[Surgical treatment and prognosis analysis of hilar cholangiocarcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the surgical treatment effect and prognostic factors of hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Methods: This is an ambispective cohort study. From August 2005 to December 2022,data of 510 patients who diagnosed with hilar cholangiocarcinoma and underwent surgical resection at the Hepatobiliary Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were retrospectively collected. In the cohort,there were 324 males and 186 females,with an age of (M (IQR)) 63(13)years (range:25 to 85 years). The liver function at admission was Child-Pugh A (343 cases,67.3%) and Child-Pugh B (167 cases,32.7%). Three hundred and seventy-two(72.9%) patients had jaundice symptoms and the median total bilirubin was 126.3(197.6) μmol/L(range: 5.4 to 722.8 μmol/L) at admission. Two hundred and fourty-seven cases (48.4%) were treated with percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage or endoscopic nasobiliary drainage before operation. The median bilirubin level in the drainage group decreased from 186.4 μmol/L to 85.5 μmol/L before operation. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to identify the influencing factors for R0 resection,and Cox regression was used to construct multivariate prediction models for overall survival(OS) and disease-free survival(DFS). Results: Among 510 patients who underwent surgical resection,Bismuth-Corlett type Ⅲ-Ⅳ patients accounted for 71.8%,among which 86.1% (315/366) underwent hemi-hepatectomy,while 81.9% (118/144) underwent extrahepatic biliary duct resection alone in Bismuch-Corlett type Ⅰ-Ⅱ patients. The median OS time was 22.8 months, and the OS rates at 1-,3-,5-and 10-year were 72.2%,35.6%,24.8% and 11.0%,respectively. The median DFS time was 15.2 months,and the DFS rates was 66.0%,32.4%,20.9% and 11.0%,respectively. The R0 resection rate was 64.5% (329/510), and the OS rates of patients with R0 resection at 1-,3-,5-and 10-year were 82.5%, 48.6%, 34.4%, 15.2%,respectively. The morbidity of Clavien-Dindo grade Ⅲ-Ⅴ complications was 26.1%(133/510) and the 30-day mortality was 4.3% (22/510). Multivariate Logistic regression indicated that Bismuth-Corlett type Ⅰ-Ⅲ (P=0.009), hemi-hepatectomy and extended resection (P=0.001),T1 and T2 patients without vascular invasion (T2 vs. T1:OR=1.43 (0.61-3.35),P=0.413;T3 vs. T1:OR=2.57 (1.03-6.41), P=0.010;T4 vs. T1, OR=3.77 (1.37-10.38), P<0.01) were more likely to obtain R0 resection. Preoperative bilirubin,Child-Pugh grade,tumor size,surgical margin,T stage,N stage,nerve infiltration and Edmondson grade were independent prognostic factors for OS and DFS of hilar cholangiocarcinoma patients without distant metastasis. Conclusions: Radical surgical resection is necessary to prolong the long-term survival of hilar cholangiocarcinoma patients. Hemi-hepatectomy and extended resection,regional lymph node dissection and combined vascular resection if necessary,can improve R0 resection rate.

Prenatal exposure to PM2.5 components and the risk of different types of preterm birth and the mediating effect of pregnancy complications: a cohort study

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to reveal the single and mixed associations of PM2.5 and its components with very, moderately, and late preterm births and to explore the potential mediating role of pregnancy complications in PM2.5-induced preterm birth.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

We enrolled 168,852 mothers and matched the concentrations of PM2.5 and its five components (OM, SO42-, BC, NO3-, and NH4+) based on their geographical location. Next, we used generalized linear models, quantile g-computation, and mediation analysis to evaluate the associations of PM2.5 and its components with very, moderately, and late preterm births and the mediating role of pregnancy complications.

RESULTS

Prenatal exposure to PM2.5 and its components was associated with preterm birth, and the association was strongest in the third trimester. Preterm birth was associated with co-exposure to a mixture of PM2.5 components in the third trimester, and the contributions of NO3-, NH4+, and BC to the risk of preterm birth were positive. Meanwhile, pregnancy complications mediated PM2.5-induced preterm birth. Moreover, very and moderately preterm births were associated with PM2.5 and its components in the second and third trimesters, and very and late preterm births were associated with co-exposure to a mixture of PM2.5 components in the third trimester.

CONCLUSIONS

Later exposure to PM2.5 during pregnancy will cause earlier preterm birth. Targeted and positive interventions for anthropogenic sources of specific PM2.5 components and pregnancy complications are helpful for preterm birth prevention.

[Application and evaluation of artificial intelligence TPS-assisted cytologic screening system in urine exfoliative cytology]

Objective: To explore the application of manual screening collaborated with the Artificial Intelligence TPS-Assisted Cytologic Screening System in urinary exfoliative cytology and its clinical values. Methods: A total of 3 033 urine exfoliated cytology samples were collected at the Henan People's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China. Liquid-based thin-layer cytology was prepared. The slides were manually read under the microscope and digitally presented using a scanner. The intelligent identification and analysis were carried out using an artificial intelligence TPS assisted screening system. The Paris Report Classification System of Urinary Exfoliated Cytology 2022 was used as the evaluation standard. Atypical urothelial cells and even higher grade lesions were considered as positive when evaluating the recognition sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of artificial intelligence-assisted screening systems and human-machine collaborative cytologic screening methods in urine exfoliative cytology. Among the collected cases, there were also 1 100 pathological tissue controls. Results: The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of the AI-assisted cytologic screening system were 77.18%, 90.79% and 69.49%; those of human-machine coordination method were 92.89%, 99.63% and 89.09%, respectively. Compared with the histopathological results, the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of manual reading were 79.82%, 74.20% and 95.80%, respectively, while those of AI-assisted cytologic screening system were 93.45%, 93.73% and 92.66%, respectively. The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of human-machine coordination method were 95.36%, 95.21% and 95.80%, respectively. Both cytological and histological controls showed that human-machine coordination review method had higher diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity, and lower false negative rates. Conclusions: The artificial intelligence TPS assisted cytologic screening system has achieved acceptable accuracy in urine exfoliation cytologic screening. The combination of manual screening and artificial intelligence TPS assisted screening system can effectively improve the sensitivity and accuracy of cytologic screening and reduce the risk of misdiagnosis.

[Drug clinical comprehensive evaluation of tetrandrine in the treatment of pneumoconiosis]

Objective: To analyze the safety, effectiveness, economics, innovation, suitability and accessibility of tetrandrine in the treatment of pneumoconiosis, and provide evidence-based basis for health policy decision-making and clinical practice. Methods: In July 2022, the system searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, SinoMed databases (the retrieval time was from the establishment of the database to June 30, 2022), screened the documents that meet the standards, extracted and evaluated the data, and used the "HTA checklist" developed by the International Network of Agencies for Health Technology Assessment (INAHTA) to evaluate the HTA report. AMSTAR-2 Scale was used to evaluate the quality of systematic evaluation/Meta analysis. CHEERS Scale was used to evaluate the quality of pharmacoeconomics research. The included cohort study or case-control study was evaluated with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The included randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies were evaluated using the Cochrane Risk Bias Assessment Tool (Cochrane RCT) quality evaluation criteria. Comprehensive comparison and analysis based on the characteristics of the data included in the study. Results: A total of 882 related literatures were detected from the initial screening. According to relevant standards, 8 RCT studies were finally selected for analysis. Statistical results showed that basic treatment with tetrandrine could better improve FEV(1) (MD=0.13, 95%CI: 0.06-0.20, P<0.001), FEV(1)/FVC (MD=4.48, 95%CI: 0.61-8.35, P=0.02) and clinical treatment efficiency. Tetrandrine had a low incidence of adverse reactions. The affordability coefficient of tetrandrine tablets was 0.295-0.492. Conclusion: Tetrandrine can improve the clinical symptoms and pulmonary ventilation function of pneumoconiosis patients, most of the adverse reactions are mild, and the clinical application is safe.

[Summary of the 17th Chinese Symposium on Burn Medicine and the 2022 Congress of Burn Medicine Branch of China International Exchange and Promotion Association for Medical and Healthcare, and the 12th Academic Conference on Burn and Plastic Surgery in Five Provinces and One City in Southwest China]

The 17th Chinese Symposium on Burn Medicine and the 2022 Congress of Burn Medicine Branch of China International Exchange and Promotion Association for Medical and Healthcare, and the 12th Academic Conference on Burn and Plastic Surgery in Five Provinces and One City in Southwest China was successfully held in green city Nanning, from August 25th to 27th, 2022. The conference theme was "Burn treatment and wound repair", received nearly 200 submissions, nearly 1 100 online and offline registered delegates, and nearly 300 offline attendees. The meetings were held in one main venue and three branch venues, with combination of speaking offline and live and recorded broadcast, as well as whole process synchronous live broadcasting. During the meeting, key issues about burn treatment and wound repair were discussed, with warm academic atmosphere.

[Evaluation of the impact of the Japanese encephalitis vaccine included in an expanded immunization program on the reported incidence rate of Japanese encephalitis in Gansu province-based on interrupted time series]

Objective: To evaluate the impact of the Japanese encephalitis vaccine included in an expanded immunization program on the reported incidence rate of Japanese encephalitis in Gansu province. Methods: Information on the reported incidence rate of Japanese encephalitis in Gansu province from 1987 to 2019 was collected through the National Population Health Science Data Center and the China Disease Prevention and Control Information System. In addition, the trend of Japanese encephalitis reported incidence rate in Gansu province before and after the inclusion of the Japanese encephalitis vaccine in the expanded immunization program was analyzed using an interrupted time-series design. Results: The annual reported incidence rate of Japanese encephalitis in Gansu province from 1987 to 2019 was 0.448/per 100 000. However, after the inclusion of the Japanese encephalitis vaccine in the expanded immunization program in Gansu province in 2008, the amount of change in the level of Japanese encephalitis reported incidence rate was -2.223/per 100 000 (t=-2.90, P=0.007), the amount of change in the slope of Japanese encephalitis reported incidence rate was 0.082 (t=2.87, P=0.008) with the slope of Japanese encephalitis reported incidence rate as 0.071 (β₁+β₃=0.071). Conclusions: The Japanese encephalitis vaccine has achieved good prevention and control effects in Gansu province in the short term after its inclusion in the expanded immunization program, but outbreaks of Japanese encephalitis have still occurred. Therefore, in the future, Gansu province should promptly adjust the immunization strategy of the Japanese encephalitis vaccine, and strengthen the vaccination of the adult population, especially the rural adult population in the southeastern region of Gansu province, based on the continued focus on the works on Japanese encephalitis vaccination for children and adolescents.

[HECTD2 Represses Cell Proliferation in Colorectal Cancer through Driving Ubiquitination and Degradation of LPCAT1]

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignancy featured by a poor overall survival and a high recurrence rate, whereas the biomarkers for CRC remain to be investigated. Herein, it was found that lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 1 (LPCAT1) was highly expressed in CRC, and LPCAT1 overexpression significantly promoted CRC cell proliferation, while it was reversed by LPCAT1 depletion. In addition, HECT domain-containing 2 (HECTD2) protein was determined as a post-translational mediator of LPCAT1 because HECTD2 co-immunoprecipitated with high ubiquitinated LPCAT1. Furthermore, upregulated LPCAT1 rescued the impairment of CRC cell proliferation caused by HECTD2 overexpression. In conclusion, our findings supported HECTD2/LPCAT1 axis as a potential prognostic biomarker in CRC.

[Efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma]

Objective: To study the surgical safety and efficacy of preoperative neoadjuvant therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with anti-angiogenic drugs in patients with China liver cancer staging(CNLC)-Ⅱb and Ⅲa resectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: The data of 129 patients with Ⅱb and Ⅲa hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent surgery at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 2018 to December 2020 were analyzed. All patients were divided into two groups: the neoadjuvant therapy group(n=14,13 males and 1 female,aged (55.4±12.6)years(range:34 to 75 years)) received immune combined targeted therapy before surgery,immune checkpoint inhibitor camrelizumab was administered intravenously at a dose of 200 mg each time,every 2 weeks for 3 cycles,anti-angiogenesis drug apatinib was taken orally and continuously with a dose of 250 mg for 3 weeks and the conventional surgery group(n=115,103 males and 12 females,aged (55.8±12.0)years(range:21 to 83 years)) did not receive antitumor systemic therapy before surgery. There were 3 patients with CNLC-Ⅱb,11 with CNLC-Ⅲa in the neoadjuvant group;28 patients with CNLC-Ⅱb,87 with CNLC-Ⅲa in the conventional group. Student's t test or rank-sum test was used to compare the differences between two groups for quantitative data, Fisher's exact probability method was used to compare the differences of proportions between two groups, and Log-rank test was used to compare survival differences between two groups. Results: The 1-year recurrence rate in the neoadjuvant group was 42.9%,and the 1-year recurrence rate in the conventional group was 64.0%,with a statistically significant difference between the two groups(χ²=3.850,P=0.050);The 1-year survival rate in the neoadjuvant group was 100% and that in the conventional group was 74.2%,with a statistically significant difference between the two groups(χ²=5.170,P=0.023). According to the stratified analysis of the number of tumors,for single tumor,the 1-year recurrence rate in the neoadjuvant group was 25.0%,and that in the conventional surgery group was 71.0%,and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(χ²=5.280, P=0.022). For multiple tumors, the 1-year recurrence rate in the neoadjuvant group was 66.7%,and the 1-year recurrence rate in the conventional surgery group was 58.9%,with no significant difference between the two groups(χ²=0.110,P=0.736). The operative time,intraoperative blood loss,and postoperative hospital stay in the neoadjuvant group were similar to those in the conventional group,and their differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with anti-angiogenic targeted drugs as a neoadjuvant therapy for resectable hepatocellular carcinoma can reduce the 1-year recurrence rate and improve the 1-year survival rate,especially for those with solitary tumor. Limited by the sample size of the neoadjuvant group,the safety of immune combined targeted therapy before surgery cannot be observed more comprehensively,and further studies will be explored.

Dual-Stage Blue-Light-Guided Membrane and DNA-Targeted Photodynamic Inactivation Using Octyl Gallate for Ultraefficient Eradication of Planktonic Bacteria and Sessile Biofilms

This study aimed to investigate the synergistic bactericidal activity and mechanism of dual-stage light-guided membrane and DNA-targeted photodynamic inactivation (PDI) by the combination of blue light (BL, 420 nm) and the food additive octyl gallate (OG) against Vibrio parahaemolyticus in planktonic and biofilm growth modes. While OG serves as an outstanding exogenous photosensitizer, the planktonic cells were not visibly detectable after the OG-mediated PDI treatment with 0.2 mM OG within 15 min (191.7 J/cm²), and its biofilm was nearly eradicated within 60 min (383.4 J/cm²). Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus was more susceptible to the PDI than Gram-negative V. parahaemolyticus. The cellular wall and proteins, as well as DNA, were the vulnerable targets for PDI. The membrane integrity could be initially disrupted by OG bearing a hydrophilic head and a hydrophobic tail via transmembrane insertion. The enhancement of OG uptake due to the first-stage light-assisted photochemical internalization (PCI) promoted the accumulation of OG in cells. It further boosted the second-stage light irradiation of the photosensitizer-inducing massive cell death. Upon the second-stage BL irradiation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated through the OG-mediated PDI in situ could extensively deconstruct membranes, proteins, and DNA, as well as biofilms, while OG could be activated by BL to carry out photochemical reactions involving the formation of OG-bacterial membrane protein (BMP) covalent conjugates and the interactions with DNA. This dual-stage light-guided subcellular dual-targeted PDI strategy exhibits encouraging effects on the eradication of planktonic bacteria and sessile biofilms, which provides a new insight into the development of an ultraeffective antimicrobial and biofilm removing/reducing technique to improve microbiological safety in the food industry.

Enhanced antibacterial efficacy and mechanism of octyl gallate/beta-cyclodextrins against Pseudomonas fluorescens and Vibrio parahaemolyticus and incorporated electrospun nanofibers for Chinese giant salamander fillets preservation

A series of alkyl gallates were evaluated for the antibacterial activity against two common Gram-negative foodborne bacteria (Pseudomonas fluorescens and Vibrio parahaemolyticus) associated with seafood. The length of the alkyl chain plays a pivotal role in eliciting their antibacterial activities and octyl gallate (OG) exerted an excellent inhibitory efficacy. To extend the aqueous solubility, stability, and bactericidal properties of octyl gallate (OG), an inclusion complex between OG and β-cyclodextrin (βCD), OG/βCD, was prepared and identified with various methods including X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Furthermore, the enhanced inhibitory effect and potential antibacterial mechanism of OG/βCD against two Gram-negative and Gram-positive foodborne bacteria were comprehensively investigated. The results show that OG/βCD could function against bacteria through effectively damaging the membrane, permeating into cells, and then disturbing the activity of the respiratory electron transport chain to cause the production of high-level intracellular hydroxyl radicals. Moreover, the reinforced OG/βCD-incorporated polylactic acid (PLA) nanofibers were fabricated using the electrospinning technique as food packaging to extend the Chinese giant salamander fillet's shelf life at 4 °C. This research highlights the antibacterial effectiveness of OG/βCD in aqueous media, which can be used as a safe multi-functionalized food additive combined with the benefits of electrospun nanofibers to extend the Chinese giant salamander fillets shelf life by 15 d at 4 °C.

[Pyrolysis and gas emissions characteristics of six tree species in Heilongjiang Province, China]

Forest fuels are the basis of fire occurrences, while ground dead fuels are an important part of forest fuels. Undestanding the pyrolysis characteristics and gas emissions of forest fuels is of great significance to explore the effects of forest fire on atmospheric environment and carbon balance, as well as to prevent and combat forest fire. In this study, the thermogravimetric analysis and gas emission analysis were conducted on leaf litter of six tree species (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica, Picea koraiensis, Fraxinus mandshurica, Juglans mandshurica, Quercus mongolica, Betula platyphylla) in Heilongjiang Province to explore the pyrolysis process and combustibility of forest fuels, to analyze their pyrolysis characteristics, pyrolysis kinetics characteristics, gas emission characteristics. A four-dimensional evaluation of their combustibility was conducted based on pyrolysis parameters. The results showed that the pyrolysis temperature of holocellulose in the leaves of those six tree species ranged in 143.31-180.48 ℃ at the beginning and 345.04-394.38 ℃ at the end, lignin pyrolysis temperature ranged in 345.04-394.38 ℃ at the beginning and 582.85-609.31 ℃ at the end. The pyrolysis of the six kinds of arbor blades during the pyrolysis process affected fuel ash content, quality and temperature of the total pyrolysis. The activation energies of two main pyrolysis stages of leaves of six tree species were 18.88-27.08 kJ·mol^-1 and 13.25-27.54 kJ·mol^-1, respectively, and the pre-exponential factors were 3.13-26.28 min^-1 and 1.30-22.55 min^-1. The holocellulose activation energy and pre-exponential factor of the pyrolysis stage for P. koraiensis, F. mandshurica, Q. mongolica, and B. platyphylla were greater than that of the lignin pyrolysis stage, while the opposite was true for P. sylvestris var. mongolica and J. mandshurica. The release amounts of CO and CO₂ at the pyrolysis stage of the holocellulose was 535.16-880.11 mg·m^-3 and 7004.97-10302.05 mg·m^-3, and that at the pyrolysis stage of lignin was 240.31-1104.67 mg·m^-3 and 20425.60-33946.68 mg·m^-3, respectively. The release of CO and CO₂ at the pyrolysis stage of healdellulose was less, but mass loss was greater than that at the pyrolysis stage of lignin. In the four-dimensional combustibility ranking of the six tree species leaves, B. platyphylla was the best ignitable, P. koraiensis was the most combustible, and P. sylvestris var. mongolica was the most sustainable and consumable. The ignitability was significantly positively correlated with pyrolysis kinetics parameters of the holocellulose, while the sustainability was negatively correlated with that of lignin.

[Comparative study of Astragali Radix Praeparata cum Melle and Hedysari Radix Praeparata cum Melle on spleen Qi deficiency rats]

This Radix study cum aims Melle to explore(HRPM)the on efficacy spleen differences deficiency between syndrome.modeling Astragali A Radix of Praeparata110cum rats Melle were(ARPM)randomized fatigue),and into rats Hedysari a Praeparata(n qi total irregular HRPM male diet,SD diarrhea,control were(n Yiqi=10)the=100).Pill group fied and model a modeling group,group Buzhong After(BYP)(through ARPM and the HRPM-H),classimedium-dose into(ARPM-M raised group,and high-dose(ARPM-H each and Rats BYP and under HRPM-M),normal and low-dose and(ARPM-L in and group HRPM-L)were groups,continuously10rats induced.were in group.the in group the were18.9,control given group were g·kg~(-1)conditions while those the the model Rats respectively in18.912.6,BYP kg~(-1)water extract,decoction those in ARPM/HRPM-H,the-M,dosage lasted and of-L groups treated the with control and model6.3group g·rewere motilin determined m L·kg~(-1)·day~(-1).days.of dose Spleen ARPM/HRPM of in water.morning,The at the10Rats spleen in index group thymus and index ceived equal calculated.(MTL),distilled tissue administration to15observe Then the and Routine of each group D-xylose,were was(IL-2),the subjected HE stainingγ(IFN-γ),lower to the pathological changes.(IgA),blood gastric indexes,mucosa index,interleukin-2group.interferon group immunoglobulin of A and spleen pepsin index,of in Ig A,IL-2spleen IFN-γ,control each MTL,levels Rats pepsin the in model(P&lt;0.01),had higher levels routine(P&lt;0.01),blood and indexes,more thymus lesions D-xylose,the and in index,level decreased HRPM-L of IL-2severe compared spleen with than the those model in group.thymus group.that(P&lt;0.05group,P&lt;0.01)index administration thymus groups Ig A or spleen as that and in spleen routine Except index,spleen the Ig A,index,group and were in in ARPM-M model group,group,index,indexes,P&lt;0.01)and thymus MTL index,those in ARPM-L insignificantly Ig A,different pepsin from other those in the the blood index,compared IFN-γ,group,(P&lt;0.05The D-xylose,model MTL,spleen and lesions high-dose in each administration administration groups group increased relieved.blood or comparison as of with HRPM in as the folARPM and the effect in and were white and result than ARPM and is of lows:(P stronger&lt;0.05),of medium-dose high-dose HRPM HRPM on IL-2cell high-dose of(WBC)and count medium-dose the HRPM and corresponding doses than IFN-γmore ARPM the obvious effect(P&lt;0.05of on evident(P&lt;0.05of impact P&lt;0.01),on low-dose between the on corresponD-xylose P&lt;0.01),doses ding MTL doses than Meanwhile,in of or more high-dose,and medium-dose,difference HRPM the and indexes.corresponding there of ARPM in or IL-2no levels in the HRPM-L effect and two groups,on but conclusion,other the both functions IFN-γwas group no was difference more the than recovery that of the and ARPM-H between(IL-2,P&lt;0.01;ARPM-L recovery HRPM the IFN-γ,P&lt;0.05).HRPM-H and obvious therapeutic in rats group qi In ARPM dose have are certain equivalent,effects on with spleen function deficiency.the Specifically,is the better difference immunomodulatory of two at g·low kg~(-1).and but the promote immunomodulatory the of former rats significantly ARPM.than that between of the later two at in the dose&gt;18.9HRPM promotion can of better digestion digestion absorption and may absorption due of than The immunoregulation and be to the difference in clinical medication.

New Horizons in Microbiological Food Safety: Ultraefficient Photodynamic Inactivation Based on a Gallic Acid Derivative and UV-A Light and Its Application with Electrospun Cyclodextrin Nanofibers

An excellent bactericidal effect of octyl gallate (OG)-mediated photodynamic inactivation (PDI) against foodborne pathogens (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) was evaluated in relation to the mode of action. UV-A irradiation (wavelength, 365 nm; irradiance, 8.254 ± 0.18 mW/cm²) of the bacterial suspension containing 0.15 mM OG could lead to a >5-log reduction of viable cell counts within 30 min for E. coli and only 5 min for S. aureus. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation was considered the main reason for the bactericidal effect of OG + UV-A light treatment because toxic ROS induced by OG-mediated PDI could attack the cellular wall, proteins, and DNA of microbes. Moreover, the bactericidal effect, as well as the yields of ROS, depended on OG concentrations, irradiation time, and laser output power. Furthermore, we prepared an edible photodynamic antimicrobial membrane comprising electrospun cyclodextrin nanofibers (NFs) by embedding OG. The resultant OG/HPβCD NFs (273.6 μg/mL) under UV-A irradiation for 30 min (14.58 J/cm) could cause a great reduction (>5-log) of viable bacterial counts of E. coli. The in situ photodynamic antibacterial activity of OG/HPβCD NF-based packaging was evaluated during the Chinese giant salamander storage. Overall, this research highlights the dual functionalities (antibacterial and photodynamic properties) of OG as both an antibacterial agent and photosensitizer and the effectiveness of electrospun NFs containing OG as an active antibacterial packaging material for food preservation upon UV light illumination.

[A case of microvascular anomalies in myopic retinoschisis]

It is a case found during routine reexamination one year after implantable Collamer lens (ICL) implantation. The patient had no complaints. The naked eye visual acuity of the left eye was 1.0, and abnormal blood vessels were seen in the supranasal retina. After fluorescein fundus angiography and sweep source OCTA, it was finally diagnosed as retinoschisis with microvascular anomalies of the left eye. This case suggests that the fundus of patients with high myopia without complaint should also be examined in detail and comprehensively. In addition to paying attention to peripheral retinopathy, the posterior pole and middle peripheral retina should be carefully examined, especially the areas that cannot be covered by conventional OCT.(Chin J Ophthalmol, 2021, 57: 944-945).

Buchwald-Hartwig Amination of Coordinating Heterocycles Enabled by Large-but-Flexible Pd-BIAN-NHC Catalysts*

A new class of large-but-flexible Pd-BIAN-NHC catalysts (BIAN=acenaphthoimidazolylidene, NHC=N-heterocyclic carbene) has been rationally designed to enable the challenging Buchwald-Hartwig amination of coordinating heterocycles. This robust class of BIAN-NHC catalysts permits cross-coupling under practical aerobic conditions of a variety of heterocycles with aryl, alkyl, and heteroarylamines, including historically challenging oxazoles and thiazoles as well as electron-deficient heterocycles containing multiple heteroatoms with BIAN-INon (N,N'-bis(2,6-di(4-heptyl)phenyl)-7H-acenaphtho[1,2-d]imidazol-8-ylidene) as the most effective ligand. Studies on the ligand structure and electronic properties of the carbene center are reported. The study should facilitate the discovery of even more active catalyst systems based on the unique BIAN-NHC scaffold.

[Prediction of Q-markers of Astragali Radix based on network pharmacology and fingerprint]

Astragali Radix is one of the most commonly used medicinal materials. In recent years, its cultivated varieties and a variety of adulterants have flooded the market, which makes its quality uneven, and the development of quality control methods has become a research hotspot. Therefore, figuring out the quality markers of Astragali Radix is of great significance for its comprehensive evaluation. In this study, the fingerprints of 15 batches of Astragali Radix were established by HPLC, and the main components causing intergroup differences were screened out by PLS-DA. On the basis of literature review and network pharmacology analysis, the targets and pathways of active ingredients were obtained from SwissTargetPrediction, PubChem Compound and other databases, and then the &quot;component-target-pathway&quot; network was constructed with Cytoscape 3.7.1 for the prediction of potential quality markers. Twenty-eight common peaks were identified in the established fingerprint, and three differential components were selected as potential quality markers for Astragali Radix, which were astragaloside Ⅳ, calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside and ononin. The proposed method based on HPLC fingerprint of Astragali Radix is convenient and feasible, facilitating the improvement in its quality control.

[Initial exploration of transfusion-free liver transplantation]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of transfusion-free techniques on the prognosis of liver transplant patients. Methods: The recipients of adult liver transplantation at Tianjin First Central Hospital from August to December 2019 were included in the clinical observation. Liver transplantation without allogeneic blood transfusion was performed through anesthesia management techniques such as acute hemodilution or phlebotomy without volume replacement,maintaining decreased baseline central venous pressure and cell saver. According to the actual results,the patients were divided into two groups: transfusion-free group(n=21) and allogeneic transfusion group(n=28). There were 13 males and 8 females aged of (56.3±11.6) years in the transfusion-free group;and there were 16 males and 12 females aged (54.3±14.2)years in the allogeneic transfusion group. The transplant recipients who had not adopted transfusion management strategy from January to July 2019 were included as control group(27 males and 13 females,aged of (58.9±14.1)years). The clinical data of patients in perioperative period were collected to compare whether there were differences in the recovery of liver function and early complications among the three groups, one-way ANOVA test, rank-sum test, and χ² test were used for data analysis. Results: The amount of intraoperative blood loss in both the transfusion-free group and the transfusion group was less than that in the control group((454.2±271.3)ml vs.(673.6±333.4)ml vs.(890.3±346.7)ml;q=-6.342,-5.286,both P<0.05).The duration of stay in ICU of the transfusion-free group was less than that of the transfusion group and control group((36.4±9.1)hours vs.(44.3±14.9)hours vs.(58.2±21.1)hours;q=-4.432,-3.824,both P<0.05).The mean ALT level at 7 days after operation was significantly lower in the transfusion-free group than in the control group((56.8±32.1)U/L vs.(89.6±45.6)U/L;q=-3.358,P<0.05). Conclusions: The improvement of multi-disciplinary transfusion management technology aimed at transfusion-free liver transplantation can effectively reduce intraoperative hemorrhage and help to avoid surgical transfusion. Transfusion-free liver transplantation is beneficial to the early postoperative recovery,and its long-term clinical significance is worthy of further clinical research.

[Surgical treatment of primary liver cancer:a report of 10 966 cases]

Objective: To summarize the experience of surgical treatment of primary liver cancer. Methods: The clinical data of 10 966 surgically managed cases with primary liver cancer, from January 1986 to December 2019 at Hepatobiliary Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, were retrospectively analyzed. The life table method was used to calculate the survival rate and postoperative recurrence rate. Log-rank test was used to compare the survival process of different groups, and the Cox regression model was used for multivariate analysis. In addition, 2 884 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) with more detailed follow-up data from 2009 to 2019 were selected for survival analysis. Among 2 549 patients treated with hepatectomy, there were 2 107 males and 442 females, with an age of (56.6±11.1) years (range: 20 to 86 years). Among 335 patients treated with liver transplantation, there were 292 males and 43 females, with an age of (51.0±9.7) years (range: 21 to 73 years). The outcomes of hepatectomy versus liver transplantation, anatomic versus non-anatomic hepatectomy were compared, respectively. Results: Of the 10 966 patients with primary liver cancer, 10 331 patients underwent hepatectomy and 635 patients underwent liver transplantation. Patients with liver resection were categorized into three groups: 1986－1995(712 cases), 1996－2008(3 988 cases), 2009‒2019(5 631 cases). The 5-year overall survival rate was 32.9% in the first group(1986－1995). The 5-year overall survival rate of resected primary liver cancer was 51.7% in the third group(2009-2019), among which the 5-year overal survival rates of hepatocellular carcinoma, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and mixed liver cancer were 57.4%, 26.6% and 50.6%, respectively. Further analysis was performed on 2 549 HCC patients with primary hepatectomy. The 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year overall survival rates were 88.1%, 71.9%, 60.0%, and 41.0%, respectively, and the perioperative mortality rate was 1.0%. Two hundred and forty-seven HCC patients underwent primary liver transplantation, with 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year overall survival rates of 84.0%, 64.8%, 61.9%, and 57.6%, respectively. Eighty-eight HCC patients underwent salvage liver transplantation, with the 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year overall survival rates of 86.8%, 65.2%, 52.5%, and 52.5%, respectively. There was no significant difference in survival rates between the two groups with liver transplantation (P>0.05). Comparing the overall survival rates and recurrence rates of primary hepatectomy (2 549 cases) with primary liver transplantation (247 cases), the 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year overall survival rates in patients within Milan criteria treated with hepatectomy and transplantation were 96.3%, 87.1%, 76.9%, 54.7%, and 95.4%, 79.4%, 77.4%, 71.7%, respectively (P=0.754). The 1-, 3-, 5-year recurrence rates were 16.3%, 35.9%, 47.6% and 8.1%, 11.7%, 13.9%, respectively(P<0.01). The 1-, 3-, 5-, 10-year overall survival rates in patients with no large vessels invasion beyond the Milan criteria treated with liver resection and transplantation were 87.2%, 65.9%, 53.0%, 33.0% and 87.6%, 71.8%, 71.8%, 69.3%, respectively(P=0.003); the 1-, 3-, 5-year recurrence rate were 39.2%, 57.8%, 69.7% and 29.7%, 36.7%, 36.7%, respectively (P<0.01). The 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year overall survival rates in patients with large vessels invasion treated with liver resection and transplantation were 62.1%, 36.1%, 22.2%, 15.0% and 62.9%, 31.8%,19.9%, 0, respectively (P=0.387); the 1-, 3-, 5-year recurrence rates were 61.5%, 74.7%, 80.8% and 59.7%, 82.9%, 87.2%, respectively(P=0.909). Independent prognostic factors for both overall survival and recurrence-free survival rates of HCC patients treated with liver resection included gender, neoadjuvant therapy, symptoms, AST, intraoperative or postoperative blood transfusion, tumor number, tumor size, cirrhosis, macrovascular invasion, microvascular invasion, and pathological differentiation. Propensity score matching analysis of 443 pairs further showed that there was no significant difference in overall survival rate between anatomical liver resection and non-anatomical liver resection(P=0.895), but the recurrence rate of non-anatomical liver resection was higher than that of anatomical liver resection(P=0.035). Conclusions: In the past decade, the overall survival rate of HCC undergoing surgical treatment is significantly higher than before. For HCC patients with good liver function reservation, surgical resection can be performed first, and salvage liver transplantation can be performed after recurrence. The effect of salvage liver transplantation is comparable to that of primary liver transplantation. As for the choice of liver resection approaches, non-anatomical resection can reserve more liver tissue and can be selected as long as the negative margin is guaranteed.

[Later approach sinus floor elevation using deproteinized bovine bone mineral with staged implant placement: follow-up for more than 3 years in a prospective clinical study]

Objective: To evaluate clinical effect of deproteinized bovine bone for delayed implantation after fenestration. Methods: This trial is a continuation of a prospective clinical trial. From May 2011 to February 2015 in Department of Implantology, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University after planting division of 55 cases of maxillary teeth missing area of residual alveolar bone height ≤5 mm patients. There were 21 female and 34 male patients, their average age were (55.2±7.1) years. A total of 62 side fenestration of maxillary sinus floor lift, clinical and imaging examination, evaluation of implant retention rate, complications, peripheral soft tissue health and marginal bone resorption. Results: A total of 82 implants were followed up in 41 patients. The average follow-up time was (51.8±14.3) months (36-78 months). The follow-up rate of the maxillary sinus was 75.8% (47/62), the follow-up rate of the implant was 73.9% (82/111), and the implant survival rate was 98.8% (81/82). The bone resorption results at the implant margins were (0.64±0.63) mm (-0.28 mm, 1.47 mm) in the near and (0.49±0.73) mm (-0.51 mm, 1.21 mm) in the far, the improved hemorrhage index was 0.46±0.72, the improved plaque index was 0.60±0.87, and the keratinized mucosa width was (2.14±1.22) mm. The incidence rate of peri-implant mucositis was 28.4% (23/81) among 23 implants, and there was no complication of peri-implant inflammation. Conclusions: This study shows that under the condition of insufficient sinus ridge spacing in the maxillary posterior area, it is feasible to use bovine bone alone to remove protein for delayed implantation of maxillary sinus floor elevation by windowing, and the clinical effect is reliable.

"Bulky-Yet-Flexible" α-Diimine Palladium-Catalyzed Reductive Heck Cross-Coupling: Highly Anti-Markovnikov-Selective Hydroarylation of Alkene in Air

To pursue a highly regioselective and efficient reductive Heck reaction, a series of moisture- and air-stable α-diimine palladium precatalysts were rationally designed, readily synthesized, and fully characterized. The relationship between the structures of the palladium complexes and the catalytic properties was investigated. It was revealed that the"bulky-yet-flexible"palladium complexes allowed highly anti-Markovnikov-selective hydroarylation of alkenes with (hetero)aryl bromides under aerobic conditions. Further synthetic application of the present protocol could provide rapid and straightforward access to functional and biologically active molecules.

[Discussion on the curative effect and mechanisms of berberine in rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver]

Objective: To observe the curative effects of berberine in rats with high-fat diet induced non-alcoholic fatty liver and to further explore its possible mechanism. Methods: Twenty-six Sprague-Dawley rats (120-160 g) were randomly divided into 3 groups: control group (n = 8), model group (n = 10) and treatment group (n = 8). Rats in the control group were fed with regular diet, and the model group and the treatment group were fed a high-fat diet. At the 12th week, two rats in the in the model group were sacrificed to verify whether model was successful established. Subsequently, treatment group rats were given a gavage of berberine at a dose of 150 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1) for 4 weeks, and the control and the model group rats were given the same dose of normal saline. Rats were sacrificed at week 16th. HE staining was used to observe the changes in the intestinal mucosa of rats. Sudan black B staining was used to observe the fatty changes in liver. Immunohistochemical staining was used to observe the expression level of occludin protein in the intestinal epithelium. A real-time 16S rDNA PCR method was used to measure the number of escherichia coli, bacteroides and faecalibacterium prausnitzii in the feces of rats. Results: Model group had a higher serum levels of endotoxin (0.288 ± 0.045) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (1.07 ± 0.11) than the control group (0.192 ± 0.049, 0.94 ± 0.07) (P < 0.05). Berberine intervention had significantly reduced endotoxin (0.213 ± 0.025) and TNF-α level (0.93 ± 0.07) (P < 0.05). The expression level of occludin protein was significantly lower in the intestinal mucosa of model group than that of control group (0.166 ± 0.014), and berberine had promoted the expression of occludin protein in intestinal mucosa (0.055 ± 0.009), but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). At the same time, compared with the model group (7.29 ± 0.47), the number of bacteroidetes in the control group (9.49 ± 0.59) was decreased, while the number of bacteroidetes in the treatment group was increased (9.77 ± 0.87). The number of escherichia coli (6.92 ± 0.77) and faecalibacterium prausnitzii (8.70 ± 0.62) in the model group were increased than control group (5.42 ± 0.63, 9.49 ± 0.59), while the number of escherichia coli (6.34 ± 0.71) and faecalibacterium prausnitzii (9.77 ± 0.87) (P < 0.05) was reduced with the intervention of berberine. Conclusion: Berberine could effectively protect the intestinal barrier function in rats with NAFLD and the possible mechanism of action behind it may be the regulation of intestinal flora.

[The fundus autofluorescence of retinal astrocytic hamartomas in tuberous sclerosis complex]

Objective: To investigate the autofluorescence findings of retinal astrocytic hamartoma (RAH) in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Methods: It was a retrospective case series study. Twenty-three patients (35 eyes) who were referred to Department of Internal Medicine and Department of Ophthalmology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital between November 2012 and June 2018 with established TSC-associated RAH diagnosis were included. The findings of fundus autofluorescence, fundus photos and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were retrospectively reviewed. RAH lesions were classified into three types based on the morphology shown in fundus photos. The fundus autofluorescence features of TSC-associated RAH were described. The Welch's test and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical analysis. Results: The patients were 8 males and 15 females aged (28±9) years old (range, 15-55 years). Seventy-two RAH lesions were examined, including 59 type 1 RAHs, 7 type 2 RAHs and 6 type 3 RAHs. According to fundus autofluorescence, type 1 RAHs could be further divided into reduced, speckled and background autofluorescence patterns, among which the hypoautofluorescence pattern accounted for the majority (69.5%, 41/59), while the speckled pattern was usually accompanied by outer retinal disorganization and discontinuation of photoreceptor outer segment as revealed by SD-OCT. No significant difference was revealed in tumor thickness for reduced, speckled and background autofluorescence patterns of type 1 RAHs [(490.2±97.9) vs. (589.2±221.6) vs. (463.0±76.2) μm respectively, F=1.426, P=0.283]. Among type 1 RAHs, the number of reduced autofluorescence pattern lesions found in perifoveal, peripapillary, inferonasal, inferotemporal, superonasal, superotemporal quadrants were 9, 4, 4, 7, 4, 13 respectively, while that of speckled autofluorescence pattern lesions were 3, 0, 3, 2, 3, 2 and background autoflurorescence pattern lesions 3, 0, 1, 1, 0, 0. No significant difference was revealed in location distribution (P=0.452) either. Type 2 RAHs featured numerous hyperautofluorescent spots or plaques, and calcification in type 2 RAHs varied in autofluorescence intensity. Type 3 RAHs, combining the features of type 1 and 2 RAHs, were characterized by central hyperautofluorescent spots and hypoautoflurescent rim, but the area of hyperautofluorescence was smaller than that of calcification as shown in fundus photos. Conclusions: In TSC, the fundus autofluorescence of RAHs varies from hypoautofluorescence to hyperautofluorescence patterns according to RAH types. The retinal involvement and calcification degree of TSC-associated RAHs could be reflected on the autofluorescence, which was beneficial to the full assessment. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2020, 56: 211-216).

[Establishment of animal model of bacterial microleakage at implant-abutment interface]

Objective: To study the bacterial microleakage at the interface between dental implant and abutment in rats. Methods: Under aseptic conditions, suspension of 0.25 μl of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) (10(9) CFU/ml) was added into the customized implant. After the abutment was connected, the suspension was cultured in an Ep (eppendorf) tube containing 1 ml brain heart infusion (BHI) culture medium. After 7 days and 14 days, the liquid in the Ep tube was taken and inoculated, and the growth of bacteria was observed. Six male SD rats with 12 implants were divided into experimental group (4 implants), negative control group (4 implants) and blank control group (4 implants). All 6 rats had two implants implanted in their bilateral upper jaws. During the second operation, suspension of 0.25 μl Pg (10(9) CFU/ml) was added to the inner part of the implant of the experimental group, culture solution of 0.25 μl was added to the control group and nothing was added to the blank control group. The amount of Pg and total bacteria in each group were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). The inflammatory cell infiltrate in the peri-implant mucosa was evaluated histomorphometrically. Results: The in vitro model directly verified the presence of bacterial microleakage at implant-abutment interface (IAI), and the animal model confirmed the existence of microleakage through the infiltrate of inflammatory cells near the micro-gap in the experimental group indirectly. In vitro experiments found that Pg had penetrated from the implant within a week by observation and culture. In animal study, the presence of 10(2)-10(4) Pg was detected in the experimental group and it was not detected in the negative control group and the blank control group. At the same time, under the light microscope, in the experimental group, there were inflammatory cells aggregation in the connective tissue around the micro-gap and the density of inflammatory cells gradually decreased from the micro-gap to coronal and the apical of the connective tissue, while there were only scattered inflammatory cells in the connective tissue around the blank control group and the negative control group. In the experimental group, inflammatory cells density in area of 0.25-0.50 mm, 0-0.25 mm coronal to the micro-gap and 0-0.25 mm, 0.25-0.50 mm apical to the mico-gap was respectively, 976 (655), 1 673 (1 245), 2 267 (819) and 895 (162) cells/mm(2),which was significantly more than the blank control group in the corresponding position [respectively 201 (180), 321 (351), 309 (236) and 218 (272) cells/mm(2)] (P<0.05). Conclusions: Pg in the dental implants of rats can be found in the microleakage through implant-abutment interface, and cause the soft tissue inflammation around the implant, and the inflammation has certain distribution characteristics.

[The correlation of ganglion cell layer thickness with visual field defect in non-functional pituitary adenoma with chiasm compression]

Objective: To investigate the consequences of the thickness of ganglion cell layer (GCL) and visual field defect of non-functional pituitary adenoma with chiasm compression. Methods: A case control study. The study included 40 (80 eyes) non-functional pituitary adenoma patients in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from March 2015 to February 2017. Twenty patients (no visual field defect group, 40 eyes) of them were detected to be chiasm compressed or touched by the adenoma with no visual field defect detected, and the other 20 patients (visual field defect group, 40 eyes) were the sex-and-age matched pituitary adenoma patients with bitemporal heminopsia. This study also included 20 (control group, 40 eyes) sex-and-age matched healthy controls. The para-papillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in 6 quadrants including nasal, temporal, nasal superior, temporal superior, nasal inferior and temporal inferior as well as the macular GCL thickness and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness in 4 quadrants including nasal superior, nasal inferior, temporal superior and temporal inferior were measured. The non-parametric test was used to compare the RNFL, GCL and GCIPL thickness among the three groups. Results: The mean age among the three groups was (46±10) years and the difference among the three groups was not significant (P=0.88). The sex ratio of the three groups was 9∶11 (male∶female) and the difference among the three groups was not significant. The mean axial length among the three groups was (23.22±0.90) mm and the difference among the three groups was not significant (P=0.51). The thickness of para-papillary RNFL of temporal superior, temporal, nasal superior, nasal, nasal inferior quadrants and whole circumference was significantly thinner in the visual field defect group than the control group [(129.88±28.64) μm, (63.63±26.84) μm, (88.08±32.16) μm, (50.68±19.99) μm, (92.48±25.06) μm, and (85.00±20.65) μm vs. (141.10±18.95) μm, (79.12±16.78) μm, (113.68±21.28) μm, (69.67±14.23) μm, (117.80±31.32) μm, and (102.80±9.68) μm, t=2.26, 3.06, 4.14, 4.84, 4.25, 4.88, all P<0.05]. In the nasal quadrant, the para-papillary RNFL of the no visual field defect group was significantly thinner compared with the control group [(61.45±9.83) μm vs. (69.67±14.23) μm, t=2.97, P<0.05]. The total GCL thickness was (30.48±5.42) μm in the visual field defect group, (31.35±2.77) μm in the no visual field defect group, thinner than that in the control group [(33.32±2.92) μm, t=2.92, 3.62; both P<0.05]. The total GCIPL thickness showed no significant difference among the three groups (P=0.07). In the superior and inferior temporal quadrants, the GCL and GCIPL thickness showed no significant difference among the three groups (all P>0.05). In the superior and inferior nasal quadrants, the GCL thickness was (29.41±5.97) μm, and (28.47±5.13) μm in the visual field defect group, (31.15±3.27) μm and (30.61±2.96) μm in the no visual field defect group, and (34.23±3.16) μm and (32.97±2.78) μm in the control group. The GCL thickness in the nasal quadrant was thinner in the visual field defect group (t=4.45, 4.82)and the no visual field defect group(t=4.23, 3.63) than in the control group (all P<0.01). However, no significant difference in GCL thickness was detected between the visual field defect group and the no visual field defect group (both P>0.05). In the superior and inferior nasal quadrants, the GCIPL thickness was (54.06±10.50) μm and (51.77±9.18) μm in the visual field defect group, (58.03±4.00) μm and (56.23±5.37) μm in the no visual field defect group, and (62.26±7.11) μm and (59.39±6.64) μm in the control group. The GCIPL thickness was thinner in the nasal quadrant in the visual field defect group than in the control group (t=3.95, 4.20, both P<0.01). Only in the Superior nasal quadrant, the GCIPL was significantly thinner in the no visual field defect group than the control group (t=3.25, P<0.01). Conclusion: The optic GCL may get thinner in pituitary nonfunctional adenoma with chiasm compression patients without the RNFL layer thinning and visual field defect. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2019, 55: 186-194).

Theoretical Modeling and Inverse Analysis of Thermal Conductivity of Skeletons in SiO2 Nano-Insulation Materials

With the developments in high-performance nano-insulation material technology, theoretical studies on the heat transfer mechanisms in these materials have been conducted. However, the conductivity of nanometer-sized skeletons is still unclear. It is necessary to clarify the thermal conductivity of nanometer-sized solid skeletons in order to better understand the heat transfer mechanisms in nano-insulation materials. In the present study, a theoretical model for the thermal conductivity of nanometer-sized skeletons in nano-insulation materials is presented based upon the meso-structure of the material and the equation of phonon transfer. The size effect in thermal conductivity of the nanometer-sized particles is studied numerically, and the thermal conductivity is theoretically obtained. At the same time, a reverse method is established for the thermal conductivity of nanometer-sized particles based on the method of particle swarm optimization (PSO). The skeleton thermal conductivity for a specific nano-insulation material with a density of 110 kg/m³ and porosity of 0.94 is identified based upon experimental data from literature. Comparison results show that the theoretical conductivity of nanometer-sized skeletons and the identified results give the values of 0.145 and 0.124 W/(m K), respectively, clearly revealing obvious an size effect in the thermal conductivity of nanometer-sized skeletons.

Leeches attenuate blood hyperviscosity and related metabolic disorders in rats differently than aspirin

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Whitmania pigra Whitman (Whitmania pigra, WP), firstly recorded in the Shennong's Herbal Classic and officially listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, is a well-used cardiovascular protective traditional Chinese medicine derived from leeches. Traditional Chinese physicians prefer to prescribe the dried whole body of leech processed under high temperatures. It has been reported that dried WP remains clinically effective. However, the therapeutic mechanism has yet not be clearly elucidated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was designed to investigate the protective activity of the extract of WP in a high-molecular-weight dextran-induced blood hyperviscosity rat model, and to explore the role of WP in improving blood hyperviscosity related metabolic disorders and to clarify the possible mechanism of metabolic regulation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The hemorheological parameters were measured with an automated blood rheology analyzer. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe the pathological changes in aortic tissues samples. Further, a liquid chromatography-mass-spectrometry (LC-MS)-based untargeted metabolomics approach was applied to characterize the metabolic alterations.

RESULTS

WP has evident attenuating effects on blood hyperviscosity and related metabolic disorders, and the influences are distinct from those of aspirin. The results showed that WP had good effects in reducing blood viscosity and ameliorating histopathological changes in the thoracic aorta in a high molecular weight dextran-induced blood hyperviscosity rat model. The middle dose (2.5 g raw material/kg body weight) of WP exhibited effects equivalent to aspirin (100 mg/kg) on hemorheological and histopathological parameters (P > 0.05). However, when using metabolomics profiling, we found that WP could significantly improve blood hyperviscosity-related metabolic disorders and restore metabolites to normal levels; while aspirin showed little effect. With principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis, WP regulated many more endogenous metabolites than aspirin. With pathway enrichment analysis, the differential endogenous metabolites were involved in cysteine and methionine metabolism, TCA cycle, arachidonic acid metabolism, etc., highlighting the metabolic reprogramming potential of WP against blood hyperviscosity-induced metabolic disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

The study suggest that WP has a more potent effect, but a different mechanism, than aspirin in improving either blood hyperviscosity or related metabolic disorders associated with cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases.

[The relationship between optical coherence tomography performance and visual acuity of acute retinal necrosis]

Objective: To analyze the relationship between optical coherence tomography(OCT) performance and visual acuity of patients with acute retinal necrosis (ARN). Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed on the patients diagnosed with ARN at the ophthalmology department of Peking union hospital during October 2011 and May 2016. Fourteen patients (15 eyes), 9 males and 5 females, whose anterior and posterior inflammation disappeared and the retinal necrosis lesion in the fundus of the eye subsided were included. The mean age was (41.6±12.2) years. All patients underwent careful examinations including best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), slit-lamp microscope, indirect ophthalmoscope, color fundus picture, fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and OCT (results of their last consultations). Results: BCVA: 8 eyes were increased, 2 eyes were unchanged and 5 eyes were decreased at the last visit; light perception (LP) 1 eye, finger count (FC) 1 eye, 3 eyes of 0.01 to 0.1, 6 eyes of 0.15 to 0.25. The inflammatory reaction in the anterior segment of 14 eyes disappeared, while the inflammatory reaction of the remaining 1 eye was relieved. The fundus lesions of all 15 eyes disappeared. According to OCT results: five eyes (5/15) exhibited normal macula area, among the 5 eyes, 4 eyes are of 0.15 to 0.25 visual acuity, and 1 eye is of 0.5 visual acuity;macular epiretinal membrane is present in three eyes (3/15), of which the visual acuity is 0.02, 0.25 and 0.3 respectively macula edema is present in three eyes (3/15), among the 3 eyes, 1 eye (visual acuity of 0.01)showed thickening of neurosensory retina, cystoid change of fovea and several fluid dark areas, the other 2 eyes (visual acuity of 0.02 and 0.5 respectively) showed small diffuse fluid dark area in the neurosensory retina;atrophy of neurosensory retina and absence of IS/OS was found in four eyes (4/15), among the 4 eyes, the visual acuity of 3 is below 0.01, and the other 1 eye is of 0.08 visual acuity. Conclusions: The OCT performance of stationary phase of ARN tends to be positively correlated with the visual acuity of patients. The prognosis of visual acuity of the patients whose OCT results showed atrophy of neurosensory retina and absence of IS/OS is poor. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2018, 54: 369-374).

[Advances in osteoradionecrosis of nasopharynx after radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma]

Radiation therapy is the first choice for the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. However, it is inevitable that nasopharyngeal mucosa and tissue will be damaged after radiotherapy of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, which will cause corresponding complications. Nasopharyngeal osteonecrosis is a serious complication. Up to now, there are few reports about nasopharyngeal osteonecrosis, and the underlaying pathological mechanism remains unclear. The potential theories include radiotherapy damage, infection and trauma, but also the " three H" principle of hypoxic hypocellular hypovascular tissue, as well as the theory of radio induced fibrosis. It is controversial about the treatment of nasopharyngeal osteonecrosis. It takes comprehensive treatment, including local treatment, systemic treatment, surgical treatment and other treatments. Among them, local treatment as nasopharyngeal debridement usually is first choice. We reviewed the pathological mechanism and treatment methods of nasopharyngeal osteonecrosis, in order to provide a reference for better prevention and treatment of it.

[Research and application of quality standard for standard decoction of Chrysanthemi Flos]

Standard decoction of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is prepared by standardized process, and can be used as references to evaluate the quality of dosage forms such as decoction and dispensing granules. In order to determine the quality evaluation method for standard decoction of Chrysanthemi Flos and investigate its application, 10 batches of white chrysanthemum of Hangzhou were collected to prepare the standard decoction of white chrysanthemum of Hangzhou with standardized process parameters. Parameters such as traits, relative density, pH value, extraction ratio, transfer rate and fingerprint were selected as the indexes for quality evaluation. The established quality evaluation method for standard decoction of Chrysanthemi Flos was applied in the detection of two types of commercial Chrysanthemum dispensing granules. The results showed that the standard decoction of Chrysanthemi Flos was a clear yellow-brown aqueous solution; the relative density was 1.007-1.011; the pH value was between 5.37-5.56; the average extraction ratio was 23.6%, ranging from 19.93% to 29.69%; the average transfer ratewas 56.2% in terms of chlorogenic acid, 57.4% in terms of luteoloside and 30.6% in terms of 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid. Fingerprint similarity was between 0.864-0.989.The method showed good precision, stability and repeatability in fingerprint analysis, indicating reliable and representative results for standard decoction of Chrysanthemi Flos, and it can be used to evaluate and standardize other dosage forms.

Development of Functional Phthalocyanine-Based Associate towards an Effective Fluorimetric Detection of Hg(II)

In acidic media, cationic phthalocyanine Alcian blue 8GX, has an efficient fluorescence quenching effect on anionic phthalocyanine tetrasulphoaluminium phthalocyanines (AlS₄Pc), forming an almost non-fluorescent associate. Based on this discovery, a red-emitting fluorescent probe consisted of AlS₄P_C and Alcian blue 8GX has been developed through molecular assembly. Further studies indicated that the presence of Hg(II) ion has a significant fluorescence recovery effect of the probe. Notably, only Hg(II) can significantly restore the fluorescence of AlS₄Pc-Alcian blue 8GX system which was revealed from the screening experiments of common metal ions, which confirmed that the fluorescence recovery by other metal ions is very weak or even unrestored, showing high specificity and sensitivity AlS₄Pc-Alcian blue 8GX to Hg(II). Thus, a new fluorimetry for Hg(II) with high specificity and high sensitivity in a wide concentration range has been established using AlS₄P_c-Alcian blue 8GX associate as a red-emitting fluorescent probe. It is more noteworthy that this study opens a new way for development and application of functional phthalocyanine based red-emitting fluorescent probes.

[Effect of curcumin on intestinal mucosal mechanical barrier in rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease]

Objective: To investigate the effect of curcumin on intestinal mucosal mechanical barrier in rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Methods: A total of 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats were equally divided into normal control group, model group, and curcumin intervention group. The rats in the model group and the curcumin intervention group were given high-fat feed for 16 weeks, and those in the curcumin intervention group were given curcumin 200 mg/kg/day by gavage once a day after 8 weeks of high-fat feeding. The rats were sacrificed at the end of week 16. A light microscope was used to observe pathological changes in the liver, an electron microscope was used to observe the tight junction of the intestinal mucosa, an automatic biochemical analyzer was used to measure the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), chromogenic substrate Limulus amebocyte lysate assay was used to measure plasma lipopolysaccharide (LPS) level, spectrophotometric method was used to measure the activity of serum diamine oxidase, ELISA was used to measure the serum level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), and immunohistochemistry was used to measure the expression of the tight junction protein occludin. One-way ANOVA test and SNK-q test were used for statistical analysis. Results: Under the light microscope, the control group had no hepatocyte steatosis, the model group had significant hepatocyte steatosis and inflammatory cell infiltration, and the curcumin intervention group had reduced hepatocyte steatosis and inflammatory cell infiltration. Under the electron microscope, the control group had a clear and complete structure of the tight junction of the intestinal mucosa and normal structures of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum; in the model group, the structure of the tight junction of the intestinal mucosa was destroyed, the intercellular space was widened, the desmosomes had a loose structure, there was edema in some mitochondria, and the endoplasmic reticulum was dilated; the curcumin intervention group had improvements in the structure of tight junction of the intestinal mucosa, intercellular space, edema in the mitochondria, and dilation of the endoplasmic reticulum. Compared with the control group, the model group had significant increases in the serum levels of AST, ALT, DAO, TNFα, and LPS (q = -15.918, -14.402, -33.700, -8.944, and -10.832, P < 0.05); compared with the model group, the curcumin intervention group had significant reductions in the serum levels of AST, ALT, DAO, TNFα, and LPS (q = 10.457, 7.752, 18.802, 5.202, and 4.279, P < 0.05). In the control group, occludin showed a linear distribution along the top of small intestinal mucosal epithelial cells. The model group had a significant reduction in positive staining compared with the control group, and the curcumin intervention group had a significant increase in positive staining compared with the model group. The relative expression of occludin was 0.29±0.03 in the control group, 0.12±0.02 in the model group, and 0.21±0.02 in the curcumin intervention group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Intestinal mucosal mechanical barrier is impaired in rats with NAFLD. Curcumin can reduce such damage, and its mechanism of action may be related to up-regulating the expression of occludin in the intestinal mucosa and reducing the levels of TNFα and LPS.

[The fundus manifestations and SD-OCT findings of patients with acute Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease]

Objective: To conclude the characteristics of fundus appearance and spectral domain optical coherence tomography(SD-OCT) findings of patients with acute Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease. Methods: The clinical data of 17 patients (34 eyes) diagnosed of acute VKH in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from Jan. 2012 to Dec. 2014 were studied retrospectively.Examinations included visual acuity, slit lamp, fundus, color fundus pictures, FFA and SD-OCT. Results: Eight men and 9 women were enrolled with mean age of (40.5±11.6) years old ranging from 26.0 to 62.0 years old. Vision acuity of their first consultations were as follows: 14 eyes (41.2%) were below 0.01-0.09, 17 eyes(50%) were among 0.1-0.3, 3 eyes (8.8%) were among 0.4-0.7. All patients were divided into 3 groups according to their fundus appearance: 14 eyes (41.2%) were optic disc swelling-type, 10 eyes (29.4%) were retinal detachment type and 10 eyes(29.4%)were mixed type. Subretinal fluid and serous retinal detachment appears in SD-OCT of all 34 eyes, with highly reflective signals in detached area. Other common characters were also noticeable, suh as RPE folds(19 eyes, 55.9%), subretinal septa (16 eyes, 47.1%) and internal limiting membrane(ILM) fluctuation (8 eyes, 23.5%). In addition, SD-OCT features were in accordance with multilobular dye pooling at late period of FFA. Conclusion: SD-OCT of acute VKH presents some typical features: subretinal fluid and serous retinal detachment, RPE folds, ILM fluctuation, and subretinal septa.(Chin J Ophthalmol, 2017, 53: 436-439).

Development of a valid Simplified Chinese version of the International Hip Outcome Tool (SC-iHOT-33) in young patients having total hip arthroplasty

OBJECTIVE

The International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-33) is a questionnaire designed for young, active patients with hip disorders. It has proven to be a highly reliable and valid questionnaire. The main purpose of our study was to adapt the iHOT-33 questionnaire into simplified Chinese and to assess its psychometric properties in Chinese patients.

METHOD

The iHOT-33 was cross culturally adapted into Chinese and 138 patients completed the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), the EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D), and the Chinese version of the iHOT-33(SC-iHOT-33) pre- or postoperatively within 6 months' follow-up. The Cronbach's alpha, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Pearson's correlation coefficient (r), effect size (ES), and standardized response mean (SRM) were calculated to assess the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the SC-iHOT-33, respectively.

RESULTS

Total Cronbach's alpha was 0.965, which represented excellent internal consistency of the SC-iHOT-33. The ICC ranges from 0.866 to 0.929, which shows excellent test-retest reliability. The subscales of SC-iHOT-33 had the highest correlation coefficient (r = 0.812) with the physical function subscales of the WOMAC, as well as good correlation between the social/emotional subscale of the SC-iHOT-33 and the EQ-5D (r = 0.740, r = 0.743). No floor or ceiling effects were found. The ES and SRM values indicated good responsiveness of 2.44 and 2.67, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The SC-iHOT-33 questionnaire is reliable, valid, and responsive for the evaluation of young, Chinese, active patients with hip disorders.

[Durability of protective effect of resin-based coating material on root surface]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the durability of resin-based root-surface coating material and all-in-one self-etching adhesive on root surface in vitro.

METHODS

Human extracted premolars or molars with intact roots were selected. The cementum was removed using a periodontal scaler to expose root dentin. The root surface was coated with an acid-resistant nail varnish, leaving a window of 3 mm×3 mm on the exposed dentin.The window was covered with either PRG Barrier Coat (PRG) or Clearfil S3 Bond (CS3). After water aging for 14 d, specimens were immersed in acid buffer at pH 4.5 for 4 d and the demineralization buffer was changed every 24 h. Then the specimen was split longitudinally through the center of the 'window' and the cross-sectional surface was observed with scanning electron microscope (SEM). After fixed and dehydrated, the prepared samples were coated with platinum. The coating material, root dentin and the interface was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The thickness of the coating material was measured on the SEM images. Regarding toothbrush wear test, coronal dentindisks were prepared and covered with PRG and CS3, respectively. After storage in water for 24 h, the specimen was subjected to the toothbrush wear tester for 100, 200, 300, 500, 700, 1 500 brushing cycles. A slurry of fluoride toothpaste (1:2 ratio of toothpaste and deionized water by weight) was used and the brushing load was 300 N. The surface microstructure of remaining coating material was analyzed using SEM. The wear depths were determined by a profilometer. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 20.0 by one-way ANOVA. The level of significance was at 0.05.

RESULTS

Application of PRG Barrier Coat produced a coating layer of (47.1±27.3) μm, while CS3 presented a thin film of (5.7±2.1) μm in thickness. The exposed dentin was hermetically sealed and no obvious gap was observed at the interface in both PRG and CS3 groups. There was no dentin demineralization observed in both groups after water aging. The wear depths of PRG and CS3 increased along with the numbers of brushing cycles. PRG wore at a significant lower pace than CS3 did (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

PRG coating resin had similar performances as CS3 on protecting root dentin from demineralization after water aging. What's more, PRG demonstrated a higher toothbrush wear resistance than CS3. We concluded that PRG Barrier Coat contained S-PRG filler may be an effective coating material for protecting exposed root from both chemical and mechanical challenges. Further studies should be carried out to evaluate the long-term reliability of the rootsurface coating materials under the clinical setting.

Formaldehyde exposure inhibits the expression of mammalian target of rapamycin in rat testis

Formaldehyde (FA), a ubiquitous environmental pollutant, has long been suspected of causing adverse male reproductive effects. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain elusive. The overall aim of this study is to clarify the role of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in male reproductive injuries induced by FA exposure, by which we can further understand the molecular mechanism of FA male reproductive toxicity. In this study, immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis were used to detect the expression of mTOR molecule in testicular tissues. We found that FA exposure inhibits the expression of mTOR in a dose-dependent manner. Combined with our earlier finding, we found the decreasing expression of mTOR in testicular tissue were consistent with the changes of testicular structure and autophagy levels. In summary, our data suggested that mTOR molecule might be involved in male reproductive injuries induced by FA exposure.

Polymorphisms in the nuclear factor kappa B gene association with recurrent embryo implantation failure

Despite more than a century of intensive study, the mechanisms of successful pregnancy remain unclear. Recent research suggests that NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa B) plays an important role in embryo implantation. In the current study, we aimed to identify SNPs that contribute to genetic susceptibility for recurrent implantation failure (RIF). Thus, we examined the potential associations between RIF and ten SNPs (rs28362491, rs3774932, rs1598856, rs230528, rs230521, rs3774956, rs4648055, rs3774964, rs4648068, and rs3774968) of the NF-κB gene. Participants included 209 patients with RIF and 395 controls. Our results revealed that there were statistically significant differences observed in the allelic and genotypic frequencies of the rs28362491 promoter in the NF-κB gene. The frequency of the del/ del genotype was significantly higher in RIF patients than in healthy controls (P = 0.004). Compared with healthy controls, the RIF patients carried a higher frequency of the rs28362491 del allele (P = 0.010). Furthermore, strong linkage disequilibrium was observed in the three identified haplotype blocks (D' > 0.9). Particularly, in block 1 (rs230528-rs230521), the A-C haplotype occurred significantly more frequently (P = 0.029) in subjects with RIF (P = 0.0003). In contrast, the A-G haplotype occurred significantly less frequently (P = 0.008) in RIF subjects. These findings support an important role for G-712A polymorphisms of NF-κB in RIF, and may guide future studies that aim to characterize genetic risk factors for RIF.

The clinical significance of CA19-9 in ovarian mature cystic teratoma

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical significance of CA19-9 in patients with ovarian mature cystic teratoma (MCT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was performed on 65 patients with pathologically-confirmed MCT and 80 patients with benign epithelial ovarian tumors. Serum tumor markers for all patients and tissue CA19-9 for MCTs were measured. The relationships between clinical characteris- tics of MCTs and CA19-9, as well as the correlation between serum and tissue level of CA19-9 in MCTs, were evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean serum level of CA19-9 in MCTs was significantly higher than that in benign ovarian epithelial tumors (49.9 ± 73.4 IU/ml vs. 17.08 ± 24.8 IU/ml). CA19-9 was the only tumor marker with a mean serum level above the cut-off value and the elevation rate was 30.76% in MCTs. The positive tissue expression rate of CA19-9 in MCT patients were 50.9% and were higher than that of preoperative serum levels (50.9% vs. 32.7%).

CONCLUSION

Serum CA19-9 has the highest positivity rate among other tumor markers in MCT. Elevated serum CA19-9 is not an uncommon finding MCT and could be used as a marker in the differential diagnosis of MCT in patients with pelvic mass.

Electrical level of defects in single-layer two-dimensional TiO2

The remarkable properties of graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have attracted increasing attention on two-dimensional materials, but the gate oxide, one of the key components of two-dimensional electronic devices, has rarely reported. We found the single-layer oxide can be used as the two dimensional gate oxide in 2D electronic structure, such as TiO2. However, the electrical performance is seriously influenced by the defects existing in the single-layer oxide. In this paper, a nondestructive and noncontact solution based on spectroscopic ellipsometry has been used to detect the defect states and energy level of single-layer TiO2 films. By fitting the Lorentz oscillator model, the results indicate the exact position of defect energy levels depends on the estimated band gap and the charge state of the point defects of TiO2.

Associations of depression with impaired glucose regulation, newly diagnosed diabetes and previously diagnosed diabetes in Chinese adults

AIM

To examine the association between depression and impaired glucose regulation, newly diagnosed diabetes and previously diagnosed diabetes in middle-aged and elderly Chinese people, and whether depression was associated with different treatment regimens or durations of diabetes.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed among 229,047 adults living in the community aged ≥ 40 years from 25 centres in China. The self-reported depression rating scale Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) was used to diagnose probable and sub-threshold depression. Glucose metabolism status was determined according to World Health Organization 1999 diagnostic criteria.

RESULTS

The numbers of participants with normal glucose regulation, impaired glucose regulation, newly diagnosed diabetes and previously diagnosed diabetes were 120,458, 59,512, 24,826 and 24,251, respectively. The prevalence of sub-threshold depression in the total sample of participants was 4.8% (4.8%, 4.8%, 4.4% and 5.6% from normal glucose regulation to previously diagnosed diabetes, respectively), and the prevalence of probable depression was 1.1% (1.1%, 1.0%, 0.9% and 1.8% from normal glucose regulation to previously diagnosed diabetes, respectively). Compared with participants with normal glucose regulation, those with previously diagnosed diabetes had increased odds of probable depression [odds ratio (OR) = 1.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.39-1.87] and sub-threshold depression (OR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.06-1.24), after adjustment for multiple confounding factors. Newly diagnosed diabetes or impaired glucose regulation was not associated with depression. Among those with previously diagnosed diabetes, insulin treatment was associated with greater odds of depression compared with no treatment or oral anti-diabetic medicine.

CONCLUSION

Previously diagnosed diabetes, but not newly diagnosed diabetes or impaired glucose regulation, was associated with a higher prevalence of depression. Patients receiving insulin were more likely to have depression than those not receiving treatment or being treated with oral anti-diabetic medicine.

Regulatory role of B-cell maturation antigen on the toxic effect of chromium ions on human SaOS-2 osteoblasts

Metal prostheses of artificial joints undergo wear, producing numerous metal particles and ions, such as Cr³⁺ . Cr³⁺ is considered a key factor leading to aseptic loosening. Many studies focus on the effect of Cr³⁺ on osteoblasts; however, little is known about the effect of Cr³⁺ on the B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) in the osteoblasts. In this study, we first demonstrated the BCMA expressed in human SaOS-2 osteoblasts through reverse transcriptase-PCR, Western blot, and immunocytochemical analyses. Cr³⁺ decreased alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OC), cell mineralization, and collagen type I mRNA and protein expression. Moreover, Cr³⁺ has an inhibitive effect on the expression of the BCMA in human SaOS-2 osteoblasts. However, after we upregulated the expression of the BCMA, ALP, OC, cell mineralization, and collagen type I mRNA and protein expression were increased. Overall, this study demonstrates that the BCMA is involved in human SaOS-2 osteoblast osteogenetic metabolism and plays a regulatory role on the toxic effect of chromium ions on human SaOS-2 osteoblasts.

Social organization of Shortridge's capped langur (Trachypithecus shortridgei) at the Dulongjiang Valley in Yunnan, China

Non-human primates often live in socially stable groups characterized by bonded relationships among individuals. Social organization can be used to evaluate living conditions and expansion potential. Bisexual group size, ratio of males to females and group composition are essential elements determining the type of social organization. Although the first report on Shortridge's capped langurs (Trachypithecus shortridgei) was in the 1970s, until now, the species only inhabits forests of the Dulongjiang valley in northwest Yunnan, China, with c. 250-370 individuals in 19 populations. To understand its social organization, we collected data from five groups of Shortridge's langurs at Silaluo in the Dulongjiang valley during August 2012-October 2013. Family groups consist of one adult male, 2-3 adult females and up to five young. Group size averaged 8 (7-9) individuals. The ratio of adult males to females (M/F) was 1:2.9, infants to adult females was (I/F) 1:2.2; and ratio of adults to immatures was 1:1.2, indicating the potential of a population increasing. Birth season was during March-July and the inter-birth interval was two years.

Cancer therapy improvement with mesoporous silica nanoparticles combining photodynamic and photothermal therapy

In this work, we develop novel mesoporous silica composite nanoparticles (hm-SiO2(AlC4Pc)@Pd) for the co-delivery of photosensitizer (PS) tetra-substituted carboxyl aluminum phthalocyanine (AlC4Pc) and small Pd nanosheets as a potential dual carrier system to combine photodynamic therapy (PDT) with photothermal therapy (PTT). In the nanocomposite, PS AlC4Pc was covalently conjugated to a mesoporous silica network, and small Pd nanosheets were coated onto the surface of mesoporous silica by both coordination and electrostatic interaction. Since small Pd nanosheets and AlC4Pc display matched maximum absorptions in the 600-800 nm near-infrared (NIR) region, the fabricated hm-SiO2(AlC4Pc)@Pd nanocomposites can generate both singlet oxygen and heat upon 660 nm single continuous wavelength (CW) laser irradiation. In vitro results indicated that the cell-killing efficacy by simultaneous PDT/PTT treatment using hm-SiO2(AlC4Pc)@Pd was higher than PDT or PTT treatment alone after exposure to a 660 nm CW-NIR laser.

Serum and tissue level of YKL-40 in endometrial cancer

OBJECTIVE

Serum YKL-40 level is elevated in patients with several malignancies. This study was designed to assess the correlation between serum YKL-40 and the corresponding tissue expression in endometrial cancer (EC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Preoperative serum levels of YKL-40 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) from 41 patients with EC, 27 patients with uterine myoma, and 30 healthy women. YKL-40 protein expression in tissue was determined by immunohistochemistry for patients with EC and patients with uterine myoma.

RESULTS

Median preoperative serum YKL-40 level was 157.2 microg/l (range 76.0 - 301.2) in EC compared with 86.6 microg/l (range 69.3 - 191.1) in uterine myoma, and 86.2 microg/l (range 52.1 - 201.1) in healthy women (p < 0.05). Of 41 patients with EC, 26 patients with elevated serum YKL-40 level statistically differed from the remaining 15 patients with normal serum YKL-40 level with respect to FIGO Stage, tumor grade, washing cytology, and serum CA125 (p < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, elevated serum YKL-40 significantly correlated with FIGO stage (p < 0.05) and tumor grade (p < 0.01). The percentage of positive YKL-40 tissue staining was higher in EC patients (34.1%, 14/41) than in uterine myoma patients (11.1%, 3/27) (p < 0.05) and was lower than that of elevated serum levels in EC (26/41, 63.4%) (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The elevated preoperative serum YKL-40 is related to stage and histologic grade of EC. The discordance between serum and tissue level of YKL-40 in EC indicates intrauterine tumor may not be the only source of serum YKL-40.

[Improving accumulation-mode fraction based on spectral aerosol optical depth in Beijing]

In the present study, the authors put forward a parameterization method of correcting fine-mode Angstrom index with aerosol optical depth and volume distribution of aerosol derived from AERONET in Beijing over 2011. The parameterization method is coupled with aerosol optical depth spectral deconvolution algorithm to improve the accuracy of accumulation-mode fraction. The errors of estimated AMF are derived from underestimate of fine-mode Angstrom index errors. We calculate and simulate the extreme values of fine-mode Angstrom index, getting constraint conditions, and then establish the extreme values correction method. Results from sensitivity test suggest that extreme values of fine-mode Angstrom index are constrained in the reasonable range. Finemode Angstrom index and AMF are sensitive to normalized volume distribution of aerosol, ranging from 0.662 to 2.849 and from 0.08 to 0.84 due to different distribution. Mean deviation of accumulation-mode fraction is reduced from 0.072 to 0.044, and the difference is 38.89%, especially in winter and summer. Improving computational accuracy of accumulation-mode fraction can enhance that of anthropogenic aerosol optical thickness, and it has important significance of anthropogenic aerosol direct radiation force estimation and environmental quality assessment.

Polymorphisms in the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene associated with recurrent miscarriage

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is an enzyme that influences placental human chorionic gonadotropin production during gestation. Previous studies have indicated an association between eNOS activity, implantation, and maintenance of pregnancy, but proposed associations between polymorphisms of the eNOS gene and recurrent miscarriage (RM) are controversial. To identify markers contributing to the genetic susceptibility to RM, we examined the potential association between RM and 8 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs1799983, rs2070744, rs11771443, rs3918188, rs2853796, rs7830, rs1541861, and rs2853792) of the eNOS gene using the MassARRAY system (Sequenom, USA). The enrolled participants included 192 RM patients and 201 women with normal fertility as controls. The results showed that rs1799983 at exon 7 of the eNOS gene was significantly associated with RM (genotype: chi-square = 15.071, P = 0.001; allele: chi-square = 6.250, P = 0.016). Another significant association was observed for rs11771443 in the promoter (genotype: chi-square = 6.259, P = 0.044; allele: chi-square = 7.076, P = 0.008). Furthermore, strong linkage disequilibrium was observed in 3 blocks (D' > 0.9), and significantly fewer T-T-G haplotypes (chi-square = 5.981, P = 0.015) residing in block 1 were found in RM patients. These findings point to a role for eNOS gene polymorphisms in RM in the Chinese Han population and may be informative for future genetic or neurobiological studies of RM.

Loss of cell adhesion molecule CHL1 improves homeostatic adaptation and survival in hypoxic stress

Close homologue of L1 (CHL1) is a transmembrane cell adhesion molecule that is critical for brain development and for the maintenance of neural circuits in adults. Recent studies revealed that CHL1 has diverse roles and is involved in the regulation of recovery after spinal cord injury. CHL1 expression was downregulated in the cerebral cortex, hypothalamus, and brain stem after the induction of acute hypoxia (AH). In the current study, we sought to address the role of CHL1 in regulating homeostasis responses to hypoxia using CHL1-knockout (CHL1^−/−) mice. We found that, compared with wild-type littermates, CHL1^−/− mice showed a dramatically lower mortality rate and an augmented ventilatory response after they were subjected to AH. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that CHL1 was expressed in the carotid body (CB), the key oxygen sensor in rodents, and CHL1 expression level in the CB as assayed by western blot was decreased after hypoxic exposure. The number of glomus cells and the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (a marker for glomus cells) in the CB of CHL1^−/− mice appeared to be increased compared with CHL1^+/+ mice. In addition, in the ex vivo CB preparation, hypoxia induced a significantly greater afferent nerve discharge in CHL1^−/− mice compared with CHL1^+/+ mice. Furthermore, the arterial blood pressure and plasma catecholamine levels of CHL1^−/− mice were also significantly higher than those of CHL1^+/+ mice. Our findings first demonstrate that CHL1 is a novel intrinsic factor that is involved in CB function and in the ventilatory response to AH.