Effects of reprogrammed splenic CD8+ T-cells in vitro and in mice with spontaneous metastatic Lewis lung carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Metastatic disease is a major and difficult-to-treat complication of lung cancer. Considering insufficient effectiveness of existing therapies and taking into account the current problem of lung cancer chemoresistance, it is necessary to continue the development of new treatments.

METHODS

Previously, we have demonstrated the antitumor effects of reprogrammed CD8+ T-cells (rCD8+ T-cells) from the spleen in mice with orthotopic lung carcinoma. Reprogramming was conducted by inhibiting the MAPK/ERK signalling pathway through MEKi and the immune checkpoint PD-1/PD-L1. Concurrently, CD8+ T-cells were trained in Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells. We suggested that rCD8+ T-cells isolated from the spleen might impede the development of metastatic disease.

RESULTS

The present study has indicated that the reprogramming procedure enhances the survival and cytotoxicity of splenic CD8+ T-cells in LLC culture. In an LLC model of spontaneous metastasis, splenic rCD8 + T-cell therapy augmented the numbers of CD8+ T-cells and CD4+ T-cells in the lungs of mice. These changes can account for the partial reduction of tumors in the lungs and the mitigation of metastatic activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our proposed reprogramming method enhances the antitumor activity of CD8+ T-cells isolated from the spleen and could be valuable in formulating an approach to treating metastatic disease in patients with lung cancer.

A comparative retrospective analysis: myocutaneous flap versus skin flap in V-Y medial epicanthal fold reconstruction

Objectives

To evaluate the comparation of myocutaneous flap vs. skin flap in V-Y medial epicanthal fold reconstruction.

Methods

The study, conducted from April 2017 to June 2022, involved two groups: group A, comprising 21 patients who underwent medial epicanthal fold restoration surgery using the V-Y advancement method with a skin flap, and group B, comprising 83 patients who underwent the same procedure, while with a myocutaneous flap for orbicularis oculi ring reconstruction. Intercanthal distances were measured preoperatively, recorded during preoperative and postoperative reviews, and assessed through a 4-point Likert satisfaction questionnaire.

Results

A total of 104 patients were followed up for 6 months postoperatively. In group A, preoperative intercanthal distances ranged from 28.7 mm to 38.2 mm, increasing to 30.2 mm-40.6 mm postoperatively, with a mean increase of 3.0 mm (P < 0.05). In group B, preoperative distances ranged from 28.8 mm to 38.0 mm, increasing to 32.2 mm-41.5 mm postoperatively, with a mean increase of 3.9 mm (P < 0.05). Group B exhibited a higher overall satisfaction rate compared to group A.

Conclusion

The myocutaneous flap V-Y procedure, employing the principle of orbicularis oculi ring reconstruction, achieves more stable postoperative results than the flap-only V-Y procedure. Consequently, it can be regarded as the preferred surgical technique.

The Integration of Two-Dimensional Materials and Ferroelectrics for Device Applications

In recent years, there has been growing interest in functional devices based on two-dimensional (2D) materials, which possess exotic physical properties. With an ultrathin thickness, the optoelectrical and electrical properties of 2D materials can be effectively tuned by an external field, which has stimulated considerable scientific activities. Ferroelectric fields with a nonvolatile and electrically switchable feature have exhibited enormous potential in controlling the electronic and optoelectronic properties of 2D materials, leading to an extremely fertile area of research. Here, we review the 2D materials and relevant devices integrated with ferroelectricity. This review starts to introduce the background about the concerned themes, namely 2D materials and ferroelectrics, and then presents the fundamental mechanisms, tuning strategies, as well as recent progress of the ferroelectric effect on the optical and electrical properties of 2D materials. Subsequently, the latest developments of 2D material-based electronic and optoelectronic devices integrated with ferroelectricity are summarized. Finally, the future outlook and challenges of this exciting field are suggested.

Individualized High Double Eyelid Fold Correction in Secondary Blepharoplasty: A Free-Style Design

BACKGROUND

High crease correction is difficult to achieve in secondary blepharoplasty. Currently, patients tend to have more precise requirements for crease-lowering procedures, such as low in-fold or low out-fold creases. For the out-fold crease, the height of the central crease is similar with the height of the medial crease, whereas for the in-fold crease, the height of the medial crease is lower than the height of the central crease.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, the authors developed a strategy to create low in-fold or out-fold creases to satisfy patients' individualized requirements.

METHODS

The medical records of patients who received crease-lowering secondary blepharoplasty from January 2015 to January 2021 were reviewed. The results were grouped by preoperative condition (high in-fold/out-fold) and patients' expectations for postoperative outcome (low in-fold/out-fold). Preoperative and postoperative images were collected, and patient satisfaction, complications and revisions were evaluated.

RESULTS

In total, 297 consecutive patients were included in this study with an average follow-up duration of 12.3 months. Eighteen patients had high in-fold creases, and 279 patients had high out-fold creases. Regarding patients with high out-folds, 233 patients wanted to have low out-folds, and 46 patients wanted to have low in-folds. Two hundred and sixty-six (89.6%) patients were satisfied with their results. Complications included complete crease loss (n = 3, 1.0%), partial crease loss (n = 5, 1.7%), multiple creases (n = 6, 2.0%), asymmetric creases (n = 7, 2.4%), and upper eyelid skin laxity (n = 10, 3.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

This flexible, novel technique for customizing low out-fold or in-fold creases is reliable in high double-eyelid crease correction based on preoperative upper eyelid skin tightness, scar positions, and the patient's expected double-eyelid crease shape.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

CDC73 Impairment of MAPK1 Ubiquitination and Activation of the mTOR Signaling Pathway

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

CDC73 has been reported to be upregulated in breast cancer. This study aimed to illuminate the underlying mechanism by which CDC73 mediates breast cancer.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Here, a breast cancer tissue microarray and three breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231, BT-549 as well as MCF-7 were employed. Using RNAi method, we knocked down CDC73 and MAPK1 in breast cancer cells. CDC73 overexpression plasmids (LV-013) were generated through pMD2.G and pSPAX2 vectors. Cell events related to tumor development were analyzed through Celigo cell counting assay, a cell counting kit, wound healing assay, Transwell assay and flow cytometry analysis. The exploration on the underlying mechanism was based on PrimeView human gene expression array. Xenograft tumor models were constructed to visualize the effects of CDC73/MAPK2 on breast cancer progression.

RESULTS

CDC73 was abundantly expressed in breast cancer tissues and cell lines, and the expression of CDC73 was related to poor prognosis of patients. In breast cancer, CDC73 could promote the proliferation and migration of tumor cells, while disrupting apoptosis. Also, we found that CBL, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, could interact with CDC73 and promote MAPK1 ubiquitination and degradation of this protein. In addition, silencing MAPK1 led to a suppression of breast cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo, and even abolished the promoting effects of CDC73 overexpression. We also found that mTOR pathway played a role in CDC73-mediated breast cancer. mTOR pathway inhibitor reversed cell phenotypes induced by CDC73 overexpression.

CONCLUSION

CDC73 promoted MAPK1 ubiquitination and degradation so that affected MAPK1 level and subsequently led to breast cancer progression, providing a novel therapeutic strategy to combat cancer.

High-Performance Sliding Ferroelectric Transistor Based on Schottky Barrier Tuning

Sliding ferroelectricity associated with interlayer translation is an excellent candidate for ferroelectric device miniaturization. However, the weak polarization gives rise to the poor performance of sliding ferroelectric transistors with a low on/off ratio and a narrow memory window, which restricts its practical application. To address the issue, we propose a facile strategy by regulating the Schottky barrier in sliding ferroelectric semiconductor transistors based on γ-InSe, in which a high performance with a large on/off ratio (10⁶) and a wide memory window (4.5 V) was ultimately acquired. Additionally, the memory window of the device can be further modulated by electrostatic doping or light excitation. These results open up new ways for designing novel ferroelectric devices based on emerging sliding ferroelectricity.

Dy3+ doped (K,Na)NbO3-based multifunctional ceramics for achieving enhanced temperature-stable piezoelectricity and non-contact optical temperature sensing performance

There exists a huge demand for multifunctional materials to keep pace with the development of the next generation of modern electronics featured with high integration, good reliability and multifunction. Herein,...

Sliding induced multiple polarization states in two-dimensional ferroelectrics

When the atomic layers in a non-centrosymmetric van der Waals structure slide against each other, the interfacial charge transfer results in a reversal of the structure's spontaneous polarization. This phenomenon is known as sliding ferroelectricity and it is markedly different from conventional ferroelectric switching mechanisms relying on ion displacement. Here, we present layer dependence as a new dimension to control sliding ferroelectricity. By fabricating 3 R MoS₂ of various thicknesses into dual-gate field-effect transistors, we obtain anomalous intermediate polarization states in multilayer (more than bilayer) 3 R MoS₂. Using results from ab initio density functional theory calculations, we propose a generalized model to describe the ferroelectric switching process in multilayer 3 R MoS₂ and to explain the formation of these intermediate polarization states. This work reveals the critical roles layer number and interlayer dipole coupling play in sliding ferroelectricity and presents a new strategy for the design of novel sliding ferroelectric devices.

Re-positioning pretarsal tissue layers for double-eyelid surgery: 6-year experience

Double-eyelid surgery is a very common practice in East Asian patients. The differential distribution of pretarsal tissue layers is considered to be the anatomical mechanism of natural Asiatic single eyelid, it is possible to form double-eyelid crease by re-positioning the pretarsal structure layers. The author presents a new double-eyelid surgery based on re-positioning of the pretarsal structure layers without tissue removal. Over a 6-year period, 1440 patients underwent new double-eyelid surgeries. With the pretarsal orbicularis oculi muscle incised, the pre-pretarsal levator aponeurosis fascia fibroadipose was first dissected to form a fibroadipose flap, and then repositioned with the eyelid lower lip orbicularis oculi muscle flap. The new composite structure was anchored at 3 points on the pretarsal levator aponeurosis fascia; the skin was sutured to form a smooth crease. Post-operative outcome and follow-up data were analyzed. Patients were followed up for an average of 2 years. esthetic outcomes were satisfactory for 97.91% of patients, who enjoyed new double upper eyelids with smooth creases and invisible incision lines. Outcomes were unsatisfactory for 2.08% of patients (double-eyelid regression, 0.76%; asymmetric creases, 1.32%). All patients who were not satisfied with their esthetic outcomes underwent second correction surgery. This new Pan-flap technique focuses on the correct dissection and repositioning of differentially thickened pre-pretarsal levator aponeurosis fascia fibroadipose tissue in East Asian patients. This new technique can generate broader and tighter attachment between pretarsal orbicularis oculi muscle and levator aponeurosis fascia, and form smooth double-eyelid crease without pretarsal soft tissue removal.

Double Eyelid Shape Preference: A Large Sample Survey

BACKGROUND

Double eyelid blepharoplasty is a popular procedure among Asian population. Double eyelid shape is important to achieving high satisfaction rate. Currently, there lacks large sample survey and detailed analysis on preferred double eyelid shape. This study aims to investigate the double eyelid shape preference using the "in-fold," "on-fold," and "out-fold" classification and analyze the preferred shape of different demographic groups.

METHODS

A large sample survey was conducted with a questionnaire of nine questions in three sections: demographic characteristics, desired double eyelid shape, and assessment of the classification. The preference for each type of double eyelid shape was analyzed and compared among different groups.

RESULTS

A total of 11153 (9698 female and 1455 male) respondents finished the questionnaire, including 382 plastic surgeons. In-fold double eyelid was the most popular choice overall. Out-fold was the least preferred, except for specific groups such as actors and heavy makeup wearers. No significant difference was observed between the preference of patients and plastic surgeons. The majority of respondents cared much about postoperative double eyelid shape and considered the classification useful.

CONCLUSIONS

In-fold was the most preferred double eyelid shape, especially for patients who met one or more of the following criteria: male, older than 40, divorced, or housewives. However, heavy makeup wearers or actors/actresses tend to prefer out-fold double eyelids. The "in-fold," "on-fold," and "out-fold" classification was precise and beneficial to doctor-patient communication.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Emerging Phases of Layered Metal Chalcogenides

Layered metal chalcogenides, as a "rich" family of 2D materials, have attracted increasing research interest due to the abundant choices of materials with diverse structures and rich electronic characteristics. Although the common metal chalcogenide phases such as 2H and 1T have been intensively studied, many other unusual phases are rarely explored, and some of these show fascinating behaviors including superconductivity, ferroelectrics, ferromagnetism, etc. From this perspective, the unusual phases of metal chalcogenides and their characteristics, as well as potential applications are introduced. First, the unusual phases of metal chalcogenides from different classes, including transition metal dichalcogenides, magnetic element-based chalcogenides, and metal phosphorus chalcogenides, are discussed, respectively. Meanwhile, their excellent properties of different unusual phases are introduced. Then, the methods for producing the unusual phases are discussed, specifically, the stabilization strategies during the chemical vapor deposition process for the unusual phase growth are discussed, followed by an outlook and discussions on how to prepare the unusual phase metal dichalcogenides in terms of synthetic methodology and potential applications.

Reversible modification of ultra-broadband luminescence in transparent photonic materials through field-induced nanoscale structural transformation

The development of integrated multifunctional materials with transparent characteristics meets the requirements of optoelectronics and communication. The coupling of stimuli-responsive materials has become a frequently considered strategy. Experimentalists not only search for photonic materials with excellent physical and chemical properties, but also pursue precise and reversible spectral modification. In this study, the luminescent center Ni2+ is artificially introduced into the transparent LiNbO3 nanoferroelectric photonic materials. The Ni2+ ion-based transparent photonic materials exhibit novel complete ultra-broadband emission in the whole near-infrared region. Until now, the ultra-broadband emission was realized by codoping of several active doping ions. In addition, the emission intensity and wavelength of the luminescent center are modified accurately and reversibly by field-induced nanoscale structural transformation. The Ni2+ ion-based transparent nanoferroelectric photonic materials provide an easy way to develop tunable lasers and ultra-broadband optical amplifiers.

Chorioamniotic membrane separation following fetal myelomeningocele repair: incidence, risk factors and impact on perinatal outcome

OBJECTIVES

Prenatal myelomeningocele (MMC) repair has been shown to provide significant benefits to the infant, decreasing the postnatal need for ventriculoperitoneal shunt and improving motor outcome. Chorioamniotic membrane separation (CAS) is a potential complication following prenatal MMC repair and may increase the risk of preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) and preterm birth. The objectives of this study were: (1) to evaluate the incidence of CAS after prenatal MMC repair; (2) to determine risk factors associated with its occurrence; and (3) to assess its association with adverse perinatal outcomes.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent fetal MMC repair between November 2011 and December 2018. Surgery was performed using either a fetoscopic (laparotomy or exteriorized uterus) approach or an open-hysterotomy approach. Eligibility criteria were those reported in the Management of Myelomeningocele Study. If CAS was detected on ultrasound (US), its severity was graded as 'mild' if amnion detachment involved < 25% of the uterine cavity, 'moderate' if it involved 25-50% and 'severe' if it involved > 50%. Evolution of CAS was classified as stable, increasing or decreasing based on the difference in severity grading between the time at first diagnosis and the last US scan before delivery. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify pre- or perisurgical factors associated with the development of CAS and to determine the risk of adverse perinatal outcome associated with CAS.

RESULTS

In total, 91 cases were included. Fetoscopic or open-hysterotomy repair of MMC was performed in 52/91 (57.1%) and 39/91 (42.9%) cases, at a median gestational age (GA) of 25.0 weeks (range, 22.9-26.0 weeks) and 25.0 weeks (range, 21.3-25.9 weeks), respectively. CAS was diagnosed in 31/91 (34.1%) patients, at a median GA of 28.1 weeks (range, 24.4-37.6 weeks). Anterior placenta was identified as a risk factor for the postoperative development of CAS (odds ratio (OR), 3.72 (95% CI, 1.46-9.5); P < 0.01). This risk was dependent on the repair technique. An anterior placenta significantly increased the risk of CAS after fetoscopic repair (OR, 3.94 (95% CI, 1.14-13.6); P = 0.03) but not after open repair (OR, 2.8 (95% CI, 0.6-12.5); P = 0.16). There was no significant difference in the rate of CAS after fetoscopic repair (21/52 (40.4%)) vs open-hysterotomy repair (10/39 (25.6%)) (P = 0.14), nor were there any differences in GA at diagnosis of CAS, interval between surgery and diagnosis, distribution of CAS severity or progression of CAS between the two groups. CAS increased the risk of PPROM (50% in those with vs 12% in those without CAS) (OR, 7.6 (95% CI, 2.5-21.9); P < 0.01) and preterm delivery (70% vs 38%) (OR, 3.2 (95% CI, 1.3-8.1); P < 0.01). Fetoscopically repaired cases with CAS had a higher rate of PPROM (12/20 (60.0%) vs 2/31 (6.5%); P < 0.01) and preterm delivery (13/20 (65.0%) vs 5/31 (16.1%); P < 0.01) than those that did not develop CAS, while the differences were not significant in cases with open-hysterotomy repair. Early detection of CAS (before 30 weeks' gestation) was a risk factor for preterm delivery (90% before 30 weeks vs 36% at or after 30 weeks) (OR, 15.7 (95% CI, 2.3-106.3); P < 0.01). There was no association between PPROM or preterm delivery and the severity or progression of CAS.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of an anterior placenta was the only factor that increased the risk for CAS after fetoscopic MMC repair. Detection of CAS after fetoscopic MMC repair significantly increases the risk for PPROM and preterm delivery. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Mild to moderate blepharoptosis correction: Outcomes of levator aponeurosis posterior layer plication

Conventional levator aponeurosis plication is a widely accepted technique for correction of mild to moderate ptosis. However, this method is associated with a high recurrence rate. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of levator aponeurosis posterior layer plication technique for correction of mild to moderate ptosis.A convenience sampling approach was used to recruit 450 patients with mild to moderate blepharoptosis at the Guangzhou Eye-Nose-Face Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Hospital between August, 2015 and December, 2017. All participants were treated with levator aponeurosis posterior layer plication technique. The primary outcome was the postoperative change in marginal reflex distance 1 (MRD1). The paired t test was used to determine the clinical efficacy. Outcomes were assessed at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery.The mean preoperative MRD1 was 1.7 ± 0.5 mm, and the mean postoperative MRD1 at 6-month follow-up was 3.7 ± 0.4 mm (P < .0001). According to the postoperative survey, 427 (94.9%) patients were satisfied with surgical outcomes.This modified levator aponeurosis plication technique is a simple and effective procedure for correction of mild to moderate blepharoptosis. It results in good MRD1 and high patient satisfaction.

Exceptional modulation of upconversion and downconversion near-infrared luminescence in Tm/Yb-codoped ferroelectric nanocomposite by nanoscale engineering

The emission properties of lanthanide ions have been extensively investigated for their interesting physical processes and enormous applications. Conventional strategies have been used to modify luminescence properties such as temperature, pressure, and modifying components. However, the traditional methods are volatile and irreversible, which is unconducive for some optoelectronic applications. In this article, the electromechanical softness of the ferroelectric lattice is employed, which makes the strong coupling relationship between the electric field and the photonic properties of lanthanide ions. The emission intensity of the Tm3+:3H4-4H6 and 3F4-4H6 transitions was exceptionally enhanced by 2.6 and 3.2 times via ferroelectric polarization, respectively. Meanwhile, the luminescence response presents excellent reversibility and nonvolatility. This study provides a unique proposal for designing highly integrated stimuli-responsive photonic materials toward a variety of applications.

Cisplatin Enhances Hepatitis B Virus Replication and PGC-1α Expression through Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

Chronic hepatitis B infection remains a serious public health issue worldwide. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation is commonly reported in patients receiving anticancer therapy, immunosuppressive therapy, or organ and tissue transplantation. However, the precise mechanisms underlying chemotherapeutic agent-related HBV reactivation remain unclear. Here, we report that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1α) plays a central role in cisplatin-induced HBV transcription and replication. First, cisplatin treatment upregulated the expression levels of PGC-1α and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF-4α) in both HBV-replicating cells and an HBV-transgenic mouse model. PGC-1α coactivates with HNF-4α, which interacts with a core promoter and enhancer II region of HBV genome, thereby promoting HBV production. In contrast, knockdown of PGC-1α and HNF-4α by RNA interference in hepatoma cells reversed HBV activation in response to cisplatin. Additionally, PGC-1α upregulation depended on cisplatin-mediated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. We further observed that the recruitment of cyclic AMP-responsive element-binding protein plays a crucial role for PGC-1α transcriptional activation in cisplatin-treated cells. Finally, pharmacologic inhibition of ER stress impaired PGC-1α upregulation and HBV production induced by cisplatin treatment. These findings demonstrate novel molecular mechanisms indicating that ER stress-PGC1α signaling pathway plays a critical role in cisplatin-evoked HBV reactivation.

Effect of Notoginsenoside R1 on autologous adipose graft in rats

Autologous fat particle transplantation has been widely used by surgeons. The present study evaluated the effect of Notoginsenoside R1 (NR1) treatment on rat autologous fat graft, along with the quality and retention rates. Male Sprague‑Dawley rats (n=60) received fat particle auto‑transplantation from the left abdominal cavity into lateral dorsum. A total of 14 days after surgery, NR1 in different doses (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day) was injected into rats, following which blood and fat graft samples were harvested at days 7, 14 and 28. Assessments were carried out by hematoxylin and eosin staining, western blotting, ELISA and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The survival rate of fat grafts was increased in three experimental groups, as detected by weight measurement. Histological scoring demonstrated that there were significant differences in tissue integrity between the 100 mg/kg/day group and the other 3 groups. hepatocyte growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, angiotensin and S100 levels in the 100 mg/kg/day NR1 group was increased compared with the other 2 treatment groups; however, all 3 treatment groups demonstrated increased expression of these proteins compared with the control group. Additionally, cluster of differentiation (CD)68 exhibited negative expression and CD31 showed weakly positive expression in all three experiments, as assessed by IHC. In conclusion, 100 mg/kg/day NR1 may potentially promote the retention rate and enhance the quality of autologous fat grafts via increasing vascularity in the recipient site. These results implicate NR1 as a therapeutic strategy for the improvement of outcome following fat graft surgery.

Chromatin remodeling gene ARID2 targets cyclin D1 and cyclin E1 to suppress hepatoma cell progression

Exome and whole-genome sequencing studies have drawn attention to the role of somatic mutations in SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes in the carcinogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we explored the molecular mechanisms underlying the biological roles of AT-rich interactive domain 2 (ARID2) in the pathogenesis of HCC. We found that ARID2 expression was significantly downregulated in HCC tissues compared with non-tumorous tissues. Restoration of ARID2 expression in hepatoma cells was sufficient to suppress cell proliferation and tumor growth in mice, whereas ARID2 knockdown contributed to the enhancement of cellular proliferation and tumorigenicity. Suppression of ARID2 expression accelerated G1/S transition associated with upregulation of cyclin D1, cyclin E1, CDK4, and phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein (Rb). Furthermore, we demonstrated that ARID2 physically interacts with E2F1 and decreases binding of E2F1/RNA Pol II to the promoters of CCND1 and CCNE1. Taken together, these results demonstrate that ARID2 suppresses tumor cell growth through repression of cyclin D1 and cyclin E1 expression, thereby retarding cell cycle progression and cell proliferation in hepatoma cells. These findings highlight the potential role of ARID2 as a tumor growth suppressor in HCC.

Aponeurosis of the levator palpebrae superioris in Chinese subjects: A live gross anatomy and cadaveric histological study

An accurate understanding of the anatomy of the levator palpebrae superioris aponeurosis (LPSA) is critical for successful blepharoplasty of aponeurotic ptosis. We investigated the macroscopic and microscopic anatomy of the LPSA.This prospective live gross anatomy study enrolled 200 adult Chinese patients with bilateral mild ptosis undergoing elective blepharoplasty. Full-thick eyelid tissues and sagittal sections from the eyelid skin to the conjunctiva were examined with Masson trichrome staining or antismooth muscle actin (SMA) immunohistochemistry.Gross anatomy showed that the space between the superficial and deep layers of the LPSA could be accessed after incising the overlying superficial fascia, by retracting the white line. Adipose layers were clearly observed in 195 out of 200 patients with bilateral mild ptosis, among which 180 cases had the superficial layer connected to the uncoated adipose. Fifteen cases had the superficial layer connected to the smoothly coated layer, and 5 cases had the superficial layer directly connected to the deep loose fiber, almost without adipose. In previously untreated patients, the LPSA space was located beneath the intact orbital septum. In those with previous surgeries, it was beneath the superficial layer of the LPSA, underlying the destructed orbital septum. Cadaveric histology showed that the deep layer of the LPSA extended into the anterior layer of the tarsal plate and the superficial layer reflexed upward in continuity with the vertical orbital septum. An occult space existed between the 2 layers of the LPSA, with a smooth lining on the deep layer. The superficial layer of the LPSA was SMA-immunonegative but the deep layer was slightly immunopositive for SMA. An occult anatomic space exists between the superficial and deep layers of the LPSA, in proximity to the superior tarsal plate margin. Recognition of the more anatomically significant LPSA deep layer may help improve the aesthetic outcome of blepharoplasty.

Free vibration of layered magnetoelectroelastic spheres

A discrete-layer model is presented and applied to the free vibration of layered anisotropic spheres with coupling among the elastic, electric, and magnetic fields. Through-thickness approximations in the radial direction are pre-integrated and combined with independent approximations in the azimuthal and circumferential directions to provide estimates of the natural frequencies for a variety of representative geometries. Results are in excellent agreement with existing analytical studies and additional results are presented for higher-order spheroidal modes. Predictions of the level of influence of magnetoelectric coupling are also given.

Eshelby's problem of polygonal inclusions with polynomial eigenstrains in an anisotropic magneto-electro-elastic full plane

This paper presents a closed-form solution for the arbitrary polygonal inclusion problem with polynomial eigenstrains of arbitrary order in an anisotropic magneto-electro-elastic full plane. The additional displacements or eigendisplacements, instead of the eigenstrains, are assumed to be a polynomial with general terms of order M+N. By virtue of the extended Stroh formulism, the induced fields are expressed in terms of a group of basic functions which involve boundary integrals of the inclusion domain. For the special case of polygonal inclusions, the boundary integrals are carried out explicitly, and their averages over the inclusion are also obtained. The induced fields under quadratic eigenstrains are mostly analysed in terms of figures and tables, as well as those under the linear and cubic eigenstrains. The connection between the present solution and the solution via the Green's function method is established and numerically verified. The singularity at the vertices of the arbitrary polygon is further analysed via the basic functions. The general solution and the numerical results for the constant, linear, quadratic and cubic eigenstrains presented in this paper enable us to investigate the features of the inclusion and inhomogeneity problem concerning polynomial eigenstrains in semiconductors and advanced composites, while the results can further serve as benchmarks for future analyses of Eshelby's inclusion problem.

Symmetry types of the piezoelectric tensor and their identification

The third-order linear piezoelectricity tensor seems to be simpler than the fourth-order linear elasticity one, yet its total number of symmetry types is larger than the latter and the exact number is still inconclusive. In this paper, by means of the irreducible decomposition of the linear piezoelectricity tensor and the multipole representation of the corresponding four deviators, we conclude that there are 15 irreducible piezoelectric symmetry types, and thus further establish their characteristic web tree. By virtue of the notion of mirror symmetry and antisymmetry, we define three indicators with respect to two Euler angles and plot them on a unit disk in order to identify the symmetry type of a linear piezoelectricity tensor measured in an arbitrarily oriented coordinate system. Furthermore, an analytic procedure based on the solved axis-direction sets is also proposed to precisely determine the symmetry type of a linear piezoelectricity tensor and to trace the rotation transformation back to its natural coordinate system.

[Check ligament suspension for correction of congenital severe blepharoptosis]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical result of check ligament suspension for correction of congenital severe blepharoptosis.

METHODS

Since Jan. 2010 to Nov. 2010, 15 eyes in 15 cases with congenital severe blepharoptosis were treated with the check ligament suspension. Palpebral aponeurosis was exposure by opening fascia palpebral during blepharoplasty. Palpebral aponeurosis was cut off about 5 mm above the tarsus. The check ligament was seen in the intermuscular space between the segment of levator and the anterior one third of superior rectus attached to the conjunctival fornix. Congenital blepharoptosis could be corrected by suturing the check ligament and levator palpebrae superior to the upper margin of tarsal plate with 3-0 silk thread. Double eyelid plasty was carried out in the end.

RESULTS

The follow-up period was 3-11 months with good cosmetic result. All the cases could close their eyes in 15 to 30 days with no complication.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, this technique is quite successful in raising the level of the upper eyelid in severe congenital blepharoptosis. The check ligament moves in a similar direction as the natural movement of levator muscle, so both the postoperative static and dynamic appearance of the upper lid is more natural.

First-principles study of crystal structural stability and electronic and magnetic properties in LaMn(7)O(12)

The crystal structure, electronic and magnetic properties of LaMn(7)O(12) ((LaMn(3)(3+))(A)Mn(4)(3+)O(12)) are investigated by GGA (LSDA) and GGA + U (LSDA + U) (0.0 ≤ U ≤ 5.0 eV) methods. Based on two experimentally refined structures (distinguished by the distortion parameter Δ, namely S(I) (Δ = 8.5 × 10(-5)) and S(II) (Δ = 25.0 × 10(-4))), GGA and GGA + U with U < 3.0 eV calculations indicate that S(I) with a small distortion is the lowest-energy crystal structure while GGA + U with 3.0 ≤ U ≤ 5.0 eV calculations show that S(II) with a larger distortion is the ground-state crystal structure. Within the LSDA method, S(II) is always the ground-state structure no matter if U is considered or not. There are two independent magnetic sublattices: Mn(3+) within the A site and Mn(3+) within the B site. First, it is predicted that A-site Mn(3+) ions are preferably AFM-coupled in G-type (antiferromagnetically coupled in three directions). Based on this result, four magnetic configurations (FM-[Formula: see text], AFM1-[Formula: see text], AFM2-[Formula: see text] and AFM3-[Formula: see text]) are designed, and their total energies are calculated. Our results demonstrate that AFM2 and AFM3 are the lowest magnetic state, respectively, for S(I) and S(II). Correspondingly, LaMn(7)O(12) is metallic with no orbital ordering at AFM2 for S(I) while it is an insulator with orbital ordering at AFM3 for S(II). Thus, modulation of the distortion parameter Δ, e.g. by chemical doping, could be employed as a new avenue to induce a magnetic phase transition and the corresponding metal-to-insulator transition in LaMn(7)O(12).

The infiltrative, diffuse pattern of recurrence in patients with malignant gliomas treated with bevacizumab

2057

Background: There is no standard of care for recurrent gliomas; however, bevacizumab is often used as a salvage chemotherapy regimen. A diffuse, infiltrative pattern of recurrence, as evidenced by MR imaging, was seen manifesting as multifocal disease or presumed CSF dissemination with subependymal spread. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 40 recurrent glioma patients followed at Moffitt Cancer Center from September 2006 through December 2008 treated with bevacizumab alone or in combination with irinotecan. Histologies included glioblastoma (GB), anaplastic astrocytomas (AA), anaplastic oligodendrogliomas (AO), anaplastic oligoastrocytomas (AOA), and low-grade astrocytomas. Rate of diffuse, infiltrative recurrence, progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed and correlated with respect to specific prognostic variables. Results: 38% (15) of the patients were female and 63% (25) were male. The median (range) age was 51 (20–72) years. The median (range) KPS was 80 (50–100). Twenty-six (65%) patients had GB, 8 (20%) AA, 2 (5%) AO, and 3 (8%) AOA and 1 (3%) had LGA. Five (13%) patients had a gross total resection (GTR), 23 (58%) a subtotal resection (STR) and 12 (30%) had biopsy only. The median (range) number of prior therapies was 2 (1–7). At time of analysis 28 (70%) patients had died. Incidence of diffuse, infiltrative recurrence was seen in 8 (20%) of patients (95% CI: [9%, 36%]). This recurrence seems to be negatively associated with age: rate for age<=50: 6/18 (33%); (95% CI: [13%, 59%]) while rate for age>50: 2/22 (9%); (95% CI: [1%, 29%]), with an odds ratio (OR) of 5.0. Conclusions: There appears to be an increase in a diffuse, infiltrative pattern of recurrence among recurrent glioma patients treated with bevacizumab as a salvage regimen. In our experience, this appears most prevalent in patients less than 50 years of age. It is unclear why the disparity among this subset of patients occurs, however, we hypothesize that this may once again highlight the distinct tumor biology among young glioma patients. The impact of this observation on clinical decision making on whether to utilize bevacizumab in young recurrent glioma patients warrants further investigation.

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A retrospective safety and efficacy analysis of combination therapy using Gliadel wafers plus external beam radiation therapy with concurrent temozolomide in newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme patients

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Background: Safety and efficacy of malignant glioma treatment with carmustine-containing biodegradable implants (Gliadel® Wafers) followed by conventional radiotherapy (RT) and treatment with RT and concomitant temozolomide have both been well established. Multimodal therapy combining Gliadel® Wafers, RT, and temozolomide has recently demonstrated significant improvements in clinical outcomes of newly-diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients. However, Gliadel® Wafer implantation in newly-diagnosed GBM patients is limited by the suspected risk of toxicities associated with multimodal therapy. Thus, the safety of multimodal therapy with Gliadel® Wafers, RT, and temozolomide needs to be determined. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of medical records of 21 Florida Hospital Neuro- Oncology Center patients who were newly diagnosed with GBM from January 2003 to December 2005 and initially received multimodal therapy. All systemic and local toxicities were graded according to CTC AE v.3.0. Results were compared to historical data. Results: Our study population did not differ significantly from prior study populations with regard to patient demographics. 4 of 21 (19%) patients had grade 3 toxicities, which may have been related to multimodal therapy. None of the 21 patients had grade 4 toxicities. Median time to progression from initial surgery was 12.8 months (range 2–24 months). Median overall survival was 17 months (95% CI of 15–25 months). Conclusion: The addition of Gliadel® Wafers to concurrent RT and temozolomide did not result in a notable increase in grade 3 and 4 toxicities but did produce clinical outcomes comparable with those found in prior studies. The small sample size does not allow for definitive conclusions regarding efficacy. However, the addition of Gliadel® Wafers to concurrent RT and temozolomide appears to be safe in newly-diagnosed GBM patients.

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No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Measurement of mechanical properties of rectal wall

In this paper, a pig's rectum was studied as a model biomaterial and its mechanical behaviors under tensile, compressive, and shear stresses were measured accurately using a multipurpose microtesting system. Based on the stress-strain relations of samples of different orientations, the tangential moduli were calculated through a reverse method combined with self-correlation analysis. The experimental data exhibited pronounced nonlinear and anisotropic characteristics. It was found that the effective compliance in tension along the longitudinal direction was larger than that along the circumferential direction, but smaller than that along the out-of-plane direction.

Altered regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor protein in hippocampus following slice preparation

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its cognate receptor tyrosine kinase B (TrkB) play important roles in regulating survival, structure, and function of CNS neurons. One method of studying the functions of these molecules has utilized in vitro hippocampal slice preparations. An important caveat to using slices, however, is that slice preparation itself might alter the expression of BDNF, thereby confounding experimental results. To address this concern, BDNF immunoreactivity was examined in rodent slices using two different methods of slice preparation. Rapid and anatomically selective regulation of BDNF content followed slice preparation using both methodologies; however, different patterns of altered BDNF immunoreactivity were observed. First, in cultured slices, BDNF content decreased in the dentate molecular layer and increased in the CA3 pyramidal cell layer and the mossy fiber pathway of the hippocampus after 30 min. Furthermore, an initially "punctate" pattern of BDNF labeling observed in the mossy fiber pathway of control sections changed to homogenous labeling of the pathway in vitro. In contrast to these findings, slices prepared as for acute slice physiology exhibited no change in BDNF content in the molecular layer and mossy fiber pathway 30 min after slicing, but exhibited significant increases in the dentate granule and CA3 pyramidal cell layers. These findings demonstrate that BDNF protein content is altered following slice preparation, that different methods of slice preparation produce different patterns of BDNF regulation, and raise the possibility that BDNF release and TrkB activation may also be regulated. These consequences of hippocampal slice preparation may confound analyses of exogenous or endogenous BDNF on hippocampal neuronal structure or function.

Subthreshold inactivation of Na+ and K+ channels supports activity-dependent enhancement of back-propagating action potentials in hippocampal CA1

Back-propagating action potentials in CA1 pyramidal neurons may provide the postsynaptic dendritic depolarization necessary for the induction of long-term synaptic plasticity. The amplitudes of back-propagating action potentials are not all or none but are limited in amplitude by dendritic A-type K+ channels. Previous studies of back-propagating action potentials have suggested that prior depolarization of the dendritic membrane reduces A-type channel availability through inactivation, resulting in an enhanced, or boosted, dendritic action potential. However, inactivation kinetics in the subthreshold potential range have not been directly measured. Furthermore, the corresponding rates of Na+ channel inactivation with depolarization have not been considered. Here we report in cell-attached patches (150-220 microm from the soma, 32 degrees C) that at 20-mV positive to rest, A-type K+ channels inactivated with a single exponential time constant of 6 ms, whereas Na+ channels inactivated with a time constant of 37 ms. The ratio of available Na+ to K+ current increased as the duration of the depolarization increased. Thus the subthreshold properties of Na+ and A-type K+ channels provide a mechanism by which information about the level of synaptic activity may be encoded in the amplitude of back-propagating action potentials.

Arachidonic acid reciprocally alters the availability of transient and sustained dendritic K(+) channels in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons

The dendrites of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cell dendrites express a high density of transient A-type K(+) channels, which play a critical role in the back-propagation of action potentials and in the determination of dendritic excitability. Recently, arachidonic acid and its nonmetabolizable analogue 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid (ETYA) were shown to block transient K(+) channels in the somata of these cells (), but to have little effect on the somatic action potential. In the present study we have investigated the effects of arachidonic acid and ETYA on the gating of channels and the excitability of the apical dendrites of CA1 pyramidal neurons. We found not only a block of transient K(+) channels, but also an enhancement of sustained outward currents. The sustained currents consisted of at least two distinct channel types. The larger conductance channel (>50 pS) was identified as a K(+) channel. Arachidonic acid greatly enhanced the amplitude of back-propagating dendritic action potentials (>200 micrometer from the soma) but did not result in sustained depolarizations of the dendrites similar to those seen with 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) application. In fact, arachidonic acid reduced dendritic excitability when applied after 4-AP. Thus, arachidonic acid appears to cause a shift of available channels from the fast, transient type to the slower, sustained types. The net effect appears to be an enhancement of dendritic action potential amplitude that occurs without compromising the electrical stability of the dendrites.

Neurotoxicity of glutamate at the concentration released upon spinal cord injury

Damage caused by administering glutamate into the spinal cord was characterized histologically. Glutamate destroyed neurons for several hundred micrometers around the administering microdialysis fiber. At 24 h after treatment, significant (P = 0.036) loss of neurons was observed (75%) relative to control (47%) near the fiber when glutamate was administered for 1 h at a concentration outside the fiber approximating the maximum glutamate released upon spinal cord injury. Significant loss of neurons (P = 0.006, 0.022) was also caused by administering a combination of glutamate at about its average concentration released upon injury over the 1 h period of administration in combination with the maximum aspartate concentration released upon injury. This work provides a direct demonstration that the concentrations of excitatory amino acids released upon spinal cord injury are neurotoxic. The destruction of neurons by exposure to excitatory amino acids when there is also substantial loss of neurons simply from the presence of the microdialysis fiber may reflect sensitization of neurons to excitotoxicity by stress.