidal magnetic pressure) steady-state long-pulse plasmas with steep central electron temperature gradient are achieved in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak. An intrinsic current is observed to be modulated by turbulence driven by the electron temperature gradient. This turbulent current is generated in the countercurrent direction and can reach a maximum ratio of 25% of the bootstrap current. Gyrokinetic simulations and experimental observations indicate that the turbulence is the electron temperature gradient mode (ETG). The dominant mechanism for the turbulent current generation is due to the divergence of ETG-driven residual flux of current. Good agreement has been found between experiments and theory for the critical value of the electron temperature gradient triggering ETG and for the level of the turbulent current. The maximum values of turbulent current and electron temperature gradient lead to the destabilization of an m/n=1/1 kink mode, which by counteraction reduces the turbulence level (m and n are the poloidal and toroidal mode number, respectively). These observations suggest that the self-regulation system including turbulence, turbulent current, and kink mode is a contributing mechanism for sustaining the steady-state long-pulse high-β_{θe} regime.

Background: The diagnosis of both cancer and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in the same patient is not uncommon, but the clinical features and pathogenesis of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and ICH are still not well known., Aim: To investigate the clinical features and underlying pathogenesis of ICH in patients with CRC., Methods: A retrospective review of CRC patients complicated with ICH from three centers between January 2014 and December 2020 was performed. Clinical data such as laboratory examinations, imaging features, prognosis, and underlying pathogenesis were analyzed., Results: Of 16673 identified CRC patients, 20 (0.12%) suffered from ICH. There were 13 males and 7 females, with an average age (mean ± SD) of 68.45 ± 10.66 years. Fourteen patients (70%) had distant metastases and most patients (85%) showed an elevation of one or more cancer biomarkers. The hemorrhagic lesions in 13 patients (65%) were in the intracerebral lobe. Four patients were completely dependent and 4 died within 30 days after hemorrhage. Intratumoral hemorrhage (50%) and coagulopathy (50%) accounted for the majority of hemorrhages., Conclusion: Patients with ICH and CRC often have clinical features with lobar hemorrhage, distant metastases and poor prognosis. Intratumoral hemorrhage and coagulopathy are the main causes of ICH in patients with CRC., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: All authors have no conflict of interests., (©The Author(s) 2021. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Vascular cognitive dysfunction in patients with vascular dementia (VD) is a kind of severe cognitive dysfunction syndrome caused by cerebrovascular diseases. At present, effective drugs to improve the cognitive function of VD patients still need to be explored. Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 2 (TRPM2) channel is a nonspecific cation channel that plays a key role in the toxic death of neurons. Perillaldehyde (PAE) has the protective effect of epilepsy and insomnia and other central nervous system diseases. The aim of this study is to explore whether PAE improves cognitive function in VD rats and to investigate the potential mechanisms in vivo and vitro., Methods: VD rats were induced by bilateral common carotid arteries occlusion (2-vessel occlusion [2VO]) and treated with PAE for 4 weeks. The neuroprotective effects of PAE was subsequently assessed by the Morris water maze, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Golgi staining, electron microscopy, Neuron-specific nuclear protein (Neu N) staining, and TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. After primary hippocampal neurons were isolated, cell viability was detected by MTT assay and intracellular Ca 2+ concentration was detected by calcium imaging assay. The content of Nitriteoxide (NO), Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in serum of rats were observed by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and Confocal laser scanning were used to detect the expression levels of N-methyl-D-asprtate receptor-2B (NR2B) and TRPM2., Results: The results showed that PAE can improve the number and activity of neurons, increase the length and number of dendrites in hippocampus, decrease the Vv value and PE value of neuronal nucleus and mitochondrial structure significantly, increase the s value and L value in nucleus structure, decrease the s value and L value in mitochondrial structure, and improve the learning and memory ability of rats significantly. And PAE can strengthen the ability of antioxidant stress confirmed by increasing the activity of SOD and reducing the production of MDA. The results of western blot, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence showed that PAE could reduce the level of TRPM2 and increase the expression of NR2B., Conclusions: Taken together, our findings provide evidence that the neuroprotective effects of PAE in VD rats maybe through TRPM2 inhibition and subsequent activation of NMDAR signaling pathway., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Approximately 25% of patients with congenital heart disease require implantation of patches to repair. However, most of the currently available patches are made of inert materials with unmatched electrical conductivity and mechanical properties, which may lead to an increased risk for arrhythmia and heart failure. In this study, we have developed a novel Polyurethane/Small intestinal submucosa patch (PSP) with mechanical and electrical properties similar to those of the native myocardial tissue, and assessed its feasibility for the reconstruction of right ventricular outflow tract. A right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction model was constructed in 40 rabbits. Compared with commercially available bovine pericardium patch, the PSP patch has shown better histocompatibility and biodegradability, in addition with significantly improved cardiac function. To tackle the significant fibrosis and relatively poor vascularization during tissue remodeling, we have further developed a bioactive patch by incorporating the PSP composites with urine-derived stem cells (USCs) which were pretreated with hypoxia. The results showed that the hypoxia-pretreated bioactive patch could significantly inhibit fibrosis and promote vascularization and muscularization, resulting in better right heart function. Our findings suggested that the PSP patch combined with hypoxia-pretreated USCs may provide a better strategy for the treatment of congenital heart disease., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2021 The Authors.)

The need for bladder reconstruction and side effects of cystoplasty have spawned the demand for the development of alternative material substitutes. Biomaterials such as submucosa of small intestine (SIS) have been widely used as patches for bladder repair, but the outcomes are not fully satisfactory. To capture stem cells in situ has been considered as a promising strategy to speed up the process of re-cellularization and functionalization. In this study, we have developed an anti-CD29 antibody-conjugated SIS scaffold (AC-SIS) which is capable of specifically capturing urine-derived stem cells (USCs) in situ for tissue repair and regeneration. The scaffold has exhibited effective capture capacity and sound biocompatibility. In vivo experiment proved that the AC-SIS scaffold could promote rapid endothelium healing and smooth muscle regeneration. The endogenous stem cell capturing scaffolds has thereby provided a new revenue for developing effective and safer bladder patches., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2021 The Authors.)

Intrauterine adhesion refers to endometrial repair disorders which are usually caused by uterine injury and may lead to a series of complications such as abnormal menstrual bleeding, recurrent abortion and secondary infertility. At present, therapeutic approaches to intrauterine adhesion are limited due to the lack of effective methods to promote regeneration following severe endometrial injury. Therefore, to develop new methods to prevent endometrial injury and intrauterine adhesion has become an urgent need. For severely damaged endometrium, the loss of stem cells in the endometrium may affect its regeneration. This article aimed to discuss the characteristics of various stem cells and their applications for uterine tissue regeneration., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Objective: To find the different electrophoretic profiles of prion protein in carcinous and individual pericarcinous tissues in lysates of gastric, colon, liver, lung, thyroid, and laryngeal cancers., Methods: Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blot were used to test the amounts and electrophoretic patterns of total PrP and the tolerance of PK (protease K) digestion among six various cancer tissue types., Results: A mass of PrP signals with a large molecular weight were identified in the homogenates of peripheral tissues. The amounts and electrophoretic patterns of total PrP did not differ significantly between carcinous and pericarcinous tissues. PrPs in all types of the tested cancer samples were PK sensitive but showed diversity in the tolerance of PK digestion among various tissue types., Conclusions: The study revealed that the included electrophoretic patterns of carcinous and pericarcinous tissues were almost similar. Unlike PrP-specific immunohistochemical assay, evaluation of PrP electrophoretic patterns in the peripheral organs and tissues by Western blot does not reflect tumor malignancy., (Copyright © 2021 The Editorial Board of Biomedical and Environmental Sciences. Published by China CDC. All rights reserved.)

The reproductive transition is an important event that is crucial for plant survival and reproduction. Relative to the thorough understanding of the vegetative phase transition in angiosperms, a little is known about this process in perennial conifers. To gain insight into the molecular basis of the regulatory mechanism in conifers, we used temporal dynamic transcriptome analysis with samples from seven different ages of Pinus tabuliformis to identify a gene module substantially associated with aging. The results first demonstrated that the phase change in P. tabuliformis occurred as an unexpectedly rapid transition rather than a slow, gradual progression. The age-related gene module contains 33 transcription factors and was enriched in genes that belong to the MADS (MCMl, AGAMOUS, DEFICIENS, SRF)-box family, including six SOC1-like genes and DAL1 and DAL10. Expression analysis in P. tabuliformis and a late-cone-setting P. bungeana mutant showed a tight association between PtMADS11 and reproductive competence. We then confirmed that MADS11 and DAL1 coordinate the aging pathway through physical interaction. Overexpression of PtMADS11 and PtDAL1 partially rescued the flowering of 35S::miR156A and spl1,2,3,4,5,6 mutants in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), but only PtMADS11 could rescue the flowering of the ft-10 mutant, suggesting PtMADS11 and PtDAL1 play different roles in flowering regulatory networks in Arabidopsis. The PtMADS11 could not alter the flowering phenotype of soc1-1-2, indicating it may function differently from AtSOC1 in Arabidopsis. In this study, we identified the MADS11 gene in pine as a regulatory mediator of the juvenile-to-adult transition with functions differentiated from the angiosperm SOC1., (© American Society of Plant Biologists 2021. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Objective: Herbal medicine is an important therapeutic option for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common disease in older men that can seriously affect their quality of life. Currently, it is crucial to develop agents with strong efficacy and few side effects. Herein we investigated the effects of the extract of Rauwolfia vomitoria, a shrub grown in West Africa, on BPH., Methods: Rats with testosterone-induced BPH were treated with R. vomitoria. Prostates were histologically analyzed by Hematoxylin and eosin staining. Proliferation index and the expression levels of androgen receptor and its associated proteins were quantified through immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. Androgen receptor target genes were examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The sperm count and body weight of rats were also measured., Results: The oral administration of R. vomitoria extract significantly reduced the prostate weight and prostate weight index in BPH rats, supported by the decreased thickness of the prostate epithelial layer and increased lumen size. Similar effects were observed in the BPH rats treated with the reference drug, finasteride. R. vomitoria extract significantly reduced the testosterone-induced proliferation markers, including proliferating cell nuclear antigen and cyclin D1, in the prostate glands of BPH rats; it also reduced levels of androgen receptor, its associated protein steroid 5α-reductase 1 and its downstream target genes (FK506-binding protein 5 and matrix metalloproteinase 2). Notably, compared with the finasteride group, R. vomitoria extract did not significantly reduce sperm count., Conclusion: R. vomitoria suppresses testosterone-induced BPH development. Due to its milder side effects, R. vomitoria could be a promising therapeutic agent for BPH., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Shanghai Changhai Hospital. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

In order to evaluate the potential ecological risk of heavy metals in the soil-crop system in the Xiong'an New District, the heavy metal contents and forms in wheat seed and root soil samples are analyzed, and the comprehensive pollution index (IPI N ), potential ecological risk index (RI), bio-enrichment coefficient (BFC), risk assessment code (RAC), principal component analysis, and correlation analysis are used to assess the potential ecological risk of heavy metals and analyze their sources. The results indicate that the average content of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn in the root soil is significantly higher than the soil background value in Hebei province. The IPI N ranges from 0.2 to 5.18, 94.83% of the soil samples are in the safe and pollution-free grade, and the potential ecological risks of heavy metal are slight and moderate, accounting for 64.66% and 30.17%, respectively. Cd has the greatest potential ecological harm, followed by Hg, Cr, Ni, and Zn. All the heavy metal elements besides Cd in the root soil are dominated by the residual form, which accounts for 60%, and the bioactive form (ion-exchange and water-soluble state) of Cd accounts for 33.43%, indicating relatively high bio-availability. The risk assessment code can be ranked as Cd > Ni > Hg > As > Cu > Cr > Zn > Pb, and the risk of Cd is moderate, while other elements are of low or no risk. The leading potential source of heavy metals is human activity combined with the geological background. The migration and enrichment capability of the wheat seeds is in order from strong to weak of Zn > Cu > Cd > Hg > As > Ni > Pb > Cr, and the biological effective components of As, Cd, Pb, and Zn plays an substantial role in promoting the absorption of heavy metals. The content of heavy metals in the wheat seeds has a negative correlation with the soil pH, and the physical and chemical indices, such as OM and CEC, has bi-directional influence on the biological effective state of the heavy metals.

Background and Aims: 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) is a low molecular weight fatty acid that is used in clinical practice to treat inherited urea cycle disorders. In previous reports, it acted as a chemical chaperone inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and unfolded protein response signaling. A few studies have suggested its function against hepatic fibrosis in mice models. However, its role in hepatocarcinogenesis remained unknown., Methods: 4-PBA was administered alone or in combination with diethylnitrosamine to investigate its long-term effect on liver tumorigenesis. The role of 4-PBA in oncogene-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mice model using sleeping beauty system co-expressed with hMet and β-catenin point mutation (S45Y) was also observed. RNA-seq and PCR array were used to screen the pathways and genes involved. In vitro and in vivo studies were conducted to explore the effect of 4-PBA on liver and validate the underlying mechanism., Results: 4-PBA alone didn't cause liver tumor in long term. However, it promoted liver tumorigenesis in HCC mice models via initiation of liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) through Wnt5b-Fzd5 mediating β-catenin signaling. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR)-α induced by 4-PBA was responsible for the activation of β-catenin signaling. Thus, intervention of PPAR-α reversed 4-PBA-induced initiation of LCSCs and HCC development in vivo. Further study revealed that 4-PBA could not only upregulate the expression of PPAR-α transcriptionally but also enhance its stabilization via protecting it from proteolysis. Moreover, high PPAR-α expression predicted poor prognosis in HCC patients., Conclusions: 4-PBA could upregulate PPAR-α to initiate LCSCs by activating β-catenin signaling pathway, promoting HCC at early stage. Therefore, more discretion should be taken to monitor the potential tumor-promoting effect of 4-PBA under HCC-inducing environment., (© 2021 The Authors. Clinical and Translational Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Shanghai Institute of Clinical Bioinformatics.)

In recent years, soil salinization in the Yellow River Delta under the effects of hydrology, climate and human activities have become increasingly prominent. Based on the 20 Landsat series images of Hekou, Kenli, Dongying districts and Lijin County of Dongying City selected from 1985 to 2018, numerical regression correction method was used to perform image spectral consistency conversion. The partial least squares regression method was used to construct quantitative inversion models of soil salt content. The soil salt content of the study area were retrieved by the best salt prediction model. The temporal and spatial characteristics of soil salt changes in the Yellow River Delta were analyzed. The results showed that the soil salt inversion model constructed with 10 sensitive spectral indices performed higher prediction accuracy, with coefficient of determination R 2 =0.769 and RMSE=1.125 for calibration, R 2 =0.752 and RMSE=1.203 for validation, and relative prediction deviation (RPD)=2.08. Using the measured soil salt data in 2016 to verify the inversion accuracy of the model, the correlation between the measured value and the inverted value was 0.7279. The model was used to map the soil salinity of the Yellow River Delta based on 20 images from 1985 to 2018. The abnormal soil salinity retrieval values was all less than 10%. During the study period, the soil salinity showed an overall trend of rising first and then falling which was lowest in 1985 (3.14 g·kg -1 ) and highest in 1995 (5.86 g·kg -1 ). Spatially, the area of heavily saline soil and saline soil in the study area decreased, and that of mildly and moderately saline soil significantly increased (66.6%). The total area of saline soil showed an increasing trend. The effects of hydrological and climatic conditions on soil salinity exhibited hysteresis. The increases of temperature promoted soil salinity, with the relationship between the soil salinity and the average temperatures in the past six months and one year being significantly correlated ( R =0.507 and 0.538). Soil salinity did not correlate with regional precipitation, and was most affected by the Yellow River streamflow in the previous season ( R =-0.543).

The trade-off between leaf size and number is the basis for plant growth strategies. It is of great significance to study the underlying mechanism of leaf size and number trade-offs for well understanding plant growth strategies. In this study, leaf size was expressed by the dry mass of single leaf, while leafing intensity was expressed by the number of leaves per unit stem volume. We used standardized major axis regression analysis method to examine the trade-off relationship between leaf size and number in Hulunbuir grassland. There was a significant negative isometric-growth trade-off between leaf size and number in Chenqicuogang (typical steppe) and Chenqibayi (meadow steppe). There was a significant negative allometric-growth trade-off between leaf size and number in Xeltala (meadow steppe). The underlying mechanism of the relationship between leaf size and number depended on the leaf and stem biomass allocation mechanism and the changes of the stem tissue density.

Background: Bleomycin (BLM) foam sclerotherapy is effective in the treatment of venous malformations (VMs). Foam stability is influenced by factors such as sclerosant concentration, viscosity, and liquid-gas ratio., Objective: To investigate whether hyaluronic acid (HA) could increase the stability of BLM foam and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of HA-BLM foam., Materials and Methods: Experiment: BLM 6.0 IU + human serum albumin (HSA, 2, 1.95, 1.90, and 1.85 mL, respectively) + 1% HA (0, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15 mL, respectively) + air 6 mL to create foam using the Tessari method. The foam half-life (FHL) was used to evaluate foam stability. Clinical study: Twenty-eight patients with head and neck VMs were enrolled between June 2018 and August 2019 treated by HA-BLM foam to evaluate the safety and efficacy., Results: The FHL of the BLM foam was 8.46, 8.95, 10.45, and 14.51 minutes, respectively. All patients achieved significant efficacy, and no obvious side effects were observed., Conclusion: Addition of HA could improve the stability of BLM foam.

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 Editorial Department of Journal of Forensic Medicine.)

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection broke out in December 2019 in Wuhan, and rapidly overspread 31 provinces in mainland China on 31 January 2020. In the face of the increasing number of daily confirmed infected cases, it has become a common concern and worthy of pondering when the infection will appear the turning points, what is the final size and when the infection would be ultimately controlled. Based on the current control measures, we proposed a dynamical transmission model with contact trace and quarantine and predicted the peak time and final size for daily confirmed infected cases by employing Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithm. We estimate the basic reproductive number of COVID-19 is 5.78 (95%CI: 5.71-5.89). Under the current intervention before 31 January, the number of daily confirmed infected cases is expected to peak on around 11 February 2020 with the size of 4066 (95%CI: 3898-4472). The infection of COVID-19 might be controlled approximately after 18 May 2020. Reducing contact and increasing trace about the risk population are likely to be the present effective measures.

Background: Inflammation can induce cognitive dysfunction in patients who undergo surgery. Previous studies have demonstrated that both acute peripheral inflammation and anaesthetic insults, especially isoflurane (ISO), are risk factors for memory impairment. Few studies are currently investigating the role of ISO under acute peri-inflammatory conditions, and it is difficult to predict whether ISO can aggravate inflammation-induced cognitive deficits. HDACs, which are essential for learning, participate in the deacetylation of lysine residues and the regulation of gene transcription. However, the cell-specific mechanism of HDACs in inflammation-induced cognitive impairment remains unknown., Methods: Three-month-old C57BL/6 mice were treated with single versus combined exposure to LPS injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) to simulate acute abdominal inflammation and isoflurane to investigate the role of anaesthesia and acute peripheral inflammation in cognitive impairment. Behavioural tests, Western blotting, ELISA, immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and ChIP assays were performed to detect memory, the expressions of inflammatory cytokines, HDAC2, BDNF, c-Fos, acetyl-H3, microglial activity, Bdnf mRNA, c-fos mRNA, and Bdnf and c-fos transcription in the hippocampus., Results: LPS, but not isoflurane, induced neuroinflammation-induced memory impairment and reduced histone acetylation by upregulating histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) in dorsal hippocampal CaMKII + neurons. The hyperexpression of HDAC2 in neurons was mediated by the activation of microglia. The decreased level of histone acetylation suppressed the transcription of Bdnf and c-fos and the expressions of BDNF and c-Fos, which subsequently impaired memory. The adeno-associated virus ShHdac2, which suppresses Hdac2 after injection into the dorsal hippocampus, reversed microglial activation, hippocampal glutamatergic BDNF and c-Fos expressions, and memory deficits., Conclusions: Reversing HDAC2 in hippocampal CaMKII + neurons exert a neuroprotective effect against neuroinflammation-induced memory deficits.

Objective: To study the diagnostic value of a multi-gene molecular testing in cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules. Methods: From February 2018 to September 2018, patients with thyroid nodules who underwent fine needle aspiration(FNA) at Peking University Cancer Hospital were enrolled. Three hundred and sixty patients were included, consisting of 86 men and 274 women, with a mean age of 45.8 years (between 13 and 89 years old). Among 391 nodules, 141 were cytologically inderminate and 75 were resected. FNA samples underwent prospective testing using a next-generation sequencing (NGS) assay, which included 16 genes for point mutations and 26 types of gene fusions. The testing results of indeterminate nodules were compared with surgical outcomes, to determine the diagnostic performance. The results were compared with the BRAF V600E single gene mutation analysis by χ (2) test. Results: The multi-gene testing showed a sensitivity of 73.2%, specificity of 96.8%, positive predictive value of 96.8%, and negative predictive value of 73.2%. The diagnostic accuracy of multi-gene testing was significantly higher than the BRAF V600E mutation test (83.3% vs 73.6%, χ(2)=31.588, P< 0.01). Conclusion: Multi-gene testing in FNA samples is an effective method to diagnose cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules, which has a higher accuracy than BRAF V600E mutation detection.

Astroviruses (AstV) are associated with enteric and systemic disease in mammals and birds. Astroviruses have received increased attention recently as they have been found to be associated with sporadic neurologic disease in mammals including humans. In pigs, porcine astrovirus (PoAstV) can be widely detected and has been grouped in five genotypes (PoAstV1 to PoAstV5). In the present study, we detected multiple PoAstVs in serum samples, nasal swabs, and fecal swabs collected from pigs suffering from respiratory disease or diarrhea but also from asymptomatic pigs, indicating a wide tissue tropism of the identified PoAstV genotypes. Coinfection of different genotypes in the same pig was commonly observed, and within an individual pig a high genetic diversity was observed for viruses belonging to the same PoAstV genotype. Two complete genomes of PoAstV2-WG-R2/2017 and PoAstV4-WG-R2/2017 were successfully obtained and characterized, with genome sizes of 6396 and 6643 nucleotides, respectively. The PoAstV2-WG-R2/2017 genome showed identities of 67.2-77.4% to other known PoAstV2 genomes, and the PoAstV4-WG-R2/2017 genome showed identities of 72.8-80.5% to other known PoAstV4 genomes. The predicted spike domain of open reading frame 2 (ORF2) of these strains showed the highest genetic heterogeneity, with amino acid identities of 13.7-70.9% for PoAstV2-WG-R2/2017 to other known PoAstV2 strains, and identities of 24.4-63.3% for the PoAstV4-WG-R2/2017 to other known PoAstV4 strains. Possible recombination events were identified in each of the two sequences. Two subclades of PoAstV2 and three subclades of PoAstV4 were defined in the present analyses. The obtained data provide further evidence for extraintestinal infectivity of PoAstVs, and confirmed the high genetic diversity of PoAstVs and the coinfection potential of different PoAstV types in a single pig.

Red-flowered strawberry is a new ornamental flower derived from intergeneric hybridization (Fragaria × Potentilla). To date, few molecular markers have been reported for this plant. RNA sequencing provides a relatively fast and low-cost approach for large-scale detection of simple sequence repeats (SSRs). In the present study, we profiled the transcriptome of red-flowered strawberry by Illumina HiSeq 2500 to identify SSRs related to petal color. Based on 2 million clean reads of red and white flowers from red-flowered strawberry hybrids, we assembled 91,835 unigenes with an average length of 717 bp. After functional annotation and prediction, there were 47,058 unigenes; of these, 26,861 had a gene ontology annotation, with 14,264 SSR loci. Mononucleotide SSRs were the predominant repeat type (47.20%, n = 6724), followed by di- (32.50%, n = 4641), tri- (19.10%, n = 2729), tetra- (0.90%, n = 132), hexa- (0.2%, n = 21), and penta- (0.10%, n = 16) nucleotide repeats. The most frequent di-, tri-, and tetra-nucleotide repeats were AG/CT, AAG/CTT, and AAAG/CTTT, respectively. PCR amplification with 105 SSR primer pairs yielded four bands specific to red flowers, namely UgRFsr57622, UgRFsr94149, UgRFsr40142, and UgRFsr54608; corresponding 4 trait-specific markers were found to co-segregate with white and red flower color in hybrid population, demonstrating that the genic SSR marker is useful to discriminate between white and red flowers in strawberry. Markers to discriminate flower color in red-flowered strawberry will be useful for early selection of progeny and for breeding management.

18 F-labeled fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography ( 18 F-FDG PET) is the most sensitive tool for studying brain metabolism in vivo. We investigated the image patterns of 18 F-FDG PET during reperfusion injury and correlated changes of whole brain blood flow utilizing a rat myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI) model. The results assessed by echocardiography indicated resultant cardiac dysfunction after ischemia-reperfusion in the rat heart. It was found that the average standardized uptake value (SUV average ) of the whole brain was significantly decreased in model rats, and the glucose uptake of different brain regions including accumbens core/shell (Acb), left caudate putamen (LCPu), hippocampus (HIP), left hypothalamus (LHYP), olfactory (OLF), superior colliculus (SC), right midbrain (RMID), ventral tegmental area (VTA), inferior colliculus (IC) and left thalamus whole (LTHA) was significantly decreased in MIRI rats whereas no significant difference was found in the SUV average of amygdala (AMY), right CPu, RHYP, right HYP, left MID, right THA, pons and medulla oblongata (MO). These 18 F-FDG PET data provide a reliable identification method for brain metabolic changes in rats with MIRI.

Objective To learn the capability and functioning status of prenatal ultrasound screening institutions in Beijing and inform decision-making on the optimization of prenatal screening management. Method By using the data from the second and the third National Special Survey on Prenatal Screening and Prenatal Diagnostic Services in Beijing,we analyzed the distribution,human resources,workload,technology,and equipment of ultrasound screening institutions in Beijing as well as their changing trends. Results From 2013 to 2015,there were 100 prenatal ultrasound screening institutions,833 technicians,and 383 prenatal ultrasound screening instruments in Beijing,offering over 600 000 service sessions.In contrast,there were 93 institutions with a total service volume of 644 100 between 2010 and 2012.The general hospitals,tertiary hospitals,and urban areas(especially urban functional development areas and new urban development areas)were the main sources of the services.In particular,the maternal and child health care hospitals in Beijing provided the highest amount of services per unit of resources.The average prenatal ultrasound screening rate was about 98.05%.The service delivery trended to transfer from urban areas to remote county areas and from secondary institutions to tertiary institutions. Conclusion The operation and management of prenatal ultrasound screening institutions in Beijing are relatively standard.The ultrasound screening rate is relatively high in the second trimester,and the distribution of the services has constantly been improved since 2010.

Background: According to the current clinical guidelines, chemoradiotherapy is considered the standard treatment for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We analyzed the prognostic effect of adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) in resected patients using the new eighth tumor node metastasis (TNM) staging systems based on the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database., Methods: We identified 3008 patients with stage IIIA NSCLC (T4N0M0) who underwent sublobar resection, lobectomy, or pneumonectomy. Covariates affecting treatment selection or survival were included as part of propensity score models for matching and weighting. The effect of ACT on survival was assessed, stratified by postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) use, tumor size, and age., Results: Analyses of 2016 patients were conducted with standardized differences in covariates < 10% after matching. ACT was associated with significantly improved five-year overall survival (51.1% vs. 39.7%; P = 0.0260) in patients aged 21-65 with > 7 cm tumors, even after adjusting for the presence or absence of the superior sulcus (P = 0.0003). No significant outcomes were observed using other stratifications in the matched analysis. Moreover, ACT with PORT conferred a potential survival benefit in 21-65-year-old patients with 0-7 cm tumors (for all causes of death: hazard ratio 0.414, 95% confidence interval 0.251-0.684)., Conclusion: In this population-based cohort, ACT prolonged the survival of patients aged 21-65 with a tumor > 7 cm, with or without PORT. Inverse probability of treatment weighting can estimate the treatment effect and is suitable for use with survival data., (© 2019 The Authors. Thoracic Cancer published by China Lung Oncology Group and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)

Objective: To further recognize the clinical characteristics of non-syndromic enlarged vestibular aqueduct through the retrospective analysis of cases, with the purpose of providing references for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Method: Collect 54 cases of non-syndromic enlarged vestibular aqueduct, and analyze their clinical characteristics after history taking, physical examination, audiometry and imaging examination. Measure the biggest width of midpoint between internal and external of vestibular aqueduct on temporal bone thin-section CT, and analyze the relationship between the pipe width and sides of ear, types of hearing loss and degree of hearing loss through t test. Result: All 54 patients with non-syndromic enlarged vestibular aqueduct had bilateral ear involvement. There were 42 cases with prelingual deafness, 12 cases with postlingual deafness, and there were 38 ears with severe deafness, 70 ears with profound deafness. Ninety-six ears of hearing loss showed sensorineural deafness, and 12 ears manifested mixed deafness. The biggest width of midpoint between internal and external of vestibular aqueduct spread over 1.60-3.90 mm, and the average was 2.60 mm. There were no significant differences in data between left and right sides, degree of hearing loss and type of hearing loss. Conclusion: Non-syndromic enlarged vestibular aqueduct mainly manifests serious sensorineural deafness, and the diagnosis depends on imaging examination. There is no difference in the degree of expanding between left and right ear, and the extent of enlargement is not related to the type and the severity of hearing loss., 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 Editorial Department of Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery.)

Objectives: To analyze the polymorphism of 71 SNP loci on Y chromosome in Han population of Northwest China, to assess its forensic application value, and to screen out Y-SNP loci for forensic examination of Han population in East, South, and Northwest China based on the integration of previous research results., Methods: Multiplex polymerase chain reaction （PCR） and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry （MALDI-TOF-MS） were performed on 71 Y-SNP loci of 202 unrelated Han male individuals in Northwest China. Gene diversity （GD） and haplotype diversity （HD） values were calculated, and then Y-SNP loci of Han population in East, South, and Northwest China were screened with the combination of data from previous research., Results: Among the detected 71 loci, 67 loci were polymorphic in the Northwest Han male population, with GD values 0.010 0-0.502 2. There were 22 and 25 loci with a moderate （0.2≤GD<0.3） and high （GD≥0.3） amount of genetic information, respectively. There were 26 loci for the Han communities in Northwest, South, and East China., Conclusions: Y-SNP loci are potential in paternity testing and individual identification, as well as the judgement of population distribution and migration., 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 Editorial Department of Journal of Forensic Medicine.)

Objective: To investigate the diagnostic performance of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology for the detection of lateral lymph node metastases in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Methods: A total of 109 lateral lymph nodes with suspicious metastases from 85 patients were retrospectively subjected to FNAC, fine-needle aspiration thyroglobulin measurement (FNATg), and FNATg/SerumTg measurement. Lymph node pathological results after surgery were taken as the gold standard. Using Mann-Whitney U test, Pearson linear model and ROC curve were used for data analysis. Results: The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of FNATg for the diagnosis of lateral neck lymph node metastasis were respectively 93.7%, 90.0% and 93.3% and those of FNATg/SerumTg were respectively 89.9%, 90.0% and 93.2% respectively, the threshold values for FNATg and FNATg/SerumTg were 0.925 ng/ml and 1.007, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of FNATg combined with FNAC were respectively 91.0%,93.5% and 94.4%. The existence of thyroid tissue and the expression of serum Tg did not affect the expression of lymph node FNATg. The FNATg cutoff value of 0.925 ng/ml showed the best diagnostic performance in patients with a thyroid gland, while the FNATg/SerumTg cutoff ratio of 14.95 showed the best diagnostic performance in patients without a thyroid gland. The serum TgAb significantly interfered with the expression of FNATg in the lateral neck metastatic lymph nodes ( P =0.049). Conclusions: FNATg alone or the combination of FNATg with FNAC are highly reliable in the diagnosis of lateral neck lymph node metastases in patients with PTC. The expression of TgAb may interfere with the accuracy of the diagnostic performance of FNATg.

This article focuses on the controversial issues in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer. Several commonly used molecular tests, especially gene mutation and fusion detection, in the preoperative diagnosis of thyroid nodules and the prognosis evaluation of thyroid cancer are introduced. For the thyroid nodules with uncertain indeterminate cytology, different molecular screening methods have their own advantages and disadvantages. Among them, DNA detection, especially multi-gene molecular testing based on next-generation sequencing has better sensitivity and specificity. Besides being used in diagnosis, it can also detect gene mutations related to tumor prognosis, such as BRAF (V600E) mutation and TERT promoter mutation, which is increasingly widespread and accepted.

A Sc(OTf) 3 -catalyzed highly diastereoselective one-pot sequential [3 + 3] dipolar cycloaddition reaction of aldehyde or ketone, N-alkyl hydroxylamine, and spirocyclopropyl oxindole is developed, allowing facile construction of spirocyclic oxindole-tetrahydro-1,2-oxazines with sufficient structural diversity. The corresponding catalytic enantioselective one-pot protocol of aldehydes is also reported, affording the desired adducts in up to 97% ee. The biological evaluation of selected oxindole-based spirocyclic tetrahydro-1,2-oxazines revealed that they exerted cytotoxic effects on human prostate cancer cells with the capacity to inhibit NFκB signaling in prostate cancer cells.

Objective: Postmenopausal women possess higher incidence of stroke and worse prognosis. Although estrogen replacement therapy has obvious neuroprotective effects against stroke, it is always accompanied with several adverse effects and undesired outcomes. Genistein, a natural phytoestrogen, has been indicated to be a potential neuroprotective alternative for postmenopausal women against stroke. However, the role and mechanism of genistein's neuroprotective effects against stroke in ovariectomized rats have rarely been explored., Methods: In this study, ovariectomized rats were treated with genistein (10 mg/kg) or vehicle daily for two weeks before they received middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and reperfusion. After 72 hours of reperfusion, the neurological function was evaluated by Garcia test, infarct volume was detected by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, and neuronal damage was detected by Nissl staining. In addition, ROS production and the expression of Nrf2, NQO1 and cleaved-Caspase3 in the ischemic penumbra were detected., Results: The results showed that genistein treatment significantly improved the neurological outcome, reduced infarct volume, increased Nrf2 and NQO1 expression, and reduced ROS production and cleaved-Caspase3 expression in ovariectomized rats., Discussion: Our findings indicated that treatment with genistein could alleviated oxidative stress injury induced by cerebral ischemia in ovariectomized rats via promoting Nrf2 and NQO1 expression, which provide a new molecular mechanism for the neuroprotective effects of genistein against stroke in postmenopausal women.

Objective: To study the risk factors for elevated serum total bile acid (TBA) in preterm infants., Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 216 preterm infants who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. According to the presence or absence of elevated TBA (TBA >24.8 μmol/L), the preterm infants were divided into elevated TBA group with 53 infants and non-elevated TBA group with 163 infants. A univariate analysis and an unconditional multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to investigate the risk factors for elevated TBA., Results: The univariate analysis showed that there were significant differences between the elevated TBA group and the non-elevated TBA group in gestational age at birth, birth weight, proportion of small-for-gestational-age infants, proportion of infants undergoing ventilator-assisted ventilation, fasting time, parenteral nutrition time, and incidence of neonatal respiratory failure and sepsis (P<0.05). The unconditional multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that low birth weight (OR=3.84, 95%CI: 1.53-9.64) and neonatal sepsis (OR=2.56, 95%CI: 1.01-6.47) were independent risk factors for elevated TBA in preterm infants., Conclusions: Low birth weight and neonatal sepsis may lead to elevated TBA in preterm infants.

With the fast development of nuclear energy, the issue related to spent nuclear fuel reprocessing has been regarded as an imperative task, especially for the separation of minor actinides. In fact, it still remains a worldwide challenge to separate trivalent An(iii) from Ln(iii) because of their similar chemical properties. Therefore, understanding the origin of extractant selectivity for the separation of An(iii)/Ln(iii) by using theoretical methods is quite necessary. In this work, three ligands with similar structures but different bridging frameworks, Et-Tol-DAPhen (La), Et-Tol-BPyDA (Lb) and Et-Tol-PyDA (Lc), have been investigated and compared using relativistic density functional theory. The electrostatic potential and molecular orbitals of the ligands indicate that ligand La is a better electron donor compared to ligands Lb and Lc. The results of QTAIM, NOCV and NBO suggest that the Am-N bonds in the studied complexes have more covalent character compared to the Eu-N bonds. Based on the thermodynamic analysis, [M(NO 3 )(H 2 O) 8 ] 2+ + L + 2NO 3 - = [ML(NO 3 ) 3 ] + 8H 2 O should be the most probable reaction in the solvent extraction system. Our results clearly verify that the relatively harder oxygen atoms offer these ligands higher coordination affinities toward both of the An(iii) and Ln(iii) ions compared to the relatively softer nitrogen atoms. However, the latter possess stronger affinities toward An(iii) over Ln(iii), which partly results in the selectivity of these ligands. This work can afford useful information on achieving efficient An(iii)/Ln(iii) separation through tuning the structural rigidity and hardness or softness of the functional moieties of the ligands.

Objective To construct composite indicators of maternal and child's basic health services using different weights from the prospective of continuum of care and to compare them based on data from the National Health Services Survey 2008 and 2013 in Jilin Province. Methods The study selected indicators based on the countdown and the Lives Saved Tool(LiST),considering the data availability from the 2008 and 2013 National Health Surveys in Jilin.Equal weights,equal weights for different areas,epidemiology weights,and principal component weights were used to construct different composite indicators.Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient was used to test the internal consistency.Analysis of variance of randomized block design was used to test the differences.The Spearman's correlation coefficient was calculated to compare the rank correlation.The maternal mortality,children under 5 years old mortality rate,and children under 5 years old stunting incidence were used as the outcome indicators to test the validity using correlation analysis. Results Finally 13 indicators were selected,with the Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient value exceeding 0.7,which means acceptable internal consistency of these indicators.Analysis of variance showed that the scores were not significantly the same(F=8.14,P<0.01).The rank correlations among equal weights,principal component weights,and equal weights for different areas composite indicators were quite strong,and the Spearman's correlation coefficient between either two were all above 0.9,while the epidemiology weights composite indicator got smaller Spearman's correlation coefficient with equal weights,principal component weights,and equal weights for different areas composite indicators(0.697,0.671,and 0.818,respectively).The composite indicator using epidemiology weights showed significant negative correlation with children under 5 years old mortality rate and children under 5 years old stunting incidence(R 2 =0.168,P<0.05;R 2 =0.398,P<0.01,respectively).The composite indicators using equal weights,equal weights for different areas and principal component weights only showed significant negative correlation with children under 5 years old stunting incidence(R 2 =0.238,R 2 =0.304,R 2 =0.232,P<0.01 for all,respectively).Conclusion The composite indicator using epidemiology objective weights has some predictive value for maternal and child health outcomes.

Objectives: To analyse the genetic polymorphisms of 66 biallelic genetic markers on Y chromosome in Eastern Chinese Han population, and evaluate their values in forensic application., Methods: Genotyping of 66 biallelic genetic markers on Y chromosome was studied in 205 unrelated males of Eastern Chinese Han population by multiplex PCR combined matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry （MALDI-TOF-MS）. The allele frequencies on the loci to be tested were calculated by direct counting method, and the gene diversity （GD） and haplotype diversity （HD） were calculated by corresponding formulas. The haplotypes of this system were tested by software Arlequin v3.5.2.2 and the comparison of population genetics were analyzed., Results: A total of 60 biallelic genetic markers on Y chromosome were polymorphic in males of Eastern Chinese Han population, and the ranges of GD were from 0.038 5 to 0.501 9. Eighty-five different haplotypes were observed and the HD was 0.970 3. The differences of partial SNP loci between the Han population of Eastern China and that of Xinjiang and Guangdong were statistically significance., Conclusions: Sixty biallelic genetic markers and the detection system can complementally provide genetic information in kinship testing and individual identification. The MALDI-TOF-MS technology is able to type biallelic genetic markers., 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 Editorial Department of Journal of Forensic Medicine)

Trichosanthin (TCS), isolated from the root tuber of Trichosantheskirilowii, a well-known traditional Chinese medicinal plant, belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, was found to exhibit numerous biological and pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory. However, the effects of TCS on arterial injury induced neointimal hyperplasia and inflammatory cell infiltration remains poorly understood. The aim of study was to examine the effectiveness of TCS on arterial injury-mediated inflammatory processes and underlying mechanisms. A balloon-injured carotid artery induced injury in vivo in rats was established as a model of vascular injury. After 1 day TCS at 20, 40, or 80 mg/kg/day was administered intraperitoneally, daily for 14 days. Subsequently, the carotid artery was excised and taken for immunohistochemical staining. Data showed that TCS significantly dose-dependently reduced balloon injury-induced neointima formation in the carotid artery model rat, accompanied by markedly decreased positive expression percentage proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). In the in vitro study vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) were cultured, proliferation stimulated with platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) (20 ng/ml) and TCS at 1, 2, or 4 μM added. Data demonstrated that TCS inhibited proliferation and cell cycle progression of VSMC induced by PDGF-BB. Further, TCS significantly lowered mRNA expression of cyclinD1, cyclinE1, and c-fos, and protein expression levels of Akt1, Akt2, and mitogen-activated protein kinase MAPK (ERK1) signaling pathway mediated by PDGF-BB. These findings indicate that TCS inhibits vascular neointimal hyperplasia induced by vascular injury in rats by suppression of VSMC proliferation and migration, which may involve inhibition of Akt/MAPK/ERK signal pathway.

Background: Non-communicable diseases are the leading causes of global burden of diseases, and hypertension is one of the most important risk factors. Hypertension prevalence doubled in China in the past decade and affects more than 300 million Chinese people. In the review we systematically searched peer-reviewed publications that link health system level factors with hypertension management in China and provide the current knowledge on how to improve a country's health system to manage the hypertension epidemic., Methods: A framework was developed to guide the review. The database of PubMed, CNKI were systematically searched from inception to April 13, 2016. Two authors independently screened the searched results for inclusion, conducted data extraction and appraised the quality of studies. Key findings were described according to the framework., Findings: Five hundred seventy-two publications were identified, where 11 articles were left according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study periods range from 2010 to 2015. All about 11 researches linked health system factors to the outcome of hypertension management. And the outcomes were just focused on the awareness, treatment and control of hypertension but not hypertension incidence. One study is about the role of health system governance, investigating the performance of different organized community health care centers; three studies were about health financing comparing differences in insurance coverage; three studies were about health information practicing the hypertension guidelines of China or the WHO, and the rest three about mechanisms of health service delivery. No researches were identified about physical resources for health and human resources for health., Conclusions: Hypertension prevalence has been rising rapidly in China and the management of hypertension in China is a detection problem rather than treatment problem. Limited evidence shows the positive effect of health system factors on hypertension management and joint efforts from health system and epidemiological researchers are warranted to extend knowledge in this area.

Grazing disturbance is one of the ways to influence plant traits, and plant leaf traits actually reflect the adaptability of plants to the environment. In this study, taking Stipa krylovii steppe under different grazing intensities in Hulunbuir as research area, the relationships of leaf traits and the variation of plant traits among plant life-form functional groups was investigated. Results showed that plant traits with different life-forms had no significant difference in S. krylovii steppe. However, the relationships between plant traits were strongly correlated. The leaf phosphorus content (LPC) and the ratio of nitrogen and phosphorus (N/P) in the heavy grazing treatment had significant difference from those in the moderate grazing and the light grazing treatments. For different life-form functional groups, grazing disturbance had significant effect on LPC and N/P in the perennial forbs, indicating the perennial forbs were sensitive to grazing, and the plant nutrient utilization strategy was changed by heavy grazing. It was suggested that reasonable grazing could improve the nutrient traits of plants and restrain the degradation in S. krylovii steppe.

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the association of polymorphisms in DLG5 gene (G113A, C4136A and e26) with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) risk., Materials and Methods: A total of 25 studies involved 26583 subjects were pooled for analysis. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used to pool the effect size., Results: For G113A variant, a significant association was observed with CD risk in children (A vs. G: OR = 0.745, 95% CI = 0.569-0.977) and high quality studies (A vs. G: OR = 0.913, 95% CI = 0.850-0.981). Additionally, the results of genotype-phenotype analysis suggested G113A variant was associated with colonic involvement in CD. However, in overall population, the results indicated G113A variant was not associated with CD or UC. We also provided evidence that C4136A polymorphism had different effects on CD risk between Europeans (AA vs. CC: OR = 3.239, 95% CI = 1.149-9.136) and Asians (AA vs. CC: OR = 0.511, 95% CI = 0.299-0.873). For UC, patients with AA genotype of C4136A variant had a significantly increased UC risk (AA vs. CC: OR = 3.877, 95% CI = 1.168-12.867). Finally, no association was detected with G113A or e26 polymorphism in CD or UC patients., Conclusions: This meta-analysis indicated G113A variant may be significantly associated with CD risk in children and colonic involvement.

Aim: We have shown that low-dose gadolinium chloride (GdCl3) abolishes arachidonic acid (AA)-induced increase of cytoplasmic Ca(2+), which is known to play a crucial role in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. The present study sought to determine whether low-dose GdCl3 pretreatment protected rat myocardium against I/R injury in vitro and in vivo., Methods: Cultured neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) were treated with GdCl3 or nifedipine, followed by exposure to anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R). Cell apoptosis was detected; the levels of related signaling molecules were assessed. SD rats were intravenously injected with GdCl3 or nifedipine. Thirty min after the administration the rats were subjected to LAD coronary artery ligation followed by reperfusion. Infarction size, the release of serum myocardial injury markers and AA were measured; cell apoptosis and related molecules were assessed., Results: In A/R-treated NRVMs, pretreatment with GdCl3 (2.5, 5, 10 μmol/L) dose-dependently inhibited caspase-3 activation, death receptor-related molecules DR5/Fas/FADD/caspase-8 expression, cytochrome c release, AA release and sustained cytoplasmic Ca(2+) increases induced by exogenous AA. In I/R-treated rats, pre-administration of GdCl3 (10 mg/kg) significantly reduced the infarct size, and the serum levels of CK-MB, cardiac troponin-I, LDH and AA. Pre-administration of GdCl3 also significantly decreased the number of apoptotic cells, caspase-3 activity, death receptor-related molecules (DR5/Fas/FADD) expression and cytochrome c release in heart tissues. The positive control drug nifedipine produced comparable cardioprotective effects in vitro and in vivo., Conclusion: Pretreatment with low-dose GdCl3 significantly attenuates I/R-induced myocardial apoptosis in rats by suppressing activation of both death receptor and mitochondria-mediated pathways.

Objective: To study the risk factors for postoperative hypoparathyroidism or hypocalcemia., Methods: Totally 414 patients with thyroid diseases who underwent total or near total thyroidectomy at Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute from June 2007 to June 2014 were studied retrospectively. There were 119 male and 295 female patients with a median age of 47 years. The clinical and pathological features that related to post-operative hypoparathyroidism were studied by χ(2) test and multivariate Logistic regression analysis., Results: Of the 414 patients, 36.2% developed transient hypocalcemia, 36.5% developed transient hypoparathyroidism, 2.2% developed permanent hypoparathyroidism. In regression analysis, unilateral or bilateral center lymph node dissection were associated with mild transient hypocalcemia after surgery (OR=2.366, P=0.022; OR=5.216, P=0.000); unilateral or bilateral center lymph node dissection as well as surgical options were significant risk factors for severe transient hypocalcemia (OR=4.029, P=0.001; OR=8.384, P=0.000; OR=2.073, P=0.017) and hypoparathyroidism (OR=1.755, P=0.040; OR=4.144, P=0.000; OR=2.287, P=0.000). The parathyroid hormone concentration on postoperative day 1 was an independent risk factor for permanent hypoparathyroidism (OR=2.011, P=0.014). The concentration of parathyroid hormone threshold <5.28 ng/L was a predictor to permanent hypoparathyroidism with accuracy of 95.0%., Conclusions: Bilateral center lymph node dissection is a risk factor of permanent hypoparathyroidism in patients received total thyroidectomy should be taken thoughtfully. The parathyroid hormone concentration on postoperative day 1 provides better prediction for persistent hypoparathyroidism.

A new lanthanide coordination polymer, [Eu(2-stp) (2,2'-bipy) (H₂O)] · H₂O (2-stp = 2-sufoterephthalalic acid, 2, 2'-bipy=2,2'-bipyridine) was obtained by hydrothermal method. The crystal structure was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The complex has a one-dimensional parallel double-chain structure. Eu³⁺ is a nine-coordinated by six O atoms from three 2-sufoterephthalalic acids, one water molecule and two N atoms from 2,2'-bipyridine. The fluorescence properties of the complex were studied. The complex shows the characteristics narrow emission of ion at 581, 594, 619, 654 and 698 nm, corresponding to 5D0-->Fj (J = 0-4) transitions. The strongest emission peak is at 619 nm, corresponding to ⁵D0-F2 transition for red light. Different organic solvents have different effects on the fluorescence intensity of the complex, and enzaldehyde exerts the most significant fluorescence quenching effect. So, this complex can be used as a fluorescent sensing probe for benzaldehyde.

Objective: To determine the expression of Skp2 in different prostate cancer (PCa) cell lines and tissues, and explore its influence on the androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathway and development of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC)., Methods: The expression levels of Skp2 and AR in different PCa cell lines were detected by Western blot. After knockdown of Skp2 in the C4-2 and 22RV1 cells transfected with shRNA, the expressions of AR and P27 were determined and the activity of ARR3-Luc measured by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay following treatment with dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The expressions of AR and Skp2 in human naïve PCa or CRPC specimens were detected by immunohistochemical staining followed by analysis of their differences and correlation., Results: The Skp2 protein expression level was significantly higher in the C4-2 or 22RV1 cells than in the LNCaP cells. DHT treatment increased the expression of Skp2 in the C4-2 cells, but knock-down of Skp2 significantly up-regulated the expression of the well-known downstream protein P27 and down-regulated that of AR. Consistently, DHT treatment increased the activity of ARR3-Luc, while knockdown of Skp2 remarkably decreased it in the C4-2 and 22RV1 cells (P < 0.05). In addition, significantly higher expressions of Skp2 and AR were observed in the CRPC than in the naïve specimens (P < 0.05), with a positive correlation between the two proteins (r = 0.658 1, P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Skp2 can enhance the expression and transcription activity of the AR protein in CRPC cells or tissues and is promising to be a critical molecular therapeutic target.

Substantial evidence has suggested that deep brain stimulation of the cuneiform nucleus has become a remarkable treatment option for intractable pain, but the possible mechanism is poorly understood. Using a melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R)-green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter knockin mouse, we showed that a large number of MC4R-GFP-positive neurons were expressed in the cuneiform nucleus. Immunofluorescence revealed that approximately 40%-50% of MC4R-GFP-positive neurons expressed mu opioid receptors, indicating that they were opioidergic signaling. Our findings support the hypothesis that MC4R expression in the cuneiform nucleus is involved in the modulation of opioidergic signaling.

Cranioplasty for only aesthetic reasons has not been commonly performed to date. However, recently there has been a new focus by the public on a more aesthetically pleasing head shape with frequent patient requests for purely aesthetic contouring of the occiput, an important definer of cosmetic head shape. For example, in Asia, where the normal cranial shape is mesocephalic or brachycephalic and often with a planar occiput, requests for its aesthetic correction are increasingly common. Accordingly, the author developed a minimally invasive occiput augmentation using methylmethacrylate. In this study, the indications for aesthetic occiput contouring were planar occiput, left-right asymmetric occiput, and grooved occiput. Under local anesthesia, soft methylmethacrylate is subperiosteally inserted through a small incision (about 5-cm length), manually and precisely contoured in situ through the scalp to the desired occipital shape. All is performed as an outpatient procedure, and a quick recovery is the case. Between March 2007 and October 2013, 959 patients received such aesthetic occiput augmentation. The mean follow-up period was 49 months (range, 3-84 months). Nearly all patients were satisfied with the outcome, and complications were very rare. Only 5 patients (0.5%) needed additional corrective procedures. The author has concluded that aesthetic occiput augmentation using methylmethacrylate yields consistent, predictable, and satisfactory results. Additional long-term follow-up is required for a final conclusion, however.

To investigate the possible associations between mutations in TP53 and phenotypes of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in codon 72 (SNP72) with the expression profiles of p53 and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, 93 pathologically diagnosed head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) were included for study. Using PCR and direct sequencing, 45 TP53 mutations in 35 cases (37.6%) were confirmed out of the 93 HNSCCs. P53 immunohistochemistry (IHC) confirmed 34 (36.6%) cases with positive staining, including 22 cases with strong and 12 with weak positivity. IARC database and software analysis showed similar results that most of the mutated p53 proteins lost their normal function. Further statistical analysis found a negative correlation between p53 IHC and HPV IHC in the tissues from the group of other HNSCCs (of various sites other than the larynx) but not in the tissues from the laryngeal carcinomas. Analyses of SNP72 showed that the patients with the Arg phenotype had a significantly older age at disease onset when compared to patients with the Pro phenotype, particularly in the group of other HNSCCs. In addition, all cases with strong staining for p53 in the laryngeal carcinoma group had the Pro phenotype and all tumors with poor pathological differentiation in the group of other HNSCCs had the Pro phenotype. These data indicate that the profiles of TP53 mutations, SNP72 polymorphism, p53 IHC and HPV E6 IHC are distinct between the groups of laryngeal carcinoma and other HNSCCs.

Various methods using autologous bone grafts or alloplastic implants have been reported for the contouring of flat or depressed foreheads; the majority of these reports deal with correction of cranial deformities arising from injuries or congenital conditions. These methods all require relatively or quite invasive procedures. However, it is of course desirable if cosmetic surgery can be performed with minimally invasive procedures. The author presents an outpatient procedure using methyl methacrylate for aesthetic forehead contouring. From January 2006 to November 2012, 210 patients underwent methyl methacrylate forehead augmentation on an all outpatient basis. Under only local anesthesia, a V-shaped transverse scalp incision (5 cm length) was made behind the front hair line, followed by subperiosteal dissection of the skin covering the forehead. Methyl methacrylate was inserted and manually molded to the desired contour through the skin. The amount of methyl methacrylate used ranged from 10 to 40 mL, with a mean of 25 mL, depending on the size and shape. The follow-up period ranged from 3 months to 6 years, averaging 45 months, and with the exception of a very small percentage, all patients were satisfied with the results. Based on these results, the author concludes that aesthetic forehead augmentation using methyl methacrylate is an effective surgical procedure with minimal side effects and a high degree of patient satisfaction.

The rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) is a prominent component of the descending modulatory system involved in the control of spinal nociceptive transmission. In the current study, we investigated melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) expression in the RVM, where the neurons involved in modulation of nociception reside. Using a line of mice expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the control of the MC4R promoter, we found a large number of GFP-positive neurons in the RVM [nucleus raphe magnus (NRM) and nucleus gigantocellularis pars α (NGCα)]. Fluorescence immunohistochemistry revealed that approximately 10% of MC4R-GFP-positive neurons coexpressed tyrosine hydroxylase, indicating that they were catecholaminergic, whereas 50%-75% of those coexpressed tryptophan hydroxylase, indicating that they were serotonergic. Our findings support the hypothesis that MC4R signaling in RVM may modulate the activity of serotonergic sympathetic outflow sensitive to nociceptive signals, and that MC4R signaling in RVM may contribute to the descending modulation of nociceptive transmission.

Many low-risk patients with solitary papillary thyroid cancer located in one lobe had undergone surgery that was less extensive than hemithyroidectomy in China. An acceptable completion surgery regimen was suggested for these patients based on our experience. A total of 117 enrolled patients underwent completion surgery. Thirty-two patients had prior tumor resection, 46 patients had prior partial thyroidectomy and 39 patients had prior subtotal thyroidectomy. No neck dissection was performed. Reoperation was scheduled a median of 1.2 months (range, 3 days-6.5 months) after primary surgery for papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Among the 117 patients, residual tumor was pathologically confirmed in 60 patients, with a residual rate of 51.28%. Among these 60 patients, residual tumor was identified in the thyroid bed alone in 18 patients and in compartment VI alone in 28 patients, while 14 patients exhibited residual tumor in both of these regions. Lymph node metastasis was observed in compartment VI in 42 patients (35.90%), and an average of 6.5 nodes were removed (range, 2-14 nodes for each patient). Additionally, 3.14 positive lymph nodes were removed on average from each of the 42 patients. We conclude that the completion regimen, including the ipsilateral residual lobe, the isthmus and ipsilateral compartment VI (prelaryngeal, pretracheal and paratracheal lymph nodes), is reasonable and acceptable for low-risk patients undergoing surgery that is less extensive than hemithyroidectomy.

Objective: To analyze the infection of human papillomavirus in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients., Methods: The pathological samples of 64 clinical diagnosed laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients were collected. Lunimex and PCR techniques were used to detect the HPV gene infection and immunohistochemistry method was used to analyze the HPV protein expression in the samples., Results: In the 64 cases, 7 were positive for HPV infection by Luminex and PCR tests. 18 were positive for HPV16/18 E6 protein expression. The total positive rate was about 39. 1%., Conclusion: The high HPV infection rate in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients in the study indicated indirectly that the importance of the HPV infection in pathogenesis of the laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Objective: To explore the improvement of modified radical neck dissection in clinical node positive (cN(+)) low risk papillary thyroid cancer patients., Methods: Seventy-one cases of papillary thyroid cancer with cN(+) underwent selective neck dissection (IIa, III, IV) from 2007 to 2010 were reviewed, including 10 men and 61 women. All patients were at stage I, including 15 T1, 46 T2, 10 T3. Twenty-six patients were found Positive nodes were found by palpation in 26 cases and by ultrasonagraphy in 45 cases., Results: Cervical lymph node metastasis were confirmed pathologically in 63 cases, with metastatic rate of 88.7%; 100% in cN(+) cases by palpation and 82.2% in cN(+) cases by ultrasonagraphy, respectively. Metastatic nodes existed in one level in 13 cases, two levels in 31 cases, and three levels in 19 cases. Recurrence occurred to 4 patients during follow up, with a recurrent rate of 5.6%, and 2 cases of them were found recurrence in the anterior part of Vb, 2 cases in the carotid sheath., Conclusion: Selective neck dissection (IIa, III, IV) is acceptable for cN(+) low risk papillary thyroid cancer patients, which can decrease complications in neck and shoulder greatly.

Objective: To evaluate the salvage central neck dissection (CND) for papillary thyroid cancer in the patients with suspicious residual positive lymph nodes in the central compartment., Methods: A total of 85 cases undergoing salvage CND between January 2006 to January 2009 was reviewed., Results: Fifty-nine (69.4%) of the 85 patients showed residual positive lymph nodes in the central compartments. The number of dissected lymph nodes for each dissection ranged 2 - 13 nodes, with an average of 5.7 nodes. A total of 159 positive lymph nodes were found in the 59 cases, with an average of 2.7 positive nodes in each case. Four of 6 patients who underwent initial CND in other hospitals were found with residual positive nodes in the central apartments. The incidence of postoperative complications for the salvage CND was 10.6% (9/85), of them 5 cases with hoarseness, 2 cases with transient hypoparathyroidism, 1 case with postoperative bleeding, and 1 case with subplatysmal effusion. The median of follow-up after salvage CND was 44 months (3 - 5 years), showing contralateral central recurrence in 1 case, lateral neck recurrence in 4 cases, lung metastasis in 1 case, and no death case., Conclusions: Salvage CND should be done for those patients without undergoing initial CND but with positive nodes found after thyroidectomy or the high risks (T3, T4, extra thyroid extension, residual in primary site, and vascular or lymphatic vessel invasion); and also for those patients with initial CND but insufficient extent.