Retraction Note to: miR-200 Regulates Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer via EGF/EGFR Signaling

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

The cosmic ray energy spectrum measured with the new Tibet hybrid experiment

We have upgraded the new Tibet ASgamma experiment in China since 2014 to measure the chemical composition of cosmic rays around the knee. This hybrid experiment consist of an air-shower-core detector array (YAC-II) to detect high energy electromagnetic component, the Tibet air-shower array (Tibet-III) and a large underground water-Cherenkov muon-detector array (MD). We have carried out a detailed air-shower Monte Carlo (MC) simulation to study the performance of the hybrid detectors by using CORSIKA (version 7.5000), which includes EPOS-LHC, QGSJETII-04, SIBYLL2.1 and SIBYLL2.3 hadronic interaction models. The preliminary results of the interaction model checking above 50 TeV energy region are reported in this paper, and the primary proton and helium spectra in the energy range 50 TeV to 1015 eV was derived from YAC-I data and is smoothly connected with direct observation data at lower energies and also with our previously reported works at higher energies within statistical errors. The knee of the (P+He) spectra is located around 400 TeV. The interaction model dependence in deriving the primary (P+He) spectra is found to be small (less than 25% in absolute intensity, 10% in position of the knee), and the composition model dependence is less than 10% in absolute intensity.

Dignity and its influencing factors in patients with cancer in North China: a cross-sectional study

Background

Patients with cancer experience various levels of loss of dignity. Exploring levels of loss of dignity and the factors that influence such losses for patients with cancer is rare, but important in palliative care in China.

Methods

Participants were cancer patients with early and advanced cancer recruited from a tertiary cancer hospital in North China. Patients were surveyed to assess their level of loss of dignity and potentially relevant factors. Data were collected using the Patient Dignity Inventory, the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory-Chinese, the distress thermometer, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the 30-question core Quality of Life Questionnaire from the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer, and were analyzed using quantitative methods.

Results

The study included 202 cancer patients, 143 of whom experienced mild loss of dignity (71%); 37, moderate loss of dignity (18%); and 10, severe loss of dignity (5%). The problems with dignity were slightly different in patients with early-stage disease than in those with advanced-stage disease. Loss of dignity in the patients was significantly correlated with psychological distress, symptom burden, and quality of life (p < 0.05). Logistic regression showed that age, Karnofsky performance status, anxiety, and symptom burden were significant predictors of loss of dignity.

Conclusions

Most patients with early and advanced cancer experienced some level of loss of dignity. Loss of dignity was more likely for patients of younger age, high Karnofsky performance status, high symptom burden, and anxiety. Understanding the dignity of cancer patients and potentially relevant factors is of great value for implementing comprehensive palliative care in China.

[Analysis of 15 cases of avian influenza virus (H7N9) infection]

Objective: To describe the clinical, chest imaging, pathological manifestations and therapeutic experience of human infection with A/H7N9 virus. Methods: The features of 15 laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with A/H7N9 virus in Taizhou, Jiangsu Province were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The 15 patients with confirmed viral pneumonia included 12 males and 3 females, with a median age of 61 years(ranging from 33 to 81 years). Twelve patients had a history of exposure to the poultry trading places, or direct contact with ill/dead avian, while 3 patients denied exposure or contact. The most common initial symptoms were fever, coughing, and respiratory distress. The illness progressed rapidly to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Lab tests showed normal (8 cases) or decreased (7 cases)white blood cell count , decreased (13 cases) lymphocyte count and proportion , increased creatine kinase (CK, 12 cases) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH, 15 cases), and respiratory failure (13 cases). Chest radiographic examination showed that the most common features were inflammatory infiltration in the lung, with partial consolidation. The average time of the diagnosis with influenza viral nucleic acid and onset of an oral anti-influenza drug were 7.1 days and 6.5 days. All patients were treated by antiviral drugs (oral oseltamivir 150 mg q12 h and/or intravenous paramivir 600 mg qd), with mechanical ventilation in 9 cases, glucocorticoid therapy in 5 cases (intravenous methylprednisolone in 3 and dexamethasone in 2 patients), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy in 2 cases, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in 6 cases, and artificial liver therapy in 1 case. The pulmonary pathology was observed from post-mortem biopsy for 2 fatal cases. Patient 1 had diffuse alveolar damage with inflammatory exudation, hyaline membrane formation, and cellular infiltration. Patient 2 had widened alveolar septum, lymphocyte and monocyte cell infiltration in the alveolar septa, and interstitial fibrous proliferation. Nine patients were discharged, and 6 died. Conclusions: Patients with influenza A/H7N9 virus mostly presented with fever, cough, and were prone to progression to viral pneumonia. Once acute respiratory distress and important organ dysfunction occurred, the fatality rate was higher. Early diagnosis and rational treatment were critical for better outcomes.

Test of the hadronic interaction models SIBYLL2.3, EPOS-LHC and QGSJETII- 04 with Tibet EAS core data

A hybrid experiment has been started by the ASγ experiment at Yangbajing (4300m a.s.l.) in Tibet since May 2009, that consists of a high-energy air-shower-core array (YAC-I) and a high-density air-shower array (Tibet-III). In this paper, we report our results to check the hadronic interaction models SIBYLL2.3, SIBYLL2.1, EPOS-LHC and QGSJETII-04 in the multi-tens TeV energy region using YAC-I+Tibet-III experimental data from May 2009 through January 2010. The effective live time is calculated as 106.05 days. The results show that the description of transverse momentum, inelastic cross-section and inelasticity for the 4 hadronic interaction models is consistent with YAC-I experimental data within 15% systematic errors range in the forward region below 100 TeV. Among them, the EPOS-LHC model is the best hadronic interaction model. Furthermore, we find that the H4a composition model is the best one below the 100 TeV energy region.

On the Solar Cycle Variation of the Solar Diurnal Anisotropy of Multi-TeV Cosmic-ray Intensity Observed with the Tibet Air Shower Array

We analyze the temporal variation of the solar diurnal anisotropy of the multi-TeV cosmic-ray intensity observed with the Tibet air shower array from 2000 to 2009, covering the maximum and minimum of the 23rd solar cycle. We comfirm that a remarkable additional anisotropy component is superposed on the Compton-Getting anisotropy at 4.0 TeV, while its amplitude decreases at higher energy regions. In constrast to the additional anisotropy reported by the Matsushiro experiment at 0.6 TeV, we find the residual component measured by Tibet at multi-TeV energies is consistent with being stable, with a fairly constant amplitude of 0.041% ± 0.003% and a phase at around 07.17 ± 00.16 local solar time at 4.0 TeV. This suggests the additional anisotropy observed by the Tibet experiment could result from mechanisms unrelated to solar activities.

Pseudorapidity Dependence of Particle Production and Elliptic Flow in Asymmetric Nuclear Collisions of p+Al, p+Au, d+Au, and ^{3}He+Au at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

Asymmetric nuclear collisions of p+Al, p+Au, d+Au, and ^{3}He+Au at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV provide an excellent laboratory for understanding particle production, as well as exploring interactions among these particles after their initial creation in the collision. We present measurements of charged hadron production dN_{ch}/dη in all such collision systems over a broad pseudorapidity range and as a function of collision multiplicity. A simple wounded quark model is remarkably successful at describing the full data set. We also measure the elliptic flow v_{2} over a similarly broad pseudorapidity range. These measurements provide key constraints on models of particle emission and their translation into flow.

Virtual Planning and 3D printing modeling for mandibular reconstruction with fibula free flap

Background

This study was to evaluate the use of virtual planning and 3D printing modeling in mandibular reconstruction and compare the operation time and surgical outcome of this technique with conventional method.

Material and Methods

Between 2014 and 2017, 15 patients underwent vascularized fibula flap mandibular reconstruction using virtual planning and 3D printing modeling. Titanium plates were pre-bent using the models and cutting guides were used for osteotomies. 15 patients who underwent mandibular reconstruction using fibula flap without aid of virtual planning and 3D printing models were selected as control group. The operation time was recorded and compared in two groups. Accuracy of reconstruction was measured by superimposing the preoperative image onto the postoperative image of mandible. The selected bony landmark, distance and angle were measured.

Results

The mean total operation time and reconstruction time were 1.60±0.37 and 5.54±0.50 hours in computer-assisted group, respectively; These were 2.58±0.45 and 6.54±0.70 hours in conventional group, respectively. Both operation time and reconstruction time were shorter in computer-assisted group. The difference between the preoperative and postoperative intercondylar distances, intergonial angle distances, anteroposterior distances and gonial angles were 2.92±1.15 and 4.48±1.41mm, 2.93±1.19 and 4.79±1.48mm, 4.31±1.24 and 5.61±1.41mm, 3.85±1.68° and 5.88±2.12° in the computer-assisted and conventional group, respectively. The differences between the preoperative and postoperative mandible is smaller in the computer-assisted group.

Conclusions

Virtual planning and 3D printing modeling have the potential to increase mandibular reconstruction accuracy and reduce operation time. we believe that this technology for mandibular reconstruction in selected patients will become a used method and improve the quality of reconstruction.

Key words:Mandibular reconstruction, fibula flap, virtual planning, computer-assisted design, 3D printing.

Measurements of Multiparticle Correlations in d+Au Collisions at 200, 62.4, 39, and 19.6 GeV and p+Au Collisions at 200 GeV and Implications for Collective Behavior

Recently, multiparticle-correlation measurements of relativistic p/d/^{3}He+Au, p+Pb, and even p+p collisions show surprising collective signatures. Here, we present beam-energy-scan measurements of two-, four-, and six-particle angular correlations in d+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200, 62.4, 39, and 19.6 GeV. We also present measurements of two- and four-particle angular correlations in p+Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. We find the four-particle cumulant to be real valued for d+Au collisions at all four energies. We also find that the four-particle cumulant in p+Au has the opposite sign as that in d+Au. Further, we find that the six-particle cumulant agrees with the four-particle cumulant in d+Au collisions at 200 GeV, indicating that nonflow effects are subdominant. These observations provide strong evidence that the correlations originate from the initial geometric configuration, which is then translated into the momentum distribution for all particles, commonly referred to as collectivity.

Evaluation of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field Strength Using the Cosmic-Ray Shadow of the Sun

We analyze the Sun's shadow observed with the Tibet-III air shower array and find that the shadow's center deviates northward (southward) from the optical solar disk center in the "away" ("toward") interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) sector. By comparing with numerical simulations based on the solar magnetic field model, we find that the average IMF strength in the away (toward) sector is 1.54±0.21_{stat}±0.20_{syst} (1.62±0.15_{stat}±0.22_{syst}) times larger than the model prediction. These demonstrate that the observed Sun's shadow is a useful tool for the quantitative evaluation of the average solar magnetic field.

Nuclear Dependence of the Transverse-Single-Spin Asymmetry for Forward Neutron Production in Polarized p+A Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

During 2015, the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) provided collisions of transversely polarized protons with Au and Al nuclei for the first time, enabling the exploration of transverse-single-spin asymmetries with heavy nuclei. Large single-spin asymmetries in very forward neutron production have been previously observed in transversely polarized p+p collisions at RHIC, and the existing theoretical framework that was successful in describing the single-spin asymmetry in p+p collisions predicts only a moderate atomic-mass-number (A) dependence. In contrast, the asymmetries observed at RHIC in p+A collisions showed a surprisingly strong A dependence in inclusive forward neutron production. The observed asymmetry in p+Al collisions is much smaller, while the asymmetry in p+Au collisions is a factor of 3 larger in absolute value and of opposite sign. The interplay of different neutron production mechanisms is discussed as a possible explanation of the observed A dependence.

The clinical effects of combined use of inhaled nitric oxide at early stage to cure severe respiratory failure in neonates

OBJECTIVE

To observe the clinical effects of combined use of inhaled nitric oxide at the early stage to cure severe respiratory failure in neonates.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

45 cases of neonates with severe respiratory failure, who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of XuZhou Children's Hospital from November 2014 to February 2016, were selected as objects of study, namely the iNO treatment group. On the basis of conventional treatment and mechanical ventilation, all of them were treated with the combined use of iNO at the early stage. The arterial blood gas index, respiratory function index and other indexes of those children were observed before iNO treatment and 1 h, 6 h, 12 h and 24 h post-treatment. 31 cases of newborns with severe respiratory failure admitted to the NICU of the same hospital from July 2013 to August 2014 were analyzed and selected as the control group. The cases in this group met the same criteria as those administered the iNO treatment. Comparisons were made between both groups in terms of the duration of ventilator support, complications during treatment, oxygen supply time, hospital stay and other data.

RESULTS

When treated after 1 h, 6 h, 12 h and 24 h, the pH value, arterial oxygen and carbon dioxide partial pressure of children in the iNO inhalation group significantly improved compared to those before treatment, and the difference was significant (p<0.05). When treated after 6, 12 and 24 h, the inspired oxygen concentration and oxygenation values of children significantly decreased compared to before treatment (p<0.05). When treated after 6, 12, and 24 h, the mean airway pressure of children was less than that before treatment and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). When treated after 1 h, 6, 12, 24 h, the arterial alveolar oxygen partial pressure ratio of children was greater than that before treatment and the difference was significant (p<0.05). When treated after 24 h, the pulmonary artery pressure of children significantly decreased compared to before treatment (p<0.05). Compared to the control group, the complications during the treatment, the respirator use time, oxygen supply time, length of stay and the mortality of children in the iNO treatment group were significantly decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

Mechanical ventilation, combined with iNO therapy, can effectively improve the respiratory function and arterial blood gas index of neonates with severe respiratory failure, improve the oxygenation, reduce complications and improve the quality of rescue, which is worthy of promotion.

Diagnosing eosinophilic asthma using a multivariate prediction model based on blood granulocyte responsiveness

BACKGROUND

The identification of inflammatory asthma phenotypes, using sputum analysis, has proven its value in diagnosis and disease monitoring. However due to technical limitations of sputum analysis, there is a strong need for fast and noninvasive diagnostics. This study included the activation state of eosinophils and neutrophils in peripheral blood to phenotype and monitor asthma.

OBJECTIVES

To (i) construct a multivariable model using the activation state of blood granulocytes, (ii) compare its diagnostic value with sputum eosinophilia as gold standard and (iii) validate the model in an independent patient cohort.

METHODS

Clinical parameters, activation of blood granulocytes and sputum characteristics were assessed in 115 adult patients with asthma (training cohort/Utrecht) and 34 patients (validation cohort/Oxford).

RESULTS

The combination of blood eosinophil count, fractional exhaled nitric oxide, Asthma Control Questionnaire, medication use, nasal polyposis, aspirin sensitivity and neutrophil/eosinophil responsiveness upon stimulation with formyl-methionyl-leucyl phenylalanine was found to identify sputum eosinophilia with 90.5% sensitivity and 91.5% specificity in the training cohort and with 77% sensitivity and 71% specificity in the validation cohort (relatively high percentage on oral corticosteroids [OCS]).

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed prediction model identifies eosinophilic asthma without the need for sputum induction. The model forms a noninvasive and externally validated test to assess eosinophilic asthma in patients not on OCS.

Methamphetamine causes neurotoxicity by promoting polarization of macrophages and inflammatory response

Macrophages, especially their activation state, are closely related to the progression of neurotoxicity. Classically activated macrophages (M1) are proinflammatory effectors, while alternatively activated macrophages (M2) exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. As a powerful addictive psychostimulant drug, coupled with its neurotoxicity, methamphetamine (Meth) abuse may lead to long-lasting abnormalities in the neuronal system. The present study investigated the effect of Meth at subtoxic concentration on macrophage activation state and its underlying toxicity to neuronal cells. PC12 and Murine RAW264.7 cells were coincubated with Meth to test its toxicity. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium-bromide, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot assays were performed to evaluate the toxicity, cytokine secretion, gene, and protein expression. Results showed that cytotoxicity was enhanced on PC12 cells after coculturing with RAW264.7 stimulated with Meth. RAW264.7 macrophages tended to switch to the M1 phenotype, releasing more nitric oxide and proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin (IL)-12, and IL-1β, while decreasing the release of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 after treatment with Meth. Meth upregulated the gene expression of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNFα and downregulated the expression of Arg-1, IL-10, and KLF4. Meth could also upregulate the protein expression of IL-1β and TNF α and downregulate the expression of Arg-1 and KLF4. However, the abovementioned effects induced by Meth were abolished by the addition of dopamine receptor D3 antagonist. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that Meth promoted macrophage polarization from M0 to M1 and enhanced inflammatory response, which provided the scientific rationale for the neurotoxicity caused by the chronic use of Meth.

[Clinical analysis of 10 patients of chronic subdural hematoma associated with arachnoid cyst]

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics, pathogenesis and surgical strategy for the chronic subdural hematoma associated with arachnoid cyst (AC). Method: Ten patients of chronic subdural hematoma associated with AC were retrospectively enrolled from the Neurosurgery Department of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital from January 2012 to September 2015, with a mean age of 27.5±5.6 years (range, 18-37 years). All patients simply performed a burr hole drainage of hematoma and left the AC intact, then followed up for 12 to 18 months after discharge respectively. Results: In this study, the AC in 8 of 10 cases occurs in the middle cranial fossa, and the other 2 cases root in the cerebral hemisphere.The AC of 10 patients all locate near the hematoma cavity.Nine patients had a full recovery, and only one patient had a recurrent subdural hematoma with a secondary operation, then recovery in 3 months postoperation.All patients lived completely free of neurological symptom and showed no recurrence in the follow-up period with a Barthel index more than 90. Conclusion: Simply burr hole drainage of hematoma and leave intact AC achieves satisfied outcome and provides a reliable therapy strategy for chronic subdural hematoma associated with arachnoid cyst.

Predictors Associated With Increased Prevalence of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in Chinese Patients with Atherosclerotic Risk Factors

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND

Epidemiological screening studies have demonstrated that the prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) of Asian origin appears to be low and so increases uncertainty about the cost effectiveness of screening for AAAs in Chinese people. Some studies have demonstrated a higher prevalence of AAA in patients with atherosclerotic risk factors. The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of AAA and to explore the high risk group of AAA in Chinese patients with atherosclerotic risk factors.

METHODS

From November 2014 to July 2015, a prospective observational study was conducted in Guangdong General Hospital. In total, 1582 consecutive patients with atherosclerotic risk factors and undergoing coronary angiography for suspected or known coronary artery disease were enrolled to be screened for AAA by abdominal aortic ultrasound. Because of inadequate ultrasound image quality, the analysis was based on the 1541 (97.4%) patients whose abdominal aortic ultrasound images were adequate.

RESULTS

The prevalence of AAA was 1.6% in the whole study population and 2.9% in male patients aged over 65 years. In multivariate analysis, age ≥ 65 years (p = .029), smoking (p = .037), hypertension (p = .026), and aortic root diameter > 30 mm (p = .003) were independent predictors of AAA. The prevalence of AAA was 0% (0/153) in patients without any independent predictor, 0.6% (3/502) in patients with one predictor, 1.0% (6/597) in patients with two predictors, 4.8% (12/249) in patients with three predictors, and up to 10% (4/40) in patients with four predictors (p<.001; p value for trend < .001).

CONCLUSION

Age ≥ 65 years, smoking, hypertension, and aortic root diameter > 30 mm emerged as independent predictors of AAA in Chinese patients. Stepwise increases in the prevalence of AAA were found to depend on the number of independent predictors. Ultrasound screening for AAA could be considered in these high risk patients, especially those with three or four predictors.