Controllable scattering of a single photon inside a one-dimensional coupled resonator waveguide with second-order nonlinearity

We note that most of the studies of the single photon scattering inside a one-dimensional coupled resonator waveguide are based on the waveguide coupling with the atom systems. In this paper, we will study the single photon scattering enabled by another system, i.e., the second-order nonlinearity, which can act as a single photon switch to control the single photon transmission and reflection inside the one-dimensional coupled resonator waveguide. The transmission rate is calculated to analyze the single-photon scattering properties. In addition, a more complicated second-order nonlinear form, i.e., three-wave mixing, is discussed to control single photon transmission inside the one-dimensional coupled resonator waveguide.

[Occupational hazards and risk assessment of benzene-related enterprises in yangzhou city from 2014 to 2018]

Objective: To investigate the benzene concentration in the workplace of benzene-related enterprises in Yangzhou City from 2014 to 2018, and the abnormal blood routine of workers exposed to benzene, and to assess their occupational hazards. Methods: The environmental monitoring data of benzene-related enterprises and the health examination data of benzene exposed workers were collected in March 2019. The inhalation risk assessment model of the National Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was used to assess the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of benzene workers. Results: The qualified rate of benzene detection in the workplace was 100% from 2014 to 2018, the highest concentration was 1.42 mg/m(3) in five years. The abnormal rates of blood routine detection in benzene exposed workers in five years was 7.10% (213/2 998) 、5.17% (218/4 214) 、5.61% (196/3 493) 、7.65% (288/3 767) 、7.83% (280/3 574) and 7.83%. respectively. The results of risk assessment showed that the minimum carcinogenic risk value was 7.56×10(-6) and the maximum carcinogenic risk value was 31.33×10(-6) in 2014-2018. The hazard quotient values were than 1. Conclusion: Benzene monitoring concentration in benzene-related enterprises in Yangzhou City from 2014 to 2018 was low, which meets the occupational exposure limit in China. However, the abnormal rate of blood routine in five years is still high, and there are both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks. We should pay more attention to the health risk of workers exposed to low concentrat in benzene.

[Diagnostic value and patient compliance of a pancreas-oriented multidisciplinary clinic: a retrospective analysis from a Chinese pancreatic disease center]

Objective: To evaluate the role of multidisciplinary team (MDT) clinic in the diagnosis of pancreatic diseases and patient compliance with MDT advice in the current medical system. Methods: The study included 512 patients that had visited the pancreas-oriented MDT clinic of Zhongshan Hospital between May 2015 and May 2019.The clinical and pathological data were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Diseases were classified in accordance with 2010 WHO classification of tumors of the digestive system and usual clinical practices. Compliance was determined according to whether a patient received corresponding therapies or undergoing further checks or follow-ups. Results: Among the 512 patients that had visited the MDT clinic, 121 patients were referred due to undetermined diagnosis. Classified according to the final diagnosis, the rate of undetermined diagnosis in different disease categories from high to low in order was inflammatory diseases of the pancreas (75.0%, 24/32), other lesions of the pancreas (56.1%,23/41), pancreatic cystic lesions (19.1%,17/89), pancreatic carcinomas (18.3%,48/262) and pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (pNEN)(10.2%,9/88). The MDT clinic made diagnosis to 68 patients directly with an accuracy of 89.7%. The rate of compliance in the entire cohort was 63.4%. The rate of compliance of patients from June 2017 to May 2019 (68.4%) was higher than that of patients from May 2015 to May 2017(59.6%). The compliance rate of patients in different disease categories from high to low in order was inflammatory diseases of the pancreas(84.4%, 27/32), pancreatic carcinomas (67.9%, 178/262), pNEN(60.2%,53/88), other lesions of the pancreas (56.1%,23/41), and pancreatic cystic lesions(49.4%, 44/89). The compliance rate of patients with different MDT advice from high to low in order was best supportive care(78.6%,22/28), antitumor approaches beyond surgery(71.6%,159/222), further tests(62.6%, 77/123), surgery(53.7%, 65/121) and follow-up(49.2%, 31/63). In patients suggested for surgery, the compliance rate of patients with carcinomas(67.4%, 33/49) was higher than patients with other kinds of neoplasms. Conclusions: MDT clinic could facilitate the diagnosis of pancreatic diseases conveniently and inexpensively. The overall compliance rate of MDT clinic patients is rather low, and patients with carcinomas have a relative high rate of compliance with the suggestion of surgery.

MicroRNA-138 inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of laryngeal carcinoma via targeting MAPK6

OBJECTIVE

To explore whether microRNA-138 could regulate the incidence and progression of laryngeal carcinoma through modulating proliferation and apoptosis of laryngeal carcinoma cells via MAPK6.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

MicroRNA-138 expression in laryngeal carcinoma tissues and paracancerous tissues were detected by qRT-PCR (Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction). The regulatory effects of microRNA-138 on proliferation and apoptosis of laryngeal carcinoma cells were detected by colony formation assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Target gene of microRNA-138 was predicted by online software and verified by luciferase reporter gene assay. Corresponding plasmids of microRNA-138 and the target gene were constructed. Rescue experiments were conducted to explore the regulatory effect of microRNA-138 on the target gene.

RESULTS

MicroRNA-138 was downregulated in laryngeal carcinoma tissues than that of paracancerous tissues. MicroRNA-138 knockdown resulted in increased proliferation and decreased apoptosis of laryngeal carcinoma cells. MAPK6 was predicted as the target gene of microRNA-138. Luciferase reporter gene assay further verified that MAPK6 could directly bind to microRNA-138. Both mRNA and protein levels of MAPK6 were downregulated after microRNA-13 overexpression in laryngeal carcinoma cells. Rescue experiment results indicated that increased proliferation and decreased apoptosis of laryngeal carcinoma cells resulted from microRNA-13 knockdown were partially reversed by MAPK6 overexpression.

CONCLUSIONS

MicroRNA-138 is downregulated in laryngeal carcinoma patients. MicroRNA-138 knockdown promotes proliferation and inhibits apoptosis of laryngeal carcinoma cells via inhibiting MAPK6 expression.

System susceptibility and bound-states in structured reservoirs

We propose a formulation to obtain the exact susceptibility for system arbitrary operators to the external fields by means of the whole-system Hamiltonian (system plus reservoir) diagonalization methods, where the dissipative effects directly reflect the nature of the structured non-Markovian reservoir. This treatment does not make the Born-Markovian approximation in structured non-Markovian reservoir. The relations between linear response function and bound-states for the system as well as structured reservoir are found, which shows the photon bound-states and continuous energy spectrum can be readout from the susceptibility, respectively. These results are then used to examine the validity of second-order Born-Markovian approximation, where we find interesting features (e.g., bound-states) are lost in the approximate treatments for open systems. We study the dependence of the response function on the type (spectrum density) of interaction between the system and structured reservoir. We also give the physical reasons behind the disappearance of the bound-states in the approximation method. Finally, these results are also extended to a more general quantum network involving an arbitrary number of coupled-bosonic system without rotating-wave approximation. The presented results might open a new door to understand the linear response and the energy spectrum for non-Markovian open systems with structured reservoirs.

[Clinical analysis of 555 outpatients with hand, foot and mouth diseases caused by different enteroviruses]

Objective: To study the clinical characteristics of outpatients with hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) caused by different serotypes of enteroviruses. Methods: This was a prospective study. From February 2017 to March 2018, 563 outpatients with HFMD were enrolled by systematic sampling in the Department of Infectious Diseases, Henan Children's Hospital. Throat swabs were collected to determine the serotypes via PCR. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected by standard questionnaire. All cases were followed up twice at 2 and 9 weeks after the initial outpatient visit through telephone interview. A total of 563 cases were enrolled and 555 (98.6%) cases were positive for human enteroviruses, including 338 (60.9%) males. Analyses were stratified by enterovirus serotypes, Chi square test or Fisher's exact test, Rank sum test was used for comparison among different groups. Results: The age of 555 cases was 24.2 (16.4, 41.3) months. Among them 44.0% (224 cases) were identified as coxsackievirus (CV)-A6, while 189 cases, 35 cases, 14 cases and 73 cases were identified as CV-A16, enterovirus (EV)-A71, CV-A10 and other serotypes, respectively. Fever (≥37.5 ℃) was present in 51.4% (285/555) of laboratory confirmed cases. The proportions of fever in cases of CV-A6 (68.9%(168/244)) and CV-A10 (12/14) were significantly higher than those in cases of CV-A16 (31.7%(60/189),χ(2)=57.344,14.313,both P=0.000), other serotypes (43.8%(32/73),χ(2)=15.101 and 8.242, P=0.000 and 0.004) and EV-A71 (37.1%(13/35), χ(2)=13.506 and 9.441, P=0.000 and 0.002) respectively. There was no significant difference between CV-A6 and CV-A10 in presentation of fever (χ(2)=1.785, P=0.182). There were 359 cases (64.7%) with eruptions in mouth, hands, feet and buttocks. Cases infected with EV-A71 had the highest proportions (74.3%(26/35)) of rash emerging simultaneously in mouth, hands, feet, and buttocks. The proportion in cases of CV-A16, CV-A6, CVA10 and other serotype were 73.5% (139/189), 61.9% (151/244), 7/14 and 49.3% (36/73), respectively. The proportion of rash on other parts of body, such as face, limbs or torso in cases infected with CV-A6 (16.8% (41/244)) was the higherest and the proportion in cases of CV-A16, EV-A71, CV-A10 or other serotypes were 8.5% (16/189) , 5.7% (2/35) , 1/14, 6.8% (5/73) , respectively. None of these cases developed serious complications. Desquamation occurred in 45.5% (179/393) cases 7.5 (5.0, 9.0) days after disease onset and 13.5% (53/393) cases showed onychomadesis 31.0 (18.0, 33.5) days after disease onset. The proportion of desquamation and onychomadesis associated with CV-A6 (64.2% (95/148) and 31.8% (47/148)) was significantly higher than CV-A16 (31.8% (49/154) and 1.3% (2/154), χ(2)=33.601 and 52.482, both P=0.000) and other serotypes (38.0%(19/50) and 6.0%(3/50),χ(2)=10.236 and 12.988, P=0.001 and 0.000). Desquamation appeared more in cases of CV-A6 than in cases of CV-A10 (2/11,χ(2)=9.386, P=0.002), with the proportion of onychomadesis higher in CV-A6 than in EV-A71 (3.3% (1/30),χ(2)=11.088, P=0.001). Conclusion: Clinical manifestation such as fever, rash emerging parts, desquamation and onychomadesis are different among outpatient HFMD cases infected with CV-A16, CV-A6, EV-A71, CV-A10 and other enteroviruses.

Impact of postoperative infective complications on long-term survival after liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

Postoperative complications have a great impact on the postoperative course and oncological outcomes following major cancer surgery. Among them, infective complications play an important role. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether postoperative infective complications influence long-term survival after liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Patients who underwent resection with curative intent for HCC between July 2003 and June 2016 were identified from a multicentre database (8 institutions) and analysed retrospectively. Independent risk factors for postoperative infective complications were identified. After excluding patients who died 90 days or less after surgery, overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were compared between patients with and without postoperative infective complications within 30 days after resection.

Results

Among 2442 patients identified, 332 (13·6 per cent) had postoperative infective complications. Age over 60 years, diabetes mellitus, obesity, cirrhosis, intraoperative blood transfusion, duration of surgery exceeding 180 min and major hepatectomy were identified as independent risk factors for postoperative infective complications. Univariable analysis revealed that median OS and RFS were poorer among patients with postoperative infective complications than among patients without (54·3 versus 86·8 months, and 22·6 versus 43·2 months, respectively; both P < 0·001). After adjustment for other prognostic factors, multivariable Cox regression analyses identified postoperative infective complications as independently associated with decreased OS (hazard ratio (HR) 1·20, 95 per cent c.i. 1·02 to 1·41; P = 0·027) and RFS (HR 1·19, 1·03 to 1·37; P = 0·021).

Conclusion

Postoperative infective complications decreased long-term OS and RFS in patients treated with liver resection for HCC.

[Orthodonticorthognathic treatment stability in skeletal class III malocclusion patients]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate stability of skeletal hard tissues, dental hard tissues and soft tissues after orthodonticorthognathic treatment in a long term. This study reviewed longitudinal changes in orthodontic-orthognathic patients of skeletal class III malocculsion, using lateral cephalometric radiographs in 3-12 years after treatment in comparison to treatment finishing.

METHODS

Twenty-two patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion following orthodontic-orthognathic surgery in Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from January 1, 2000 to January 1, 2009 were observed. The lateral cephalometric radiographs of the following stages were collected: treatment finishing (T1), 3 to 12 years after treatment (T2). Statistical analyses of cephalometrics were evaluated. Paired student t test was performed by SPSS 17.0.

RESULTS

Data of all the 22 patients were studied in longitudinal timeline after treatment and 3-12 years after treatment. From T1 to T2, we evaluated 11-SN (angle between the upper incisors axis and SN plane), 11-NA angle (angle between the upper incisors axis and NA plane), 11-NA mm (perpendicular distance from upper incisors to NA plane), 11-41 (angle between the upper incisors axis and lower incisors axis), 41-NB angle (angle between lower incisors and NB plane), 41-NB (perpendicular distance from lower incisors to NB plane), 41-MP angle (angle between lower incisors and GoGn plane), and IMPA [angle between lower incisor and mandibular plane (tangent line to submandibular border)]. Most hard tissues of the teeth remained stable but upper anterior teeth angulations decreased, indicating by significantly reducing 11-SN (T1: 110.98°±6.77°; T2: 109.21°±5.80°; P=0.005); reducing 11-NA (T1: 28.31°±6.80°; T2: 26.49°±6.18°; P=0.002); increasing 11-41 (T1: 123.51°±8.14°; T2: 125.7°±10.01°; P=0.035). From T1 to T2, we also evaluated SNA (angle of sella-nasion-A-point), SNB (angle of sella-nasion-B-point), ANB (angle of A-point-nasion-B-point), GoGn-SN (angle between GoGn and SN plane), GoGn-FH (angle between GoGn and Frankfort plane), Y axis (angel between Sella-Gn and Frankfort plane), N-ANS (distance from nasion point to ANS point), ANS-Me (distance from ANS point to Menton point), N-Me (distance from nasion point to Menton point), ANS-Me/N-Me% (proportion of ANS-Me to N-Me), and FMA (angle between Frankfort and mandibular plane), Wits appraisal (horizontal distance between points A and B on functional occlusal plane). Skeletal hard tissues also remained relatively stable, only N-Me value changed significantly with a decreasing facial height (T1: 124.98°±11.98°; T2: 122.4°±11.05°; P=0.024). From T1 to T2, we finally evaluated FH-NsPg angle (angle between NsPg and Frankfort plane), H angle (angel between H line and NB), FH-A'UL angle (angle between A'UL and Frankfort plane), FH-B'LL angle (angle between B'LL and Frankfort plane), UL-LL (angle between UL and LL), UL-EP (distance between UL and E line), LL-EP (distance between LL and E line), Sn-H (perpendicular distance between Sn point and H line), Nls-H (distance of nose-lip-sulcus to H line), Li-H (lower lip to H line), Si-H (lower lip sulcus to H line), and NLA (nasolabial angle, angle of Cm-Sn-UL-point). Soft tissues changes were observed in decreasing UL-EP [T1: (-2.78±2.20) mm; (-3.29±2.44) mm; P=0.02] and H angle (T1: 8.27°±3.71°; 7.32°±3.83°; P=0.006). Other soft tissues remained relatively stable by retruding upper lip position and chin changes with no statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

Orthodontic-orthognathic treatment can improve esthetics and occlusal function in patients of skeletal class III malocclusion with a stable long-term outcome.

[Predictive value for esophageal varices using acoustic radiation force impulse elastography in post-hepatitis B cirrhosis patients]

Objective: A retrospective analysis of the predictive value of acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography for esophageal varices in post-hepatitis B cirrhosis patients. Methods: 124 patients with post-hepatitis B cirrhosis who were admitted to Tianjin Second People's Hospital from August 2016 to August 2017 were selected. According to the shape of esophageal varices under gastroscopy and the risk of bleeding, patients were divided into 4 groups, none, mild, moderate and severe. In ARFI mode, the VTQ function was used to detect the VTQ values of the liver and spleen. The receiver operating characteristic curve and area under the curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the diagnosis of esophageal varices by VTQ values of the liver and spleen. Analysis of variance was performed on the data between the groups, and χ (2) test was performed for categorical data. Results: The difference in liver VTQ values between groups were statistically significant (F = 12.623, P < 0.01). There was a statistically significant difference in VTQ values between spleens (F = 9.022, P < 0.01). The liver VTQ predicts that the AUC value of mild esophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis was 0.701 (0.575-0.827); moderate varices was 0.802 (0.701-0.902); severe varices was 0.885 (0.784-0.986). The best cutoff value was 2.235, the specificity was 97.37%, the negative predictive value was 88.10%, and the accuracy was 90.16%. The VTQ value of spleen predicts the AUC value of mild esophageal varices in patients with liver cirrhosis was 0.688 (0.539-0.798); moderate varices were 0.762 (0.651-0.873); severe varices were 0.800 (0.671-0.928). The best cutoff value was 2.885, the specificity was 84.21%, and the negative predictive value was 82.05%. Conclusion: The application of ARFI elastography in the determination of VTQ values of liver and spleen has certain predictive value for esophageal varices and it might be useful for primary screening of esophageal varices in post-hepatitis B cirrhosis patients.

[Combination of periodontal, orthodontic and endodontic therapy in upper anterior teeth with hopeless prognosis and long-time follow-up: a case report]

It is complicated to decide the treatment plan of hopeless anterior teeth in esthetic zone due to severe periodontitis, periodontal-endodontic combined lesion or teeth trauma. The optional treatment plan for this kind of teeth includes retention after periodontal treatment, extraction and implant treatment, extraction and prosthodontic treatment and so on. To make an appropriate treatment plan, patients' periodontal conditions, periodontal biotype, local anatomy, esthetic demand, economic condition and social psychological status should be comprehensively considered. A combine of periodontal, endodontic and orthodontic therapy may achieve a good treatment effect in hopeless anterior teeth with severe periodontal destruction, tooth extrusion and occlusal trauma. In this case, a 20-year-old female who presented with symptoms of bleeding on brushing and upper incisors loosening for 1 month came to the Department of Periodontology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology. The clinical examinations revealed that the patient's right upper incisor had signs of mobility (III°), intrusion of 1-2 mm, and probing depth (PD) of 9-10 mm. The periapical radiograph showed that the alveolar bone of right upper incisor absorbed horizontally to the apex. And the patients showed Angle II° malocclusion with II° overbite in anterior teeth and maxillary protrusion. A diagnosis of aggressive periodontitis and Angle II° malocclusion was made. The treatment of this patient lasts for 5 years which include periodontal initial therapy, orthodontic therapy, guided tissue regeneration (GTR) of right upper incisor and supportive periodontal therapy and the clinical result is fine. A hopeless upper incisor was successfully retained and the longtime clinical condition was stable. The strategy of retention of hopeless upper anterior teeth, the relationship of periodontal treatment and orthodontic treatment, and the indications of periodontal and orthodontic combined therapy were also discussed on the basis of this case. Generally, the positive factors in retention of hopeless teeth includes young age, absence of systemic conditions, strong motivation for maintaining the tooth, single root anatomy, integrated dentition, good response to cause-related therapy, intrabony alveolar bone defect, thick periodontal biotype, and regular supportive periodontal therapy. And in the progress of orthodontic therapy, regular supportive periodontal therapy and good plaque control is extremely important.

[Hospitalization burden of hand, foot and mouth disease in Anhua county of Hunan province, 2013-2016]

Objective: To estimate the serotype and age-specific hospitalization burden associated with hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Anhua county of Hunan province, between October 2013 and September 2016. Methods: We collected hospitalization records of HFMD patients from 6 virological surveillance hospitals, and reimbursement records through new rural cooperative medical system from 23 township health centers to estimate the age-specific hospitalization burden of HFMD in Anhua. Combined with the results of virological surveillance, the serotype-specific hospitalization burden of HFMD in Anhua, was estimated. Results: During the three years, it was estimated that 3 541 clinical diagnosed HFMD cases, including 3 146 laboratory-confirmed HFMD cases, were hospitalized in Anhua, but only one was diaguosed as being severe. The estimated average hospitalization rate was 723/100 000(95%CI: 699/100 000-747/100 000) for clinical diagnosed HFMD and 642/100 000 (95%CI: 620/100 000-665/100 000) for laboratory-confirmed HFMD between October 2013 and September 2016. The cases caused by Cox A16 (208/100 000) and Cox A6 (202/100 000) had higher hospitalization rates compared with the cases caused by EV71 (130/100 000), Cox A10 (38/100 000) and other enterovirus (64/100 000), and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). HFMD-associated hospitalization rates peaked in children aged 1 year (3 845/100 000), and then decreased with age. Compared with the hospitalized HFMD caused by EV71 and Cox A16, Cox A6-associated hospitalizations mainly occurred in younger age groups (P<0.001). Conclusion: Our study revealed a substantial hospitalization burden associated with mild HFMD caused by EV71, Cox A16, Cox A6 and Cox A10, especially in young children, in Anhua.

[The anti-cancer effect of ZR30 protein via targeting extracellular signal proteins of different cell subpopulations of glioma]

Objective: To investigate the roles and anti-cancer mechanism of artificially synthesized EGF-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein (EFEMP1) derived tumor suppressor ZR30 protein in glioma (GBM). Methods: ZR30 protein were in vitro expressed using a wheat germ cell-free system. GBM cell lines (U251, U251NS, and U87) were cultured for 2-3 days in the presence or absence of ZR30 treatment. MMP-2 level was detected by gelatin zymography assay, moreover, the expression of EGFR, Notch-1 and p-Akt/Akt levels were determined by western blot. Additionally, MTT assay was used to measure ZR30's effect on the cell proliferation of U251 and U251NS cells. Furthermore, pre-mixed U251-GFP and U251NS-RFP cells (1∶9) were injected into the brain of nude mice, and then ZR30 or PBS was injected into the intra-tumor after 10 and 21 days, respectively. Then DNA was extracted from the right brain of nude mice in each group. Comparative quantitative polymerase chain reaction (CQ-PCR) was used to examine the copy numbers of human gene hSPAG16, mouse gene mSpag16, GFP and RFP. The survival status of each group of nude mice was also observed. Results: The levels of activated MMP-2 in U87 and U251 cells were lower after 10, 50 and 100 ng/ml ZR30 treatment for 2-3 days. Western blot analysis showed that ZR30 treatment reduced the expression of EGFR, Notch-1 and p-Akt/Akt in U251 cells, and inhibited Notch-1 and p-Akt/Akt expression in U251NS cells, and then decreased the response of U251 cells to EGF stimulation. Moreover, ZR30 inhibited the cell proliferation of U251 and U251NS two days after exposure. The in vivo orthotopic GBM xenografts were successfully constructed. CQ-PCR results indicated that the hSPAG16/mSpag16 ratios of mice in PBS group and ZR30 treatment groups at 180, 700, and 1 800 ng dosages were 3.67±2.82, 1.18±0.97, 1.75±1.55 and 1.38±1.17, respectively, and ZR30 treatment groups showed significantly lower ratios than the PBS group (P<0.05 for all). Correspondingly, the ratios of GFP/RFP in each group were 1.97±0.80, 1.97±0.85, 1.48±0.71 and 1.73±0.77, respectively, showing no statistical significance (P>0.05 for all). When treatment was performed 10 d after cell implantation, and the median survival time of mice in PBS group and ZR30 group was 40.5 days and 59.0 days, respectively. When treatment was performed 21 d after cell implantation, the median survival time of mice in PBS group and ZR30 group was extended to 57.0 days and 74.5 days, respectively. The median survival time of ZR30 treatment groups significantly prolonged (P<0.05 for all). Conclusions: ZR30 inhibits in vitro cell growth, invasion, angiogenesis and stemness maintenance in glioma via suppressing activated MMP-2, EGFR, p-Akt/Akt and Notch-1 proteins. In vivo, ZR30 markedly increased survival of mice harboring glioma xenografts, even for only one intra-tumoral injection at the time of early tumor formation. Overall, the in vivo and in vitro experiments supported the therapeutic potential of ZR30 for GBM.

[Study on antimicrobial susceptibility of Brucella in a city]

Objective: To investigate the antimicrobial susceptibility of Brucella and to provide a scientific basis for rational drug use and effective treatment of patients with brucellosis. Methods: A total of 41 Brucella strains were isolated from the blood of patients with brucellosis in 5 counties and 2 districts in Yuxi City, China from 2014 to 2016. The susceptibility to 23 antimicrobial drugs was tested using Kirby-Bauer (K-B) disk diffusion method and the sizes of antimicrobial rings were recorded. The susceptibility testing results were interpreted according to the Drug Susceptibility Testing Guideline (2009 version) . Results: The susceptibility rate of Brucella was 100.00% to ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and amikacin and >90% to cefotaxime, cefepime, imipenem, doxycycline, cefoperazone, minocycline, tobramycin, rifampicin, cefoperazone/sulbactam, and chloramphenicol. The high resistance to aztreonam and ampicillin was observed (87.80% and 41.46%). Doxycycline-intermediate strains, rifampicin-intermediate strains, and rifampicin-resistant strains were identified. Conclusion: Doxycycline and rifampicin are commonly used in the treatment of brucellosis, but doxycycline/rifampicin-intermediate and-resistant strains have been identified. The susceptibility of Brucella to fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins was high, so the two drugs can be considered in the treatment of brucellosis.

Multicentre study of the prognostic impact of preoperative bodyweight on long-term prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Whether preoperative bodyweight is associated with long-term prognosis in patients after liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is controversial. This study aimed to investigate the relationship of patient weight with long-term recurrence and overall survival (OS) after curative liver resection for HCC.

METHODS

Data for patients with HCC who underwent curative liver resection between 2000 and 2015 in five centres in China were analysed retrospectively in three groups according to their preoperative BMI: underweight (BMI 18·4 kg/m² or less), normal weight (BMI 18·5-24·9 kg/m² ) and overweight (BMI 25·0 kg/m² or above). Patients' baseline characteristics, operative variables and long-term survival outcomes were compared. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for OS and recurrence-free survival (RFS) after resection.

RESULTS

Of 1524 patients, 107 (7·0 per cent) were underweight, 891 (58·5 per cent) were of normal weight and 526 (34·5 per cent) were overweight. Univariable analyses showed that underweight and overweight patients had poorer OS (both P < 0·001) and RFS (both P < 0·001) than patients of normal weight. Multivariable Cox regression analysis also identified both underweight and overweight to be independent risk factors for OS (hazard ratio (HR) 1·22, 95 per cent c.i. 1·19 to 1·56, P = 0·019; and HR 1·57, 1·36 to 1·81, P < 0·001, respectively) and RFS (HR 1·28, 1·16 to 1·53, P = 0·028; and HR 1·34, 1·17 to 1·54, P < 0·001).

CONCLUSION

Underweight and overweight patients appear to have a worse prognosis than those of normal weight following liver resection for HCC.

[Evaluation of maxillary three-dimensional changes in maxillary protraction with alternating rapid palatal expansion and constriction based on the cone-beam computed tomography]

OBJECTIVE

To use the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to evaluate the three-dimensional (3D) changes of maxillary landmarks in the maxillary protraction with alternating rapid palatal expansion and constriction and with rapid palatal expansion, and to provide some clinical suggestions for the early treatment of Class III malocclusion.

METHODS

A total of 36 maxillary retrusive patients were included and randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either the intervention group (alternating rapid palatal expansion and constriction group, RPE/C) or the control group (rapid palatal expansion group, RPE). Randomization was accomplished with permuted block randomization based on participation sequence. The patients in the RPE/C were treated for 10 weeks (0.5 mm/d) with the repetition of two-week palatal expansion and two-week palatal constriction. The patients in the RPE were taught to complete rapid palatal expansion for 2 weeks (0.5 mm/d ). The patients were instructed to come to the office for the follow-up to ensure the correct procedures. Damaged expanders were repaired (or replaced) and rebanded quickly. Sequential CBCT images including pretreatment (T1), post-expansion (T2) and post-protraction (T3) were required for 3D reconstruction, establishment of landmarks, measurement and analysis by Mimics 10.01.

RESULTS

There was significant forward movement of subspinale (A) in the RPE/C after the treatment with (3.06±1.29) mm, compared with RPE (2.16±1.27) mm, P<0.05. There were more symmetrical changes of the landmarks in the RPE/C and there was no statistic significance of the entire treatment time between the two groups. Moreover, the maxillary skeletal landmarks had the following 3D changes of a forward and downward movement during the expansion stages T2-T1, a forward and upward movement during the protraction stages T3-T2 and a forward and downward movement during the total treatments T3-T1 compared with the control group. And the width between the bilateral landmarks increased during the expansion stages T2-T1, narrowed down during the protraction stages T3-T2 and increased during the total treatments T3-T1.

CONCLUSION

The maxillary protraction with alternating rapid palatal expansion and constriction provided clinical benefits on maxillary advancement and symmetrical changes in the orthopedic treatment of the patients with maxillary retrognathism and it required further study on the orthodontic analysis and measurements of CBCT.

Establishment and analysis of the prediction model for cervical squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to construct a prediction model for cervical squamous cell carcinoma and evaluate its accuracy in diagnosing cervical squamous cell carcinoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty patients with initially histopathologically confirmed cervical squamous cell carcinoma and 150 patients with initially histopathologically confirmed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) were enrolled. The high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection, human telomerase mRNA component (hTERC) gene and cell-myc (c-myc) gene amplification, and minichromosome maintenance protein 5 (MCM5) protein expression were detected. The indicators related to cervical cancer were screened. The regression model was established to predict cervical squamous cell carcinoma with backward logistic stepwise regression method, and the accuracy of the model was evaluated.

RESULTS

Histograms for HR-HPV infection and viral load, hTERC and c-myc gene amplification, and MCM5 protein expression were constructed. There was a linear relationship between hTERC (X1), HR-HPV viral load (X2), MCM5 (X5) and the regression equation. Also, hTERC (X1), HR-HPV viral load (X2) and MCM5 (X5) were correlated with cervical squamous cell carcinoma. The regression model Logit (p) = -66.283 + 0.042 X1 + 0.061 X2 + 0.052 X5 was established. The model-fitting effect and prediction accuracy were evaluated, HL test p = 1 (p > 0.05). The model fitting effect was good, Cox-Sn ell R2 was 0.643 and Nagelkerke R2 was 0.958. The high accuracy of the model was 98.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

The fitting-effect of the regression model established by hTERC gene expression, HR-HPV viral load and MCM5 protein was good. The prediction accuracy of the model for cervical squamous cell carcinoma was high. The combined test of hTERC gene amplification, HR-HPV viral load and MCM5 protein could be used to predict and evaluate cervical squamous cell carcinoma.

Improving the artificial diet for adult of seven spotted ladybird beetle Coccinella septempunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) with orthogonal design

In this study, an orthogonal array design with 16 factors at two levels (216) was performed to develop an artificial diet rearing the adults of seven spotted ladybird beetle Coccinella septempunctata. The parameters of weight gain and survival rate of adults, preoviposition period, fecundity and hatching rate of diet-fed adults were monitored. The 16 factors were included: pork liver, infant formula, sucrose, olive oil, yolk, corn oil, yeast powder, cholesterol, casein, casein hydrolysate, vitamin powder, 65% juvenile hormone III, protein powder, vitamin E, honey and pumpkin. Results indicated that pork liver, sucrose, yolk, yeast powder, juvenile hormone, pumpkin and honey were the main ingredients of the artificial diet contributing to weight gain and survival rate of adults, preoviposition period, fecundity and hatching rate. A follow-up fed with a selection of improved formulas confirmed the validity of the optimization as predicted by the orthogonal array analysis, indicating the usefulness of this method for selecting artificial diets for C. septempunctata. The weight gain and fecundity of adults reared on the improved artificial diet were 87.46 and 62.70% of those reared on Aphis craccivora; the survival rate and hatch rate were similar between the diet-fed and aphid-fed, while the preoviposition period was significantly shorter for C. septempunctata fed on the diet than on A. craccivora. The latter formula was superior to any formerly developed formulas and may thus have potential for the improved artificial diet mass rearing of C. septempunctata.

[Extraction-orthodontic treatment on patients with chronicperiodontitis: a preliminary study]

OBJECTIVE

To retrospectively evaluate clinical and radiographic records of chronic periodontitis patients who underwent extraction-orthodontic treatment, in order to determine the effect of the treatment on probing depth, alveolar bone height of teeth adjacent to the extraction sites.

METHODS

In the study, 33 chronic periodontitis patients who had finished extraction-orthodontic treatment were selected, the periodontal examination system tables and panoramic tomography were recorded before treatment (T0) and after treatment (T1), and the periodontal probing depth (PD), residual alveolar bone height (RBH) of the teeth adjacent to extraction sites (TAES) and the non-teeth adjacent to extraction sites (NTAES) were measured at T0 and T1.

RESULTS

There was insignificant difference in PD of TAES and NTAES at T0 [(2.40±0.51) mm vs. (2.42±0.55) mm,P>0.05], neither was that at T1 [(2.70±0.67) mm vs. (2.67±0.64) mm, P>0.05]; From T0 to T1, PD of TAES and NTAES had mean increases of 0.3 mm [(2.40±0.51) mm vs. (2.70±0.67) mm,P<0.01] and 0.25 mm [(2.42±0.55 mm vs. (2.67±0.64) mm, P<0.01], respectively. And PD of TAES and NTAES increased from T0 to T1 statistically in the same degree [(0.30±0.64) mm vs. (0.25±0.58) mm,P>0.05]; at T0, RBH of TAES was 0.024 smaller than that of NTAES (0.74±0.16 vs. 0.76±0.16,P<0.05), but there was no difference in RBH between the TAES and NTAES at T1 (0.78±0.14 vs. 0.79±0.12,P>0.05); From T0 to T1, RBH of TAES and NTAES had mean increases of 0.04 (0.74±0.16 vs.0.78±0.14,P<0.05) and 0.02 (0.76±0.16 vs. 0.79±0.12,P<0.05), respectively. And the change of RBH between TAES and NTAES from T0 to T1 had no statistical difference (0.04±0.11 vs. 0.02±0.08,P>0.05)RBH of TAES in the side close to extraction sites was as the same as that of TAES in the side away from the extraction sites at T0 (0.73±0.17 vs. 0.74±0.16,P>0.05). From T0 to T1, RBH of both sides of TAES had mean increases of 0.04 (0.73±0.11 vs. 0.77±0.11,P<0.05) and 0.04 (0.74±0.11 vs. 0.78±0.11,P<0.05), respectively. But for both sides of TAES, from T0 to T1, there was no significant difference in change of RBH (0.04±0.11 vs. 0.04±0.11,P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

With strict control of periodontal inflammation and maintenance of oral hygiene, orthodontic treatment preserves the periodontal conditions in patients with chronic periodontitis, and the extraction-orthodontic treatment can preserve the bone height of the teeth adjacent to extraction sites.

Physiological responses to swimming fatigue in juvenile largemouth bronze gudgeon Coreius guichenoti

Stepped velocity tests were conducted on juvenile largemouth bronze gudgeon Coreius guichenoti in a swim tunnel respirometer, and oxygen consumption increased with swimming speed to fatigue and then decreased during recovery. Serum levels of total protein, glucose and triglycerides initially decreased, increased at fatigue and then decreased during recovery. Levels stabilized after 120 min, corresponding to the time necessary to recover from fatigue.

Safety and efficacy of telbivudine in late pregnancy to prevent mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus: A multicenter prospective cohort study

Infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) occurs in ~10% of infants of HBV-infected mothers with positive hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) after immunoprophylaxis. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of telbivudine used during late pregnancy for preventing mother-to-child transmission of HBV. We conducted a multicenter prospective cohort study in 5 hospitals from 2012 to 2014, which enrolled HBV-infected singleton pregnant women with positive HBeAg. By their choice, women were divided into therapy (telbivudine 600 mg/day, from gestation 28-32 weeks to 3-4 weeks postpartum) and control (no antiviral agent) groups. Infants received passive-active immunoprophylaxis and follow-up at the age of 7-14 months. Totally, 328 pregnant women were included: 149 in the telbivudine group and 179 in the control group. Baseline HBV DNA levels were similar in the 2 groups (7.43 vs 7.37 log₁₀ IU/mL, P = .711). At delivery, HBV DNA levels in the telbivudine and control groups were 3.80 and 7.26 log₁₀ IU/mL, respectively (P < .0001). Of the infants, 128 (85.9%) in the telbivudine group and 156 (87.2%) in the control group were followed up. No infant in the telbivudine group had chronic infection, while 2 (1.28%) infants in the control group did (P = .503). Three (2.34%) infants in the telbivudine group, but none in the control group, had severe congenital or developmental abnormalities (P = .090). The data indicate that telbivudine may block perinatal HBV transmission. However, larger studies are required to clarify whether anti-HBV therapy in pregnancy is associated with severe adverse effects in the foetuses and infants.

[Outcomes of pregnancy among women with alpha-thalassemia minor: A retrospective study of Pingguo county in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region]

Objective: To investigate the association between the value of α-thalassemia minor and the outcomes in pregnant women. Methods: A total of 445 pregnant women with α-thalassemia minor were selected as thalassemia group in the Pingguo County Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi from January 2011 to December 2015, with ratio of 1∶4 healthy pregnant women was randomly recruited as non-thalassemia group. Clinical characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of the two groups were retrospectively analyzed using methods including t test, χ(2) test, and logistic regression model and ROC curve. Results: There were no significant differences noticed in factors as age, BMI, gestational age and educational level of the two groups. Hemoglobin of the thalassemia group was significantly lower than that of the non-thalassemia group (P<0.001). Differences on parity, ethnicities or occupation were statistically significant. Results from univariate analysis showed that the proportions of low birth weight, small for date infant and 1 min Apgar score<7 were higher in the thalassemia group, but the ratio of adverse pregnancy outcomes was comparable on parameters as preterm birth, stillbirth, macrosomia. Findings from the unconditional logistic regression showed that pregnancy complicated with α-thalassemia minor appeared a risk for both newborns with low birth weight (aOR=2.29, 95%CI: 1.32-3.95) and small for date infant (aOR= 2.11, 95%CI: 1.16-3.84). The ROC curve showed that α-thalassemia minor combined with multiple indicators presented a certain predictive value on neonatal birth weight. Conclusion: Pregnancy complicated with α-thalassemia minor was likely to increase the risk of birth weight loss in newborns, suggesting that prenatal care for pregnant women with thalassemia be strengthened, in order to reduce the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

[Decreased phosphorylation of mitogen activated protein kinase and protein kinase B contribute to the inhibition of osteogenic differentiation mediated by activation of Toll like receptor in human periodontal ligament stem cells]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of Toll like receptors on the osteogenesis of human pe-riodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) and probable molecular mechanism.

METHODS

Real-time PCR and flow cytometry were applied to test the expression of TLRs in hPDLSCs and the positive cell percentage of TLR. hPDLSCs were cultured in osteogenic medium for 7 to 14 days with different TLR agonists at various concentrations . The effect of different TLR on osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs was evaluated by alizarin red S staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and ALP activity assay. Western blotting was used to analyze the phosphorylation levels of extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK), P38, AKT and expression of Runx2 an osteogenic related gene after treatment with TLR agonists, compared with the effect of inhibitors of mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) or protein kinase B (PKB or AKT) on Runx2 expression of hPDLSCs cultured in osteogenic medium.

RESULTS

Higher expressions of TLR1,3,4,6 were found in hPDLSCs through real-time PCR. Positive cell percentage of TLR was determined by flow cytometry and described as TLR1: 2.82%±0.68%; TLR2: 1.26%±0.09%; TLR3: 13.23%±2.05%; TLR4: 3.64%±0.79%; TLR6: 3.21%±1.64%, whose tendency was comparable to their mRNA expression in hPDLSCs. Most TLR ligands had no effect on the ALP staining, activity and mineralization of hPDLSCs at lower concentration except for 0.1 mg/L PolyI:C could induce the osteogenic ability of hPDLSCs. On the contrary, Higher concentration of TLR ligands (PolyI:C: 10 mg/L, LPS: 10 mg/L , Pam3CSK4: 1 mg/L, FSL-1: 50 μg/L) had obviously inhibitory effect on osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs. Activation of TLR using higher concentration of TLR ligands could downregulate the phosphorylation levels of ERK, P38, JNK and AKT, and also reduced the expression of Runx2, compared with the untreated control. The inhibitors of MAPK (U0126, SP600125,SB203580) and inhibitor of AKT (perifosine) could also inhibit Runx2 expression.

CONCLUSION

Higher concentration of TLR ligands could inhibit osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs. This inhibitory effect seemed to be related to decreased phosphorylation of MAPK and AKT.

[Stress change of periodontal ligament of the anterior teeth at the stage of space closure in lingual appliances: a 3-dimensional finite element analysis]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the stress distribution in the periodontal ligament (PDL) under different loading conditions at the stage of space closure by 3D finite element model of customized lingual appliances.

METHODS

The 3D finite element model was used in ANSYS 11.0 to analyze the stress distribution in the PDL under the following loading conditions: (1) buccal sliding mechanics (0.75 N,1.00 N,1.50 N), (2) palatal sliding mechanics (0.75 N,1.00 N,1.50 N), (3) palatal-buccal combined sliding mechanics (buccal 1.00 N + palatal 0.50 N, buccal 0.75 N + palatal 0.75 N, buccal 0.50 N+ palatal 1.00 N). The maximum principal stress, minimum principal stress and von Mises stress were evaluated.

RESULTS

(1) buccal sliding mechanics(0.75 N,1.00 N,1.50 N): maximum principal stress: at the initial of loading, maximum principal stress, which was the compressed stress, distributed in labial PDL of cervix of lateral incisor, and palatal distal PDL of cervix of canine. With increasing loa-ding, the magnitude and range of the stress was increased. Minimum principal stress: at the initial of loading, minimum principal stress which was tonsil stress, distributed in palatal PDL of cervix of lateral incisor and mesial PDL of cervix of canine. With increasing loading, the magnitude and range of minimum principal stress was increased. The area of minimum principal stress appeared in distal and mesial PDL of cervix of central incisor. von Mises stress:it distributed in labial and palatal PDL of cervix of lateral incisor and distal PDL of cervix of canine initially. With increasing loading, the magnitude and range of stress was increased towards the direction of root. Finally, there was stress concentration area at mesial PDL of cervix of canine. (2) palatal sliding mechanics(0.75 N,1.00 N,1.50 N): maximum principal stress: at the initial of loading, maximum principal stress which was the compressed stress, distributed in palatal and distal PDL of cervix of canine, and distal-buccal and palatal PDL of cervix of lateral incisor. With increasing loading, the magnitude and range of the stress was increased. Minimum principal stress: at the initial of loading, minimum principal stress which was tonsil stress, distributed in distal-interproximal PDL of cervix of lateral incisor and mesial-interproximal PDL of cervix of canine. With increasing loading, the magnitude and range of the stress was increased.von Mises stress: von Mises stress distributed in palatal and interproximal PDL of cervix of canine. With increasing loading, the magnitude and range of stress was increased. Finally, von Mises stress distributing area appeared at distal-palatal PDL of cervix of canine. (3) palatal-buccal combined sliding mechanics: maximum principal stress: maximum principal stress still distributed in distal-palatal PDL of cervix of canine. Minimum principal stress: minimum principal stress distributed in palatal PDL of cervix of lateral incisor when buccal force was more than palatal force. As palatal force increased, the stress concentrating area transferred to mesial PDL of cervix of canine.von Mises stress: it was lower and more well-distributed in palatal-buccal combined sliding mechanics than palatal or buccal sliding mechanics.

CONCLUSION

Using buccal sliding mechanics,stress majorly distributed in PDL of lateral incisor and canine, and magnitude and range of stress increased with the increase of loading; Using palatal sliding mechanics, stress majorly distributed in PDL of canine, and magnitude and range of stress increased with the increase of loading; With palatal-buccal combined sliding mechanics, the maximum principal stress distributed in the distal PDL of canine. Minimum principal stress distributed in palatal PDL of cervix of lateral incisor when buccal force was more than palatal force. As palatal force was increasing, the minimum principal stress distributing area shifted to mesial PDL of cervix of canine. When using 1.00 N buccal force and 0.50 N palatal force, the von Mises stress distributed uniformly in PDL and minimal stress appeared.