Search

Abstract Objectives Endoscopic lateral neck dissection (LND) can be a scarless procedure if a surgeon has performed a sufficient number of operations to become skilled at the techniques involved. Here, we examine the learning curve for a surgeon who performed 53 endoscopic LND procedures via chest approach. Methods Surgical outcomes for 53 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma who underwent endoscopic LND via chest approach between February 2017 and November 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. The surgeon’s learning curve was evaluated using a cumulative sum graphic model (CUSUM). Results A CUSUM analysis was applied to 53 patients (10 males, 43 females) with a mean age of 41.4 y who underwent endoscopic LND via chest approach. The best model for the curve was determined to be a third-order polynomial equation as follows: CUSUMOT = − 0.007×patient number3-0.666×patient number2 + 55.721×patient number − 72.964. This equation has a high R2 value of 0.929. The peak operative time (OT) occurred at the 30th case. Consequently, the learning curve model was divided into two phases: phase 1 (1–30 cases) and phase 2 (31–53 cases). OT (307.9 ± 63.8 min vs. 232.4 ± 44.2 min, respectively; p

To discover novel, potent anti-inflammatory diterpenoids, a series of hybrids of 7-oxodehydroabietic acid bearing a 1,2,3-triazole moiety was designed and synthesized. The target compounds were characterized by means of 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and ESI-HRMS. All the compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity towards BV2 cell lines using L-NMMA (IC50 = 42.36 ± 2.47 µM) as a positive control. Most showed good anti-inflammatory activities, especially compounds 10 (IC50 = 8.40 ± 0.98 µM), 15 (IC50 = 10.74 ± 2.67 µM), 16 (IC50 = 10.96 ± 1.85 µM), and 17 (IC50 = 9.76 ± 1.27 µM), which exhibited potent anti-inflammatory effects on BV2 cell lines.

Abstract Background This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of the trans-oral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) with neuroprotection techniques for the surgical management of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Methods Patients with PTC who underwent TOETVA between December 2016 and July 2020 were included in this study, and their relevant clinical characteristics, operational details, and surgical outcomes were reviewed and extracted from their medical records for further analysis. Results A total of 75 patients successfully underwent TOETVA with zero conversions. Unilateral lobectomy with isthmectomy and total thyroidectomy were completed for 58 and 17 patients, respectively, all using our unique neuroprotective procedure and ipsilateral central neck dissection (CND). The mean number of retrieved lymph nodes versus positive lymph nodes was 6.8 ± 3.7 vs. 1.5 ± 2.3. Postoperative complications included three cases of transient superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) palsy (4.0%), five cases of transient recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy (6.7%), 14 cases of transient hypoparathyroidism (18.7%), two cases of numb chin (2.7%) and two cases of flap perforation (2.7%). The follow-up period for patients with PTC lasted for 15.6 ± 10.9 months, during which no other complications or tumor recurrence were observed. Conclusion TOETVA can be safely performed for patients with PTC with satisfactory results during the short-term follow-up period. Our neuroprotection techniques can be integrated into TOETVA, which is worth recommending for PTC patients who desire better cosmetic surgical outcomes.

IntroductionDuring COVID-19, some front-line personnel experienced varying degrees of eye discomfort due to the use of goggles repeatedly disinfected with chlorine-containing disinfectant.MethodsThe eye damage information of 276 front-line personnel who used goggles in a hospital from October 1, 2021, to December 1, 2021, was collected by filling out a questionnaire. To study the effect of chlorinated disinfectants on goggles, we immersed the goggles in the same volume of water and chlorinated disinfectant buckets. We tested the light transmittance, color and texture, and airtightness of the goggles at different times (1, 3, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 96, 120, 144, 168, 192, 216, 240, and 268 h). In addition, we detected where chlorinated disinfectant remained in the goggles by using disinfectant concentration test paper.Results60 (21.82%) people experienced dry eyes, stinging pain, photophobia and tearing, conjunctival congestion, eyelid redness, and swelling. After treatment or rest, the patient's ocular symptoms were significantly relieved within 3 days. With the extension of disinfection time, the light transmission of the lenses gradually decreased, and the light transmission reduced when immersion occurred at 216 h. After 72 h of disinfection, the color of the goggle frame began to change to light yellow, the texture gradually became hard and brittle, and the color became significantly darker at 268 h of disinfection. The airtightness of the goggles began to decrease after 168 h of disinfection, the airtightness decreased substantially at 268 h, and the shape changed significantly. In addition, the concentration test paper results show that the disinfection solution mainly resides in the goggle frame seam and goggles' elastic bands' bundle.ConclusionsRepeated chlorine disinfectant disinfection will reduce the effectiveness of goggles protection and damage front-line personnel's eye health.

Lateral neck dissection (LND) is a necessary treatment for thyroid cancer with lateral lymph node metastasis. However, the defect created during open surgery leaves a visible scar on the neck. With advancements in surgical technology, many robotic and endoscopic surgical techniques have been reported as alternatives to open surgery. In this study, we present a case series demonstrating the successful application of a novel hybrid approach for endoscopic LND and a review of different surgical approaches for “scarless” (at the neck) LND. We performed endoscopic LND via a combined chest and transoral approach in 24 patients between January 2021 and March 2022. The surgery was completed successfully in all patients with an average operation time of 298.1 ± 72.9 min. The numbers of positive/retrieved lymph nodes at levels II, III-IV, and VI were 0.7 ± 0.9/8.4 ± 4.1, 3.6 ± 2.7/19.5 ± 6.8, and 4.9 ± 3.9/10.3 ± 4.5, respectively. Complications included transient hypoparathyroidism in 10 patients, transient recurrent laryngeal nerve injury in 1 patient, internal jugular vein (IJN) injury in 1 patient, IJN sacrifice due to cancer invasion in 1 patient, and chyle leak in 1 patient, and no cases of tumor recurrence were observed during follow-up. The present case series indicates that the combined chest and transoral approach is feasible and effective for performing LND. Our review of different approaches for “scarless” (at the neck) LND identified advantages and disadvantages for all techniques. Our novel approach has unique advantages, and thus, it can provide an ideal surgical procedure for specific papillary thyroid carcinoma patients.

The shape transformation characteristics of four-dimensional (4D)-printed bone structures can meet the individual bone regeneration needs, while their structure can be programmed to cross-link or reassemble by stimulating responsive materials. At the same time, it can be used to design vascularized bone structures that help establish a bionic microenvironment, thus influencing cellular behavior and enhancing stem cell differentiation in the postprinting phase. These developments significantly improve conventional three-dimensional (3D)-printed bone structures with enhanced functional adaptability, providing theoretical support to fabricate bone structures to adapt to defective areas dynamically. The printing inks used are stimulus-responsive materials that enable spatiotemporal distribution, maintenance of bioactivity and cellular release for bone, vascular and neural tissue regeneration. This paper discusses the limitations of current bone defect therapies, 4D printing materials used to stimulate bone tissue engineering (e.g., hydrogels), the printing process, the printing classification and their value for clinical applications. We focus on summarizing the technical challenges faced to provide novel therapeutic implications for bone defect repair.

Abstract. Background:. High-frequency irreversible electroporation (H-FIRE) is a novel, next-generation nanoknife technology with the advantage of relieving irreversible electroporation (IRE)-induced muscle contractions. However, the difference between IRE and H-FIRE with distinct ablation parameters was not clearly defined. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of the two treatments in vivo. Methods:. Ten Bama miniature swine were divided into two group: five in the 1-day group and five in the 7-day group. The efficacy of IRE and H-FIRE ablation was compared by volume transfer constant (Krans), rate constant (Kep) and extravascular extracellular volume fraction (Ve) value of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI), size of the ablation zone, and histologic analysis. Each animal underwent the IRE and H-FIRE. Temperatures of the electrodes were measured during ablation. DCE-MRI images were obtained 1, 4, and 7 days after ablation in the 7-day group. All animals in the two groups were euthanized 1 day or 7 days after ablation, and subsequently, IRE and H-FIRE treated liver tissues were collected for histological examination. Student's t test or Mann-Whitney U test was applied for comparing any two groups. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test and Welch's ANOVA test followed by Holm-Sidak's multiple comparisons test, one-way ANOVA with repeated measures followed by Bonferroni test, or Kruskal-Wallis H test followed by Dunn's multiple comparison test was used for multiple group comparisons and post hoc analyses. Pearson correlation coefficient test was conducted to analyze the relationship between two variables. Results:. Higher Ve was seen in IRE zone than in H-FIRE zone (0.14 ± 0.02 vs. 0.08 ± 0.05, t = 2.408, P = 0.043) on day 4, but no significant difference was seen in Ktrans or Kep between IRE and H-FIRE zones at all time points (all P > 0.05). For IRE zone, the greatest Ktrans was seen on day 7, which was significantly higher than that on day 1 (P = 0.033). The ablation zone size of H-FIRE was significantly larger than IRE 1 day (4.74 ± 0.88 cm2vs. 3.20 ± 0.77 cm2, t = 3.241, P = 0.009) and 4 days (2.22 ± 0.83 cm2vs. 1.30 ± 0.50 cm2, t = 2.343, P = 0.041) after treatment. Apoptotic index (0.05 ± 0.02 vs. 0.73 ± 0.06 vs. 0.68 ± 0.07, F = 241.300, P 0.05). Electrode temperature variations were not significantly different between the two zones (18.00 ± 3.77°C vs. 16.20 ± 7.45°C, t = 0.682, P = 0.504). The Ktrans value (r = 0.940, P = 0.017) and the Kep value (r = 0.895, P = 0.040) of the H-FIRE zone were positively correlated with the number of hepatocytes in the ablation zone. Conclusions:. H-FIRE showed a comparable ablation effect to IRE. DCE-MRI has the potential to monitor the changes of H-FIRE ablation zone.

Abstract The spindle and kinetochore-associated protein complex (Ska) is an essential component in chromosome segregation. It comprises three proteins (Ska1, Ska2, and Ska3) with theorized roles in chromosomal instability and tumor development, and its overexpression has been widely reported in a variety of tumors. However, the prognostic significance and immune infiltration of Ska proteins in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are not completely understood. The bioinformatics tools Oncomine, UALCAN, gene expression profiling interactive analysis 2 (GEPIA2), cBioPortal, GeneMANIA, Metascape, and TIMER were used to analyze differential expression, prognostic value, genetic alteration, and immune cell infiltration of the Ska protein complex in HCC patients. We found that the mRNA expression of the Ska complex was markedly upregulated in HCC. High expression of the Ska complex is closely correlated with tumor stage, patient race, tumor grade, and TP53 mutation status. In addition, high expression of the Ska complex was significantly correlated with poor disease-free survival, while the high expression levels of Ska1 and Ska3 were associated with shorter overall survival. The biological functions of the Ska complex in HCC primarily involve the amplification of signals from kinetochores, the mitotic spindle, and (via a MAD2 invasive signal) unattached kinetochores. Furthermore, the expression of the complex was positively correlated with tumor-infiltrating cells. These results may provide new insights into the development of immunotherapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers for HCC.

Abstract Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative disease of the bone and joints. Immune-related genes and immune cell infiltration are important in OA development. We analyzed immune-related genes and immune infiltrates to identify OA diagnostic markers. The datasets GSE51588, GSE55235, GSE55457, GSE82107, and GSE114007 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. First, R software was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed immune-related genes (DEIRGs), and functional correlation analysis was conducted. Second, CIBERSORT was used to evaluate infiltration of immune cells in OA tissue. Finally, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator logistic regression algorithm and support vector machine-recurrent feature elimination algorithm were used to screen and verify diagnostic markers of OA. A total of 711 DEGs and 270 DEIRGs were identified in this study. Functional enrichment analysis showed that the DEGs and DEIRGs are closely related to cellular calcium ion homeostasis, ion channel complexes, chemokine signaling pathways, and JAK-STAT signaling pathways. Differential analysis of immune cell infiltration showed that M1 macrophage infiltration was increased but that mast cell and neutrophil infiltration were decreased in OA samples. The machine learning algorithm cross-identified 15 biomarkers (BTC, PSMD8, TLR3, IL7, APOD, CIITA, IFIH1, CDC42, FGF9, TNFAIP3, CX3CR1, ERAP2, SEMA3D, MPO, and plasma cells). According to pass validation, all 15 biomarkers had high diagnostic efficacy (AUC > 0.7), and the diagnostic efficiency was higher when the 15 biomarkers were fitted into one variable (AUC = 0.758). We developed 15 biomarkers for OA diagnosis. The findings provide a new understanding of the molecular mechanism of OA from the perspective of immunology.

This study aimed to assess the association between psychological disorders and erectile dysfunction (ED) in patients with different degrees of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). This was a retrospective study conducted from June 2017 to October 2019 and included 182 outpatients. Patients were interviewed using the Structured Interview on Erectile Dysfunction (SIEDY) for pathogenic quantification. The National Institutes of Health-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) and the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) were used for the evaluation of CP/CPPS and ED. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were used to assess anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms. The number of patients with mild CP/CPPS and mild ED, mild CP/CPPS and moderate-to-severe ED, moderate-to-severe CP/CPPS and mild ED, and moderate-to-severe CP/CPPS and moderate-to-severe ED was 69 (37.9%), 36 (19.8%), 35 (19.2%), and 42 (23.1%), respectively. The corresponding PHQ-9 scores of the four groups were 6.22, 7.19, 10.69, and 7.71, respectively. The corresponding GAD-7 scores of the four groups were 5.26, 6.31, 8.77, and 6.36, respectively. Among patients with moderate-to-severe CP/CPPS, the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores of the moderate-to-severe ED group were significantly lower than those of the mild ED group (P = 0.007 and P = 0.010, respectively). The prevalence of ED and premature ejaculation (PE) in patients with moderate-to-severe CP/CPPS was significantly higher than that in patients with mild CP/CPPS (P = 0.001 and P = 0.024, respectively). Our findings proved that the severity of ED was negatively associated with psychological symptoms in outpatients with moderate-to-severe CP/CPPS.

ObjectiveTo investigate the surgical outcomes of single-position oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) combined with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation (PPSF) in treating degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS).MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 85 patients with DLS who met the inclusion criteria from April 2018 to December 2020. According to the need to change their position during the operation, the patients were divided into a single-position OLIF group (27 patients) and a conventional OLIF group (58 patients). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization days, instrumentation accuracy and complication rates were compared between the two groups. The visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were used to evaluate the clinical efficacy. The surgical segment's intervertebral space height (IDH) and lumbar lordosis (LL) angle were used to evaluate the imaging effect.ResultsThe hospital stay, pedicle screws placement accuracy, and complication incidence were similar between the two groups (P > 0.05). The operation time and intraoperative blood loss in the single-position OLIF group were less than those in the conventional OLIF group (P < 0.05). The postoperative VAS, ODI, IDH and LL values were significantly improved (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05).ConclusionsCompared with conventional OLIF, single-position OLIF combined with PPSF is also safe and effective, and it has the advantages of a shorter operation time and less intraoperative blood loss.

We study the propagation of a relativistic ultrashort laser pulse in two-dimensional inhomogeneous plasma with a density ripple based on the theoretical analysis and the particle-in-cell simulation. An analytical solution of the laser pulse propagating in the homogeneous plasma is completely obtained. It is found that the stable propagation of the relativistic ultrashort laser pulse in homogeneous plasma can be realized, and the propagation distance and intensity of the laser pulse and the spatial distribution of electron density can be effectively modulated by adjusting the pulsewidth of the incident laser and the plasma frequency. More interestingly, in the inhomogeneous plasma with a density ripple, when the wave amplitude of the density ripple is less than a critical value, the intensity of the ultrashort laser pulse is almost unchanged and the propagation characteristics of the laser in the inhomogeneous plasma are basically consistent with those in the homogeneous plasma. However, when the wave amplitude of the density ripple is larger than the critical value, the inhomogeneity of the plasma has an obvious effect on the laser characteristics, and the intensity and the spatial distribution of the laser pulse will be modulated by the plasma density ripple. The influence of the laser pulsewidth, plasma density, and plasma density ripple on the laser characteristics is discussed in detail.

The complete chloroplast genome of Sorbus hupehensis var. paucijuga was sequenced with Illumina HiSeq 2000 platform. It was a typical quadruple structure as other plants of Sorbus with 160,050 bp in length, including a large single-copy (LSC: 87,905 bp) region and a small single-copy (SSC: 19,325 bp) which were separated by a pair of inverted repeats (IRa, b: 26,410 bp) region. The overall GC content is 36.5%. A total of 130 genes was annotated which contained 85 protein-coding genes including the Trans splicing gene of rps12, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. ML phylogenetic analysis compared with 7 expressed chloroplast genomes of Rosaceae revealed that S. hupehensis var. paucijuga was a sister to other Sorbus species. Six species of Sorbus were divided into two groups, the species of group one is distributed in Asia and the species of group two distributed in Europe. Among group one, S. hupehensis var. paucijuga had the closest genetic relationship with S. ulleungensis which is a New Endemic Species on Ulleung Island of Korea, and followed by S. setschwanensis which is only distributed in Sichuan and Guizhou of China. Sorbus hupehensis var. paucijuga has a relatively close relationship with the other three species of Sorbus in the group two. And, it has a relatively distant from other genera of Prunus mongolica and Rosa rugosa.

Abstract Background Chronic cough is a common symptom in children and protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB) is one of the causes of chronic cough. However, the understanding of this disease remains limited. The present study aims to update PBB in children. Methods The clinical data of children with PBB from 2014 to 2018 were retrospectively analyzed, and PBB clinical features of published studies were summarized. Electronic databases were searched in May 2019. Clinical studies were included in the present study. Reviews were undertaken in duplicate. Results Totally 712 cases were analyzed in this study, including 52 cases in our center and 660 cases from 14 studies. In the 52 cases, 88.5% of patients with PBB were less than 6 years old and all of them complained of wet cough. Three cases were confirmed with laryngomalacia, and microbiologically-based-PBB were identified in 13 cases (9 Streptococcus pneumonia, 3 Staphylococcus aureus, and 1 Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Twenty cases were completely remitted after treatment. In the 14 studies, the patients with PBB were typically younger than 3 years old, accompanying wheezing and airway malacia. Co-infection was common in most western cases, Streptococcus pneumonia, Haemophilus influenza and Moraxella catarrhalis were the top three pathogens. Symptoms were improved in most patients, whereas some cases with comorbidities required prolonged antibiotics treatment. Conclusions PBB is common in male infants with chronic wet cough and accompanied by wheezing and airway deformities. Most cases are clinically diagnosed PBB in China and microbiologically-based-PBB is common in western countries. Co-infection could be found, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenza were the most frequent etiology in China and western countries, respectively. Patients with comorbidities may need extended antibiotics treatment for more than 2 weeks.

AIM: To compare the short-term visual outcomes, residual refractive cylinder, and rotation stability after Tecnis toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation during femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (Femto phaco) and conventional phacoemulsification surgery (Conventional phaco). METHODS: In a prospective cohort study, Conventional phaco and Femto phaco (anterior capsulotomy and lens fragmentation by a femtosecond laser) with Tecnis toric IOL implantation were performed in 40 eyes from 36 patients and 37 eyes from 33 patients, respectively. The uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and manifest refraction were assessed during 1d, 1wk, and 1mo follow-ups. The orientation of the Tecnis Toric IOL was evaluated during 1wk and 1mo follow-ups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in UDCA or CDVA between two groups at 1mo postoperatively, though relatively more subjects had UDVA values of 20/25 or better in Femto phaco group than in the Conventional group (P>0.05). A lower but not significantly lower rate of having more than 5° of IOL rotation was observed in Femto phaco group at the 1-month follow-up, while a significant lower rate of residual astigmatism of ≤1 D was observed in Femto phaco group. CONCLUSION: The Femto phaco group has significantly more subjects with the residual astigmatism of ≤1 D, but there are no significant differences in rotation stability and visual outcomes as compared with the Conventional phaco group after the application of the Tecnis toric IOL in this cohort.

ABSTRACT: In recent years, development activities have had a significant impact on the environment of the Jiaozhou Bay, China. To ensure the sustainable economic and social development of the Jiaozhou Bay area, it is necessary to strengthen corresponding control measures. The important prerequisite is to properly understand the environmental conditions laws of natural change, especially the dynamic processes of sediment and the characteristics of landform evolution. Based on the data of continuous observation at 6 stations in Jiaozhou Bay for 25 hours, the Hydrodynamic Eutrophication Model (HEM-3D) was used to simulate the sediment erosion and deposition. The results show that the maximum suspended sediment concentration in the sea area of Jiaozhou Bay is about 40 mg/L, which appears in the northwestern area of the bay top and the Cangkou watercourse area, and the low concentration is located in the area of the central Jiaozhou Bay towards the bay mouth. The suspended sediment is 6–10 mg/L. Affected by a decrease in seawater material, the direction of the prevailing current in the Jiaozhou Bay area is different from that of the sediment transport. The velocity of the flood current is higher than that of the ebb current. However, during flood tide, the flux of resuspended seafloor sediment outside and at the mouth of the bay is limited and cannot contribute significantly to the suspended sediment in the bay. During ebb tide, the resuspended sediment at the shallow-water bay head and the east and west sides spreads toward the bay mouth with the ebb current, although it extends beyond the bay through the bay mouth. The research results can provide scientific support for the Jiaozhou Bay project construction and environmental protection.

Abstract Background Spotted leaf mutants show typical necrotic lesions that appear spontaneously in the absence of any pathogen attack. These mutants are often characterized to exhibit programmed cell death (PCD) and activation of plant defense responses resulting in enhanced disease resistance to multiple pathogens. Here, we reported a novel spotted-leaf mutant, spl40 that showed enhanced disease resistance response. Results Initially lesions appeared at leaf tips during seedling stage and gradually covered the whole leaf at the tillering stage. The lesion development was light-dependent. spl40 showed obvious cell death at and around the lesion, and burst of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was accompanied by disturbed ROS scavenging system. Photosynthetic capacity was compromised as evidenced by significant reductions in chlorophyll content, important photosynthesis parameters and downregulated expression of photosynthesis-related genes which ultimately led to poor performance of major agronomic traits. spl40 exhibited enhanced resistance to 14 out of 16 races of bacterial blight pathogen of rice, caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, most probably though activation of SA and JA signaling pathways, owing to upregulated expression of SA and JA signaling genes, though the exact mechanism remain to be elucidated. The spotted-leaf phenotype was controlled by a novel single recessive nuclear gene. Genetic mapping combined with high throughput sequencing analysis identified Os05G0312000 as the most probable candidate gene. Sequencing of ORF revealed a single SNP change from C to T that resulted in non-synonymous change in amino acid residue from leucine to phenylalanine. Interestingly, the complementation plants did not display lesions before heading but showed lesions at the heading stage and the transgenic T1 progenies could be classified into 3 categories based on their lesion intensity, indicating the complex genetic nature of the spl40 mutation. Conclusion The results obtained here clearly show that genes related to defense and PCD were upregulated in accordance with enhanced disease resistance and occurrence of PCD, whereas the photosynthetic capacity and overall ROS homeostasis was compromised in spl40. Our data suggest that a novel spotted-leaf mutant, spl40, would help to elucidate the mechanism behind lesion development involving programmed cell death and associated defense responses.

In order to investigate the hot deformation behaviors of Invar36 alloy, isothermal compressive tests were conducted on a Gleeble 1500 thermo-mechanical simulator at the temperatures of 873, 948, 1023, 1098 and 1173 K and the strain rates of 0.01, 0.1, 1 and 10 s−1. The effects of strain, temperature and strain rate on flow stress were analyzed, and a dynamic recrystallization type softening characteristic with unimodal flow behavior is determined. An artificial neural network based on back-propagation algorithm was proposed to handle the complex deformation behavior characteristics. The ANN model was evaluated in terms of correlation coefficient and average absolute relative error. A comparative study was performed on ANN model and constitutive equation by regression method for Invar36 alloy. Finally, the ANN model was applied to the finite element simulation, and an experimental study on trial hot forming of a V-shaped part was conducted to demonstrate the precision of the finite element simulation based on predicted flow stress data by ANN model. The results have sufficiently showed that the well-trained ANN model with BP algorithm is able to deal with the complex flow behaviors of Invar36 alloy and has great application potentiality in hot deformation.

ABSTRACT: Engineering construction actively occurs in coastal zones, and these areas have numerous potential geological hazard factors. Since 2009, the development of geological surveys in sea areas has promoted extensive geophysical surveys in Qingdao offshore. In the present study, the types and distribution of potential geological hazard factors were systematically revealed using sub-bottom profile data, side-scan sonar data, and single-channel seismic data, among others. Based on previous research findings, the potential geological hazard factors are classified, and control factors in Qingdao offshore are discussed. The research results show that the primary potential geological hazards include active faults, buried paleo channels, shallow gas, irregular bedrock, eroded gullies, estuary deltas, tidal sand ridges, and seawater intrusion. In addition, neotectonic movement, sea level changes and sedimentary dynamic processes were the main factors that affected the distribution of geological hazards in Qingdao offshore.©2019 China Geology Editorial Office.

Abstract Background Spotted-leaf mutants are important to reveal programmed cell death and defense-related pathways in rice. We previously characterized the phenotype performance of a rice spotted-leaf mutant spl21 and narrowed down the causal gene locus spl21(t) to an 87-kb region in chromosome 12 by map-based cloning. Result We showed that a single base substitution from A to G at position 836 in the coding sequence of Oryza sativa beta-1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyl transferase (OsGCNT), effectively mutating Tyr to Cys at position 279 in the translated protein sequence, was responsible for the spotted-leaf phenotype as it could be rescued by functional complementation. Compared to the wild type IR64, the spotted-leaf mutant spl21 exhibited loss of chlorophyll, breakdown of chloroplasts, down-regulation of photosynthesis-related genes, and up-regulation of senescence associated genes, which indicated that OsGCNT regulates premature leaf senescence. Moreover, the enhanced resistance to the bacterial leaf blight pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, up-regulation of pathogenesis-related genes and increased level of jasmonate which suggested that OsGCNT is a negative regulator of defense response in rice. OsGCNT was expressed constitutively in the leaves, sheaths, stems, roots, and panicles, and OsGCNT-GFP was localized to the Golgi apparatus. High throughput RNA sequencing analysis provided further evidence for the biological effects of loss of OsGCNT function on cell death, premature leaf senescence and enhanced disease resistance in rice. Thus, we demonstrated that the novel OsGCNT regulated rice innate immunity and immunity-associated leaf senescence probably by changing the jasmonate metabolic pathway. Conclusions These results reveal that a novel gene Oryza sativa beta-1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyl transferase (OsGCNT) is responsible for the spotted-leaf mutant spl21, and OsGCNT acts as a negative-regulator mediating defense response and immunity-associated premature leaf senescence probably by activating jasmonate signaling pathway.

AIM: To investigate the association between ocular demodex folliculorum infestation and ocular surface manifestations in meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). METHODS: Eight-six patients with MGD were enrolled. All enrolled subjects were tested in the following sequence: ocular surface disease index (OSDI), slit-lamp biomicroscope examination, corneal surface regularity index (SRI) and surface asymmetry index (SAI), tear fluid collection, fluorescein tear film break-up time (F-BUT), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), Schirmer I test (SIT) and demodex folliculorum counting. Tear matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 activity was assessed using MMP-9 activity assay kit. RESULTS: Among 86 MGD patients, 40 were positive for demodex. The ocular demodex-positive group showed significantly increased scores of OSDI (25.96±13.74 vs 18.07±11.55, P=0.01), lid margin abnormality (2.38±0.87 vs 1.98±0.91, P=0.04) and CFS (1.28±2.00 vs 0.94±1.36, P=0.01) compared to the ocular demodex-free group. The tear MMP-9 activity was higher in the ocular demodex-positive group (102.9±32.4 ng/mL) than the ocular demodex-free group (46.2±19.2 ng/mL, P=0.03). There was no significant difference in meibum quality and expressibility, SRI, SAI, F-BUT and SIT between the two groups (P>0.05 for each). No significant correlation was noted between the number of demodex and ocular surface parameters in demodex-positive MGD group (P>0.05 for each). CONCLUSION: Ocular demodex folliculorum infestation may be associated with ocular discomfort and ocular surface damage in MGD.

AIM: To investigate the therapeutic effect of a new warm moist air device assisted with eyelid massage in the treatment of office dry eye(ODE).METHODS: Sixty ODE patients were recruited, and these patients were randomly divided into two groups. One group received artificial tear treatment, and the other group received a new eyelid warm moist air device combined with eyelid massage treatment. Subjects completed the ocular surface disease index(OSDI), which was followed by fluorescein tear breakup time(BUT), corneal fluorescein staining(CFS), Schirmer I test(SⅠt)and meibomian gland secretion function evaluation at baseline, and 2 and 4wk after treatment.RESULTS: In these 60 patients, 48 patients(23 in artificial tear treated group and 25 in the new warm moist air device assisted with eyelid massage treated group)were positive for meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD). Compared to artificial tear treatment, the new warm moist air device assisted with eyelid massage treatment showed favorable therapeutic effect on OSDI(FGroup=41.63, PFGroup=60.47,PFGroup=12.12,PFGroup=0.17, P>0.05), CFS(FGroup=1.79, P>0.05)and meibomian gland expressibility(FGroup=0.68, P>0.05)between the two groups during 4wk treatment. CONCLUSION: This new eyelid warm moist air device assisted with eyelid massage has favorable therapeutic effect over artificial tear in ODE treatment.

Objective There is a close association between erectile dysfunction (ED) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aimed to investigate Chinese physicians’ understanding of this association. Methods A total of 651 physicians, including 245 cardiologists and 406 urologists, participated in our investigation through WeChat. Results Participants with more professional experience, a doctoral/postdoctoral degree, and an intermediate/senior title were significantly more likely to be aware of a close association between ED and CVD. Urologists had a significantly better understanding of the association of severity between both diseases, showed more positive attitudes towards phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor application in patients with CVD and systematic treatment, and gave greater consideration to both diseases during follow-up visits than did cardiologists. Men had a significantly better understanding of the associated severity of the two disorders and managed the two diseases together more actively than did women. Department, sex, professional experience, education, and affiliated hospital level significantly affected systematic management of ED and CVD. Conclusion Most physicians from cardiology and urology are aware of the association between ED and CVD, but this awareness may be insufficient. Department, sex, professional experience, education background, and professional title are significant factors associated with perception of this association.

Background: The accuracy of nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA) specimens in detecting lower respiratory pathogens remains controversial. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of aspirates (NPAs) specimen in lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in children. Methods: The prospective study was designed to collect the data of paired NPAs and bronchoalveolar lavage fluids from children with acute LRTIs from January 2013 to December 2015. All specimens were subjected to pathogen detection: bacterial detection by culture, Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Mp) detection by polymerase chain reaction assay and virus (influenza A and B viruses, parainfluenza virus [PIV] Types 1 and 3, respiratory syncytial virus, and adenovirus) detection by immunofluorescence assay. The diagnostic accuracy analysis of NPAs was stratified by age ≤3 years (n = 194) and >3 years (n = 294). Results: We collected paired specimens from 488 children. The positive rate of pathogen was 61.6%. For Streptococcus pneumoniae, NPA culture had the specificity of 89.9% and negative predictive value of 100% in age ≤3 years, the specificity of 97.2% and negative predictive value of 98.9% in age >3 years. For Mp, the positive predictive values of NPA was 77.4% in children ≤3 years, and 89.1% in children >3 years. For PIV III, NPA specimen had the specificity of 99.8% and negative predictive value of 96.5% in children ≤3 years. For adenovirus, NPA had the specificity of 97.8% and negative predictive value of 98.4% in age ≤3 years, the specificity of 98.9% and negative predictive value of 99.3% in age >3 years. Conclusions: NPAs are less invasive diagnostic respiratory specimens, a negative NPA result is helpful in “rule out” lower airway infection; however, a positive result does not reliably “rule in” the presence of pathogens.

Background: Wheezing is common in early childhood and remains an important health concern. The aim of this study was to assess the lung function of wheezing infants and to investigate the relationship between lung function and respiratory outcome. Methods: Infants

Based on particle-in-cell simulation and theoretical analysis, we demonstrate the possibility of the realization of the electric quadrupole radiation (EQR) and the quasi dipole radiation (QDR) modes at the THz band from the electrostatic oscillation of the electrons driven by the two-color lasers inside the plasma. Interestingly, an implantation of the external magnetic field will induce the flexible conversion between the EQR mode and the QDR mode. The emission angle, radiation frequency, and radiation field strength of the two radiation modes can be highly modulated by adjusting the intensity of the magnetic field, the frequency of the laser pulses, and the density of the plasma. This provides a new and practical way toward the generation and conversion of the multiple radiation modes, greatly extending the potential for optical manipulation in magnetized plasma.

Utilized to security properties of measurement-device-independent quantum key distribution (MDI-QKD)protocol, quantum identity authentication scheme based on MDI (QIA-MDI)protocol was presented. In this protocol, authentication center (AC)and authentication user have encrypted authentication information and next authenticated key by shared key, and then they transmitted the encrypted information to untrusted third party for Bell-state measurement (BSM). The secret authentication information was obtained through the BSM result, which can verify the communicator identity and update shared key. The security performance of the proposed scheme is extensively analyzed and accordingly con?rmed in the case of attacks.

Huahui 1 is an elite transgenic male sterile restorer line of wild rice abortive-type that expresses a Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) δ-endotoxin and provides effective and economic control of lepidopteran insects. To exploit Huahui 1 to develop a new Bt rice, the insertion site of the Bt gene was determined by thermal asymmetric interlaced PCR (TAIL-PCR). Bt was located in the promoter region of LOC.Os10g10360, approximately 5.35 Mb from the telomere of the short arm of chromosome 10. For the first time, a Bt cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) system was developed by introgressing Bt from Huahui 1. The recipient CMS system used consisted of Indonesia paddy rice-type II-32B (maintainer line) and II-32A (male sterile line). Marker-assisted selection was used to increase selection efficiency in the backcrossing program. In BC5F1, the Bt plant 85015-8 was selected for further analyses, as it had the highest SSR marker homozygosity. In addition, the linkage drag of the foreign Bt gene in 85015-8 was minimized to 8.01-11.46 Mb. The foreign Bt gene was then delivered from 85015-8 into II-32A. The resultant Bt II-32A and Bt II-32B lines were both resistant to lepidopteran in field trials, and agronomic traits were not disturbed. The maintainability of II-32B, and the male sterility and general combining ability of II-32A, were not affected by the Bt introgression. This study demonstrates a simple and fast approach to develop Bt hybrid rice.

The phosphomannose isomerase (PMI) gene from Saccharomyces cerevisiae acted as selectable marker and mannose acted as selective agent for the production of transgenic plants of rice (Oryza sativa L.) via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. The concentration of mannose during the selection was stepwise increased, 5 g L−1 mannose combined with 15 g L−1 sucrose and 500 mg L−1 cefotaxime was used in the initial selection stage, then the concentration of mannose was increased to 11 g L−1, the highest transformation rate was 20.0%. The integration of PMI gene was confirmed by PCR, and the result of RT-PCR assay proved that the intron of PMI gene can be excised correctly during RNA splicing. β-Glucuronidase (GUS) activity analysis confirmed the expression of GUS gene. All those means the PMI gene from yeast can be used as a selectable marker in rice transformation.

A rice chlorophyll-deficient mutant w67 was isolated from an ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS)-induced IR64 (Oryza sativa L. ssp. indica) mutant bank. The mutant exhibited a distinct yellow-green leaf phenotype in the whole plant growth duration with significantly reduced levels of chlorophyll and carotenoid, impaired chloroplast development and lowered capacity of photosynthesis compared with the wild-type IR64. Expression of a number of genes associated with chlorophyll metabolism, chloroplast biogenesis and photosynthesis was significantly altered in the mutant. Genetic analysis indicated that the yellow-green phenotype was controlled by a single recessive nuclear gene located on the short arm of chromosome 3. Using map-based strategy, the mutation was isolated and predicted to encode a chloroplast signal recognition particle 43 KD protein (cpSRP43) with 388 amino acid residuals. A single base substitution from A to T at position 160 resulted in a premature stop codon. OscpSRP43 was constitutively expressed in various organs with the highest level in the leaf. Functional complementation could rescue the mutant phenotype and subcellular localization showed that the cpSRP43:GFP fusion protein was targeted to the chloroplast. The data suggested that Oryza sativa cpSRP43 (OscpSRP43) was required for the normal development of chloroplasts and photosynthesis in rice.