Nonvolatile and ultra-low-loss reconfigurable mode (De)multiplexer/switch using triple-waveguide coupler with Ge2Sb2Se4Te1 phase change material

Mode-division multiplexing (MDM) is a promising approach to dramatically enhance the transmission capacity. A reconfigurable mode (De)multiplexer/switch (RMDS) is a key component for the flexible mode routing in the MDM network. A nonvolatile and ultra-low-loss RMDS is proposed via a triple-silicon-waveguide directional coupler with the Ge₂Sb₂Se₄Te₁ (GSST) phase change material (PCM). The nonvolatile property of GSST makes it attractive to reduce the switching power-consumption. Benefiting from the low loss of the GSST-PCM at both amorphous and crystalline states, an RMDS with an ultra-low loss and a high extinction-ratio can be realized. The proposed RMDS is optimally designed by using the full-vectorial finite element method and 3D full-vectorial finite difference time domain method. The numerically simulated results show that a compact RMDS is with the extinction ratios of 18.98 dB and 22.18 dB, ultra-low insertion losses of 0.10 dB and 0.68 dB for the “OFF” and “ON” states, respectively at the operating wavelength of 1550 nm. An ultra-wide bandwidth of 100 nm is achieved for both the “OFF” and “ON” states.

Reconfigurable three-dimensional mode (de)multiplexer/switch via triple-silicon-ITO-waveguide directional coupler

A reconfigurable mode (de)multiplexer/switch (RMDS) is a pivotal component for the mode routing in mode-division multiplexing (MDM) networks. Here, we propose a three-dimensional (3D) RMDS via a triple-waveguide directional coupler, consisting of a lower doped silicon waveguide, a central plasmonic horizontal-slot waveguide with indium-tin-oxide (ITO) and an upper doped polycrystalline-silicon waveguide. The enhanced light-matter-interactions can be achieved via the central plasmonic metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) mode. The multiplexing states of the proposed 3D-RMDS can be switched by adjusting the applied voltage bias on the ITO layer. The simulation results reveal that a 3D quasi-TM₀ and quasi-TM₁ RMDS is with a compact length of 8.429 μm, the mode crosstalk of -20.3 dB (-9.2 dB) and the insertion loss of 0.06 dB (1.47dB) at the wavelength of 1550 nm for the "OFF" ("ON") state, respectively. The proposed 3D-RMDS can be applied in future 3D on-chip MDM networks to achieve a flexible mode-routing and further enhance the transmission capacity.

Intestinal macrophages in mucosal immunity and their role in systemic lupus erythematosus disease

Monocytes play an important role in inducing host systemic immunity against invading pathogens and inflammatory responses. After activation, monocytes migrate to tissue sites, where they initiate both innate and adaptive immune responses, and become macrophages. Although mucosal macrophages produce inflammatory cytokines in response to pathogens, the perturbations in innate immune signaling pathway have been implicated in autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this review, we focus on the role of human macrophages in intestinal innate immune responses, homeostasis, and SLE disease. We further discuss sex differences in the intestinal macrophages and their role in the physiology and pathogenesis of SLE.

miR-155 Aggravates Liver Ischemia/reperfusion Injury by Suppressing SOCS1 in Mice

Liver ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) occurs during partial liver resection and liver transplantation. Activation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) is a key event triggered by a range of proinflammatory cytokines during liver I/R. Although it has been reported that miR-155 takes part in both innate and adaptive immune responses, the potential role of miR-155 in liver IRI remains unknown. In this study, we found that expression of miR-155 was upregulated during liver I/R by many inflammatory cytokines, and forced expression of miR-155 aggravated hepatocyte injury following liver I/R both in vivo and in vitro. Mice transfected with Ago-miR-155-a chemically modified miR-155-showed enhanced liver severity compared to those transfected with negative control miRNA by inhibiting the expression of SOCS1, the target of miR-155. Thus by the inhibition of SOCS1, the overexpression of miR-155 promoted activation of NF-κB, and elevating the production of proinflammatory cytokines, such TNF-α and IL-6. In conclusion, miR-155 aggravates liver I/R injury in vivo and hepatocyte hypoxia/reoxygenation injury by suppressing the expression of SOCS1.

Ubiquitous Spin-Orbit Coupling in a Screw Dislocation with High Spin Coherency

We theoretically demonstrate that screw dislocation (SD), a 1D topological defect widely present in semiconductors, exhibits ubiquitously a new form of spin-orbit coupling (SOC) effect. Differing from the widely known conventional 2D Rashba-Dresselhaus (RD) SOC effect that typically exists at surfaces or interfaces, the deep-level nature of SD-SOC states in semiconductors readily makes it an ideal SOC. Remarkably, the spin texture of 1D SD-SOC, pertaining to the inherent symmetry of SD, exhibits a significantly higher degree of spin coherency than the 2D RD-SOC. Moreover, the 1D SD-SOC can be tuned by ionicity in compound semiconductors to ideally suppress spin relaxation, as demonstrated by comparative first-principles calculations of SDs in Si/Ge, GaAs, and SiC. Our findings therefore open a new door to manipulating spin transport in semiconductors by taking advantage of an otherwise detrimental topological defect.

Airborne non-contact and contact broadband ultrasounds for frequency attenuation profile estimation of cementitious materials

In this paper, the study of frequency-dependent ultrasonic attenuation in strongly heterogeneous cementitious materials is addressed. To accurately determine the attenuation over a wide frequency range, it is necessary to have suitable excitation techniques. We have analysed two kinds of ultrasound techniques: contact ultrasound and airborne non-contact ultrasound. The mathematical formulation for frequency-dependent attenuation has been established and it has been revealed that each technique may achieve similar results but requires specific different calibration processes. In particular, the airborne non-contact technique suffers high attenuation due to energy losses at the air-material interfaces. Thus, its bandwidth is limited to low frequencies but it does not require physical contact between transducer and specimen. In contrast, the classical contact technique can manage higher frequencies but the measurement depends on the pressure between the transducer and the specimen. Cement specimens have been tested with both techniques and frequency attenuation dependence has been estimated. Similar results were achieved at overlapping bandwidth and it has been demonstrated that the airborne non-contact ultrasound technique could be a viable alternative to the classical contact technique.

Real-time observation of leukocyte-endothelium interactions in tissue-engineered blood vessel

Human cell-based 3D tissue constructs play an increasing role in disease modeling and drug screening. Inflammation, atherosclerosis, and many autoimmune disorders involve the interactions between immune cells and blood vessels. However, it has been difficult to image and model these interactions under realistic conditions. In this study, we fabricated a perfusion and imaging chamber to allow the real-time visualization of leukocyte perfusion, adhesion, and migration inside a tissue-engineered blood vessel (TEBV). We monitored the elevated monocyte adhesion to the TEBV wall and transendothelial migration (TEM) as the TEBV endothelium was activated by the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α. We demonstrated that treatment with anti-TNF-α or an NF-kB signaling pathway inhibitor would attenuate the endothelium activation and reduce the number of leukocyte adhesion (>74%) and TEM events (>87%) close to the control. As the first demonstration of real-time imaging of dynamic cellular events within a TEBV, this work paves the way for drug screening and disease modeling in TEBV-associated microphysiological systems.

[The 463rd case: rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure and acute hepatic failure]

We represented a 22-year-old male patient who developed rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney failure and acute hepatic failure and was finally diagnosed as multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency. The patient appeared temporary stable status after high dose vitamine-B(2) supplement whereas deterioration was still fatal with pulmonary infection, acute respiratory failure and acute heart failure.

[Effects and the associated factors of the 2016 China Motivational Healthy Walking Program among occupational population]

Objective: To examine the effects and associated factors of the China Motivational Healthy Walking Program among occupational population. Methods: The 2016 China Motivational Healthy Walking Program recruited 29 224 participants from 139 demonstration areas for comprehensive prevention and control of chronic and non-communicable disease at national level and 70 at provincial level. Intervention on walking was carried out by adopting group and individual motivating measures. Walking steps were recorded by electronic pedometer. We used percent of days achieving 10 000 steps (P10 000), percent of days fulfilling continuous walking (PCW), and proportion of valid walking (PVW) steps to reflect walking quantity, pattern and quality of participants. Motivation intensity was measured by summing up scores of each motivating activity. Questionnaire-based online survey collected information about demographic characteristics, lifestyle risk factors and chronic diseases. This study finally included 12 368 individuals in the analysis. Multilevel logistic regression model was used to assess the effect of group and individual motivating measures on walking activity and corresponding associated factors. Results: Age of the study sample was (41.2±8.99) years, and 58.17% (7 194) of them were female. After 100-day intervention, the P10 000, PCW and PVW of all participants were 93.89%±14.42%,92.01%±15.97% and 81.00%±7.45%, respectively. The mean P10 000 and PCW increased with rising group-motivated scores, self-motivated scores and individual-activity scores (P<0.001 for all). The mean PVW decreased with both higher group-motivated scores and self-motivated scores (both P<0.05), and varied little among groups with different level individual-activity scores (P=0.525). According to the results from the multilevel model, those who had greater group-motivated scores and self-motivated scores tended to have more likelihood of high-level of P10 000 and PCW. Age, sex, smoking status, education attainment and alcohol drinking were associated with P10 000 and PCW (P<0.05 for all). Conclusion: The Motivational Healthy Walking Program had positive effect on promoting healthy walking among occupational population. Group-motivated and self-motivated activities were associated with healthy walking.

Tophaceous gout causing thoracic spinal cord compression: Case report and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

To improve neurologists' awareness of spine gout by showing a rare case of tophaceous gout in thoracic spine and a summary of vertebral gout in order.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We reported a case of a 36-year-old male with a 2-year-history of hyperuricemia. Neurological examination suggested that the strength of his lower limbs decreased. Bilateral Babinski's sign and ankle clonus were positive. He had no bladder or bowel dysfunction. Computed tomography of the thoracic spine showed occupied lesions at the T9, T10 levels which led to the spinal stenosis. Magnetic resonance imaging of the thoracic spine revealed epidural disease at T9, T10 levels. A resection of the occupying lesion in the thoracic spinal canal was performed, tophaceous gout was diagnosed by the pathological examination. We also provide a brief review of literature on 30 cases of spine tophaceous gout.

RESULT

Spinal tophaceous gout is rare, gout can involved in any spine level, but the probability of occurrence of thoracic spine is the least. Most patients had a history of hyperuricemia or peripheral tophus, the most common symptoms are back pain, when the pain stone compression spinal cord or nerve root, there will be the corresponding neurological symptoms or signs.

CONCLUSIONS

The spinal gout should be considered when a patient has chronic or acute back pain and/or neurological symptoms, with mass on sides of the vertebras on MRI, especially when the patient has a history of hyperuricemia, the pathology examination can confirm the diagnosis.

[Laparoscopic type C1 hysterectomy based on the anatomic landmark of the uterus deep vein and its branches for cervical cancer]

Objective: To introduce the laparoscopic type C1 hysterectomy based on the anatomic landmark of the uterus deep vein and its branched and to evaluate its feasibility and safety for cervical cancer and its effect to bladder function and to provide some reference to simplify the surgical procedures of laparoscopic type C1 hysterectomy. Methods: The clinicopathologic data of the patients with stage ⅠA2~ⅡB cervical cancer and who underwent the laparoscopic C1 hysterectomy based on anatomic landmark of the uterus deep vein and its branches between March 2010 and December 2015 was retrospectively analysed. Results: A total of 99 patients received laparoscopic type C1 hysterectomy based on the anatomic landmark of the uterus deep vein and its branches, in which 93 patients reserved unilateral or bilateral pelvic autonomic nerve successfully, the other 6 patients were transfered to receive type C2 hysterectomy due to adhesions, bleeding or the low possibility of curative resection. The failure rate of the surgery was 6.1% (6/99). The average age of these 93 patients was 44.4±8.2 years (range 25~61 years) and there was one case of stage ⅠA2, 84 stage ⅠB1, 2 stage ⅠB2, 5 stage ⅡA1 and 1 stage ⅡB. The number of patients with squamous cell carcinoma was 67, adenocarcinoma was 19, adenosquamous carcinoma was 3, small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma was 3 and mixed type was 1. The average operation time was 4.1±0.5 h, the average amount of intraoperative blood loss was 103.8±84.0 ml and the mean number of excisional pelvic lymph nodes was 29.7±8.9. There was no patient with positive parametrial margin, positive vaginal margin or intraoperative ureteral injury. The postoperative catheter extraction time was 20.3±8.4 d. The median follow-up time was 20 months (rang 5~44 months), the long-term bladder dysfunction rate was 8.6% (8/93). The numbers of locally uncontrolled and distantly metastasis case were both one and both patients died. The fatality rate were 2.2% (2/93). The two-year disease-free survival and overall survival rate were 97.6% and 96.2%, respectively. Conclusion: Laparoscopic type C1 hysterectomy based on the anatomic landmark of the uterus deep vein and its branches is a safe and feasible treatment method for cervical cancer and it provides a new approach for simplifying the surgical procedures of laparoscopic type C1 hysterectomy.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the genetic association between protamine polymorphism and male infertility

While several previous studies have proposed an association between male infertility and protamine polymorphism, the reported findings have shown some inconsistency. To evaluate the potential association between the two most common single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs2301365 and rs1646022) in protamine and male infertility, we performed a meta-analysis involving 2713 cases and 2086 controls from 15 published case-controlled studies. Overall, our analysis showed significant associations between the specific protamine single-nucleotide polymorphism (rs2301365) and male infertility, and this association was indicated by all of the models we tested. Subgroup analysis revealed significant associations with a Caucasian background, PCR sequence, population-based, case size of > 150 and case size of < 150 subgroups. Similarly, significant associations were found between rs1646022 and male infertility in the hospital population and case size of < 200 subgroups. However, trial sequential analysis showed that the number of patients in the study did not reach optimal information size. Further studies with larger sample sizes are now warranted to clarify the potential roles of the two protamine polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of male infertility. This may help us to understand the precise molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of protamines upon male infertility.

Abstract P5-09-02: Tβ4 expression in cancer-associated endothelial cells enhances progression of invasive breast cancer

Background: Invasive breast cancer is a highly aggressive primary breast tumour with poor prognosis. As tumour angiogenesis is exhibited by invasive breast cancer, anti-angiogenic therapy has been intensively evaluated over the past decade. However, clinical studies were disappointing. Thymosin β4 (Tβ4), a multi-functional peptide, is associated with induction of angiogenesis, but the role of Tβ4 in tumorigenesis of invasive breast cancer is unknown. We tested whether Tβ4 inhibition could be a new target involved in tumour development and tumour angiogenesis for treatment of invasive breast cancer.

Methods: We have adapted a 3D co-culture system to acquire invasive breast cancer cells-associated endothelial cells (ECs), which is followed by characterising the differential gene expressions by PCR-based subtraction analysis. We performed Western blot analysis on the protein samples obtained from ECs-stimulated by invasive breast cancer cells. Expression of Tβ4 in invasive breast cancer was assessed by qPCR in the breast tissues (tumour, n=119; background, n=55), and protein expression confirmed by immunohistochemical examination in an invasive breast cancer tissue microarray. Finally, mice breast cancer xenografts plus non-invasively photoacoustic microscopy were used to analyse the effect of Tβ4 knockdown on the tumorigenesis of invasive breast cancer.

Results: We found that invasive breast cancer cells could stimulate an increase in Tβ4 expression in microvascular ECs. High Tβ4 levels were strongly associated with high malignant invasive breast cancer and poor clinical outcome. In vivo study showed that siRNA targeting Tβ4 blocked growth of invasive breast cancer in mice. Photoacoustic imaging revealed that knockdown of Tβ4 elicited anti-breast cancer growth, in part, through disruption of tumour vasculature. Our results demonstrate that endothelial cell-derived Tβ4 enhances the progression of breast cancer by up-regulating tumour angiogenesis and it indicates that a high level of tumour stromal Tβ4 is an independent predictor of poor outcome.

Conclusions: Inhibiting endothelial Tβ4 could be a new therapeutic target in anti-angiogenic strategy for treatment of invasive breast cancer.

Citation Format: Cai J, Jiang W. Tβ4 expression in cancer-associated endothelial cells enhances progression of invasive breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-09-02.

Association of Serum 25(OH) D Levels with Infarct Volumes and Stroke Severity in Acute Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to investigate whether 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH) D] is associated with initial stroke severity and infarct volume, using diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

METHODS

We studied a total of 235 patients who were admitted within 24 hours of acute ischemic stroke onset. Initial stroke severity was assessed using the NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score. Infarct volume was measured using DWI. Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were used to test whether 25(OH) D represents an independent predictor of infarct volume and stroke severity (NIHSS score of ≥6).

RESULTS

Among 235 study patients, the median age was 64 years (IQR 56-75 years), and 125 (53.2%) were women. In multivariable models adjusted for other significant risk factors, 25(OH) D levels in the lowest and second interquartiles were associated with an increased risk of a NIHSS≥6 (with highest 25 (OH) D quartile as reference) with odd ratios (OR) 3.02(95% confidence interval [CI]:1.59-6.34) and 5.85(2.90-11.54). The median DWI infarct volumes for the serum 25(OH) D level quartiles (lowest to highest) were 12.35, 6.55, 2.44, and 1.59 ml. The median DWI infarct volume in the lowest serum 25(OH) D level quartile was larger than that in the other 3 quartiles (P<0.001). The median adjusted DWI infarct volume in the lowest serum 25(OH) D level quartile was statistically significantly larger than that in the other 3 quartiles (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, reduced serum 25(OH) D levels in acute ischemic stroke are an early predictor of larger volumes of ischemic tissue and worse neurological deficit (assessed by the NIHSS).

Measurement of the Frequency of the 2 ^{3}S-2 ^{3}P Transition of ^{4}He

The 2 ^{3}S-2 ^{3}P transition of ^{4}He was measured by comb-linked laser spectroscopy using a transverse-cooled atomic beam. The centroid frequency was determined to be 276 736 495 600.0(1.4) kHz, with a fractional uncertainty of 5.1×10^{-12}. This value is not only more accurate but also differs by as much as -49.5  kHz (20σ) from the previous result given by [Cancio Pastor et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 92, 023001 (2004)PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.92.023001; Cancio Pastor et al.Phys. Rev. Lett.97, 139903(E) (2006)10.1103/PhysRevLett.97.139903; Cancio Pastor et al.Phys. Rev. Lett.108, 143001 (2012)10.1103/PhysRevLett.108.143001]. In combination with ongoing theoretical calculations, this work may allow the most accurate determination of the nuclear charge radius of helium.

Reticulocalbin-2 enhances hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation via modulating the EGFR-ERK pathway

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1038/onc.2017.230.

Abdominal obesity and risk of hip fracture: a meta-analysis of prospective studies

We conducted a meta-analysis to qualitatively summarize the evidence of the association between abdominal obesity and hip fracture risk. The results indicated that abdominal obesity as measured by waist circumference and waist-hip ratio might be associated with an increased risk of hip fracture.

INTRODUCTION

Epidemiological investigations evaluating the association of abdominal obesity with hip fracture risk have yielded conflicting results. Therefore, a meta-analysis was conducted to qualitatively summarize the evidence of the associations between waist circumference, waist-hip ratio, and hip circumference and the risk of hip fracture, respectively.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for relevant articles published up to March 2017. Pooled relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated with a random-effects model. Dose-response relationship was assessed by restricted cubic spline.

RESULTS

Seven studies involving 180,600 participants for hip circumference, six studies involving 199,828 participants for waist-hip ratio, and five studies involving 170,796 participants for waist circumference were finally included in this meta-analysis. The combined RRs with 95% CIs of hip fracture for the highest versus lowest category of waist circumference, waist-hip ratio, and hip circumference were 1.58 (95% CI 1.20-2.08), 1.32 (95% CI 1.15-1.52), and 0.87 (95% CI 0.74-1.02), respectively. For dose-response analysis, a nonlinear relationship was found (P _nonlinearity < 0.001) between waist circumference and the risk of hip fracture, and a linear relationship (P _nonlinearity = 0.911) suggested that the risk of hip fracture increased about 3.0% (1.03 (1.01-1.04)) for each 0.1 unit increment of waist-hip ratio.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis suggested that abdominal obesity as measured by waist circumference and waist-hip ratio might be associated with an increased risk of hip fracture. From a public health perspective, indicators of abdominal obesity may be usable predictors of hip fracture risk.

Electrophysiological characteristics of pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy and its influence on ventricular arrhythmias

OBJECTIVE

To explore the cardiac electrophysiological characteristics of cardiac hypertrophy and its influence on the occurrence of ventricular tachyarrhythmias.

METHODS

Adult C57BL6 mice were randomly divided into a surgery group and a control group. Thoracic aortic constriction was performed on mice in the surgery group, and cardiac anatomical and ultrasonic evaluations were performed to confirm the success of the cardiac hypertrophy model 4 weeks after the operation. Using the Langendorff method of isolated heart perfusion, monophasic action potentials (MAPs) and the effective refractory period (ERP) at different parts of the heart (including the epi- and endo-myocardium of the left and right ventricles) were measured, and the induction rate of ventricular tachyarrhythmias was observed under programmed electrical stimulus (PES) and burst stimulus. Whole-cell patch-clamp was used to obtain the I-V characteristics of voltage-gated potassium channels in cardiomyocytes of different parts of the heart (including the epi- and endo-myocardium of the left and right ventricles) as well as the channels' properties of steady-state inactivation and recovery from inactivation.

RESULTS

The ratio of heart weight to body weight and the ratio of left ventricular weight to body weight in the surgery group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Ultrasonic evaluation revealed that both interventricular septal diameter (IVSD) and left ventricle posterior wall diameter (LVPWD) in the surgery group were significantly larger than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Under PES and burst stimuli, the induction rates of arrhythmias in the surgery group significantly increased, reaching 41.2% and 23.5%, respectively. Both the QT interval and action potential duration (APD) in the surgery group were significantly longer than in the control group (P<0.01), and the changes showed obvious spatial heterogeneity. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings demonstrated that the surgery group had significantly lower potassium current densities (IPeak, Ito, IKur, Iss, and IK1) at different parts of the heart than the control group (P < 0.01), and there were significant differences in the half-inactivation voltage (V1/2) and the inactivation-recovery time constant (τ) of Ito and IKur at different parts of the heart (P < 0.01) between the surgery group and the control group. In addition, the surgery group had significantly lower densities of IPeak, Ito, and IKur in cells of the endo-myocardium (P < 0.05), and the changes showed obvious spatial heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION

Changes in the current density and function of potassium channels contributed to irregular repolarization in cardiac hypertrophy, and the spatially heterogeneous changes of the channels may increase the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias that accompany cardiac hypertrophy.

Apical stress distribution under vertical compaction of gutta-percha and occlusal loads in canals with varying apical sizes: a three-dimensional finite element analysis

AIM

To investigate and compare the effects of two apical canal instrumentation protocols on apical stress distribution at the root apex under vertical compaction of gutta-percha and occlusal loads using finite element analysis.

METHODOLOGY

Three finite element analysis models of a mandibular first premolar were reconstructed: an original canal model, a size 35, .04 taper apical canal enlargement model and a Lightspeed size 60 apical canal enlargement model. A 15 N compaction force was applied vertically to the gutta-percha 5 mm from the apex. A 175 N occlusal load in two directions (vertical and 45° to the longitudinal axis of the tooth) was simulated. Stresses in the apical 2 mm of the root were calculated and compared among the three models.

RESULTS

Under vertical compaction, stresses in the apical canal instrumented by Lightspeed size 60 (maximal 3.3 MPa) were higher than that of the size 35, .04 taper model (maximal 1.3 MPa). In the case of the two occlusal forces, the Lightspeed size 60 apical enlargement was associated with the greatest stress distribution in the apical region. The greatest stress and the most obvious stress difference between the models appeared at the tip of the root when occlusal and vertical compaction loads were applied.

CONCLUSIONS

Apical enlargement caused stress distribution changes in the apical region of roots. The larger apical size led to higher stress concentration at the root apex.

Enhancement of THz generation by feedback-optimized wavefront manipulation

We apply active feedback optimization methods to pyroelectric measurements of a THz signal generated by four wave mixing in air using 1 mJ to 12 mJ, 35 fs laser pulses operating at 12 kHz repetition rate. A genetic algorithm, using the THz signal as a figure of merit, determines the voltage settings to a deformable mirror and results in up to a 6 fold improvement in the THz signal compared with settings optimized for the best focus. It is possible to optimize for different THz generation processes using this technique.

Integrating In Vitro, Modeling, and In Vivo Approaches to Investigate Warfarin Bioequivalence

We demonstrate the use of modeling and simulation to investigate bioequivalence (BE) concerns raised about generic warfarin products. To test the hypothesis that the loss of isopropyl alcohol and slow dissolution in acidic pH has significant impact on the pharmacokinetics of warfarin sodium tablets, we conducted physiologically based pharmacokinetic absorption modeling and simulation using formulation factors or in vitro dissolution profiles as input parameters. Sensitivity analyses indicated that warfarin pharmacokinetics was not sensitive to solubility, particle size, density, or dissolution rate in pH 4.5, but was affected by dissolution rate in pH 6.8 and potency. Virtual BE studies suggested that stressed warfarin sodium tablets with slow dissolution rate in pH 4.5 but having similar dissolution rate in pH 6.8 would be bioequivalent to the unstressed warfarin sodium tablets. A four‐way, crossover, single‐dose BE study in healthy subjects was conducted to test the same hypothesis and confirmed the simulation conclusion.

Correction: Tailored theranostic apolipoprotein E3 porphyrin-lipid nanoparticles target glioblastoma

Correction for ‘Tailored theranostic apolipoprotein E3 porphyrin-lipid nanoparticles target glioblastoma’ by M. A. Rajora et al., Chem. Sci., 2017, DOI: ; 10.1039/c7sc00732a.

Hepatitis B virus reactivation in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: A review and meta-analysis of prophylaxis management

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation during or after chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer has become a remarkable clinical problem. Prophylactic nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) are recommended for patients with breast cancer who are hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive before chemotherapy. We performed an up-to-date meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of prophylactic lamivudine use with nonprophylaxis in HBsAg-positive breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. PubMed, the Cochrane Library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases were searched for relevant articles until June 2016. Eligible articles comparing the efficacy of prophylactic lamivudine use with nonprophylaxis in HBsAg-positive breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were identified. Eight studies which had enrolled 709 HBsAg-positive breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were analysed. Lamivudine prophylaxis significantly reduced the rates of chemotherapy-associated hepatitis B flares in chronic hepatitis B in breast cancer compared with patients with nonprophylaxis (odds ratio [OR]=0.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.07-0.35, P<.00001). Chemotherapy disruption rates attributed to HBV reactivation in the prophylaxis groups were significantly lower than the nonprophylaxis groups (OR=0.17, 95% CI: 0.07-0.43, P=.0002). Patients with lamivudine prophylaxis had a higher risk for tyrosine-methionine-aspartate-aspartate (YMDD) motif mutations than patients with nonprophylaxis (OR=6.33, 95% CI: 1.01-39.60, P=.05). Prophylactic antiviral therapy management is necessary for HBsAg-positive breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, in spite of high correlation with lamivudine-resistant HBV variants with YMDD motif mutations.

Comparison of vertical and horizontal swimming behaviour of the weather loach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus

Experiments on the swimming kinetics and behaviour of weather loach Misgurnus anguillicaudatus showed that horizontal swim speed was significantly greater than swim speeds when ascending to or descending from the water surface to gulp air. Vertical swimming speeds during ascending or descending were similar. Misgurnus anguillicaudatus swam unsteadily during vertical movements compared with horizontal movements.

Eplerenone Prevents Atrial Fibrosis via the TGF-β Signaling Pathway

OBJECTIVES

Eplerenone (EPL), an antagonist of the mineralocorticoid receptor, is beneficial for atrial fibrillation and atrial fibrosis. However, the underlying mechanism remains less well known. We aimed to investigate the effect of EPL on atrial fibrosis using a mouse with selective atrial fibrosis and to explore the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

EPL-treated MHC-TGFcys33ser transgenic mice that have selective atrial fibrosis (Tx+EPL mice), as well as control mice, were used for in vivo studies including histological analyses, Western blotting, and qRT-PCR studies. TGF-β1-stimulated atrial fibroblasts were treated with EPL or vehicle for the in vitro studies including Western blotting and qRT-PCR studies. In addition, Smad7 siRNA was used to knock down Smad7.

RESULTS

EPL inhibited atrial fibrosis in the Tx mice. In addition, EPL suppressed the expression of fibrosis-related molecules induced by TGF-β1 in vivo and in vitro. This occurred in concert with a downregulation of Smad7 protein expression and an upregulation of p-Smad2/3 protein expression. In addition, knockdown of Smad7 by siRNA abolished the protective roles of EPL.

CONCLUSIONS

EPL inhibited atrial fibrosis in Tx mice. The underlying mechanism may involve increased protein expression of Smad7, which enhances the inhibitory feedback regulation of TGF-β1/Smad signaling.

A new approach of splint-less orthognathic surgery using a personalized orthognathic surgical guide system: A preliminary study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a personalized orthognathic surgical guide (POSG) system for bimaxillary surgery without the use of surgical splint. Ten patients with dentofacial deformities were enrolled. Surgeries were planned with the computer-aided surgical simulation method. The POSG system was designed for both maxillary and mandibular surgery. Each consisted of cutting guides and three-dimensionally (3D) printed custom titanium plates to guide the osteotomy and repositioning the bony segments without the use of the surgical splints. Finally, the outcome evaluation was completed by comparing planned outcomes with postoperative outcomes. All operations were successfully completed using the POSG system. The largest root-mean-square deviations were 0.74mm and 1.93° for the maxillary dental arch, 1.10mm and 2.82° for the mandibular arch, 0.83mm and 2.59° for the mandibular body, and 0.98mm and 2.45° for the proximal segments. The results of the study indicated that our POSG system is capable of accurately and effectively transferring the surgical plan without the use of surgical splint. A significant advantage is that the repositioning of the bony segments is independent to the mandibular autorotation, thus eliminates the potential problems associated with the surgical splint.

Tailored theranostic apolipoprotein E3 porphyrin-lipid nanoparticles target glioblastoma

Size-controlled discoidal and cholesteryl oleated-loaded spherical, intrinsically multimodal porphyrin-lipid nanoparticles targeted glioblastoma via apoE3 and LDLR.

The development of curative glioblastoma treatments and tumour-specific contrast agents that can overcome the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and infiltrative tumour morphology remains a challenge. Apolipoprotein E3 (apoE3) is a high density lipoprotein apolipoprotein that chaperones the transcytosis of nanoparticles across the BBB, and displays high-affinity binding with the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), a cell-surface receptor overexpressed by glioblastoma cells. This LDLR overexpression and apoE3 binding capacity was exploited for the development of glioblastoma-targeted porphyrin-lipid apoE3 lipid nanoparticles (pyE-LNs) with intrinsic theranostic properties. Size-controlled discoidal and cholesteryl oleate (CO)-loaded spherical pyE-LNs were synthesized through the systematic variation of particle composition, which dictated nanoparticle size and morphology. Composition optimization yielded 30 nm pyE-LNs with stable loading of apoE3 and porphyrin-lipid that simultaneously conferred the nanoparticles with glioblastoma targeting and activatable near-infrared fluorescence imaging functionalities. A 4-fold higher uptake of pyE-LNs by LDLR-expressing U87 glioblastomas cells relative to minimally expressing ldlA7 cells was observed in vitro. This uptake was a result of receptor-mediated endocytosis, which could be inhibited through LDL competition and acetylation of particle apoE3 moieties. ApoE3-dependent delivery of pyE-LN to glioblastomas was also demonstrated in orthotopic U87-GFP tumour-bearing animals. Quantification of CO-loaded pyE-LN biodistribution demonstrated successful selective uptake of porphyrin by malignant tissue, with a 4 : 1 tumour : healthy tissue particle specificity. This allowed for the detection of strong, tumour-localized porphyrin fluorescence, which was diminished when apoE3-devoid py-LN particles were administered. Furthermore, this selective uptake yielded cell-specific potent PDT sensitization in vitro, resulting in an 83% reduction in glioblastoma cell viability. These results highlight the promising capacity of pyE-LNs to target porphyrin delivery to glioblastoma tumours for theranostic applications.

The prohibitin-repressive interaction with E2F1 is rapidly inhibited by androgen signalling in prostate cancer cells

Prohibitin (PHB) is a tumour suppressor molecule with pleiotropic activities across several cellular compartments including mitochondria, cell membrane and the nucleus. PHB and the steroid-activated androgen receptor (AR) have an interplay where AR downregulates PHB, and PHB represses AR. Additionally, their cellular locations and chromatin interactions are in dynamic opposition. We investigated the mechanisms of cell cycle inhibition by PHB and how this is modulated by AR in prostate cancer. Using a prostate cancer cell line overexpressing PHB, we analysed the gene expression changes associated with PHB-mediated cell cycle arrest. Over 1000 gene expression changes were found to be significant and gene ontology analysis confirmed PHB-mediated repression of genes essential for DNA replication and synthesis, for example, MCMs and TK1, via an E2F1 regulated pathway—agreeing with its G1/S cell cycle arrest activity. PHB is known to inhibit E2F1-mediated transcription, and the PHB:E2F1 interaction was seen in LNCaP nuclear extracts, which was then reduced by androgen treatment. Upon two-dimensional western blot analysis, the PHB protein itself showed androgen-mediated charge differentiation (only in AR-positive cells), indicating a potential dephosphorylation event. Kinexus phosphoprotein array analysis indicated that Src kinase was the main interacting intracellular signalling hub in androgen-treated LNCaP cells, and that Src inhibition could reduce this AR-mediated charge differentiation. PHB charge change may be associated with rapid dissociation from chromatin and E2F1, allowing the cell cycle to proceed. The AR and androgens may deactivate the repressive functions of PHB upon E2F1 leading to cell cycle progression, and indicates a role for AR in DNA replication licensing.

[Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour of thyroid: a case report]

A elderly woman patient，with a unclear boundary,solid,smooth surface,moderately active mass that estimated 0.4 cm at its greatest diameter in the left lobe of thyroid. Ultrasonography revealed a hypoechoic mass in the left lobe and Computed Tomography showed a 38 mm×25 mm×23 mm oval lesion with uniform density in the left lobe also. The surgical findings revealed tumor located in the inner side of left thyroid lobe near the isthmus,with unclear boundary. Pathological examination showed unclear boundaries between thyroid and tumor,the tumor cells attack into the muscle tissue,braided/ fascicles spindle shaped or star shaped myofibroblasts cells in the tumor area with myxedema inflammatory background and the lesion did not have any mitotic figures. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that the spindle cells were positive for Vim,ACT,SMA,Bcl2 and ClyD1,and focal lesion histiocytes showed focal positive for CD68,CK and S-100,but negative for DES,Mgo,CD99,CD34,CD117,IgG4,ALK-1.The pathological diagnosis supports inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of thyroid. Imaging and immunohistochemistry and others are useful in differential diagnosis.

Etoposide and cisplatin versus paclitaxel and carboplatin with concurrent thoracic radiotherapy in unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer: a multicenter randomized phase III trial

Background

The optimal chemotherapy regimen administered currently with radiation in patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. A multicenter phase III trial was conducted to compare the efficacy of concurrent thoracic radiation therapy with either etoposide/cisplatin (EP) or carboplatin/paclitaxel (PC) in patients with stage III NSCLC.

Patients and methods

Patients were randomly received 60-66 Gy of thoracic radiation therapy concurrent with either etoposide 50 mg/m2 on days 1-5 and cisplatin 50 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 every 4 weeks for two cycles (EP arm), or paclitaxel 45 mg/m2 and carboplatin (AUC 2) on day 1 weekly (PC arm). The primary end point was overall survival (OS). The study was designed with 80% power to detect a 17% superiority in 3-year OS with a type I error rate of 0.05.

Results

A total of 200 patients were randomized and 191 patients were treated (95 in the EP arm and 96 in the PC arm). With a median follow-up time of 73 months, the 3-year OS was significantly higher in the EP arm than that of the PC arm. The estimated difference was 15.0% (95% CI 2.0%-28.0%) and P value of 0.024. Median survival times were 23.3 months in the EP arm and 20.7 months in the PC arm (log-rank test P = 0.095, HR 0.76, 95%CI 0.55-1.05). The incidence of Grade ≥2 radiation pneumonitis was higher in the PC arm (33.3% versus 18.9%, P = 0.036), while the incidence of Grade ≥3 esophagitis was higher in the EP arm (20.0% versus 6.3%, P = 0.009).

Conclusion

EP might be superior to weekly PC in terms of OS in the setting of concurrent chemoradiation for unresectable stage III NSCLC.

Trial registration ID

NCT01494558.

Neutron Generation by Laser-Driven Spherically Convergent Plasma Fusion

We investigate a new laser-driven spherically convergent plasma fusion scheme (SCPF) that can produce thermonuclear neutrons stably and efficiently. In the SCPF scheme, laser beams of nanosecond pulse duration and 10^{14}-10^{15}  W/cm^{2} intensity uniformly irradiate the fuel layer lined inside a spherical hohlraum. The fuel layer is ablated and heated to expand inwards. Eventually, the hot fuel plasmas converge, collide, merge, and stagnate at the central region, converting most of their kinetic energy to internal energy, forming a thermonuclear fusion fireball. With the assumptions of steady ablation and adiabatic expansion, we theoretically predict the neutron yield Y_{n} to be related to the laser energy E_{L}, the hohlraum radius R_{h}, and the pulse duration τ through a scaling law of Y_{n}∝(E_{L}/R_{h}^{1.2}τ^{0.2})^{2.5}. We have done experiments at the ShengGuangIII-prototype facility to demonstrate the principle of the SCPF scheme. Some important implications are discussed.

Pretreatment Predictors of Early Response Revealed by Quantitative Cerebral Blood Flow in Major Depressive Disorder

Objective

The potential pattern of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in major depressive disorder (MDD) underlies different response to antidepressants medication remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the differences of rCBF between patients with different treatment response.

Methods

Eighty MDD patients [(44 treatment-responsive depression (RD) and 36 non-responding depression (NRD)] and 42 healthy controls (HC) underwent pulsed arterial spin labeling (PASL) scans in magnetic resonance imaging and clinical estimates. The exact rCBF values of each groups were obtained via quantification evaluation.

Results

Compared to NRD, the RD patients showed decreased rCBF values in frontal sensorimotor network (i.e. left paracentral lobule, left medial frontal gyrus, right superior frontal gyrus and right middle frontal gyrus), and further receiver operating curve (ROC) analyses demonstrated that the altered rCBF in these four regions exhibited outstanding performance on distinguishing NRD from RD. The NRD also exhibited reduced rCBF in bilateral cerebellum posterior lobe and right middle occipital gyrus and elevated rCBF in right postcentral gyrus and right middle frontal gyrus as compared to HC.

Conclusions

The decreased rCBF in frontal sensorimotor network appeared to be distinct characteristics for NRD, and might be severed as promising neuroimaging markers to differentiate depressed patients with weak early response to antidepressant medication. These findings expand our understanding of neural substrate underlying the antidepressant efficacy.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Compact and fabrication-tolerant polarization splitter based on horizontal triple-slot waveguide

A compact and fabrication-tolerant polarization beam splitter (PBS) based on the horizontal triple-slot waveguides is proposed and optimized by using the rigorous H-field-based full-vectorial finite element method and the least-squares boundary residual method. It can be noted from the simulation results that a fabrication-tolerant PBS with a compact length of 33 μm can be yielded based on the horizontal triple-slot waveguides. The polarization extinction ratios are -21.8 and -20.3  dB at 1.55 μm wavelength for the quasi-TE and quasi-TM modes, respectively. The 1 dB bandwidth is 100 nm for both the polarizations. The fabrication tolerances are also thoroughly calculated for the proposed PBS.