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Porcine circovirus-like virus (Po-Circo-like virus, PCLV), as a recently discovered virus, may be associated with diarrhea in pigs. To investigate the epidemic profile and genetic characteristics of the virus, one hundred and seventy-five clinical samples (141 intestinal samples, 17 blood samples and 17 fecal samples) were collected from diseased piglets during outbreaks of diarrhea on 33 pig farms in 19 cities of Henan and Shanxi Provinces of China between 2016 and 2021, and were screened by PCR for the presence of PCLV. The results showed that 32% (56/175) of diarrheal piglets were positive for PCLV, and 60.6% (20/33) of the pig farms and 57.9% (11/19) of the cities were positive for PCLV, which varied from 5.88–44.12% between 2016 and 2021. It was also found that PCLV might be co-infected with PRRSV, PCV2, PCV3, PCV4, and PEDV, but no nucleic acids were detected for TGEV, PDCoV and PRoV in piglets with diarrhea. Notably, only PCLV was detected in 13 diarrheal piglets from four of these farms, whereas other pathogens were negative. The findings suggest that PCLV has been circulating in piglets in Henan and Shanxi Provinces of China, and may be a diarrheal virus. The complete genomes of thirteen PCLV strains were sequenced, and these strains shared 35.4–91.0% genome nucleotide identity with those available in GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the 13 PCLV strains in this study were clustered in Group 1, which closely related to 8 Chinese PCLV strains, Bo-Circo-like virus CH, two American strains 21 and 22, and two Hungary strains 288_4 and 302_4, but differed genetically from 7 other foreign PCLV strains. In addition, the whole genome and Rep gene of 13 PCLV strains in this study were 72.2% − 82% and 83.8% − 89.7% identity with those of Bo-Circo-like virus CH strain respectively, which provided further evidence for the hypothesis that PCLV is a novel virus in pigs that may be involved in cross-species transmission. Furthermore, a cross-recombination event was found in the genome and Rep region of the sequenced 13 PCLV strains. This research enriched the epidemiological data of PCLV infection in pigs in China and laid a foundation for further study on the pathogenesis of PCLV.

Place attachment has been a research focus in the fields of park and recreation management. Place attachment plays an important role in promoting sustainable development of parks and mountain tourism destination, however, there are limited studies that identified the spatial patterns of place attachment, especially in the context of mountain tourism destinations in China. Also, the geospatial spectrum of visitors is usually broad, examining the multivariate relationships among spatial proximity, perceived authenticity, and place attachment are essential for mountain tourism destinations to promote destination image and strengthen emotional bonding with targeted visitor groups. In this study, we selected an iconic and highly visited park, Jiuzhai Valley National Park in China, as our study site and conducted an on-site visitor survey to collect 557 samples. Study uses factor analysis and the structure equation model to analyze the relationship among spatial proximity, perceived authenticity, and place attachment. Results validate the two-dimension structure of place attachment and perceived authenticity. Study findings suggest that spatial proximity has significant impacts on existential authenticity and place identity, but has no significant impacts on place dependence. Perceived authenticity has a positive impact on place attachment. Study results advance the theories of place attachment and provide effective strategies to enhance emotional attachment between visitors and mountain tourism destinations.

Background Micronodular thymic tumors with lymphoid stroma include micronodular thymoma with lymphoid stroma (MNT) and micronodular thymic carcinoma with lymphoid hyperplasia (MNC), whose micromorphological features are lymphoid stromal hyperplasia and nodular arrangement of tumor epithelial cells. This type of tumor is rare; therefore, the corresponding clinical guidelines, histopathological diagnostic criteria, prognostic factors, and therapeutic regimens have not been established. Case summary This study covers a novel presentation of MNC in a patient and summarizes the clinicopathological characteristics of this type of tumor by using pooled-analysis methods. Morphologically, this tumor type is a series of benign to malignant pedigrees. We establish the following criteria for the classification of micronodular thymic tumors with lymphoid stroma: (1) Tumor cells with moderate-to-severe dysplasia; (2) Tumor cell mitotic figures > 2/10 high-power fields; (3) Appearance of neoplastic necrosis; (4) No terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-positive immature T lymphocytes within the tumor; (5) Tumor cells with a Ki-67 index ≥ 10%; and (6) Tumor cells express CD5. Cases that fall into the borders of two categories in terms of morphology are attributed to atypical MNT. It is proposed that the diagnosis of MNT should be established on the diagnostic criteria mentioned above. Conclusion Our diagnostic algorithm can effectively distinguish malignant tumors from benign tumors and provides a potent basis for predicting a prognosis, which offers a practical reference for oncologists and pathologists.

Background To explore the association of transthyretin (TRR) with colorectal cancer (CRC) development and progression. Methods This study was conducted on 12 normal colorectal tissue samples, 15 colorectal adenomas, and 39 colorectal adenocarcinoma tissue specimens. TTR expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry, and the results were correlated to clinicopathological characteristics of CRC patients. Results TTR staining was detected in 16.7% (2/12) of normal colon tissues, 46.7% (7/15) of colorectal adenomas, and 89.7% (35/39) of colorectal adenocarcinoma tissues. TTR staining scores in normal colon tissues, adenoma, and adenocarcinoma were 0.58, 2.27, and 5.40, respectively. G3 grade adenocarcinoma had a higher TTR staining score compared with G2 and G1 grades (8.40, p = 0.0009). Lower TTR expression was significantly associated with metastasis (p = 0.043). Conclusions TTR expression is positively correlated with adenoma to CRC progression. Thus, TTR has the potential to serve as a predictive marker in CRC.

Cisplatin is the most widely used anticancer drug, but its side effects limit the maximum systemic dose. To circumvent the side effects, a DNA tetrahedron–affibody nanoparticle was prepared by combination of a DNA chain with cisplatin via interstrand crosslinks or adducts. Each nanocarrier can bind ∼68 molecules of cisplatin. This cisplatin nanoparticle exhibited high selectivity and inhibition for breast cancer HER2 overexpressing cells BT474 and lower toxicity in MCF-7 cells with low HER2 expression. The nano-drug inhibited the growth of BT474 cells by 94.57% at 512 nM (containing 33.3 μM cisplatin), which was higher than that of cisplatin (82.9%, 33.3 μM).

Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) is a novel swine enteropathogenic coronavirus that causes watery diarrhea and induces proinflammatory cytokine responses in piglets. Our previous research showed that the specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chicks exhibited mild diarrhea and low fecal viral shedding, along with cecum lesions after PDCoV infection. Disturbances in the homeostasis of the gut microbiota have been associated with various diseases. We aimed to explore the effects of PDCoV infection on chick gut microbiota, short-chain fatty acid (SCFAs) production, and inflammatory cytokine expression in chicks, and also to investigate the relationship between gut microbiota and SCFAs or inflammatory cytokine expression of the PDCoV-infected chicks. Results obtained using 16S rRNA sequencing showed that infection with PDCoV strain HNZK-02 significantly altered the composition of chick gut microbiota, with the reduced abundance of Eisenbergiella and Anaerotruncus genera at 5 days post-inoculation (dpi) (P < 0.05), and an increased abundance of Alistipes genus at 17 dpi (P < 0.05). The production of SCFAs in the cecum of PDCoV HNZK-02–infected chicks, including acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid, decreased in all cases. The expression of inflammatory cytokines (interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-10) was increased in the cecum tissue and serum of the PDCoV HNZK-02–infected chicks when detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Further analysis showed significant correlation between bacterial genera and SCFAs or inflammatory cytokines expression in cecum of the PDCoV infected chicks. These findings might provide new insight into the pathology and physiology of PDCoV in chicks.

Impingement, tibial erosions, and "painful hardware" caused by a lag screw used for malleolar fracture stabilization are rare occurrences. We report a case of a symptomatic lag screw, used to fix a distal fibular fracture, that impinged on the distal tibial and causing symptoms. Awareness of the condition and early diagnosis based on thoughtful review of CT images are key to symptom alleviation. A review of the published data on the complication of "painful hardware" following ankle fracture fixation is also presented.

Objective: To explore the effect of Atorvastatin Combined with trimetazidine on oxidative stress, hemorheology and NT-proBNP and hs-CRP in patients with coronary heart disease. Method: A total of 84 patients with coronary heart disease were admitted in our hospital from February 2015 to February 2017 were randomly divided into the observation group and the control group, each group with 42 cases. The two groups received routine treatment of coronary heart disease, while the control group was treated with atorvastatin and the observation group was treated with Atorvastatin Combined with trimetazidine. Both groups were treated continuously for one month. The levels of oxidative stress indexes (SOD), malondialdehyde, (MDA), blood rheology indexes (ESR, whole blood hyposhear viscosity, whole blood hypershear viscosity, plasma viscosity, Fibrinogen (Fib) and serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), hypersensitive C reaction protein (hs-CRP) index in two groups were compared analytically. Results: Before treatment, there was no significant difference between the observation group and the control group in terms of oxidative stress, blood rheology and NT-proBNP and hs-CRP index. Compared with before treatment, the level of SOD in observation group and the control group was significantly increased and MDA significantly decreased. While the level of SOD in observation group was significantly higher than the control group, and MDA level was significantly lower than the control group after treatment. Compared with before treatment, the levels of hemorheology indexes included ESR, whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity and Fib in observation group and control group were significantly decreased. After treatment, the levels of ESR, whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity and Fib in the observation group were significantly lower than the control group. Compared with before treatment, the levels of NT-proBNP and hs-CRP in the observation group and control group were significantly decreased. After treatment, the levels of NT-proBNP and hs-CRP in the observation group were significantly lower than the control group,there was significantly statistical difference. Conclusion: Atorvastatin combined with trimetazidine can significantly reduce oxidative stress, restore normal blood rheology, and improve levels of NT-proBNP and hs-CRP in patients with coronary heart disease. This treatment is worthy of clinical promotion.

Objective To explore the efficacy of acupuncture at Sishencōng (四神聪 EX-HN 1) and Baihui (百会 GV 20) as well as the possible mechanism. Methods Eighty cases of insomnia patients treated in our hospital were selected, and randomly divided into a control group and a treatment group according to the random number table method. Conventional treatment was carried out in the control group by giving diazepam tablets, and acupuncture at EX-HN 1 and GV 20 was conducted in the treatment group. The sleep time and quality, PSQI score, and the level changes of blood glutamic acid (GLU), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) were compared in the patients in each group before and after treatment. Results Compared with the results before treatment, the time for falling asleep of the patients in the two groups shortened (both P Conclusion Acupuncture at EX-HN 1 and GV 20 can prolong the sleep time, improve the sleep quality, and the clinical efficacy is superior to that of western medicine treatment. The mechanism may be related to the synthesis and release of amino acids neurotransmitters.

A series of mesostructured SBA-16 materials with different morphologies were prepared by templating method using triblock copolymer pluronic F127 (EO 106 PO 70 EO 106 ) as surfactant and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as silicon source. The influences of inorganic salt KCl and the synthesis temperature (temperature of the synthesis process before hydrothermal treatment) from 25 to 55 °C on the morphologies of SBA-16 materials were also investigated. The obtained materials were characterized by various techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N 2 adsorption–desorption, UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectrum (UV–vis DRS), H 2 temperature-programmed reduction (H 2 -TPR), Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) measurements. The SAXS, SEM and TEM results demonstrated that the SBA-16 materials possessed a body-centred cubic Im3m mesostructure. Five kinds of morphologies were found for the as-prepared SBA-16 materials, while sphere SBA-16 particles were obtained at the synthesis temperatures of 25 °C and 30 °C; mixed states of decahedral together with sphere were obtained at 38 °C; decahedral together with dodecahedral was obtained at 45 °C; hexagonal prisms was obtained at 50 °C; and tetrakaidecahedron was obtained at 55 °C. Moreover, aluminium isopropoxide was incorporated into the SBA-16 materials with a Si/Al molar ratio of 20 through the post-synthesized method, and the corresponding hydrodesulfurization (HDS) activities of NiMo supported catalysts on dibenzothiophene (DBT) were also performed in a micro reactor at T =340 °C and P =4 MPa with different weight hourly space velocities (WHSV). These NiMo catalysts were denoted as NiMo/S-x. S referred to Al modified SBA-16 supports, and x signified the synthesis temperatures from 25 to 55 °C. The synthesis mechanism of SBA-16 exhibiting different morphologies was proposed. Meanwhile, the DBT (500 ppm) HDS performance over NiMo/S-50 catalyst exhibited the highest conversion of 95.2% at the WHSV of 20 h −1 .

Background: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), a mosquito-borne alphavirus, has become a global public health concern. The lack of effective vaccines and antiviral agents are largely attributed to the elusive infection and dissemination dynamics in vivo. Methods: In this study, we designed and developed a novel, replication-competent, CHIKV reporter virus (CHIKV-iRFP) encoding a near infrared fluorescent protein (iRFP) for in vivo imaging. Findings: In vitro and in vivo characterization demonstrated that CHIKV-iRFP retained similar replication and virulence phenotype to the parental CHIKV. Neonatal BABL/c mice and IFNAR-/- A129 mice displayed highly susceptive to CHIKV-iRFP infection. Following intracranial (i.c.) inoculation, CHIKV-iRFP efficiently replicated and disseminated into whole body, resulting in rapid death in a age-dependent manner. Remarkably, upon i.c. inoculation, CHIKV-iRFP readily disseminated from footpad to the head and whole skeleton, with a specific tropism for bone marrow. Interpretation: Taken together, this novel reporter virus provides a powerful tool to visualize CHIKV replication and to test the efficacy of vaccines and antiviral therapeutics in a noninvasive and real-time manner. Funding: The National Key Research and Development Program of China (2018YFA0507201), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81572003). Declaration of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest. Ethical Approval: The experimental protocols were approved by the Animal Experiment Committee of Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China.

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), a major cause of Japanese encephalitisis, is an arbovirus that belongs to the genus Flavivirus of the family Flaviviridae. Currently, there is no effective drugs available for the treatment of JEV infection. Therefore, it is important to establish efficient antiviral screening system for the development of antiviral drugs. In this study, we constructed a full-length infectious clone of eGFP-JEV reporter virus by inserting the eGFP gene into the capsid-coding region of the viral genome. The reporter virus RNA transfected-BHK-21 cells generated robust eGFP fluorescence signals that were correlated well with viral replication. The reporter virus displayed growth kinetics similar to wild type (WT) virus although replicated a little slower. Using a known JEV inhibitor, NITD008, we demonstrated that the reporter virus could be used to identify inhibitors against JEV. Furthermore, an eGFP-JEV-based high throughput screening (HTS) assay was established in a 96-well format and used for screening of 1,443 FDA-approved drugs. Sixteen hit drugs were identified to be active against JEV. Among them, five compounds which are lonafarnib, cetylpyridinium chlorid, cetrimonium bromide, nitroxoline and hexachlorophene, are newly discovered inhibitors of JEV, providing potential new therapies for treatment of JEV infection., Highlights • The eGFP-JEV reporter virus was established. • The eGFP-JEV -based high throughput screening (HTS) assay was developed with a calculated Z′ factor of >0.5. • A library of 1,443 FDA-approved drugs was screened to determine their ability to inhibit JEV infection using this HTS assay. • 5 novel hit drugs were identified to be active against JEV infection.

A uniform Co3O4 layer is coated on nickel-rich cathode material LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 via a facile polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP)-assisted wet coating process. The 1 wt.% Co3O4-coated LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 shows improved electrochemical performance, especially the cycling stability, at high cut-off voltage of 4.6 V. Its highly continuous and compact coating layer is confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The improved performance can be attributed to Co3O4 coating layer which acts as HF scavenger and protects LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 core from electrolyte attack. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) results indicate that the coated sample exhibits lower polarization and higher reversibility of electrode reaction. The storage property of LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 is also ameliorated by Co3O4 coating. After storing in air for three months, the initial discharge capacities of pristine and 1 wt.% Co3O4-coated LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 decrease from 206.4 mAh g−1 and 209.5 mAh g−1 at 0.1C (18 mA g−1) to 177.8 mAh g−1 and 198.6 mAh g−1, respectively. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results reveal that the charge transfer resistance of coated sample after storage is much smaller than that of stored pristine sample. The improved storage property also benefits from Co3O4 coating layer which can prevent the formation of electrochemical inactive Li2CO3/LiOH impurities.

Faced with the problem of generation for 3D machining process model, an approach to generate three dimensional machining process model according to information from design model based on definition is proposed. Compared with the existing methods, the approach utilizes multiple information of design model based on definition and takes many phases into consideration of 3D process model generation. The structure of 3D machining process model is defined and the course of 3D process model generation is researched, including multiple information acquirement, generation of procedure geometric models and annotation. Finally, the framework of system and application for 3D machining process model generation are presented for validation purposes.

Here, we describe a cell culture-based procedure for isolating the infectious ZIKV (GenBank KU963796) from a human serum sample (ca. 50 μL) with an extremely low viral load (Ct value = 32).

West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that causes epidemics of encephalitis and viscerotropic disease worldwide. This virus has spread rapidly and has posed a significant public health threat since the outbreak in New York City in 1999. The interferon (IFN)-mediated antiviral response represents an important component of virus-host interactions and plays an essential role in regulating viral replication. Previous studies have suggested that multifunctional nonstructural proteins encoded by flaviviruses antagonize the host IFN response via various means in order to establish efficient viral replication. In this study, we demonstrated that the nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) of WNV antagonizes IFN-β production, most likely through suppression of retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptor (RLR) activation. In a dual-luciferase reporter assay, WNV NS1 significantly inhibited the activation of the IFN-β promoter after Sendai virus infection or poly(I·C) treatment. NS1 also suppressed the activation of the IFN-β promoter when it was stimulated by interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3)/5D or its upstream molecules in the RLR signaling pathway. Furthermore, NS1 blocked the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of IRF3 upon stimulation by various inducers. Mechanistically, WNV NS1 targets RIG-I and melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) by interacting with them and subsequently causing their degradation by the proteasome. Furthermore, WNV NS1 inhibits the K63-linked polyubiquitination of RIG-I, thereby inhibiting the activation of downstream sensors in the RLR signaling pathway. Taken together, our results reveal a novel mechanism by which WNV NS1 interferes with the host antiviral response. IMPORTANCE WNV Nile virus (WNV) has received increased attention since its introduction to the United States. However, the pathogenesis of this virus is poorly understood. This study demonstrated that the nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) of WNV antagonizes the induction of interferon beta (IFN-β) by interacting with and degrading retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) and melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5), which are crucial viral sensors in the host innate immune system. Further experiments suggested that NS1-mediated inhibition of the RIG-I-like receptor (RLR) signaling pathway involves inhibition of RIG-I K63-linked polyubiquitination and that the proteasome plays a role in RIG-I degradation. This study provides new insights into the regulation of WNV NS1 in the RLR signaling pathway and reveals a novel mechanism by which WNV evades the host innate immune response. The novel findings may guide us to discover new therapeutic targets and develop effective vaccines for WNV infections.

The adaptive capacity to water resource scarcity is closely connected to social and economic issues and it is one of the key factors of the regional sustainable development. Accurate evaluation of the adaptive capacity is an important factor to understand the development potential of a region. Through introducing the concept of social adaptive ability, this paper combines social adaptive ability with the dynamic evaluation of water resource scarcity and sustainable supply capacity as a new evaluation method. The data from two provincial-level municipalities of China (Beijing and Tianjin) are selected as a case to evaluate regional sustainable development. The results show that social adaptive ability can increase water supply capacity and provide strong support for regional sustainable development.

Three-dimensional machining procedure models are used for generating three-dimensional process model and process planning that support machining. It can be realized through extracting information of three-dimensional design model. The consistency of data and visualization of machining can be improved using the technologies for parts, which are compared with the current two-dimensional technology. The key technologies and framework for construction of three-dimensional machining procedure model based definition are researched.

Along with the development of society and economy, researchers begin to focus on the quality of economic development from simple pursuing economic growth rate. There are many indexes to measure the economic development quality, and carbon efficiency is one of the most important indexes. This paper constructing DEA model to calculate carbon efficiency indexes directly, through the carbon efficiency evaluation, can reflect the quality of economic growth objectively and then provide scientific basis for relevant government departments to make environmental economic decisions. Therefore, this study selects the four provincial-level municipalities of China (Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin and Chongqing) as a case to evaluate carbon efficiency.

Purpose After observing prominent cisterna chyli in several patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), we investigated the potential association of cistern chyli enlargement with ADPKD. Materials and Methods Retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of abdominal and pelvic MRI at 1.5 Tesla (T) in 70 ADPKD patients (male 44.3%, 20–83 years, median = 53 years) were compared with 70 age and gender matched control subjects without ADPKD, cirrhosis, or cholestasis. Cisterna chyli diameter was measured on axial single shot fast spin echo (SSFSE) images at the level of T12–L2 and evaluated by multivariable regression models with covariates including estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), total kidney volume (TKV), renal cyst fraction (cyst volume/kidney volume), and liver volume. Results Subjects with ADPKD had larger median cisterna chyli diameter compared with those without ADPKD (6.1 mm versus 3.4 mm, P

West Nile virus (WNV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus, is an important neurotropic human pathogen. As a biosafety level-3 (BSL-3) agent, WNV is strictly to BSL-3 laboratories for experimentations, thus greatly hindering the development of vaccine and antiviral drug. Here, we developed a novel pseudo-infectious WNV reporter virus expressing the Gaussia luciferase (Gluc). A stable 293TNS1 cell line expressing NS1 was selected for trans-supplying NS1 protein to support the replication of WNV-ΔNS1 virus and WNV-ΔNS1-Gluc reporter virus with large-fragment deletion of NS1. WNV-ΔNS1 virus and WNV-Gluc-ΔNS1 reporter virus were confined to complete their replication cycle in this 293TNS1 cell line, displaying nearly identical growth kinetics to WT WNV although the viral titers were lower than those of WT WNV. The reporter gene was stably maintained in virus genome at least within three rounds of passage in 293TNS1 cell line. Using a known flaviviruses inhibitor, NITD008, we demonstrated that the pseudo-infectious WNV-Gluc-ΔNS1 could be used for antiviral screening. Furthermore, a high-throughput screening (HTS) assay in a 96-well format was optimized and validated using several known WNV inhibitors, indicating that the optimized HTS assay was suitable for high-throughput screening WNV inhibitors. Our work provides a stable and safe tool to handle WNV outside of a BSL-3 facility and facilitates high throughput screening for anti-WNV drugs.

The efficiency of design has significant impact on the overall lead time for the new product of heavy industry machinery. Case-based reasoning (CBR) can be used to heavy industry machinery design for improving the effectiveness of design. However, CBR is short of flexibility to cope with the semantic retrieval, which is the main cause of the decline in the efficiency and accuracy. Confronted with the problem, the approach has been developed based on the combining ontology and retrieval in case-based reasoning for heavy industry machinery design. Through incorporating ontology with CBR, the paper provides a flexible and comprehensive operation. An example case study of rotary drilling rig demonstrates the potential which the proposed method is more effective to retrieve cases on the semantic level.

Semaphorin4D (Sema4D) belongs to Semaphorins family and is secreted and membrane-bound protein. Its function on angiogenesis and axon regeneration makes it an ideal therapeutic target for spinal cord injury (SCI). Here we examined Sema4D expression profile by real-time PCR and western blot and found Sema4D was upregulated after SCI. In vitro study showed Sema4D was not only expressed in oligodendrocytes but also in endothelial cells (ECs). Hypoxia can mimic Sema4D upregulation in both cell lines. Moreover, overexpression of Sema4D through lentivirus in ECs promoted tube formation. However, Sema4D overexpression in oligodendrocytes precursor cells (OPCs) inhibited neuron myelination in neuron-oligodendrocyte co-culture system. Therefore, Sema4D knockdown in OPCs was applied in SCI rats. The results indicated that Sema4D knockdown significantly promoted functional recovery with blood-brain barrier score. Taken together, our data suggest that specific Sema4D knockdown in oligodendrocytes without disturbing its angiogenesis effect can be a beneficial strategy for SCI treatment.

The modular dual-rotor was designed for the Rubber continuous mixer in this paper. It was composed of various components with different configurations, such as meshing components, shear components, large screw lead components and tooth components,etc. The type and location of structural components can be changed according to the mixing performance. A lot of rubber continuous mixing experiments had been done using the formula of tread compound and three rotor configurations in the rubber continuous mixer. The best of the rotor structure and combination had been found by the comparison analysis of experimental results.

Two rotor configurations were designed for the continuous plasticator in this paper. The rotor configuration, rotor speed and machine barrel temperature were set as the variable parameters in this contrast experiment. What’s more, the experimental investigation showed that, the three factors had effects on the plastication performance. When the temperature of machine barrels and extrusion dies reached and the rotor speed was at , the plastication performance of two rotor configurations was relatively better. And the rotor configuration II was better than I by synthesizing all kinds of factors.

This paper studies the basic principle of the fractal theory, and analyses fractal characteristics of the road crack external form. The fractal dimension characteristic construction algorithm is designed by self-similarity of fractal dimensional and its mathematical expression form. Then road crack texture fractal extraction and analysis is highlighted based on one dimensional fractal. At last, it is compared with regional division combined methods segmentation by testing. The results show that the fractal dimension is a kind of effective quantitative method to depict road crack characteristics, and the algorithm can extract various road crack feature effectively and improve the fracture identification precision and intelligence.

Flavivirus nonstructural protein 2B (NS2B) is a transmembrane protein that functions as a cofactor for viral NS3 protease. The cytoplasmic region (amino acids 51 to 95) alone of NS2B is sufficient for NS3 protease activity, whereas the role of transmembrane domains (TMDs) remains obscure. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that flavivirus NS2B plays a critical role in virion assembly. Using Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) as a model, we performed a systematic mutagenesis at the flavivirus conserved residues within the TMDs of NS2B. As expected, some mutations severely attenuated (L38A and R101A) or completely destroyed (G12L) viral RNA synthesis. Interestingly, two mutations (G37L and P112A) reduced viral RNA synthesis and blocked virion assembly. None of the mutations affected NS2B-NS3 protease activity. Because mutations G37L and P112A affected virion assembly, we selected revertant viruses for these two mutants. For mutant G37L, replacement with G37F, G37H, G37T, or G37S restored virion assembly. For mutant P112A, insertion of K at position K127 (leading to K127KK) of NS2B rescued virion assembly. A biomolecular fluorescent complementation (BiFC) analysis demonstrated that (i) mutation P112A selectively weakened NS2B-NS2A interaction and (ii) the adaptive mutation K127KK restored NS2B-NS2A interaction. Collectively, our results demonstrate that, in addition to being a cofactor for NS3 protease, flavivirus NS2B also functions in viral RNA replication, as well as virion assembly. IMPORTANCE Many flaviviruses are important human pathogens. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of the viral infection cycle is essential for vaccine and antiviral development. In this study, we demonstrate that the TMDs of JEV NS2B participate in both viral RNA replication and virion assembly. A viral genetic study and a BiFC assay demonstrated that interaction between NS2B and NS2A may participate in modulating viral assembly in the flavivirus life cycle. Compensatory-mutation analysis confirmed that there was a correlation between viral assembly and NS2B-NS2A interaction. TMDs of NS2B may serve as novel antiviral targets to prevent flavivirus infection, and the structure determination of NS2B will help us to understand the functional mechanism of NS2B in viral RNA replication and assembly. The results have uncovered a new function of flavivirus NS2B in virion assembly, possibly through interaction with the NS2A protein.

This paper considers the actual needs of the hospital for data storage and the characteristics of the Hadoop framework, builds a clinical data center using Hadoop, Hive and so on which are widely used in modern society. This new clinical data center overcomes the shortcomings of traditional Unix servers, meets the hospital demand for data storage and provides Cloud Computing platform. First, this paper describes the current trends of hospital clinical data center. Then the paper describes the design of clinical data center with EMR and PACS and realizes the storage of structured data and unstructured data.

Discovery of an association between gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) has led to less use of GBCA-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in dialysis patients and patients with severe renal failure at risk of NSF, and the virtual elimination of new cases of NSF. But shifting patients with renal failure to alternative imaging methods may subject patients to other risks (e.g., ionizing radiation or iodinated contrast). This review paper examines 370 NSF cases reported in 98 articles to analyze NSF risk factors. Eliminating multiple risk factors by limiting GBCA dose to a maximum of 0.1 mmol/kg, dialyzing patients undergoing dialysis quickly following GBCA administration, delaying GBCA in acute renal failure until after renal function returns or dialysis is initiated, and avoiding nonionic linear GBCA in patients with renal failure especially when there are proinflammatory conditions may substantially reduce the risk of NSF.

Objective: To observe the accuracy of computer-assisted navigation (CAN) in cervical pedicle screw installation and to analyze the reasons for screw malposition. Methods: From October 2004 to December 2009, 144 cervical pedicle screws were installed in 25 patients with cervical spinal diseases using CAN. Screw position and direction were measured on sagittal and transection images from intraoperative navigation and postoperative CTs. Results: Among 144 screws inserted from C3 to C7, two perforated the upper pedicle wall and three deviated from the lateral pedicle wall. The rate of accurate cervical pedicle screw placement with CAN was 96.5% (139/144) in our group. There was no statistical difference in the position and direction of the pedicle screws according to navigation images and CT scans. Conclusion: CAN can result in high accuracy of cervical pedicle installation. The excursion phenomenon is responsible for malposition of pedicle screws. Only by understanding the navigational principles of CAN and the characteristics of cervical spinal surgery, together with personal experience, can good use be made of CAN.

Renal artery stenosis can be diagnosed with multiple imaging modalities, each one having different risk vs accuracy tradeoffs. Catheter angiography with pressure gradient measurements is the definitive gold standard but also the most invasive and thus reserved primarily for imaging at the time of renal revascularization. Ultrasonography is the safest and least expensive but also the least accurate and most operator-dependent. Contrast-enhanced computed tomographic angiography and magnetic resonance angiography are intermediate (between ultrasound and catheter angiography) with respect to accuracy and expense. Exciting new advances in magnetic resonance that include new contrast agents, which eliminate nephrogenic systemic fibrosis risk, and techniques to characterize the hemodynamic significance of renal artery stenoses are now becoming available. In addition, magnetic resonance angiography without any contrast has become more accurate and rivals contrast-enhanced techniques in some patients. This review explores these techniques for renal artery stenosis imaging.

Purpose To identify changes in vascular morphology on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with cirrhosis and to compare these findings to liver donors. Materials and Methods Patients undergoing liver transplantation with biopsy-proven cirrhosis (n = 74) and liver donor candidates (n = 85) underwent dynamic gadolinium-enhanced 3D MR at 1.5T. Vessel diameters were measured independently by three radiologists and features of cirrhosis were identified and correlated with cirrhosis. Results Hepatic veins were smaller in patients with cirrhosis (4.9, 4.5, and 5.0 mm for right, middle, and left vs. 9.9, 7.6, and 8.9 mm in donors, P ≪ 0.001) and were negatively correlated with cirrhosis (P < 0.001). Right hepatic vein (RHV)

The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of 3-T MRI in the preoperative diagnosis, staging, and planning of surgical management of rectal carcinoma.Thirty-eight patients (23 men, 15 women) with clinically suspected rectal carcinoma underwent 3-T MRI. Coronal, axial, and sagittal T2-weighted sequences with and without fat suppression; axial T1-weighted spin-echo sequences; axial T1-weighted gradient-echo sequences with and without fat suppression; oblique 2D MR hydrography; and 3D fat-suppressed dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI were performed. Image quality with these sequences was evaluated by three radiologists experienced in body MRI. The significance of difference in results with the sequences was tested. The manner in which MRI staging and feasibility of sphincter-sparing surgery agreed with operative and pathologic findings was evaluated with kappa statistics.Rectal carcinoma was identified on MRI and confirmed histologically in all 38 patients. MRI findings were correctly predictive of T category in 35 cases (accuracy, 92.1%). In 31 (96.9%) of 32 resectable cases,sphincter-sparing surgical approaches were accurately chosen on the basis of MRI findings. Among the 11 sequences, 3D fat-suppressed dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI best delineated tumor margins. Coronal and axial T2-weighted images also well depicted tumor margins with minimal artifact. T2-weighted images were superior to unenhanced T1-weighted images.MRI of rectal cancer at 3 T is accurate for prediction of T category and the feasibility of sphincter-sparing surgery. The best images were obtained with coronal, sagittal, and axial T2-weighted sequences and 3D fat-suppressed dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI.

Purpose To investigate the in vivo effects of gadodiamide (Gd-DTPA-BMA) and gadopentetate dimeglumine (Gd-DTPA) on the laboratory measurements of serum calcium, magnesium, and creatinine. Materials and Methods Medical records from 1993 to 2004 were reviewed to identify inpatients for whom laboratory data were available regarding serum calcium, creatinine, and magnesium levels before and within one day after gadodiamide and gadopentetate dimeglumine enhanced MRI. Patients who underwent both gadolinium (Gd)-enhanced MRI and iodinated contrast-enhanced examinations on separate days within a six-month period were also identified to compare changes in serum creatinine. Results Serum creatinine did not increase in 2788 cases following gadopentetate dimeglumine and gadodiamide injection. By comparison, serum creatinine increased from 1.21 to 1.28 mg/dL following iodinated contrast, and there were 20 cases (2.6%) of contrast-induced nephrotoxicity (P < 0.01). Gadopentetate dimeglumine did not affect serum calcium or magnesium measurements. Following 1157 gadodiamide-enhanced examinations, measured serum calcium spuriously dropped from 8.65 to 8.33 mg/dL (P < 0.0001) and 34 patients had spurious critical hypocalcemia (

Flavivirus NS4A and NS4B are important membrane proteins for viral replication that are assumed to serve as the scaffold for the formation of replication complexes. We previously demonstrated that a single Lys-to-Arg mutation at position 79 in NS4A (NS4A-K79R) significantly impaired Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) replication. In this study, the mutant virus was subject to genetic selection to search for the potential interaction between NS4A and other viral components. Sequencing of the recovered viruses revealed that, in addition to an A97E change in NS4A itself, a Y3N compensatory mutation located in NS4B had emerged from independent selections. Mutagenesis analysis, using a genome-length RNA and a replicon of JEV, demonstrated that both adaptive mutations greatly restored the replication defect caused by NS4A-K79R. Our results, for the first time to our knowledge, clearly showed the genetic interaction between NS4A and NS4B, although the mechanism underlying their interaction is unknown.

Purpose To evaluate visualization inside platinum stents with three-dimensional contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA). Materials and Methods Breath-hold three-dimensional gadolinium (Gd) MRA was performed on 18 patients with 22 platinum stents in the renal (n = 18), celiac (n = 1), superior mesenteric (n = 1), and iliac (n = 2) arteries. Electronic calibers were used to measure the lumen diameter within the stent and just distal to the stent to calculate percent stenosis. MRA accuracy was determined from the difference between percent stenosis measured on MRA and digital subtracted angiography (DSA). The patients were imaged at flip angles of 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°, and 150°. Results MRA demonstrated the stent lumen in all of the patients, with a mean difference between MRA and DSA of 21%. For stents oriented parallel to B0 (iliac arteries) the difference was only 10%, as compared to 22% for stents perpendicular to B0. The flip angle with the best agreement between MRA and DSA was 75° (16%). Conclusion The lumen of a platinum stent can be imaged with three-dimensional CE-MRA, although grading of restenosis has limited accuracy. The best results were obtained with a flip angle of 75° and for stents in the iliac arteries parallel to B0. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2004;20:975–980. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.