PROPERTIES OF THERMOLUMINESCENT CARDS WITH HIGH SENSITIVE GR-200A LiF:Mg,Cu, P DETECTORS FOR HARSHAW AUTOMATIC READER

New DML TL cards with GR-200A detectors were developed. The TL sensitivity remains stable and the detectors were sealed firmly during the encapsulation process. The sensitivity, detection threshold, residual signal, reusability, dose response and Teflon capsule resistance of DML cards with two GR-200A detectors with diameter 3.6 mm and thickness 0.38 mm placed in positions 2 and 3 were evaluated. The detection thresholds were 0.61 μSv for the detector at position 2 and 1.15 μSv for the detector at position 3. The residual signals were 0.40% for the detector at position 2 and 0.57% for the detector at position 3. The 10 repeated readings of the same 10 irradiated cards were found within 1% for the two detectors on the cards. The DML cards demonstrate very high sensitivity, low background and good stability and can be used for very low dose ranges in personnel dosimetry and in environmental monitoring.

Effects of Shugan-Jianpi Recipe on the Expression of the p38 MAPK/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in the Hepatocytes of NAFLD Rats

Background: In traditional Chinese medicine, the Shugan-Jianpi recipe is often used in the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study aimed to explore the mechanism of the Shugan-Jianpi recipe in relation to rats with NAFLD induced by a high-fat diet. Methods: Rats were randomly divided into eight groups: normal group (NG), model group (MG), low-dose Chaihu⁻Shugan⁻San group (L-CG), high-dose Chaihu⁻Shugan⁻San group (H-CG), low-dose Shenling⁻Baizhu⁻San group (L-SG), high-dose Shenling⁻Baizhu⁻San group (H-SG), low dose of integrated-recipes group (L-IG), and high dose of integrated-recipes group (H-IG). After 26 weeks, a lipid profile, aspartate, and alanine aminotransferases in serum were detected. The serum levels of inflammatory factors including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were analyzed using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Hepatic pathological changes were observed with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and oil red O staining. The expression of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway was detected by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting. Results: A pathological section revealed that NAFLD rats have been successfully reproduced. Compared with the model group, each treatment group had different degrees of improvement. The Shugan-Jianpi recipe can inhibit the serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in NAFLD rats. The expression of mRNA and a protein related to the p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway were markedly decreased as a result of the Shugan-Jianpi recipe. Conclusions: The Shugan-Jianpi recipe could attenuate NAFLD progression, and its mechanism may be related to the suppression of the p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway in hepatocytes.

[Complications of 2 133 cases of pediatric long bone fracture undergoing elastic stable intramedullary nailing in a single medical center]

Objective: To summarize the clinical data of elastic stable intramedullary nailing(ESIN) in the treatment of long bone fracture of children in a single medical center, and to analyze the problems occurred after the ESIN surgery and corresponding solutions. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted regarding the clinical data of 2 133 pediatric long bone fractures conforming to inclusion and exclusion criteria from June, 2005 to December, 2017 in Department of Orthopedics, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University.There were 1 191 boys and 942 girls, aged from 23 months to 14 years with mean age of (5.7 ± 3.1)years.There were 1 866 cases treated with closed reduction with ESIN, while 267 cases were treated with small incision assisted reduction with ESIN.Postoperative problems have been statistically analyzed. Results: There were altogether 2 133 children, including 603 cases of femur, 311 cases of tibia, 8 cases of fibula, 219 cases of humerus, and 992 cases of ulna/radius.The postoperative complications mainly consist of 62 cases of needle tail irritation reaction, 21 cases of misalignments of fracture alignment, 11 cases of intramedullary nail deformity or angular deformity, 7 cases of limb shortening, 14 cases of limited joint activity, 4 cases of nerve injury, 2 cases of tendon injury, 14 cases of difficult nail removal, 4 cases of cortical cleavage, 8 cases of delayed union, 1 case of nonunion, 6 cases of varus/valgus deformity, 5 cases of epiphyseal injury, 6 cases of ESIN exposure, and 2 cases of metal debris of ESIN' end. Conclusions: The complications of treatment for children with long bone fractures by ESIN cannot be ignored.To master the important biomechanical properties, to get familiar with the local anatomy and to avoid obvious technical errors can reduce the occurrence of postoperative complications.

3-D manipulation of a single nano-droplet on graphene with an electrowetting driving scheme: critical condition and tunability

The next generation of micro/nano-fluidic systems, featuring manipulation of a single nanoliter volume of a chemical reactant or bio-substance, is greatly dependent on the accurate manipulation of a single nano-droplet. In this paper, to resolve the lack of efficient methods for 3-D actuation of nano-droplets with high tunability, we proposed an electro-wetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) driving scheme on a graphene surface. The droplet could be actuated when the EWOD-saturated contact angle was reached, which determined the critical magnitude of the E-field. The droplet velocity agreed well with the vcom ∼ E1/2C-O law due to the film-detachment mechanism, which indicated the low viscous dissipation and good tunability of the proposed technique. The droplet velocity could also be tuned by changing the initial wettability of the graphene surface. Detailed examination of the liquid-solid interface revealed significant penetration of water molecules into the inner Helmholtz plane (IHP) before the induction of droplet detachment when the electric energy was converted into surface energy. For all the studied cases, the saturated contact angle served as a sufficient condition for the actuation of droplets.

Age Estimation and Age-related Facial Reconstruction of Xinjiang Uygur Males by Three-dimensional Human Facial Images

OBJECTIVES

To search age-correlated facial features and construct an age estimation model based on the three-dimensional （3D） facial images of Xinjiang Uygur males, and to structure individual face images of old age and young age.

METHODS

Pretreatment was performed to collect 105 3D facial images of Xingjiang Uygur males aged between 17-57 years by Artec Studio software. The facial images were transferred to high-density 3D dot matrix data by FaceAnalysis software, and each image could be represented with 32 251 vertexes. Central correction of the facial images was done and all the data were aligned to a standard coordinate frame by generalized Procrustes analysis （GPA）. The age estimation model was established by partial least square regression （PLSR）. Furthermore, the changes of age-correlated facial features were presented on the heat map of average face, and the reconstruction of facial images at different ages was performed based on this model.

RESULTS

With age, the average faces showed a series of changes including the nasolabial sulcus deepening, cheek sinking, cheekbone protruding and eye corner drooping. The Pearson correlation coefficient （r） between estimated age and chronological age was 0.71. The mean absolute deviation （MAD） of age estimation was 6.37 years. The results of age estimation in >30-40 years group showed a best accuracy （MAD=4.27 years）, and the deviations increased with age after 40 years. The composite facial images represented a significant result with age on facial morphological features and aging.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study reveal the age-correlated facial features and aging markers in Uygur population, which help to construct a reliable age estimation model.

Active surveillance for antenatally detected ureteroceles: Predictors of success

INTRODUCTION

Historically, ureteroceles were surgically treated, as patients were diagnosed after developing symptoms. However, with the advance of fetal medicine, antenatal detection has provided an opportunity to look at the natural history of ureteroceles.

OBJECTIVES

With data derived from a retrospective chart review of patients with ureteroceles that were detected antenatally, the current study aimed to determine which group of children would be at risk for failure on active surveillance. It was hypothesized that single system ureteroceles (SSU) and male patients with duplex system ureteroceles (DSU) would be ideal for observation.

METHODS

Outcomes were assessed by descriptive statistics. Kaplan-Meier curves were utilized to estimate median duration on active surveillance in both single and duplex cohorts. Breakthrough febrile urinary tract infection (fUTI) and surgery were determined by Cox regression in the duplex system cohort. Surgery was considered surveillance failure.

RESULTS

A total of 102 patients (64 females/38 males) met the criteria: 78 (76.5%) had DSU and 24 (23.5%) SSU. The overall median observation was 1.2 years (range 0.7-3.1). Follow-up ranged from 0.3 to 11.7 years for SSU, and from 0.02 to 17.3 years for DSU. The predictors of failure of active surveillance (AS) in DSU (surgical intervention) were male gender (HR 1.8, 1.0-3.3, P = 0.037), or fUTI (HR 3.1, 1.7-5.8, P = 0.002). Predictors of fUTI were contralateral hydroureter or ipsilateral hydronephrosis ± hydroureter (OR 9.5, 1.2-71.7, P = 0.028). Interestingly, vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) was not a predictor of fUTI. The SSU patients were ideal for AS, while in DSU, surveillance was successful in 30% of patients who were primarily females without contralateral hydroureter or ipsilateral hydronephrosis ± hydroureter. However, in contradiction to the hypothesis, males were at higher risk for surgical intervention in the DSU cohort.

CONCLUSION

Active surveillance is an option for patients with antenatally detected ureteroceles, but careful long term follow up is mandatory. Parents should be advised that surgical intervention may still be necessary, particularly in males with DSU.

ROR1 and ROR2 play distinct and opposing roles in endometrial cancer

OBJECTIVE

In recent years, the Wnt signalling pathway and the ROR1 and ROR2 receptors have been implicated in a range of gynecological cancers. These receptors have been described as prospective therapeutic targets, and this study investigated such potential in an endometrial cancer context.

METHOD

Immunohistochemistry for ROR1 and ROR2 was performed in a patient cohort, and expression was correlated with clinicopathological parameters including type, stage, grade, myometrial invasion, lymphovascular involvement, patient age and survival. The functional role of these receptors in endometrial cancer was investigated via siRNA knockdown of ROR1 and ROR2 in three cell line models (KLE, RL95-2 and MFE-319). Effects on proliferation, adhesion, migration and invasion were measured.

RESULTS

High ROR1 expression in patient samples correlated with worse overall survival (p = 0.0169) while high ROR2 expression correlated with better overall survival (p = 0.06). ROR1 knockdown in KLE cells significantly decreased proliferation (p = 0.047) and reduced migration and invasion. ROR2 knockdown in RL95-2 cells increased cell migration and invasion (p = 0.011). Double ROR1 and ROR2 knockdown in MFE-319 cells decreased adhesion and significantly increased cell migration (P = 0.008) and invasion (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

ROR1 and ROR2 play distinct roles in endometrial cancer. ROR1 may promote tumor progression, similar to its role in ovarian cancer, while ROR2 may act as a tumor suppressor in endometrioid endometrial cancer, similar to its role in colorectal cancer. With several ROR-targeting therapies currently in development and phase I clinical trials for other tumor types, this study supports the potential of these receptors as therapeutic targets for women with endometrial cancer.

Interface effect on the cohesive energy of nanostructured materials and substrate-supported nanofilms

The cohesive energy is a key quantity to determine the mechanical, physical, chemical, and electronic properties of materials.

Low temperature difference thermoacoustic prime mover with asymmetric multi-stage loop configuration

Environmentally friendly and low-cost technologies to recover low-grade heat source into usable energy can contribute to ease the energy shortage. Thermoacoustic technology is expected as one promising approach in this ascendant field. In this work, the multi-stage looped thermoacoustic prime movers with asymmetric configuration, which can provide travelling-wave resonator and appropriate acoustic field for efficient regenerator, have been proposed and experimentally studied. The presented looped thermoacoustic prime movers can start to oscillate with quite low temperature difference along the regenerator. The lowest onset temperature difference obtained in the experiments is only 17 °C (the corresponding heating temperature is 29 °C), which can be achieved in both three-stage and four-stage looped thermoacoustic prime movers, with CO2 of 1 MPa or 1.5 MPa as the working fluid. An electric generator driven by a three-stage looped thermoacoustic prime mover with low heating temperature was tested to achieve the acoustic to electric conversion.

Efficient synthesis of highly fluorescent carbon dots by microreactor method and their application in Fe3+ ion detection

Rapidly obtaining strong photoluminescence (PL) of carbon dots with high stability is crucial in all practical applications of carbon dots, such as cell imaging and biological detection. In this study, we proposed a rapid, continuous carbon dots synthesis technique by using a microreactor method. By taking advantage of the microreactor, we were able to rapidly synthesized CDs at a large scale in less than 5min, and a high quantum yield of 60.1% was achieved. This method is faster and more efficient than most of the previously reported methods. To explore the relationship between the microreactor structure and CDs PL properties, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were carried out. The results show the surface functional groups and element contents influence the PL emission. Subsequent ion detection experiments indicated that CDs are very suitable for use as nanoprobes for Fe³⁺ ion detection, and the lowest detection limit for Fe³⁺ is 0.239μM, which is superior to many other research studies. This rapid and simple synthesis method will not only aid the development of the quantum dots industrialization but also provide a powerful and portable tool for the rapid and continuous online synthesis of quantum dots supporting their application in cell imaging and safety detection.

Identification of a TLR2-regulated gene signature associated with tumor cell growth in gastric cancer

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are key regulators of innate immune responses, and their dysregulation is observed in numerous inflammation-associated malignancies, including gastric cancer (GC). However, the identity of specific TLRs and their molecular targets which promote the pathogenesis of human GC is ill-defined. Here, we sought to determine the clinical utility of TLR2 in human GC. TLR2 mRNA and protein expression levels were elevated in >50% of GC patient tumors across multiple ethnicities. TLR2 was also widely expressed among human GC cell lines, and DNA microarray-based expression profiling demonstrated that the TLR2-induced growth responsiveness of human GC cells corresponded with the up-regulation of six anti-apoptotic (BCL2A1, BCL2, BIRC3, CFLAR, IER3, TNFAIP3) and down-regulation of two tumor suppressor (PDCD4, TP53INP1) genes. The TLR2-mediated regulation of these anti-apoptotic and tumor suppressor genes was also supported by their increased and reduced expression, respectively, in two independent genetic GC mouse models (gp130^F/F and Gan) characterized by high tumor TLR2 expression. Notably, enrichment of this TLR2-regulated gene signature also positively correlated with augmented TLR2 expression in human GC tumors, and served as an indicator of poor patient survival. Furthermore, treatment of gp130^F/F and cell line-derived xenograft (MKN1) GC mouse models with a humanized anti-TLR2 antibody suppressed gastric tumor growth, which was coincident with alterations to the TLR2-driven gene signature. Collectively, our study demonstrates that in the majority of GC patients, elevated TLR2 expression is associated with a growth-potentiating gene signature which predicts poor patient outcomes, thus supporting TLR2 as a promising therapeutic target in GC.

The association between hepatitis B self-awareness and depression: Exploring the modifying effects of socio-economic factors

China has a high prevalence of HBV. Despite previous studies, uncertainty remains about the association of HBV with depression. This study explores the strength of the association and the modifying effects of participants' self-awareness of the disease and their socio-economic status. Data from the baseline of a Chinese cohort study of approximately 500 000 adults were analysed. Depression was assessed using the Composite International Diagnostic Inventory. Blood spot tests were conducted to detect hepatitis B surface antigen. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between depression and HBV adjusting for demographic, socio-economic and lifestyle factors of major depression. To understand the effect modifications of disease self-awareness and socio-economic factors, a series of stratified analyses were undertaken. The overall prevalence of HBV is 3.2%, with 2.8% screen-detected and 0.3% self-reported cases. There was an 84% increased odds of depression among self-reported HBV patients (OR=1.84, 95% CI: 1.16-2.90), but no association was found in the screen-detected group (OR=0.98, 95% CI: 0.79-1.23). Male (OR=2.28, 95% CI: 1.30-3.98), younger age (OR=3.57, 95% CI: 1.82-7.00), rural resident (OR=2.31, 95% CI: 1.36-3.94), lower household income (OR=2.38, 95% CI: 1.34-4.25) and agricultural worker (OR=2.92, 95% CI: 1.63-5.77) were found having greater odds of depression in the HBV self-aware group, compared to those without HBV. A strong association between hepatitis B self-awareness and depression was found. Lower socio-economic status could modify the association between hepatitis B status and depression. Further studies are needed to understand the underlying psychosocial mechanisms of the association.

Downregulation of PCK2 remodels tricarboxylic acid cycle in tumor-repopulating cells of melanoma

For cancer cells to proliferate, a balance must be built between biomass-forming, glucose-metabolized intermediates and ATP production. How intrinsic glucose carbon flow regulates this balance remains unclear. Here we show that mitochondrial phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PCK2), the hub molecule linking tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, glycolysis and gluconeogenesis by conversion of mitochondrial oxaloacetate (OAA) to phosphoenolpyruvate, regulates glucose carbon flow direction in stem-like cells that repopulate tumors (tumor-repopulating cells (TRCs)). PCK2 downregulation accelerated biosynthesis and transportation of citrate from mitochondria to the cytosol, leading to cytosolic glucose carbon flow via OAA-malate-pyruvate and acetyl-CoA-fatty acid pathways in TRCs. On the other hand, downregulating PCK2 hindered fumarate carbon flows in TCA cycle, leading to attenuated oxidative phosphorylation. In pathological terms, PCK2 overexpression slowed TRC growth in vitro and impeded tumorigenesis in vivo. Overall, our work unveiled unexpected glucose carbon flows of TRCs in melanoma that have implications for targeting metabolic aspects of melanoma.

Comparison of Insulin Resistance and β-Cell Dysfunction Between the Young and the Elderly in Normal Glucose Tolerance and Prediabetes Population: A Prospective Study

Insulin resistance and β-cell function are different between the young and elderly diabetes individuals, which are not well elaborated in the nondiabetic persons. The aims of this study were to compare insulin resistance and β-cell function between young and old adults from normal glucose tolerance (NGT) to prediabetes [which was subdivided into isolated impaired fasting glucose (i-IFG), isolated impaired glucose tolerance (i-IGT), and a combination of both (IFG/IGT)], and compare the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in the above prediabetes subgroups between different age groups after 3 years. A total of 1 374 subjects aged below 40 or above 60 years old with NGT or prediabetes were finally included in this study. Insulin resistance and β-cell function from homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) and interactive, 24-variable homeostatic model of assessment (iHOMA2) were compared between different age groups. The rate of transition to diabetes between different age groups in all pre-diabetes subgroups was also compared. Compared with the old groups, young i-IFG and IFG/IGT groups exhibit higher log HOMA-IR and log HOMA2-S, whereas the young i-IGT groups experienced comparable log HOMA-IR and log HOMA2-S when compared with old i-IFG and IFG/IGT groups. Three prediabetes subgroups all had similar log HOMA-B and log HOMA2-B between different age groups. In addition, the prevalence of diabetes in young i-IFG was statistically higher than that in old i-IFG after 3 years. Age is negatively related to log HOMA2-B in both age groups. Considering an age-related deterioration of β-cell function, young i-IFG, young i-IGT, and young IFG/IGT all suffered a greater impairment in insulin secretion than the old groups. Young i-IFG and IFG/IGT have more severe insulin resistance than the old groups. In addition, young i-IFG characterized with a higher incidence of DM than the old i-IFG. These disparities highlight that the prevention to slow progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes should be additionally focused in young prediabetes individuals, especially young i-IFG.

Comparative studies on radioluminescent and thermoluminescent spectra of LiF:Mg,Cu,P and LiF:Mg,Cu,Si

The influence of various annealing treatments on radioluminescent (RL) and thermoluminescent (TL) spectra of LiF:Mg,Cu,Si and LiF:Mg,Cu,P was investigated. The TL and RL emission bands for LiF:Mg,Cu,P are not the same; however, the emission band peaking at ∼383 nm is predominant in the TL and RL emission for LiF:Mg,Cu,Si. With the increase in annealing temperatures in the range of 240-300°C, for LiF:Mg,Cu,P, the intensity of TL decreases much more rapidly than that of RL. For LiF:Mg,Cu,Si, the area ratios of the two bands of RL and TL remain constant within experimental errors. It suggests that there is a significant decrease in the concentration of recombination centres in LiF:Mg,Cu,P after the annealing, in addition to the decrease in trapping centres, the recombination centres for main TL emission and RL emission in LiF:Mg,Cu,Si are the same, and the recombination centres for TL emission and RL emission in LiF:Mg,Cu,P are not the same. P is a more effective dopant than Si.

The effects of substance p on tendinopathy are dose-dependent: an in vitro and in vivo model study

OBJECTIVES

Substance P (SP) is known to be involved in neuropathic pain, chronic inflammation, and tendinopathy. The present study evaluated the effects of different doses of SP on tendon-derived stem cells (TDSCs) in vitro and tendons in vivo.

METHODS

For the in vitro study, TDSCs cultured in growth medium with different concentrations of SP (negative control, 0.1 nM, and 1.0 nM). The effects of SP on TDSCs were examined with respect to their ability to proliferate and differentiate. For the in vivo study, we injected different doses of SP (saline control, 0.5 nmol, and 5.0 nmol) into rat patella tendons to investigate the effects of SP on tendons.

RESULTS

Low and high doses SP significantly enhanced the proliferation ability of TDSCs. Low-dose of SP induced the expression of tenocyte-related genes; however, high-dose of SP induced the expression of non-tenocyte genes, which was evident by the high expression of PPARγ and collagen type II. In the in vivo study, only high-doses of SP (5.0 nmol) induced the tendinosis-like changes in the patella tendon injection model. Low doses of SP (0.5 nmol) enhanced the tenogenesis compared with saline injection and the high-dose SP group.

CONCLUSIONS

SP enhances the proliferation of TDSCs in vitro and the effects of SP on tendinopathy are dose-dependent in vivo.

Further studies on the role of dopants in LiF:Mg,Cu,Si thermoluminescent material

The 3-D thermoluminescence spectra and glow curves of LiF:Mg,Cu,Si, LiF:Mg,Cu, LiF:Mg,Si and LiF:Cu,Si with low concentrations of Mg and Cu were measured and were compared with those with high concentrations to investigate further the role of dopants in LiF:Mg,Cu,Si material. The shape of glow curves of the four samples is similar; however, LiF:Cu,Si sample had no Mg dopant. It is concluded that the TL emission to be from self-trapped excitons in LiF, and this emission could be enhanced and altered by Mg, Cu and Si dopants in LiF:Mg,Cu,Si; all three dopants are necessary to obtain the bright TL emission and may be involved in the luminescence process; Mg seems to be the most essential dopant and Cu is involved in the trapping although the role of Mg dominates; both Cu and Si play a role in the main emission process and Cu also plays a role in reducing the emission around 610 nm.