[Gastric hamartomatous inverted polyps: a clinicopathological analysis of five cases]

Objective: To investigate the endoscopic and histopathological features, diagnosis and differential diagnosis of gastric hamartomatous inverted polyp (GHIP). Methods: Five cases of GHIP were collected at the University Town Hospital of Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China, from May 2021 to May 2023. The endoscopic, pathological and immunohistochemical features of the 5 GHIP cases were analyzed. The relevant literature was reviewed. Results: There were 3 males and 2 females, aged from 49 to 60 years, with a mean age of 56 years. The lesions were located in the fundus and body of the stomach, and presented as polyps or masses under endoscopy. Microscopically, the lesions were mainly in the submucosa and consisted of lobulated or clustered gastric glandular epithelium surrounded by hyperplastic smooth muscle. In some areas, there were differentiated glandular elements mimicking the normal gastric mucosa. The irregularly dilated glandular elements in the center were lined by hyperplastic foveolar epithelium, while the glands in the periphery were fundic or pyloric glands. In addition, in some areas, the glands showed cystic expansion, disordered arrangement and lack of differentiation. The hyperplastic glandular epithelium included foveolar epithelium, fundic gland and pyloric gland. There were scattered neuroendocrine cells and smooth muscle bundles in the stroma. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for MUC5AC, MUC6, Pepsinogen Ⅰ and H+/K+ ATPase β, but negative for MUC2. The scattered neuroendocrine cells were positive for synaptophysin, and the desmin stain highlighted hyperplastic smooth muscle bundles. One case was classified as type 2 gastric inverted polyp, and 4 cases were classified as type 3. Conclusions: GHIP is a rare gastric polyp with unique histological features. It should be distinguished from inverted hyperplastic polyp, gastritis cystica profunda, adenomyoma, hyperplastic polyps and well-differentiated gastric tubular adenocarcinoma, etc. Improving the understanding of its pathogenesis and diagnostic features can help avoid misdiagnoses.

The Effectiveness of Music Interventions for Improving Anxiety Symptoms in Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Being alone in the treatment room during radiation therapy (RT) often causes anxiety which may lead to treatment failure. The benefit of music interventions in reducing anxiety among cancer patients during RT simulations is still controversial. The goal of this study is to evaluate the effect of music on anxiety symptoms among patients undergoing initial RT and a randomized trial was conducted.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Patients who received RT for the first time were enrolled and were randomly allocated into groups of experiment and control. The questionnaire of mood thermometer (BSRS-5), distress thermometer (DT), and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI-C) and were given before and after RT. We also measured the changes in physiological symptoms for ten consecutive days since the first day of RT. The experimental group was given music during RT, while the control group was not. The generalized linear mixed model was used to estimate the pre-post difference of music interventions on the BSRS-5, DT, and BAI-C compared with control group after considering the random intercept and the unstructured residual variance-covariance matrix.

RESULTS

A total of 50 patients in the experimental group and 50 patients in the control group were enrolled in this study. The satisfaction degree of treatment in the experimental group was 100%, but it was 96% in control group (p = 0.0048). The pre-test BSRS-5 was 3.4±2.3 for the experimental group versus 2.6±2.3 for the control group (p = 0.0815), the post-test BSRS-5 score was significantly reduced in the experimental group (1.6±1.4 for experimental group versus 2.7±2.2 for the control group, p = 0.0057), the significant pre-post difference of BSRS-5 between group was found (p = 0.0024). When the experimental group withdrew from the music intervention, the BSRS-5 rebounded to 3.7±3.0. The pre-test DT was 4.3±1.5 and 3.4±1.7 in the experimental group and control group (p = 0.0051), and the post-test DT score was significantly reduced in the experimental group (2.7±1.2 for the experimental group and 3.5±1.3 for the control group, p = 0.0021), the significant pre-post difference of DT between group was found (p<.0001). When the experimental group withdrew from the music intervention, the DT rebounded to 3.7±1.4. The pre-test BAI-C was 6.7±11.7 and 7.8±8.5 in the experimental group and control group (p = 0.5878), and the post-test BAI-C score was significantly lower in the experimental group (1.7±3.7 for the experimental group and 7.4±8.0 for the control group, p<.0001), however, the pre-post difference of BAI-C between group was not significant (p = 0.0619). When the experimental group withdrew from the music intervention, the BAI-C rebounded to 6.5±8.7. There is a significantly increased systolic blood pressure in the control group compared with the patients had music intervention.

CONCLUSION

This study's results provide evidence that playing music routinely (music intervention) during RT can be an excellent way to relieve patients' anxiety and improve their comfort.

[Association between different obesity measurement indexes and serum C-reactive protein in adult women]

Objective: To explore the association of different obesity measurement indexes on serum C-reactive protein (CRP) in Chinese adult women. Methods: The data were obtained from baseline and follow-up surveys of the urban Breast Cancer Screening Program in Shuangliu District, Chengdu. A total of 441 adult women were included in the study. A questionnaire survey, physical examination, and laboratory testing were conducted on the subjects. Multivariate logistic regression model, two-level mixed effects logistic regression model, and restricted cubic spline method were used to investigate the linear and nonlinear correlation between different obesity measurement indexes and serum CRP in adult women. Results: For every 1 unit increase in BMI, waist circumference (WC), and adiposity, the risk of elevated serum CRP or exacerbation of chronic low-grade inflammation in adult women increased by 16.5%, 5.0%, and 11.1% (P<0.05), respectively. Both BMI and adiposity were nonlinear correlated with serum CRP. Using BMI=24.0 kg/m2 as the reference point, serum CRP level increased with the increase of BMI when BMI >24.0 kg/m2. Using adiposity=30% as the reference point, serum CRP level increased with the increase of adiposity when adiposity >30%. Conclusions: Overall, obesity reflected by BMI had the strongest association with serum CRP in adult women, followed by body fat content reflected by adiposity, and central obesity reflected by WC had the weakest association with CRP. Adult women with BMI >24.0 kg/m2 or adiposity >30% are at high risk for obesity-related inflammatory manifestations.

Visualization of Chiral Electronic Structure and Anomalous Optical Response in a Material with Chiral Charge Density Waves

Chiral materials have attracted significant research interests as they exhibit intriguing physical properties, such as chiral optical response, spin-momentum locking, and chiral induced spin selectivity. Recently, layered transition metal dichalcogenide 1T-TaS_{2} has been found to host a chiral charge density wave (CDW) order. Nevertheless, the physical consequences of the chiral order, for example, in electronic structures and the optical properties, are yet to be explored. Here, we report the spectroscopic visualization of an emergent chiral electronic band structure in the CDW phase, characterized by windmill-shaped Fermi surfaces. We uncover a remarkable chirality-dependent circularly polarized Raman response due to the salient in-plane chiral symmetry of CDW, although the ordinary circular dichroism vanishes. Chiral Fermi surfaces and anomalous Raman responses coincide with the CDW transition, proving their lattice origin. Our Letter paves a path to manipulate the chiral electronic and optical properties in two-dimensional materials and explore applications in polarization optics and spintronics.

Dental focal infection-induced ventricular and spinal canal empyema: A case report

BACKGROUND

Dental focal infection-induced ventricular and spinal canal empyema is an extremely rare, severe, acute disease that is clinically associated with extremely high morbidity and mortality. Traditional cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) bacterial culture is time-consuming, with a low positive rate, which frequently results in severe irreversible consequences. The next-generation sequencing technique is an emerging pathogenic microorganism detection method that can obtain results in a short time with high accuracy, thus providing great assistance in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

CASE SUMMARY

This paper reports a rare case of dental focal infection-induced ventricular and spinal canal empyema. During the course of treatment at a local hospital, the patient had negative results from repeated CSF bacterial cultures and was empirically given vancomycin treatment. After transfer to our hospital, the next-generation sequencing technique was adopted to determine that the pathogenic microorganisms were multiple anaerobic infectious bacteria derived from the oral cavity. The antibiotic therapeutic scheme was adjusted in a timely manner, and the ventricular and spinal canal inflammation was also controlled. However, the antibiotics that had been applied at the local hospital were not able to cover all pathogenic microorganisms, which resulted in irreversible injury to the brain stem, finally leading to patient death.

CONCLUSION

Dental focal infection-induced ventricular and spinal canal empyema is an extremely rare, severe, acute disease with high morbidity and mortality. Any delay in diagnosis and treatment will result in irreversible consequences. The early application of the next-generation sequencing technique can obtain results in a short time and clarify a diagnosis. Appropriate antibiotic treatment combined with suitable surgical intervention is the key to managing this disease.

[Spatial Characteristics and Ecological Risks of Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Coastal Urbanized Areas of China and South Korea]

This study concentrated on the 15 perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the coastal areas of China and South Korea, an urbanized area with intensive human activities. In total, 126 water samples and 125 sediment samples were collected and determined by HPLC-MS/MS. Fifteen PFASs were detected at least once in all the sites. The total concentrations of PFASs in water and sediment samples ranged from 6.75 ng·L^-1 to 20982 ng·L^-1 and from 0.229 ng·g^-1 to 53.8 ng·g^-1 (dw), respectively. The concentrations of PFASs in waters and sediments were relatively high in China, and PFOA was the predominant PFAS. In contrast, short chain compounds such as PFBA and PFPeA played a major role in water, and PFOS, PFBA, and PFOA dominated the sediment samples in South Korea. The partition coefficients of PFASs were closely related to the fraction of organic carbon in the sediment and the carbon chain length of PFASs. Among the 15 compounds, the partition coefficients of 9 were significantly correlated with the fraction of organic carbon (r>0.21, P<0.05), and the partition coefficient steadily increased with the increase of the carbon chain length. The results of ecological risk assessment suggested that the coastal urbanized areas of China and South Korea are still at a low risk. However, some specific areas also showed PFAS pollution. More attention should be paid to the potential health risks.

Transorbital nonmissile penetrating brain injury: Report of two cases

BACKGROUND

Penetrating brain injury (PBI) is an uncommon emergency in neurosurgery, and transorbital PBI is a rare type of PBI. Reasonable surgical planning and careful postoperative management can improve the prognosis of patients

CASE SUMMARY

The first case is a 68-year-old male patient who was admitted to the hospital because a branch punctured his brain through the orbit for approximately 9 h after he unexpectedly fell while walking. After admission, the patient underwent emergency surgical treatment and postoperative anti-infection treatment. The patient was able to follow instructions at a 4-mo follow-up review. The other case is a 46-year-old male patient who was admitted to the hospital due to an intraorbital foreign body caused by a car accident, after which the patient was unconscious for approximately 6 h. After admission, the patient underwent emergency surgical treatment and postoperative anti-infection treatment. The patient could correctly answer questions at a 3-mo follow-up review.

CONCLUSION

Transorbital PBI is a rare and acute disease. Early diagnosis, surgical intervention, and application of intravenous antibiotics can improve the prognosis and quality of life of patients.

Pharmacokinetics of diclofenac sodium injection in swine

The pharmacokinetics of a diclofenac sodium was investigated in swine. A single intravenous (i.v.) or intramuscular (i.m.) injection of 5% diclofenac sodium (concentration = 2.5 mg · kg-1) was administered to 8 healthy pigs according to a two-period crossover design. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by non-compartmental analysis with DAS2.1.1 software. After a single i.v. administration, the main pharmacokinetic parameters of diclofenac sodium injection in swine were as follows: the elimination half-time (T1/2β) was 1.32±0.34 h; the area under the curve (AUC) was (55.50±5.50 μg · mL-1 h; the mean residence time (MRT) was 1.60±0.28 h; the apparent volume of distribution (Vd) was 0.50±0.05 L · kg-1; and the body clearance (CLB) was 0.26±0.04 L · (h · kg)-1. After the single i.m. administration, the pharmacokinetic parameters were as follows: peak time (Tmax) was 1.19±0.26 h; and peak concentration (Cmax) was 11.61±5.99 μg mL-1. The diclofenac sodium has the following pharmacokinetic characteristics in swine: rapid absorption and elimination; high peak concentration; and bioavailability.

[Expression of β-catenin in Skin Lesions of Patients with Scleroderma and Its Effect on Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Human Epidermal Keratinocytes]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the expression of β-catenin in the skin lesions of patients with systemic scleroderma (SSc) and its effect on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of human epidermal keratinocytes.

METHODS

The expression of β-catenin, Snail1 and E-cadherin in the skin lesions sample of 45 SSc patients and normal skin sample from 20 healthy adults was detected with SP immunohistochemistry. HaCaT, the human epidermal keratinocytes, were treated with different concentrations of Wnt10b (0 ng/mL (control), 2 ng/mL and 4 ng/mL) for 48 h. then detected the localization of β-catenin in HaCaT cells by immunofluorescence assay, determined the mRNA levels of Snail1 and Snail2 in HaCaT cells by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR, detected the proteins expression of β-catenin, Vimentin, N-cadherin and E-cadherin in HaCaT cells by Western blot.

RESULTS

The positive rates of β-catenin, Snail1 and E-cadherin in skin lesions of SSc patients were 100%, 88.89% and 2.22% respectively, while in healthy adult skin, the corresponding positive rates were 0%, 10.00%, and 95.00%. The difference between the two groups was significant. Compared with control group, treatment with different concentrations of Wnt10b (2 ng/mL and 4 ng/mL) induced up-regulation of β-catenin expression and promoted translocation of β-catenin from cytoplasm to nucleus, increased the mRNA levels of Snail1 and Snail2 (P < 0.05), and up-regulated the proteins expression of Vimentin, N-cadherin, down-regulated the E-cadherin protein expression in HaCaT cells (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Abnormally activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and abnormally expressed EMT-related proteins are observed in SSc lesions. Activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway may promote EMT in HaCaT cells.

Optimal parameters and location for diffusion tensor imaging in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome: a meta-analysis

AIM

To assess the diagnostic value of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) at several anatomical locations in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) to explore the optimal parameters and measurement location.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A search was conducted using the PubMed, EBSCO, Ovid, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases to identify articles relevant to this study published before September 2017. Studies were selected and included according to strict eligibility criteria. Mean differences (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to compare FA and ADC values between CTS patients and healthy subjects. Potential publication bias was investigated.

RESULTS

Eleven studies involving 349 CTS wrists and 278 controls were selected for the meta-analysis. A notable MD: was found for lowered FA at the level of the pisiform bone for CTS versus controls (MD: -0.11, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.14 to -0.07, z=5.83, p<0.001). A higher ADC was found at the pisiform bone and hamate bone levels for CTS versus controls (P: MD: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.20, z=5.98, p<0.001, H: MD: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.21, z=4.67, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The meta-analysis demonstrated a significant FA reduction and ADC increase in CTS patients. This result supports the use of DTI parameters in differentiating CTS patients from health subjects. The anatomical site for FA at the pisiform and ADC at the pisiform and hamate levels were more accessible than other sites for the diagnosis of CTS patients.

Observation of unusual topological surface states in half-Heusler compounds LnPtBi (Ln=Lu, Y)

Topological quantum materials represent a new class of matter with both exotic physical phenomena and novel application potentials. Many Heusler compounds, which exhibit rich emergent properties such as unusual magnetism, superconductivity and heavy fermion behaviour, have been predicted to host non-trivial topological electronic structures. The coexistence of topological order and other unusual properties makes Heusler materials ideal platform to search for new topological quantum phases (such as quantum anomalous Hall insulator and topological superconductor). By carrying out angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and ab initio calculations on rare-earth half-Heusler compounds LnPtBi (Ln=Lu, Y), we directly observe the unusual topological surface states on these materials, establishing them as first members with non-trivial topological electronic structure in this class of materials. Moreover, as LnPtBi compounds are non-centrosymmetric superconductors, our discovery further highlights them as promising candidates of topological superconductors.

Heusler compounds have been predicted to host topological order with other emergent properties, which yet awaits for experimental evidence. Here, Liu et al. report a direct observation of topological surface states on half-Heusler compounds LnPtBi.

Fast formation and growth of high-density Sn whiskers in Mg/Sn-based solder/Mg joints by ultrasonic-assisted soldering: Phenomena, mechanism and prevention

A universally applicable method for promoting the fast formation and growth of high-density Sn whiskers on solders was developed by fabricating Mg/Sn-based solder/Mg joints using ultrasonic-assisted soldering at 250 °C for 6 s and then subjected to thermal aging at 25 °C for 7 d. The results showed that the use of the ultrasonic-assisted soldering could produce the supersaturated dissolution of Mg in the liquid Sn and lead to the existence of two forms of Mg in Sn after solidification. Moreover, the formation and growth of the high-density whiskers were facilitated by the specific contributions of both of the Mg forms in the solid Sn. Specifically, interstitial Mg can provide the persistent driving force for Sn whisker growth, whereas the Mg2Sn phase can increase the formation probability of Sn whiskers. In addition, we presented that the formation and growth of Sn whiskers in the Sn-based solders can be significantly restricted by a small amount of Zn addition (≥3 wt.%), and the prevention mechanisms are attributed to the segregation of Zn atoms at grain or phase boundaries and the formation of the lamellar-type Zn-rich structures in the solder.

[Evaluation of three methods for constructing craniofacial mid-sagittal plane based on the cone beam computed tomography]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the accuracyof interactive closet point (ICP) algorithm, Procrustes analysis (PA) algorithm,and a landmark-independent method to construct the mid-sagittal plane (MSP) of the cone beam computed tomography.To provide theoretical basis for establishing coordinate systemof CBCT images and symmetric analysis.

METHODS

Ten patients were selected and scanned by CBCT before orthodontic treatment.The scan data was imported into Mimics 10.0 to reconstructthree dimensional skulls.And the MSP of each skull was generated by ICP algorithm, PA algorithm and landmark-independent method. MSP extracted by ICP algorithm or PA algorithm involvedthree steps. First, the 3D skull processing was performed by reverse engineering software geomagic studio 2012 to obtain the mirror skull. Then, the original and its mirror skull was registered separately by ICP algorithm in geomagic studio 2012 and PA algorithm in NX Imageware 11.0. Finally, the registered data were united into new data to calculate the MSP of the originaldata in geomagic studio 2012. The mid-sagittal plane was determined by SELLA (S), nasion (N), basion (Ba) as traditional landmark-dependent methodconducted in software InVivoDental 5.0. The distance from 9 pairs of symmetric anatomical marked points to three sagittal plane were measured and calculated to compare the differences of the absolute value. The one-way ANOVA test was used to analyze the variable differences among the 3 MSPs. The pairwise comparison was performed with LSD method.

RESULTS

MSPs calculated by the three methods were available for clinic analysis, which could be concluded from the front view.However, there was significant differences among the distances from the 9 pairs of symmetric anatomical marked points to the MSPs (F=10.932,P=0.001).LSD test showed there was no significant difference between the ICP algorithm and landmark-independent method (P=0.11), while there was significant difference between the PA algorithm and landmark-independent methods (P=0.01) .

CONCLUSION

Mid-sagittal plane of 3D skulls could be generated base on ICP algorithm or PA algorithm. There was no significant difference between the ICP algorithm and landmark-independent method. For the subjects with no evident asymmetry, ICP algorithm is feasible in clinical analysis.

Evolution of the Fermi surface of Weyl semimetals in the transition metal pnictide family

Topological Weyl semimetals (TWSs) represent a novel state of topological quantum matter which not only possesses Weyl fermions (massless chiral particles that can be viewed as magnetic monopoles in momentum space) in the bulk and unique Fermi arcs generated by topological surface states, but also exhibits appealing physical properties such as extremely large magnetoresistance and ultra-high carrier mobility. Here, by performing angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) on NbP and TaP, we directly observed their band structures with characteristic Fermi arcs of TWSs. Furthermore, by systematically investigating NbP, TaP and TaAs from the same transition metal monopnictide family, we discovered their Fermiology evolution with spin-orbit coupling (SOC) strength. Our experimental findings not only reveal the mechanism to realize and fine-tune the electronic structures of TWSs, but also provide a rich material base for exploring many exotic physical phenomena (for example, chiral magnetic effects, negative magnetoresistance, and the quantum anomalous Hall effect) and novel future applications.

Signature of Strong Spin-Orbital Coupling in the Large Nonsaturating Magnetoresistance Material WTe2

We report the detailed electronic structure of WTe2 by high resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. We resolved a rather complicated Fermi surface of WTe2. Specifically, there are in total nine Fermi pockets, including one hole pocket at the Brillouin zone center Γ, and two hole pockets and two electron pockets on each side of Γ along the Γ-X direction. Remarkably, we have observed circular dichroism in our photoemission spectra, which suggests that the orbital angular momentum exhibits a rich texture at various sections of the Fermi surface. This is further confirmed by our density-functional-theory calculations, where the spin texture is qualitatively reproduced as the conjugate consequence of spin-orbital coupling. Since the spin texture would forbid backscatterings that are directly involved in the resistivity, our data suggest that the spin-orbit coupling and the related spin and orbital angular momentum textures may play an important role in the anomalously large magnetoresistance of WTe2. Furthermore, the large differences among spin textures calculated for magnetic fields along the in-plane and out-of-plane directions also provide a natural explanation of the large field-direction dependence on the magnetoresistance.

Decline of Yangtze River water and sediment discharge: Impact from natural and anthropogenic changes

The increasing impact of both climatic change and human activities on global river systems necessitates an increasing need to identify and quantify the various drivers and their impacts on fluvial water and sediment discharge. Here we show that mean Yangtze River water discharge of the first decade after the closing of the Three Gorges Dam (TGD) (2003–2012) was 67 km³/yr (7%) lower than that of the previous 50 years (1950–2002), and 126 km³/yr less compared to the relatively wet period of pre-TGD decade (1993–2002). Most (60–70%) of the decline can be attributed to decreased precipitation, the remainder resulting from construction of reservoirs, improved water-soil conservation and increased water consumption. Mean sediment flux decreased by 71% between 1950–1968 and the post-TGD decade, about half of which occurred prior to the pre-TGD decade. Approximately 30% of the total decline and 65% of the decline since 2003 can be attributed to the TGD, 5% and 14% of these declines to precipitation change, and the remaining to other dams and soil conservation within the drainage basin. These findings highlight the degree to which changes in riverine water and sediment discharge can be related with multiple environmental and anthropogenic factors.

Usefulness of normal saline for sealing the needle track after CT-guided lung biopsy

AIM

To determine whether the use of normal saline for sealing the needle track can reduce the incidence of pneumothorax and chest tube placement after computed tomography (CT)-guided lung biopsy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective, randomised, controlled trial enrolling 322 patients was conducted. All patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: those in whom the needle track was not sealed with normal saline (n=161, Group A) and those who did receive normal saline (n=161, Group B). CT-guided biopsy was performed with coaxial technique. Normal saline, which ranged from 1-3 ml, was injected while the trocar needle was being withdrawn. Patient characteristics, lesion, and procedure variables were analysed as potential risk variables for occurrence of pneumothorax and chest tube placement.

RESULTS

The incidence of pneumothorax was 26.1% in Group A and 6.2% in Group B (p<0.001). Nine patients in Group A and one patient in Group B required chest tube placement (p=0.010). Using multiple logistic regression analysis, smaller lesion size, greater needle-pleural angle, longer lesion-pleural distance, presence of emphysema, and no sealing the needle track with normal saline were significantly associated with an increased risk of pneumothorax, and that the latter three factors were also associated with an increased risk of pneumothorax requiring chest tube placement.

CONLUSION

Normal saline for sealing the needle track significantly reduces the incidence of pneumothorax and prevents subsequent chest tube placement after CT-guided lung biopsy.

[Comparison of two kinds of methods evaluating the degree of facial asymmetry by three-dimensional data]

OBJECTIVE

To compare two digital methods of quantitatively accessing the degree of facial asymmetry by three-dimensional data.

METHODS

The three-dimensional data of 20 subjects were got by the FaceScan, and then were input to the reverse engineering software Imageware 13.0 and Geomagic 12. Their mirror data were acquired and superimposed with the original data by the methods of interactive closest points (ICP) and Procrustes analysis (PA). The mid-sagittal planes of the two methods were extracted respectively, the degree of facial asymmetry and the distance of 21 automatic landmarks to mid-sagittal plane were calculated and compared.

RESULTS

The paired t test was taken and t=1.346, P=0.193.

CONCLUSION

We can safely come to the conclusions that for the subjects with no evident facial asymmetry, there are no significant difference between the PA and the ICP methods for extracting the mid-sagittal plane from three-dimensional data.

Few-layer graphene direct deposition on Ni and Cu foil by cold-wall chemical vapor deposition

We report an alternative synthesis process, cold-wall thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD), is replied to directly deposit single-layer and few-layer graphene films on Ar plasma treated Ni and Cu foils using CH4 as carbon source. Through optimizing the process parameters, large scale single-layer graphene grown on Ni foil is comparable to that grown on Cu foil. The graphene films were able to be transferred to other substrates such as SiO2/Si, flexible transparent PET and verified by optical microscopy, Raman microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The sheet resistance and transmission of the transferred graphene films on PET substrate were also discussed.

Active Src expression is induced after rat peripheral nerve injury

The non-receptor-type Src tyrosine kinases are key components of intracellular signal transduction that are expressed at high levels in the nervous system. To improve understanding of the cascades of molecular events underlying peripheral nerve regeneration, we analyzed active Src expression in the crushed or cut rat sciatic nerves using a monoclonal antibody (clone 28) that recognizes the active form of Src tyrosine kinases, including c-Src and c-Fyn. Western blots showed that active Src expressed in the normal sciatic nerve transiently increased up to threefolds after both types of injury. Immunohistochemistry using clone 28 showed that axonal components are the primary sites of active Src expression in the normal sciatic nerve. Soon after both types of injury, active Src was abundantly expressed in Schwann cells of the segments distal to the injury site. The expression of active Src in the cells decreased with restoration of the axon-Schwann cell relationship and eventually became depleted to very low levels after crushing, but was sustained at high levels in the cut model until the end of the experiment. Regenerated axons consistently expressed active Src throughout nerve regeneration and these eventually became the major sites of active Src expression in the crushed nerve. Among the Src tyrosine kinases, active c-Src selectively increased after crushing according to immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting analyses. Due to its potent biological activity, the increased amounts of the active form of Src probably enhance axonal regrowth, the Schwann cell response, and axon-Schwann cell contact for peripheral nerve regeneration.

[Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of AMP and DNA in silver sol]

Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of AMP and DNA in silver sol were obtained. Comparing the SERS spectra with spectra of AMP and DNA in solid state, we found that although those two systems were very similar in the main, but there were still some differences between them. For example, the ring breathing modes of adenine in solid AMP at 715 cm-1 was enhanced very much and appears at 723 cm-1 in silver sol. The symmetric stretching mode of phosphate group at 813 cm-1 was disappeared in SERS spectra. The vibration mode of ribose in DNA was enhanced obviously in SERS spectra, four kinds bands of A, T, C, G were also enhanced in varying degrees. The possible adsorption model of AMP and DNA in silver sol and the structure change is proposed.

[Reamed interlocking intramedullary nail in the treatment of tibial and fibular fractures]

To analyse retrospectively the results of thirty-eight fractures of the tibial and fibular treated with reamedintramedullary interlocking nail from May 1997 to June 2000. The patients were followed for an average of 14.6(range: 6-32) months. The mean age was 32.8(range: 18-64) years, the sex distribution was 29 males and 9 females. 26 fractures were closed (One case was failure of plate and screws) and 12 were opened: 6 were graded I, 4 were II, 2 IIIa, according to Gustilo's classification. A solid union was achieved in all patients within a period of 6 months. There were no deep infections except one case of superficial infection. Cases of deformity or peroneal nerve injury were no noticed. It is believed that reamed intramedullary interlocking nail allows a stable and safety fixation in open or closed tibial and fibular fractures.

[Treatment of femoral neck fractures in the elderly patients with the compression screw]

The treatment of 50 patients above 70 years with femoral neck fractures were reviewed. All the patients were treated by internal fixation with the compression screw. Followed-up 1-5 years reviews showed that the rate of fracture union was 83%, the satisfactory rate of the function was 96%, no death was found. It is suggested that internal fixation with compression screw may be a good treatment in the elderly patients with femoral neck fractures.

[Biological effects of space flight on purple nonsulfur photosynthetic bacteria]

OBJECTIVE

To study biological effects of space flight on purple nonsulfur photosynthetic bacteria.

METHODS

Two purple nonsulfur photosynthetic bacteria, Rhodopseudomonas palustris H3 and Rhodobacter sphaeroides ZGY, were carried on satellite for 15 days and some of their biological effects were studied after recovery.

RESULTS

In space condition, survival rate of bacteria was promoted. The purification of organic wastewater, removal of nitrite, degradation of phenol and decolorization of acid red B were enhanced, and the resistance of both strains to medicine was stable.

CONCLUSION

The major morphological and physiological characteristics of loaded strains H3-S and ZGY-S were not changed after space flight.

Bone healing of tibial lengthening is enhanced by hyperbaric oxygen therapy: a study of bone mineral density and torsional strength on rabbits

We investigated the effect of intermittent hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy on the bone healing of tibial lengthening in rabbits. Twelve male rabbits were divided into two groups of six animals each. The first group went through 2.5 atmospheres absolute of hyperbaric oxygenation for 2 hours daily, and the second group did not go through hyperbaric oxygenation. Each animal's right tibia was lengthened 5 mm using an uniplanar lengthening device. Bone mineral density (BMD) study was performed for all of the animals at 1 day before operation and at 3, 4, 5, and 6 weeks after operation. All of the animals were killed at 6 weeks postoperatively for biomechanical testing. Using the preoperative BMD as an internal control, we found that the BMD of the HBO group was increased significantly compared with the non HBO group. The mean %BMD at 3, 4, 5, and 6 weeks were 69.5%, 80.1%, 87.8%, and 96.9%, respectively, in HBO group, whereas the mean %BMD were 51.6%, 67.7%, 70.5%, and 79.2%, respectively, in non-HBO group (two tailed t test, p < 0.01, p < 0.01, p < 0.01, and p < 0.01 at 3, 4, 5, and 6 weeks, respectively). Using the contralateral nonoperated tibia as an internal control, we found that torsional strength of lengthened tibia of the HBO group was increased significantly compared with the non-HBO group. The mean percent of maximal torque was 88.6% in HBO group at 6 weeks, whereas the mean percent of maximal torque was 76.0% in non-HBO group (two-tailed t test, p < 0.01). The results of this study suggest that the bone healing of tibial lengthening is enhanced by intermittent hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Mechanism of the dynorphin-induced dualistic effect on free intracellular Ca2+ concentration in cultured rat spinal neurons

In order to study the different mechanisms of dynorphin spinal analgesia and neurotoxicity at low and high doses, the effects of various concentrations of dynorphin A-(1-17) on the free intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in the cultured rat spinal neurons were studied using single cell microspectrofluorimetry. While dynorphin A-(1-17) 0.1-100 microM had no significant effect on basal [Ca2+]i, dynorphin A-(1-17) 0.1 and 1 microM significantly decreased the high KCl-evoked peak [Ca2+]i by 94% and 83% respectively. Dynorphin A-(1-17) 10 and 100 microM did not affect the peak [Ca2+]i following K+ depolarization, but in all these neurons there was a sustained and irreversible rise in [Ca2+]i following high-K+ challenge. Pretreatment with the specific kappa-opioid receptor antagonist nor-binaltorphimine 10 microM, but not the competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, DL-2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (APV) 10 microM, significantly blocked the inhibitory effect of dynorphin A-(1-17) 0.1 microM on peak [Ca2+]i. However, APV 10 microM and nor-binaltorphimine 10 microM significantly antagonized the sustained rise in [Ca2+]i induced by a high concentration of dynorphin A-(1-17) 10 microM. Furthermore, in the presence, and following the addition, of increasing concentrations of dynorphin A-(1-17) (0.1, 1, 10 and 100 microM), the high concentrations of dynorphin A-(1-17) failed to produce a sustained rise in peak [Ca2+]i. These results suggested that dynorphin exerted a dualistic modulatory effect on [Ca2+]i in cultured rat spinal neurons, inducing a sustained and irreversible intracellular Ca2+ overload via activation of both NMDA and kappa-opioid receptors at higher concentrations, but inhibiting depolarization-evoked Ca2+ influx via kappa-opioid but not NMDA receptors at lower concentrations. Serial addition of graded concentrations of dynorphin A-(1-17) prevented the effect of high concentrations of dynorphin A-(1-17) on [Ca2+]i.

Factors affecting specialty and location of practice of government-sponsored physicians in Taiwan

Geographic and specialty maldistribution have created problems of physician supply in Taiwan. Previous small-scale government-sponsored physician (GSP) programs in Taiwan have had only limited effects. To solve this problem, the National Yang-Ming Medical College was established in 1975; it supplied its first government-sponsored physician graduates in 1982. Obligatory service in different specialties and geographic areas were assigned to graduates according to their personal preference and school performance. In this study, we evaluated the factors affecting the choice of specialty and location for these GSPs during the 6-year obligatory service period. Data on Department of Health-regulated GSPs who finished obligatory service prior to 1991 were obtained from the GSP files, medical student files, and the National Medical Manpower Information System for the years 1982 to 1985. Logistic regression was used to assess the effect of year of entry, age, gender, rank in class, and hometown of the GSPs on specialty choice upon entry into the obligatory service period. Both logistic regression and generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the effects of these parameters and location experiences during obligatory service on location selection after the obligatory service period. We found that rural experience during obligatory service was strongly associated with the choice of rural practice after the completion of the obligatory service. Male gender, a later year of entry to the program, and having a rural hometown were only moderately associated with the choice of rural practice. A more comprehensive evaluation and review of the effect of the GSP program on overall specialty and location distribution of physicians is needed to provide guidelines for improvement of current GSP program policies.

National food contamination monitoring programmes-levels of mercury, lead and cadmium in Chinese foods

Six hundred and thirty-four food samples of six kinds were collected from Beijing, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Sichuan, Jilin and Guangdong areas, China and Hg, Pb, Cd contents were determined. The results showed that their levels in the Chinese foods were low; their levels in meat, egg, milk and fish were generally below the national hygienic standard. The average daily dietary intake of Hg, Pb, Cd were 7.25 micrograms, 103.77 micrograms and 30.72 micrograms respectively and they were all less than the ADI established by WHO.

[A study on cadmium content in foods of six provinces and cities]

Contents of cadmium in six kinds of foods were monitored in 626 specimens from Beijing, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Sichuan, Jilin and Guangdong in 1992, with proportions of 95% for rice, 87.8% vegetables, and 100% wheat flour, meat, eggs fish and dairy products, respectively, up to the national hygienic standards. The average weekly intake of cadmium from foods of residents in six monitored areas was lower than that of the provisional allowable intake set by WHO.

Suppression by [D-Pen2, D-Pen5]enkephalin on cyclic AMP dependent protein kinase-induced, but not protein kinase C-induced increment of intracellular free calcium in NG108-15 cells

In neuroblastoma X glioma NG108-15 cell lines, KCl 50 mM produced a significant increase in [Ca2+]i which was blocked completely by voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel antagonist verapamil. High K(+)-induced increase in [Ca2+]i can be suppressed by selective delta opioid agonist [D-Pen2, D-Pen5]enkephalin (DPDPE) (an effect completely reversed by opioid antagonist naloxone), but not by the mu agonist ohmefentanyl (OMF) or kappa agonist 66A-078. Aside from high K+ stimulation, a number of chemicals can produce an increase in [Ca2+]i, i.e., selective adenylate cyclase activator forskolin, the membrane permeable cyclic AMP (cAMP) analogue dibutyryl-cAMP (Bt2cAMP) and the activator of protein kinase C (PKC) 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA). All these effects can be readily blocked by verapamil. DPDPE blocks the increase in [Ca2+]i induced by forskolin and Bt2cAMP, but not that by TPA. The results suggest that cAMP dependent protein kinase-, but not PKC-induced Ca2+ influx mechanism seems to be involved in the delta receptor mediated opioid effect.

Mobilization of calcium from intracellular store as a possible mechanism underlying the anti-opioid effect of angiotensin II

Angiotensin II (AII), injected intracerebroventricularly, has been shown to antagonize opioid analgesia. The mechanism for this was obscure. In the neuroblastoma X glioma NG 108-15 hybrid cell line, the K(+)-induced increase in [Ca2+]i can be suppressed by the delta opioid agonist [D-Pen2, D-Pen5]enkephalin (DPDPE) at 0.01-1 microM, an effect completely reversed by the opioid antagonist naloxone. Angiotensin II (AII) at concentrations of 0.1 and 1 microM mobilized free Ca2+ from an intracellular pool, and this effect was antagonized by the AII receptor antagonist saralasin. All (1 microM) had no significant effect on the increase in [Ca2+]i induced by K+, but it blocked the suppressive effect of DPDPE on the K(+)-induced [Ca2+]i increase. The results indicate that mobilization of intracellular calcium may underlie the anti-opioid effect of AII.

[The decolorization and biodegrading metabolism of azo dyes by Pseudomonas S-42]

Pseudomonas S-42 was capable of decolorizing azo dyes such as Diamira Brilliant Orange RR(DBO-RR), Direct Brown M (DBM), Eriochrome Brown R(EBR) and so on. The cell suspension, cell-free extract and purified enzyme of Pseud. S-42 could decolorize azo dyes under similar conditions: the optimum pH and temperature laid 7.0 and 37 degrees C respectively. The efficiencies of decolorizing of DBO-RR, DBM, EBR by intact cells stood more than 90%. When the cell concentration was 15 mg(wet)/ml and the reaction time was 5 hours, the decolorizing activity for above three azo dyes by intact cells were 1.75, 2.4, 0.95 micrograms dye/mg cell, respectively. Cell-free extract and purified enzyme could well express the decolorizing activity only under the anaerobic condition and added NADH. Purified enzyme belongs to azoreductase, its molecular weight is about 34,000-2000 daltons, and its Vmax and Km for DBO-RR are 13 mumol.mg protein-1.min-1 and 54 mumol/L. The results of the detection of the biodegrading products of DBO-RR by spectrophotometric and NaNO2 reactional methods showed that the biodegradation of azo dyes was initiated by the reduction cleavage of azo bonds. It was hypothesized that biodegrading metabolism pathway of DBO-RR by Pseudomonas S-42.

[TNT-degrading enzyme of Citrobacter freundii and its regulation by carbon and nitrogen source]

It was detected that both NAD(P)H-linked reductase (TNT-Red) and NAD(P)+-linked TNT dehydrogenase (TNT-Deh) were present in TNT-degrading enzymes of Citrobacter freundii simultaneously. The time course of formation for the enzymes and the actions of coenzymes in enzymatic reaction of TNT have been studied. The effects of varied carbon and nitrogen sources on the regulation of the enzymes were different clearly. When the concentration of NH4Cl or urea in culture medium was more than 0.1 mol/L, the formation of both TNT reductase and TNT dehydrogenase was promoted. However, the formation of these enzymes was inhibited by KNO3 in culture. The production of both reductase and dehydrogenase was promoted by glucose. The sodium citrate was able to help the formation of the TNT dehydrogenase. The activity of the TNT reductase was increased when the concentration of sodium citrate was less than 0.5%, but when it was more than 0.5%, the activity of this enzyme was decreased rapidly.

The effect of gossypol on ATPase activity of the kidney

The results of the present study have shown no change in the activity of ATPase of the renal cortex of rats administered gossypol for half a year. The Na+, K+-ATPase activity of the cellular membrane of renal cortex of guinea pigs fed with gossypol for 5 or 9 weeks is significantly altered. It seems possible to diminish or to delay the inhibition by allowing the guinea pigs a potassium-rich diet ad libitum. In vitro, gossypol inhibits significantly the activity of ATPase of the brain and the kidney of rats and guinea pigs uncompetitively. However, the inhibition of the ATPase of human fetus kidney is of a mixed type.