Efficacy of artificial intelligence in reducing miss rates of GI adenomas, polyps, and sessile serrated lesions: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The aim of this study was to determine if utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) in the course of endoscopic procedures can significantly diminish both the adenoma miss rate (AMR) and the polyp miss rate (PMR) compared with standard endoscopy.

METHODS

We performed an extensive search of various databases, encompassing PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus, until June 2023. The search terms used were artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, transfer machine learning, computer-assisted diagnosis, convolutional neural networks, gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy, endoscopic image analysis, polyp, adenoma, and neoplasms. The main study aim was to explore the impact of AI on the AMR, PMR, and sessile serrated lesion miss rate.

RESULTS

A total of 7 randomized controlled trials were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled AMR was markedly lower in the AI group versus the non-AI group (pooled relative risk [RR], .46; 95% confidence interval [CI], .36-.59; P < .001). PMR was also reduced in the AI group in contrast with the non-AI control (pooled RR, .43; 95% CI, .27-.69; P < .001). The results showed that AI decreased the miss rate of sessile serrated lesions (pooled RR, .43; 95% CI, .20 to .92; P < .05) and diminutive adenomas (pooled RR, .49; 95% CI, .26-.93) during endoscopy, but no significant effect was observed for advanced adenomas (pooled RR, .48; 95% CI, .17-1.37; P = .17). The average number of polyps (Hedges' g = -.486; 95% CI, -.697 to -.274; P = .000) and adenomas (Hedges' g = -.312; 95% CI, -.551 to -.074; P = .01) detected during the second procedure also favored AI. However, AI implementation did not lead to a prolonged withdrawal time (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis suggests that AI technology leads to significant reduction of miss rates for GI adenomas, polyps, and sessile serrated lesions during endoscopic surveillance. These results underscore the potential of AI to improve the accuracy and efficiency of GI endoscopic procedures.

A meta‑ and bioinformatics analysis of maspin expression levels influencing the prognosis of patients with breast cancer

Maspin is a serine protease inhibitor that is encoded by the human SERPINB5 gene. As a tumor inhibitor, it can inhibit the growth of tumor cells, increase adhesion between tumor cells and inhibit tumor angiogenesis. In the present study, a meta- and bioinformatics analysis was performed through the PubMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases including entries added until up to March 20, 2023. It was found that compared with normal breast tissue, maspin expression was downregulated in breast cancer tissue. Maspin expression was negatively associated with lymph node metastasis. According to Kaplan-Meier plotter, it was found that lower maspin expression was negatively associated with the overall and distant metastasis-free survival rate of patients with estrogen receptor-positive, luminal A and grade 2 breast cancer. High expression of maspin was also positively associated with the relapse-free survival rate of patients of the luminal A subtype. Low maspin expression was positively associated with the post-progression and distant metastasis-free survival rate of the progesterone receptor-negative subtype. According to the GEPIA database, SERPINB5 mRNA expression was higher in normal than breast cancer tissues and negatively correlated with the TNM stage. High expression of maspin was also positively associated with the overall survival rate. In the UALCAN database, it was found that the mRNA and promoter methylation levels of SERPINB5 were higher in normal than in breast cancer tissues. These findings suggest that the expression of maspin may serve as a potential marker to indicate the occurrence, subsequent progression and even prognosis of breast cancer.

[A comparative study on the depth of cure, hardness and microleakage applied to primary teeth of different types of bulk-fill resins]

Objective: To compare the depth of cure, surface hardness and microleakage applied to primary teeth of three types of bulk-fill resins, so as to provide reference for clinical application. Methods: Composite resin FiltekTM Z350 XT (group A) and giomer Beautifil Ⅱ (group B) were used as controls, high-viscosity bulk-fill resin FiltekTM Bulk Fill (group C), sonic-activated bulk-fill resin SonicFill 2 (group D) and flowable bulk-fill resin SDR® flow+(group E) were studied. The microstructure of each group was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Specimens of each group were prepared (6 pieces per group), and the Vickers microhardness of the surface layer and different depths of each group were measured, and then the depths of cure were calculated. Twenty-five primary molars dentin were filled by resins of each group (5 teeth per group), sliced, then aged, slices of each group were developed by silver ion staining. SEM was used to observed the distribution of silver ions. Microleakage of each group were analyzed by Jonckheere-Terpstra rank sum test. Results: SEM showed that the filler particles in groups A and C were spherical and evenly distributed. The shape of the fillers in groups B, D and E were polygonal and unevenly distributed. The surface hardness of groups A, B, C, D and E were (84.97±6.30), (65.04±5.95), (57.80±1.18), (60.77±2.34), (33.32±1.83) MPa respectively. Group A had the highest hardness, while group E was the lowest, and the differences between the two groups and other groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences among groups B, C, and D (P>0.05). The curing depths of groups A, B, C, D and E were 2.6, 3.4, 5.8, 3.8 and 7.8 mm respectively. The largest microleakage was found in group E [2% (1/50) for grade 0, 22% (11/50) for grade 1, 30% (15/50) for grade 2, 24% (12/50) for grade 3, and 22% (11/50)for grade 4], which was statistically different from other groups (P<0.05). No statistically significant differences were found among other 3 groups (P>0.05). Conclusions: Both high-viscosity and sonic-activated bulk-fill resins have the greater depth of cure, the same hardness and microleakage as giomer, which might be an option for restoration in primary teeth.

[Preliminary report on the use of total lumpectomyconical remnant gastric - esophagus side overlap anastomosis in radical resection of Siewert type II proximal gastric cancer]

Objective: There is no standard method for esophageal remnant gastric reconstruction for proximal gastrectomy. Reflux esophagitis caused by esophagogastrostomy remains a difficult surgical problem. To report the preliminary surgical results of novel esophagus-conical remnant gastric side overlap anastomosis (CGEO) , with particular emphasis on postoperative esophageal reflux. Methods: In June 2022, we developed a novel CGEO for laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy on two patients with Siewert type II esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma. Surgical procedures for CGEO: (1) Laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy and preparation of conically shaped gastric remnant; (2) Determining anastomotic site of residual stomach and esophagus; (3) Side-to-side anastomosis of right esophageal wall to anterior of conical gastric remnant; (4) Valvuloplasty of esophageal stump. Results: Case 1 was a 71-year-old man with an operation time of 305 minutes and was successfully discharged from the hospital on the 9th day after surgery, and the postoperative pathology was T3N0M0. Case 2 was an 82-year-old man with an operation time of 325 minutes. He was discharged on the 10th day after surgery. In both cases, only mild esophageal mucosal changes were seen in gastroscopy, there were no obvious symptoms of esophageal reflux. There was also no significant weight change at half a year after operation. Conclusion: CGEO is moderately safe in radical surgery for proximal gastric cancer, and may have a preventive effect on the occurrence of postoperative esophageal reflux, but long-term results need to be confirmed by further studies with follow-up.

M supported on Al-defective Al2-δO3 (M = Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Ag, Au) as catalysts for acetylene semi-hydrogenation: a theoretical perspective

Semi-hydrogenation of acetylene is of great importance for both industry and academia. High prices and limited supplements of noble metals leave room for developing base metal catalysts. Experiments revealed the atomically dispersed Cu supported by Al2O3 with excellent long-term stability and high ethylene selectivity, but the physical nature has rarely been investigated theoretically. DFT calculations and microkinetic modeling revealed that the surface OH species could stabilize Cu1/Al2-δO3 and enhance its catalytic performance. The selectivity of ethylene formation decreases with increasing copper clusters (e.g., Cu1/Al2-δO3> Cu4/Al2-δO3> Cu8/Al2-δO3), meaning that the atomically dispersed copper may be a potential candidate for acetylene semi-hydrogenation. The structures of a series of single site catalysts M1/Al2-δO3 (M = Fe, Co, Ni, Ag, Au) are similar to that of Cu1/Al2-δO3, but their performances in catalyzing acetylene semi-hydrogenation are different. M1/Al2-δO3 (M = Ag, Au) shows higher selectivity than Cu1/Al2-δO3, while M1/Al2-δO3 (M = Fe, Co, Ni) demonstrates a higher turnover frequency (TOF) of ethylene than Cu1/Al2-δO3. Moreover, our results indicate that the Ni1-Cu1/Al2-δO3 alloy shows both high activity and ethylene selectivity. The present results show a compensation between the reactivity and the selectivity, suggesting that alloys of VIIIB metals with IB metals like Ni1-Cu1/Al2-δO3 may be efficient candidate catalysts in acetylene selective hydrogenation.

Beneficial effects of ginsenosides on diabetic nephropathy: A systematical review and meta-analysis of preclinical evidence

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ginseng is one of the most widely used herbs in the world for the treatment of various diseases, and ginsenoside is the representative bioactive component in ginseng. There have been many in vivo studies on ginsenoside for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy (DN), the most common diabetic microvascular complication and the main cause of diabetic morbidity and mortality.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of ginsenosides on DN by preclinical evidence and meta-analysis. Meanwhile, the main possible action mechanisms of ginsenosides against DN were also summarized.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed, WOS, Embase, Cochrane, WanFang, Cqvip, CNKI and CBM databases from January 1, 2000, to November 15, 2021, to evaluate the animal experiments of ginsenosides for the treatment of DN. Finally, 30 animal experiments were included. Twelve outcome measures, including renal function indicators (24-h urine protein, serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, creatinine clearance, uric acid, urinary albumin to creatinine ratio), oxidative stress biomarkers (GPX, MDA, SOD), inflammatory factors (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α) were obtained by using RevMan 5.4 software for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

The results showed that except for no significant difference in CCr, other indicators such as 24h UP, SCr, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid and UACR were significantly decreased. It showed that ginsenoside could improve renal function in diabetes. Meanwhile ginsenoside significantly up-regulated antioxidant enzymes SOD and GPX, down-regulated MDA and inflammatory factors IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α, indicating that ginsenoside may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

CONCLUSION

Ginsenoside can protect against the renal failure in diabetes through anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, anti-renal fibrosis, anti-apoptosis/pyroptosis, regulation of blood glucose/lipid metabolism, etc. Which provides preclinical evidence for the application of ginsenoside in the treatment of DN.

Roles of Beclin1 protein expression in cervical cancer: a meta-analysis and bioinformatics analysis

Beclin1 is a key regulator of a family of autophagy-related proteins. The aim of our study was to elucidate the clinicopathological and prognostic significance of Beclin1 expression which is a positive regulator of autophagy in cervical cancer. The results showed that a total of 2682 patients were enrolled in 21 case-control studies. The results showed that, as for Beclin1 expression, significant differences were found in cervical cancer vs. normal cervical tissues (p<.00001) and cancer tissues with vs. no lymph node metastasis (p<.00001); tumour diameter no less than vs. less than 4 cm (p=.001), myometrial invasion depth no less than vs. less than 1/2 and FIGO I vs. II (p=.02); relationship between Beclin1 expression and prognosis of cervical cancer (p=.03). Kaplan-Meier's plotter showed that Beclin1 expression was negative. It was associated with overall, post-progressive and distant metastatic survival. According to the Oncomine database, Beclin1 mRNA expression in cervical cancer tissues was higher than that in normal tissues. Cox multivariate showed that lymph node metastasis and TNM stage were important factors affecting the survival time of patients. Beclin1 expression can be used as an indicator of prognosis in patients, and provide methods and ideas for prevention and treatment.

[Combined anti-bitterness strategy for extremely bitter characteristics of Andrographis Herba decoction and mechanism]

Three kinds of excipients were selected to investigate the anti-bitterness effect on the extremely bitter characteristics of Andrographis Herba decoction, and the optimal combined anti-bitterness formula was obtained. The preparation principle of different excipients was clarified by virtual screening and experimental verification to explore the advantages of the three kinds of excipients in the combined anti-bitterness effect. Sensory evaluation showed that mPEG_(2000)-PLLA_(2000), γ-cyclodextrin(γ-CD), and aspartame all had good anti-bitterness effect, which reduced the bitterness intensity of Andrographis Herba decoction by 0.5, 6, and 3 points, respectively. The anti-bitterness effect was superior when 0.15% mPEG_(2000)-PLLA_(2000), 1.60% γ-CD, and 0.04% aspartame were combined, and the taste score of the Andrographis Herba decoction decreased from 8 points(severe bitterness) to 1 point(almost no bitterness). Quantum chemistry calculations showed that mPEG_(2000)-PLLA_(2000) reduced the electrostatic potential of bitter groups, which spontaneously combined with it and formed a physical barrier, hindering the binding of bitter components to receptors. The interaction between γ-CD and bitter components was studied. It was found that the surface area and free energy of γ-CD decreased and the dipole moment increased, indicating that γ-CD included bitter components and self-assembled to form supramolecules. Molecular docking showed that hydroxy at position 14 and carbonyl at position 16 of andrographolide, and hydroxy at position 3 and 4, carbonyl at position 14, and five-membered lactone ring of dehydrated andrographolide were possibly the main bitter groups. The binding free energies of aspartame to bitter receptors TAS2 R10, TAS2 R14, and TAS2 R46 were-3.21,-1.55, and-2.52 kcal·mol~(-1), respectively, indicating that aspartame competed to inhibit the binding of bitter groups to bitter receptors. The results of content determination showed that the free amounts of andrographolide and dehydrated andrographolide in Andrographis Herba decoction were 0.23% and 0.28% respectively, while after adding flavor masking excipients, the dissociation amount of andrographolide and dehydrated andrographolide in the decoction decreased to 0.13% and 0.20%, respectively. The above results show that mPEG_(2000)-PLLA_(2000) involves some bitter components into it through micellar self-assembly to reconcile the entrance bitterness, and γ-CD includes the remaining bitter components in the real solution to control the main bitter taste. Aspartame further competes to inhibit the combination of bitter components and bitter receptors, and improves the taste to be sweet. Multi-excipients combined with anti-bitterness strategy significantly reduces the free concentration of bitter substances in Andrographis Herba decoction, and optimizes the taste of the decoction.

[Material basis of stench of animal medicine: a review]

Despite the distinctive characteristics and remarkable efficacy, animal medicine is stenchy, which decreases the comp-liance of patients. At the moment, the research on the method for deodorizing animal medicines lags behind. To be specific, the components related to the odor and the basic properties transformation of the components are unclear and there is a lack of specific deodorizing method. This study aims to clarify the main components related to the stench of animal medicine, such as aldehydes, amines, trimethylamines and sulfur compounds, and their basic properties, and to explore their metabolism and transformation in vivo and in vitro, which is expected to serve as a reference for the research on deodorization of animal medicine and development of new techniques.

Non-targeted metabolomic analysis of variation of volatile fractions of ginseng from different habitats by HS-SPME-GC-MS coupled with chemometrics

Cultivated ginseng (CG), transplanted ginseng (TG) and mountain cultivated ginseng (MCG) classified by the habitat type all belong to Panax ginseng and were reported to have similar types of secondary metabolites. Nonetheless, owing to the distinctly diverse habitats in which these ginseng types grow, their pharmacological effects differ. In the present study, an emerging analytical approach involving headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) was established to effectively distinguish among CG, TG and MCG. First, the volatile components were analysed and identified by using the NIST library combined with measured retention indices (Kovats', RI), and a total of 78 volatile components were finally characterized, which included terpenes, alcohols, esters, aldehydes and alkynols. Furthermore, multivariate statistical approaches, principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least-squares discrimination analysis (OPLS-DA) were subsequently utilized to screen for compounds of significance. Under optimized HS-SPME-GC-MS conditions, 12, 16, and 16 differential markers were screened in the CG-TG, CG-MCG and TG-MCG groups, respectively. Our study suggested that HS-SPME-GC-MS analysis combined with metabolomic analytical methods and chemometric techniques can be applied as potent tools to identify chemical marker candidates to distinguish CG, TG and MCG.

[Correlation between internal damage due to seven emotions in traditional Chinese medicine and pathogenesis of breast cancer from perspective of psychological stress]

Breast cancer is a major chronic disease threatening women's health. It has topped the global cancers as the diagnosed cases outnumbered lung cancer patients in 2020. Internal damage due to the seven emotions is an important cause of breast cancer and the disorders of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA) axis and endocrine system and the abnormal immune defense mechanism in response to psychological stress all affect the occurrence and development of breast cancer. It is noteworthy that the theory of seven emotions in traditional Chinese medicine and the psychological stress theory of modern medicine have something in common in some aspects. Therefore, this study explored the correlation between internal damage due to the seven emotions and psychological stress and analyzed the molecular biological mechanisms of psychological stress influencing breast cancer from the perspective of modern medicine, which is helpful to reasonably prevent breast cancer and other related tumors and improve the prognosis of breast cancer patients through emotion regulation.

Clinicopathological and prognostic value of STAT3/p-STAT3 in cervical cancer: A meta and bioinformatics analysis

Signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) is an important member of the STAT family. Studies have found that it can participate in cell signal transduction and transcriptional activation. STAT3 plays an important role in tumor angiogenesis, immunity and tumor invasion and metastasis. Previous studies have found that STAT3 and phosphorylated STAT3(p-STAT3) are abnormally expressed in cervical cancer. In the research, we systematically analyzed the expression of STAT3 and phospho-STAT3(p-STAT3) in cervical cancer tissues and their correlation with clinicopathological features in patients with cervical cancer. We searched literature using PubMed, Web of Science and China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI) on 10th Dec, 2020. Our results showed that the expression of STAT3 and p-STAT3 in cervical cancer tissues was significantly higher than that in normal tissues and cervical intraepithelial lesions, and the expression of STAT3 in cervical intraepithelial lesions was higher than that in normal cervical tissues (P < 0.05). The expression of STAT3 in cervical squamous cell carcinoma tissue was higher than that in adenocarcinoma tissue(p < 0.05). A positive association was found STAT3 expression and Lymph node metastasis, Infiltrating depth and TNM staging of cervical cancer patients(p < 0.05). p-STAT3 expression was also associated with Dedifferentiation, Lymph node metastasis and Depth of invasion(p < 0.05). According to oncomine database, STAT3 mRNA and DNA expression were obviously higher in cervical cancer tissue than cervix uteri tissue(p < 0.05). According to kmplotter, GEPIA and UALCAN databases, the expression of STAT3 in cervical cancer tissues is higher than that in normal tissues(p < 0.05), but it has no significant correlation with the prognosis of patients(p > 0.05). The high expression of STAT3 and p-STAT3 might be a potential marker for tumor occurrence and metastasis in cervical cancer patients.

Time-resolved Fluorescence Immunoassay (TRFIA) for the Simultaneous Detection of MMP-9 and Lp-PLA2 in Serum

Currently, atherosclerosis accounts for the majority of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide, and predicting the stability of atherosclerotic plaque is the main method to prevent atherosclerotic death. This study aims to establish a dual-label time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay (TRFIA) of matrix metalloprotein-9 (MMP-9) and lipoprotein-associated phospholipaseA2 (Lp-PLA2) to predict atherosclerotic plaque stability. A dual-label TRFIA was introduced for the simultaneous quantification of MMP-9 and Lp-PLA2 using fluorescent lanthanide (Eu³⁺ and Sm³⁺) chelates. The performance (sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, precision and reference intervals in different subjects) of this TRFIA was evaluated and compared with commercial kit. The sensitivity of the TRFIA for MMP-9 was 0.85 ng/mL and for Lp-PLA2 was 0.68 ng/mL with high affinity and specificity. The average recoveries were 94.58% to 109.82%, and 104.32% to 109.26%, respectively. All intra- and inter-assay CVs ranged from 3.10% to 5.46%. For the normal subjects, the cutoff value was 160.70 ng/mL for MMP-9 and 183.73 ng/mL for LP-PLA2; for the subjects with stable plaque, the cutoff value was 181.98~309.22 ng/mL for MMP-9 and 194.73~337.89 ng/mL for LP-PLA2; for the subjects with unstable plaque, the cutoff value was 330.43 ng/mL for MMP-9 and 343.23 ng/mL for LP-PLA2. This TRFIA detection results agreed well with the results of commercial kit (R²=0.9567 and R²=0.9771, respectively) in clinical serum samples. The TRFIA developed has a wide detection range and good sensitivity for the high-throughput simultaneous detection of MMP-9 and Lp-PLA2 in serum, which provides a new method for predicting the stability of atherosclerotic plaque.

Production of metallic ion beams by electron cyclotron resonance ion sources equipped with inductive heating ovens at the Institute of Modern Physics

A high-temperature oven based on the inductive heating technology was developed successfully at the Institute of Modern Physics in 2019. This oven features a durable operation temperature of over 2000 °C inside the tantalum susceptor. By carefully designing the oven structure, the material compatibility issue at high temperature has been successfully solved, which enables the production and routine operation of refractory metal ions with SECRAL-II (Superconducting Electron Cyclotron Resonance ion source with Advanced design in Lanzhou No. 2). To further apply this type of oven to the room temperature ECR ion sources LECR4 and LECR5 (Lanzhou Electron Cyclotron Resonance ion source No. 4 and 5), a mini-inductive heating oven has been fabricated and tested in 2020. By directly evaporating calcium oxide, some high charge state calcium beams have been produced successfully, such as 52 euA of ⁴⁰Ca¹⁶⁺, 30 euA of ⁴⁰Ca¹⁷⁺, and 12 euA of ⁴⁰Ca¹⁸⁺. The detailed design and testing results will be presented and discussed.

A new fluorescence method for detection of famotidine based on polyethyleneimine-templated Ag nanoclusters

A rapid, simple, inexpensive fluorescence analysis method for determination of famotidine based on polyethyleneimine (PEI)-capped Ag nanoclusters (PEI-Ag NCs) was developed. The study showed that addition of famotidine could cause efficient quenching of PEI-Ag NC fluorescence, as the presence of famotidine could cause aggregation of Ag NCs and quench its fluorescence. The sensitivity and selectivity of the method were investigated and experimental conditions such as buffer type, pH, temperature, and reaction time were optimized. Under optimized conditions, the results showed a linear profile from 3.7 × 10^-8 to 3.7 × 10^-5 mol/L, and had a detection limit of 1.6 × 10^-9 mol/L (S/N = 3).

m6A methyltransferase Wilms' tumor 1-associated protein facilitates cell proliferation and cisplatin resistance in NK/T cell lymphoma by regulating dual-specificity phosphatases 6 expression via m6A RNA methylation

Nasal-type natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTCL) is an aggressive malignancy with poor survival outcomes that is relatively resistant to chemotherapy. N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) modification, the most prevalent modification of eukaryotic messenger RNA, is involved in the progression of various tumors. However, it is unclear whether it has a physiological role in NKTCL development. To address this question, we probed its function and molecular mechanisms in NKTCL. Initially, we demonstrated that Wilms' tumor 1-associated protein (WTAP), a major RNA N6-adenosine methyltransferase, was obviously upregulated in human NKTCL cell lines (YTS and SNK-6 cells), compared with normal NK cells. Functionally, depletion of WTAP noticeably repressed proliferation and facilitated apoptosis in YTS and SNK-6 cells. Moreover, intervention of WTAP evidently prohibited NKTCL cell chemotherapy resistance to cisplatin, as reflected by a lower inhibition of cell viability and decreased expression of drug resistance-associated protein expression MRP-1 and P-gp in YTS and SNK-6 cells. With regard to the mechanism, we revealed that WTAP enhanced dual-specificity phosphatases 6 (DUSP6) expression by increasing m6A levels of DUSP6 mRNA transcript, leading to oncogenic functions in NKTCL. Interestingly, WTAP contributed to the progression and chemotherapy sensitivity of NKTCL by stabilizing DUSP6 mRNA in an m6A-dependent manner. Taken together, these findings uncovered a critical function for WTAP-guided m6A methylation and identified DUSP6 as an important target of m6A modification in the regulation of chemotherapy resistance in NKTCL oncogenesis. This study highlights WTAP as a potential therapeutic target of NKTCL treatment.

[Structure-activity relationship of coptis alkaloid bitterness inhibited by mPEG-PLLA]

Inhibition of bitterness is a significant measure to improve the compliance and clinical efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) decoction. According to the characteristics of TCM decoction, such as high dispersion of bitterness components, multi-component bitterness superposition and strong instantaneous stimulation, the research group put forward a new strategy to inhibit bitterness in the early stage based on the self-assembly characteristics of amphiphilic substances in aqueous solution, in order to reduce the distribution of bitterness components in real solution and achieve the purpose of bitter-masking. It was found that the bitter-masking effect of amphiphilic substances was different on the bitter compounds of various structures. Therefore, it was speculated that there might be a certain relationship between the bitter inhibition effect and the substrate structure. In this paper, the interaction between mPEG-PLLA and five bitter alkaloids(bamatine, jatrorrhizine, berberine, epiberberine and coptisine) in Coptidis Rhizoma was studied to explore the effect of substrate structure on the inhibition of bitterness. The sensory test of volunteers was used to determine the bitter-masking effect of mPEG-PLLA on the decoction of Coptidis Rhizoma and its main bitter alkaloids. The molecular docking and molecular force field were applied to locate the bitter groups and the bitter-masking parts. The relationship between the bitter strength and the structure was analyzed by the surface electrostatic potential of the bitter alkaloids, and the correlation between the bitter-masking effect and the structural parameters of the bitter components was explored by factor analysis, so as to clarify the structure-activity relationship of mPEG-PLLA in masking the bitterness of coptis alkaloids. It was found that mPEG-PLLA had significant taste masking effect on the decoction of Coptidis Rhizoma and five alkaloids. The masking effect was obviously related to the structure of different alkaloids: the effect increased with the increase of the number of hydrogen donors, rotatable bonds, molecular weight, and hydrophobicity, and decreased with the increase of surface electrostatic potential, electrophilicity and binding energy with bitter receptors. In this study, the influence of alkaloid structure of Coptidis Rhizoma on the butter-masking effect of mPEG-PLLA was preliminarily elucidated, providing a scientific basis for better exerting the bitter-masking effect of amphiphilic block copolymers.

Efficient all-optical router and beam splitter for light with orbital angular momentum

We propose an efficient scheme for realizing all-optical router or beam splitter (BS) by employing a double tripod-type atomic system, where the ground levels are coupled by two additional intensity-dependent weak microwave fields. We show that the high-dimensional probe field encoded in a degree of freedom of orbital angular momentum can be stored, retrieved, and manipulated. Due to the constructive or destructive interference between the introduced microwave fields and the atomic spin coherence, the generated stationary light pulses and the retrieved probe fields can be increased or decreased with high efficiency and fidelity in a controllable manner. On the basis of the results and a general extension, a tunable all-optical router or BS, which can split a high-dimensional probe field into two or more ones, can be achieved by actively operating the controlling fields and the microwave fields. The current scheme, integrating multiple functions and showing excellent performance, could greatly enhance the tunability and capacity for the all-optical information processing.

[Study advances of microwave processing technology in traditional Chinese medicine]

The iterative innovation of processing technology is one of the important tasks in studies on processing of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). It is also the prerequisite for modern, refined, automatic and intelligent manufacturing of TCM pieces. Microwave processing is a new fire processing technique developed in the recent 30 years, with a unique thermodynamic form, and energy transfer and transformation laws. Moreover, it owns the advantages of a high processing efficiency, good product properties and low production energy consumption, with great application prospects. This paper introduced the study overview of microwave expansion technology in the food industry, reviewed the origin of microwave processing technology of TCM, and expounded the basic concept, principle and main purpose of microwave processing technology used in TCM. Then, the impacts of drug factors and microwave factors on the microwave processing effect were summarized, the industrial equipment that could be used for microwave processing was listed, and the impacts of microwave heating on starch, polysaccharide, protein and other components in Chinese herbal medicines were analyzed. Furthermore, the study advance of microwave processing of 14 herbs was investigated, including Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparaia, Galli Gigerii Endothelium Corneum and Asini Corii Colla; and the appearance and components of herbs processed by traditional processing method and microwave processing method were compared, so as to reveal the opportunities and challenges of microwave processing technology in the industrial transformation. We hoped that the systematic study of microwave processing technology could provide new ideas and techniques for the high-quality and high-level development of the TCM pieces industry in the new era, and promote its inheritance, innovation and transformation.

[Progress on formation and taste-masking technology of stench of animal medicines]

Animal medicines have been called &quot;medicine with affinity to flesh and blood&quot; by doctors of all ages, which always act as an important branch of Chinese medicine. They have various types, extensive sources and long application history, with unique cli-nical effects in anti-coagulation, anti-thrombosis, anti-fatigue, immune regulation, anti-tumor, anti-convulsion and so on. Most animal medicines contain proteins, fatty acids, and trimethylamine oxides, which are prone to decomposition and produce substances such as biological amines, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, trimethylamine and ammonia with unpleasant odors. The stench produced by the combination of various odors can easily cause side effects such as nausea and vomiting, which would probably affect the drug compliance and clinical efficacy in patients, and block the development of high-quality animal medicines. At present, we have insufficient understanding on sources and formation mechanism of the stench of animal medicines, lacking development of taste-masking technology. Therefore, the universality, formation, vomiting mechanism, evaluation methods, and masking technology of stench of animal medicines were summarized in this paper, so as to deepen the recognition of stench, provide references for the development of animal medicines deodorization technology, enhance patients' compliance with animal medicines, and promote animal drugs to better serve public health in the new era.

Amphiphilic Block Copolymers: A Novel Substance for Bitter-Masking in Aqueous Solutions

It is a challenging task to suppress the bitterness of liquid preparations, especially for children. Bitter molecules are highly dispersible in liquids, leading to a strong and instant stimulation of the bitter receptors. At present, there is no effective way to correct this issue except for adding sweeteners, resulting in an unsatisfying taste. Based on the three-point contact theory, which is a universally accepted mechanism of bitterness formation, a new idea and application of amphiphilic block copolymers (ABCs) for bitterness suppression was proposed for the first time. We found that ABCs could widely inhibit the bitterness of four typical bitter substances. The mechanism is that ABCs self-assemble to form association colloids, which attract bitter components and reduce their distribution in the molecular form in solution. The bitter components were demonstrated to automatically embed in the spiral hydrophobic cavity of the hydrophobic chain of the ABCs, and their special interaction dispersed the positive electrostatic potential of bitter groups. The combination did not affect the pharmacokinetic parameters and pharmacodynamics of bitter drugs. These findings highlight the novel application of ABCs for the inhibition of bitterness and illuminate the underlying inhibition mechanisms.

[Investigation and analysis of quality of life of some pneumoconiosis patients in Hangzhou]

Objective: To understand the quality of life and influencing factors of patients with pneumoconiosis, and to provide a basis for formulating targeted improvement strategies to improve the quality of life. Methods: From April to December 2018, Questionnaire survey was conducted on patients with pneumoconiosis that diagnosed in Hangzhou Hospital for the Prevention and Treatment of Occupational Disease, using self-made questionnaire and SF-36.237 valid questionnaires were used to investigate the basic conditions, health services, social assistance and quality of life of patients, and analyze the influencing factors of quality of life. Results: Hangzhou city's some pneumoconiosis patients were mostly with monthly income <3000 yuan (72.6%, 172/237) ; more patients with medical expenses of 8000 to 25000 yuan per year (60.3%, 143/237) ; The proportion of patients receiving medical assistance and work-related injury insurance was low, at 2.1% (5/237) and 23.8% (54/227) respectively. The scores of Pneumoconiosis patients in PhysicalFunction (PF) , Role-Physical (RP) , Bodily Pain (BP) , General Health (GH) , Vitality (VT) , Social Function (SF) , Role-Emotional (RE) and Mental Health (MH) were lower than the national norm (P<0.05) . The scores from high to low were BP, SF, MH, PF, VT, RE, RP and GH. There were significant differences in the quality of life scores of pneumoconiosis patients with different ages, work types, education levels and monthly income (P<0.05) . Conclusion: The quality of life of some patients with pneumoconiosis in Hangzhou is lower than that of the general population. Age, work types, and monthly income are factors influencing quality of life.

Coherent generation and manipulation of entangled stationary photons based on a multiple degrees of freedom quantum memory

We propose a quantum memory, each subsystem of which is comprised of two double M-type systems of cold atoms, for the first generation of entangled stationary photons (ESPs). Through the active operation of two pairs of counter-propagating controlling fields in time, the reversible transfer of entanglement between photons and atomic ensembles is realized, and the ESPs can be created due to the tight coupling and balanced competition between the corresponding retrieved signal photons. The reduced density matrix in the photon-polarization basis, which provides the lower bound for any purported entanglement, is constructed for discussing the dynamics evolution of the entanglement in terms of the concurrence. We show that the present scheme can be employed for the entangled photons encoded in degrees of freedom (DOFs) of polarization and orbital angular momentum. Such a multiple DOFs dependent scheme, with many benefits over that in a single one, could pave the way toward quantum nonlinear optics without a cavity and could greatly enhance the tunability and capacity for the quantum information processing.

Exploration on the Approaches of Diverse Sedimentations in Polyphenol Solutions: An Integrated Chain of Evidence Based on the Physical Phase, Chemical Profile, and Sediment Elements

Triphala is a famous herbal formula originated in Asia and is popular in America. Due to the high abundance of polyphenols, its oral liquid is unstable and easy to cause precipitate, which results in the loss of activities. However, complex composition and unclear precipitation mechanism hinders the improvement of stability. In this study, the accumulation of precipitation in the storage and its effect on activity were investigated. Then, an integrated chain of evidence was proposed based on the physical phase, chemical profile, and sediment elements. The results showed that antioxidant activity decreased from IC₅₀ 115 to 146 μl before and after 90 days of storage, and the anti-fatigue activity decreased from 30.54 to 28.47 min. Turbiscan Lab Expert observed that particle size increased from 106 to 122 nm, and the turbiscan stability index increased from 0 to 14, which indicated that its stability is continuously decreasing. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprint coupled with multivariate statistical analysis identified that these chemical markers changed significantly, such as gallic acid, catechins, and ellagic acid. Loss of catechins tends to be involved in the formation of phlobaphene precipitation. The fact that the new-born ellagic acid in precipitation (0.47 mg/ml) is significantly higher than that reduced in solution (0.25 mg/ml) indicates that it is not only derived from colloid aging. Microscopic observation combined with energy spectrum analysis further confirmed the existence of the multi-precipitates. The crystalline precipitate is ellagic acid, and the other is phlobaphene. In conclusion, based on the evidence chain analysis, this study revealed a systematic change of the whole polyphenol solution system. It provides a novel perspective to understand the sedimentation formation of polyphenol solution, which is an important theoretical contribution to the preparation of polyphenol solutions.

Accurate global potential energy surface by extrapolation to the complete basis set limit and dynamics studies for ground state of H2S. Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc 2019;219:267-273. [PMID: 31048256 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2019.04.051]

The atomic ions with hydrogen reactions play important role in biological chemistry, atmospheric and combustion chemistry. In this work, a full three-dimensional global many-body expansion potential energy surface (PES) for the ground state of H₂S^-(²A') is reported for the first time, since there is almost no investigations can accurately and completely describe the PES. It is obtained using many-body expansion theory and an extensive set of accurate ab initio energies extrapolated to the complete basis set limit, for improving the accuracy of the potential energy surface. The topographical features of the new three-dimensional global potential energy surface are examined in detail, and found to be in good agreement with theoretical and experimental results. To better test the reaction, such a surface was applied to quasi classical trajectory calculations for S^-(²P)+H₂(¹Σ_g⁺)→SH^-(¹Σ)+H(²S) reaction. The integral cross sections, differential cross sections and the rate coefficients have been computed. Results indicate that such a work can be recommended for corresponding atmospheric dynamics studies and as building blocks for constructing the many body expansion potential energy surface of larger S^-/H containing systems.

[The study on behaviour of protective equipment utilization of workers exposed to benzene and factors based on Planned Behavior Theory]

Objective: To investigate and predict the behavioral intention and mode of the protective equipment utilization selection of the workers who used Benzene, the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) was applied to establish the behavioral model to enhance the theoretical foundation for long-term intervention. Methods: Questionnaires were used to survey the 707 workers, and all the behaviors of using protective equipment were investigated. Evaluate the relationships between each variable and obtain the influence affects by structural equation model. Results: The investigation showed that 38.47% of the total workers (272 cases) used whole body protection, 13.58% used partially, and 16.69% didn't use any body protection. There were significant difference between the varying degrees in the four dimensions (behavioral attitude, perceived behavior control, subjective norm, and behavioral intention) (P<0.01) . The results of structural equation model revealed that perceived behavior control was the most important influencing factor, subjective norm, positive attitude, negative attitude were the other three respects in sequence. The path co-efficient were 0.600、0.215、0.141 and 0.046 respectively. Conclusion: The study show that the theory of planned behavior can effectively explain the behavioral intention and behavior of protective equipment utilization. Therefore, combining the subjective initiative of individuals with the supervision of enterprises, In order to effectively enhance the protective equipment utilization of benzene workers.

[An investigation of lanthanum and other metals levels in blood, urine and hair among residents in the rare earth mining area of a city in China]

Objective: To investigate the levels of lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, and neodymium in the blood, urine, and hair samples from residents in the rare earth mining area of a city in China, and to provide a scientific basis for the control of rare earth pollution and the protection of population health. Methods: A total of 147 residents who had lived in the rare earth mining area of a city for a long time were selected as the exposure group, and 108 residents in Guyang County of this city who lived 91 km away from the rare earth mining area were selected as the control group. Blood, urine, and hair samples were collected from the residents in both groups. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to determine the content of lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, and neodymium in blood, urine, and hair samples. Results: In the exposure group, the median levels of lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, and neodymium were 0.854, 1.724, 0.132, and 0.839 μg/L, respectively, in blood samples, 0.420, 0.920, 0.055, and 0.337 μg/L, respectively, in urine samples, and 0.052, 0.106, 0.012, and 0.045 μg/g, respectively, in hair samples. The exposure group had significantly higher levels of the four rare earth elements in blood, urine, and hair samples than the control group (P<0.01) . Conclusion: The residents in the rare earth mining area of this city have higher content of lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, and neodymium in blood, urine, and hair than those in the non-mining area; the content of cerium is highest, followed by lanthanum, neodymium, and praseodymium.

Efficient images storage via modulating the atomic spin coherence in a N-type system

A four-level N-type cold atomic system is proposed for optimizing images storage based on the electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT). Both analytical analysis and numerical simulation clearly show that the application, during the storage time, of an additional intensity-modulated signal field and an additional microwave field can impose an intensity and a phase-dependent factors on the atomic spin coherence in a controlled manner, then the amplitude of the retrieved images can be increased or decreased with an enhancement in the visibility. Our results are very promising for the realization of all-optical information processing of images coherently stored in EIT media in the future.

[Experimental observation of hyperbaric oxygen combined with radioactive seed implantation in the treatment of nude mice bearing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the effect and mechanism of hyperbaric oxygen combined with radioactive seed implantation in the treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Methods: Subcutaneous tumor model of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma using TE-8 cells was established. Tumor bearing Balb/c(nu/nu) mice (60 mice) were divided into four groups, Cont group that treated with normal oxygen level, HBO group that treated with hyperbaric oxygen, RSI group that treated with radioactive seed implantation, and HBO+ RSI group that treated with hyperbaric oxygen combined with radioactive seed implantation. Tumor volume ratio and mean survival time of tumor bearing mice were observed. Pathological changes of tumor tissue after treatment were observed by hematoxylin eosin (HE) staining. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay kit was used to detect oxidative stress. Apoptosis related proteins were detected by Western blot. Results: After treatment, the tumor volume ratio of HBO+ RSI group was 3.51±0.80 and was significantly lower than that of Cont group, HBO group, and RSI group (P<0.05). The mean survival time of HBO+ RSI group tumor bearing mice was 62 d and was significantly longer than that in Cont group, HBO group, and RSI group (P<0.05). HE staining showed that the pathological changes of tumor tissues were most obvious in HBO+ RSI group. After treatment, the MDA and Bax levels in nude mice of HBO+ RSI group were significantly higher than those in Cont group, HBO group and RSI group, but the levels of GSH, SOD and Bcl-2 were significantly lower than those of Cont group, HBO group and RSI group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Hyperbaric oxygen combined with radioactive seed implantation could slow tumor growth and increase survival time of tumor bearing mice. The possible mechanism is that hyperbaric oxygen combined with radioactive seed implantation can improve the oxidative stress response and the expression of apoptosis protein in tumor bearing nude mice.

[Response and prognosis of neoadjuvant dose-dense or standard schedule chemotherapy with anthracyclines and taxanes for Luminal B breast cancer]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant dose-dense or standard schedule chemotherapy with anthracyclines and taxanes for Luminal B (HER2-)Breast Cancer. Methods: From January 2010 to December 2014, 168 Luminal B (HER2-) breast cancer patients with stageⅡA-ⅢC confirmed by pathology were randomly assigned to receive one of the following regimens: (group A) concurrent TEC× 4 every 3 weeks, ( group B ) sequential EC× 4-T × 4 every 3 weeks, (group C ) dose-dense TEC× 4 every 2 weeks with G-CSF, (group D) sequential EC× 4(dose-dense)-T × 4 with dose-dense every 2 weeks . Results: A total of 168 patients completed the neoadjuvant chemotherapy as planned. The pathologic complete response (pCR) was 16.8% in the 4 groups.The pCR were 30.9% and 26.1% in the group C and group D respectively, significantly higher than patients with group A and group B(9.5%and 7.1%) ( P<0.05). Median follow-up was 43 months (IQR 3-63). The 3-year disease free survival (DFS) rate was 64.7%, 55.5%, 87.8% and 92.1% and the 3-year overall survival(OS)rate was 79.4%, 77.7%, 95.1%, 97.3% in the 4 groups respectively. Patients in the dose-dense group had better 3-year DFS and 3-year OS than those with the regular group.The side-effects could be evaluated in 154 patients.The incidence of neutropenia was 29.2% and 21.9% in the group C and group D versus 65.7%and 51.3% in the regular group(P<0.05), the incidence of nervous toxicity was 54.2%, 18.9%, 60.0%, 26.8% in the 4 groups respectively. The incidence of nervous toxicity in the dose-dense group was lower than that in the regular regimen group(P<0.05). Conclusion: Neoadjuvant dose-dense chemotherapy with anthracyclines and taxanes for Luminal B (HER2-)Breast Cancer was effective and can improve the pCR, DFS and OS.Comparing the two dose dense regimens, sequentially with anthracyclines and taxanes, the incidence of nervous toxicity were lower.

Study on the stability control strategy of Triphala solution based on the balance of physical stability and chemical stabilities

Triphala is a well-known prescription in Indian Ayurveda and TCM medicine for its great effect on gingivitis and hyperlipidemia. However, its solution is unstable for the containing of excessive polyphenol, leading to the production of sediment in the short term and the decrease of efficacy. Based on the analysis of sediment formation, a novel control strategy is proposed. To conduct the analysis, the sediment formation was recorded for a consecutive five days. The changes in the composition of the supernatant and the sediment were studied by the HPLC profile analysis. The main components of the sediment were identified as corilagin, ellagic acid and gallic acid, and the amount of ellagic acid sediment increased with the storage time. Then, with a series of pH status adjustments of the Triphala solution, the physical and chemical stabilities were acquired by Turbiscan and HPLC respectively. The results showed that as the pH value increased, so did the physical stability, but the particle size and TSI of the association decreased. While the fingerprint of chemical profile similarity decreased, so did the chemical stability. Combining physical and chemical stability parameters, an equilibrium point was found out. When the pH value was adjusted to 5.0, both the physical and chemical stabilities were better: the verification test showed that the sedimentation inhibition rates on the 3rd, 5th,10th and15th days were 41%, 55%, 41%, and 23%, respectively. This manuscript provided a new control strategy that will pique pharmaceutical and food development engineers' interest and trigger research ideas controlling the quality of decoction.

Analysis of serum microRNA expression in male workers with occupational noise-induced hearing loss

Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) is a prevalent occupational disorder that impairs auditory function in workers exposed to prolonged noise. However, serum microRNA expression in ONIHL subjects has not yet been studied. We aimed to compare the serum microRNA expression profiles in male workers of ONIHL subjects and controls. MicroRNA microarray analysis revealed that four serum microRNAs were differentially expressed between controls (n=3) and ONIHL subjects (n=3). Among these microRNAs, three were upregulated (hsa-miR-3162-5p, hsa-miR-4484, hsa-miR-1229-5p) and one was downregulated (hsa-miR-4652-3p) in the ONIHL group (fold change >1.5 and P_bon value <0.05). Real time quantitative PCR was conducted for validation of the microRNA expression. Significantly increased serum levels of miR-1229-5p were found in ONIHL subjects compared to controls (n=10 for each group; P<0.05). A total of 659 (27.0%) genes were predicted as the target genes of miR-1229-5p. These genes were involved in various pathways, such as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Overexpression of miR-1229-5p dramatically inhibited the luciferase activity of 3′ UTR segment of MAPK1 (P<0.01). Compared to the negative control, HEK293T cells expressing miR-1229-5p mimics showed a significant decline in mRNA levels of MAPK1 (P<0.05). This preliminary study indicated that serum miR-1229-5p was significantly elevated in ONIHL subjects. Increased miR-1229-5p may participate in the pathogenesis of ONIHL through repressing MAPK1 signaling.

[Anomalous systemic arterial supply to normal basal segments of the lower lobe: three cases reports and literature review]

Objective: To improve the clinical recognition of anomalous systemic arterial supply to normal basal segments of the lower lobe in clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment. Methods: Three cases were presented and related literatures were reviewed. A literature review was performed with"anomalous systemic arterial supply to normal lower lobe of the lung","anomalous systemic arterial supply to normal basal segments of the lower lobe"and"anomalous systemic arterial supply to normal basal segments of the left lower lobe of the lung"as key words in Pubmed, Embase, Ovid, Wanfang database and CNKI. Result: Our 3 cases were male, with an average age of 36 years old; all of them were admitted with hemoptysis. Left lower lobectomy was performed in 2 cases, and the other 1 case underwent endovascular embolization. 26 related articles were retrieved and our 3 cases were included in this study with a total of 57 cases. The ratio of male to female was 2∶1 (38∶19), with an average age of about 35 years old. The most common symptom was hemoptysis (26/57), followed by asymptomatic (22/57). The main treatments included left lower lobectomy (17/47) and endovascular embolization of anomalous systemic artery (13/47). Conclusions: This disease is more common in male, and the most common symptom is hemoptysis. When chest CT scan shows a nodular retrocardiac density with hemoptysis symptom, clinicians and radiologists should raise suspicion of anomalous systemic arterial supply to normal basal segments of the lower lobe. Chest contrast-enhanced CT scan is an appropriate imaging method to confirm diagnosis. The main treatments include left lower lobectomy and endovascular embolization. For asymptomatic patient, observation may be an acceptable option.

[Screening on key techniques used for surveillance and disposal of public health emergencies]

Objective: To explore the key techniques used for surveillance and disposal of infectious diseases, food poisoning and hospital infection to improve the ability of surveillance and disposal on public health emergency. Methods: Framework on surveillance and disposal of infectious diseases, food poisoning and hospital infection was set up, based on literature review and expert group discussion. Delphi method and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution comprehensive evaluation method were used for ordering preference by similarity, to screen key techniques set for surveillance and disposal of the above said events. Results: Framework to be used for selecting key techniques was designed, based on the classification of emergency events, processing cycle of emergency events and level of techniques. Twenty six public health experts were selected for a 2-round consultation, with their authority as 0.796. Ten key techniques with important significance for surveillance and disposal of infectious diseases, food poisoning and hospital infection were selected from each event. Among these key techniques, the early-warning system was recognized as the key technique, important for the surveillance and disposal of all three emergency events. Items as technology used for unknown pathogenic microorganism detection, personal protection, gene sequencing and tracing technology, microorganism molecular typing technology, nucleic acid detection technology etc. were the key techniques and need to develop for the surveillance and disposal of infectious diseases and iatrogenic infection. Data regarding key technologies on security and privacy, early warning and forecasting, field rapid detection were sorted out that all in need to improve the surveillance programs on disposal of infectious diseases and food poisoning. Data exchange appeared another key technique on infectious diseases, with toxin detection and other 5 techniques the key techniques for food poisoning. Data collection, standardization and other 3 techniques appeared as the key techniques on iatrogenic infection. Conclusions: Key techniques were selected in this study to meet the requirements of surveillance, disposal of infectious disease, food poisoning and iatrogenic infection. Authority of the experts got improved in the two-round consultation, ensuring the reliability of the results of screening and providing a scientific basis for the further research and priority development of the key techniques.

[Effects of trabecular metal augments for the reconstruction of Paprosky type Ⅲ acetabulum bone defects]

Objective: To investigate the methods and short-time clinical results of reconstruction of Paprosky type Ⅲ acetabulum bone defects by using tantalum augments. Methods: A total of 17 patients (17 hips) with Paprosky type Ⅲ acetabulum bone defects, treated with tantalum augments in revision of total hip arthroplasty at Department of Orthopedics Surgery in General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army were retrospectively analyzed from March 2014 to May 2016.There were 6 males and 11 females aged from 23 to 74 years with an average of (50.2±16.3) years. Tantalum augments or TM-Cup augment (the cup-on-cup technique) were used to reconstruct the defects.The TM-Cup augment was the tantalum revision cup which was removed titanium ring. The cup-on-cup technique combined TM-Cup augment and biological acetabulum cup. Augments were served as the nonresorptive structural allograft in revision of total hip arthroplasty. Harris hip score was used to evaluate clinical effects. The vertical position of the rotation center was measured and analyzed. Radiographic assessments of the acetabular components were performed by DeLee-Charnley and the Anderson criteria and recorded postoperative complications. Results: All the patients were followed up from 3 to 29 months with an average of (16.2±5.4) months, tantalum augments and biological acetabulum cup were used in 13 patients, the TM-Cup augment and biological acetabulum cup were used in 4 patients. At the time of the latest follow-up, the mean Harris hip score increased compared to preoperatively (86.8±8.3 vs. 30.0±12.0) (t=12.78, P<0.01), the average vertical location of the center of rotation was decreased ((25.3±9.8) mm vs.(47.6±10.5)) mm (t=4.95, P<0.01). All the tantalum augments and biological acetabulum cups were stable, there were no infection, dislocation and other complications. Conclusions: The use of tantalum augments could be considered as an effective management of Paprosky type Ⅲ defects providing good clinical and radiographic outcomes in the short term.The cup-on-cup technique which was used in reconstruction of severe superior-invagination acetabular bone defects and restoration relatively normal center of rotation had special application value.

Association of genetic variations in miR-146a rs2910164 and miR-149 rs11614913 with the development of classic Kaposi sarcoma

Classic Kaposi sarcoma is a type of vascular proliferative inflammatory disease. Previous studies have reported significant associations between microRNAs expression and the development of classic Kaposi sarcoma. Here, we conducted a case-control study to investigate the association between miR-146a and miR-149 genetic polymorphisms and risk of classic Kaposi sarcoma in a Chinese population. Both classic Kaposi sarcoma patients and healthy controls were recruited between December 2013 and October 2015. Genotyping of miR-146a and miR-149 was performed by polymerase chain reaction-coupled with restriction fragment length polymorphism. Results showed that the GG genotype of miR-146a was associated with increased risk to classic Kaposi sarcoma (OR = 6.00, 95%CI = 1.19-30.12), as compared with the CC genotype. In the recessive model, we found that the GG genotype carried a 4.55-fold increased risk to classic Kaposi sarcoma as compared with the CC + CG genotype (OR = 2.06, 95%CI = 1.04-20.29). In conclusion, our study demonstrated that miR-146a, but not miR-149 polymorphism, is associated with risk to classic Kaposi sarcoma in the Chinese population.

Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic relationships of the three-spot swimming crab (Portunus sanguinolentus)

In this study, we determined the whole mitochondrial genome profile of the three-spot swimming crab (Portunus sanguinolentus) and elucidated phylogenetic relationships between representative species in the order Decapoda. The mitochondrial genome was 16,024 bp in length and consisted of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and a putative control region. Of the 37 genes, 23 were encoded by the heavy strand while 14 were encoded by the light strand. Four types of start codons were identified; ATG initiated nine genes, ATT initiated two genes, and ATC and GTG each started one gene. Nine protein-coding genes ended with a complete TAA or TAG stop codon, and four genes ended with an incomplete T or TA codon. Fourteen non-coding regions were found, which ranged from 1 to 34 bp in length. Nine overlaps were observed, with lengths between 1 and 7 bp. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that P. sanguinolentus is genetically closest to P. trituberculatus and P. pelagicus. Charybdis feriata, C. japonica, and Thalamita crenata formed a single cluster, and were close to the genera Callinectes and Portunus. Therefore, the genera Charybdis and Thalamita should be classified into the subfamily Portuninae.

Optimization of selective breeding through analysis of morphological traits in Chinese sea bass (Lateolabrax maculatus)

Determining correlations between certain traits of economic importance constitutes an essential component of selective activities. In this study, our aim was to provide effective indicators for breeding programs of Lateolabrax maculatus, an important aquaculture species in China. We analyzed correlations between 20 morphometric traits and body weight, using correlation and path analyses. The results indicated that the correlations among all 21 traits were highly significant, with the highest correlation coefficient identified between total length and body weight. The path analysis indicated that total length (X₁), body width (X₅), distance from first dorsal fin origin to anal fin origin (X₁₀), snout length (X₁₆), eye diameter (X₁₇), eye cross (X₁₈), and slanting distance from snout tip to first dorsal fin origin (X₁₉) significantly affected body weight (Y) directly. The following multiple-regression equation was obtained using stepwise multiple-regression analysis: Y = -472.108 + 1.065X₁ + 7.728X₅ + 1.973X₁₀ - 7.024X₁₆ - 4.400X₁₇ - 3.338X₁₈ + 2.138X₁₉, with an adjusted multiple-correlation coefficient of 0.947. Body width had the largest determinant coefficient, as well as the highest positive direct correlation with body weight. At the same time, high indirect effects with six other morphometric traits on L. maculatus body weight, through body width, were identified. Hence, body width could be a key factor that efficiently indicates significant effects on body weight in L. maculatus.

Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of Portunus pelagicus with implications for phylogenomics

This study determined the mitochondrial genome structure of the blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus), and elucidated its phylogenetic relationships among the species within the order Decapoda. The complete mitochondrial genome was 16,155 bp long, and contained 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and 1 DNA control region. The gene order of the genome was the same as that found within the family Portunidae. Twenty-three genes were on the heavy strand and 14 were on the light strand. Almost all of the protein-coding genes were initiated by an ATG codon, except for three genes (ATP6, ND1, and ND3) that started with a rare ATT codon. Of the 13 protein-coding genes, 10 ended with complete TAA or TAG stop codons and three ended with an incomplete T codon. Thirteen non-coding regions were identified that ranged from 1 to 30 bp in length. Nine overlaps were found, which ranged 1 to 7 bp in length. Phylogenetic analyses based on 12 concatenated protein-coding genes revealed that P. pelagicus formed a monophyletic group with Portunus trituberculatus, which were in a larger group with Callinectes sapidus, while the genera Charybdis and Thalamita formed another group. These two groups clustered together and grouped with the genus Scylla. The phylogenetic analysis supported the inclusion of Charybdis in subfamily Portuninae of the family Portunidae, and revealed a close relationship between Charybdis and Thalamita. We suggest that Thalamita should also be classified into the subfamily Portuninae. The results can be used in the study of phylogenetic, population genetic and conservation genetics of P. pelagicus.

[Advances in diagnosis and treatment of hepatopulmonary syndrome]

Hepatopulmonary syndrome is a disease with abnormal gas exchange caused by liver diseases, with the feature of abnormal oxygenation caused by intrapulmonary vasodilation. This article introduces the pathogenesis, natural course, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic measures of this disease and discusses potential therapeutic measures besides liver transplantation.

A rice LSD1-like-type ZFP gene OsLOL5 enhances saline-alkaline tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana, yeast and rice

Background

Zinc finger proteins (ZFPs) play an important role in regulating plant responses to abiotic stress. However, little is known about the function of LSD1-like-type ZFP in saline-alkaline (SA) stress resistance of rice. In this study, OsLOL5 (GenBank No. AJ620677), containing two LSD1-like-type C2C2 domains, was isolated and analyzed its protection roles in transgenic plants and yeast. OsLOL5 was located in the nucleus as evidenced by the bombardment of onion epidermal cells.

Results

OsLOL5 expression significantly increased in rice leaves and roots under 150 mmol L-1 NaCl, 30 mM NaHCO₃, and 10 mmol L-1 H₂O₂ treatment, respectively. Overexpression of OsLOL5 in yeast resulted in SA tolerance at significant level. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants overexpressing OsLOL5 grew well in the presence ofboth NaCl and NaHCO₃ treatments, whereas wild-type plants exhibited chlorosis, stunted growth phenotype, and even death. SA stress caused significant changes in the malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in non-transgenic plants compared with those in transgenic lines. Transgenic rice overexpressing OsLOL5 exhibited stronger resistance than NT under NaHCO₃ treatment, as demonstrated by its greater shoot length, and fresh weight. The genes associated with oxidative stress, such as OsAPX2, OsCAT, OsCu/Zn-SOD, and OsRGRC2, were significantly upregulated in OsLOL5-overexpressing rice. The results suggested that OsLOL5 improved SA tolerance in plants, and regulated oxidative and salinity stress retardation via the active oxygen detoxification pathway.

Conclusions

The yeast INVScI bacterium grew significantly better than the control strain under NaCl, NaHCO₃, and H₂O₂ treatments. These findings illustrated that OsLOL5 overexpression enhanced yeast resistance for SA stress through active oxygen species. The present study showed that the OsLOL5 genes involved in the ROS signaling pathways may combine with the model plant Arabidopsis and rice in LDS1-type ZFP by ROS signaling pathways that regulate cell necrosis. We speculated that the OsLOL5 active oxygen scavenging system may have coordinating roles. The present study further revealed that OsLOL5 ZFP could regulate oxidative stress function, but could also provide a basis for salt-resistant rice strains.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-016-2460-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Advancement of highly charged ion beam production by superconducting ECR ion source SECRAL (invited)

At Institute of Modern Physics (IMP), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the superconducting Electron Cyclotron Resonance (ECR) ion source SECRAL (Superconducting ECR ion source with Advanced design in Lanzhou) has been put into operation for about 10 years now. It has been the main working horse to deliver intense highly charged heavy ion beams for the accelerators. Since its first plasma at 18 GHz, R&D work towards more intense highly charged ion beam production as well as the beam quality investigation has never been stopped. When SECRAL was upgraded to its typical operation frequency 24 GHz, it had already showed its promising capacity of very intense highly charged ion beam production. And it has also provided the strong experimental support for the so called scaling laws of microwave frequency effect. However, compared to the microwave power heating efficiency at 18 GHz, 24 GHz microwave heating does not show the ω(2) scale at the same power level, which indicates that microwave power coupling at gyrotron frequency needs better understanding. In this paper, after a review of the operation status of SECRAL with regard to the beam availability and stability, the recent study of the extracted ion beam transverse coupling issues will be discussed, and the test results of the both TE01 and HE11 modes will be presented. A general comparison of the performance working with the two injection modes will be given, and a preliminary analysis will be introduced. The latest results of the production of very intense highly charged ion beams, such as 1.42 emA Ar(12+), 0.92 emA Xe(27+), and so on, will be presented.

Status of intense permanent magnet proton source for China-accelerator driven sub-critical system Linac

Two compact intense 2.45 GHz permanent magnet proton sources and their corresponding low energy beam transport (LEBT) system were developed successfully for China accelerator driven sub-critical system in 2014. Both the proton sources operate at 35 kV potential. The beams extracted from the ion source are transported by the LEBT, which is composed of two identical solenoids, to the 2.1 MeV Radio-Frequency Quadrupole (RFQ). In order to ensure the safety of the superconducting cavities during commissioning, an electrostatic-chopper has been designed and installed in the LEBT line that can chop the continuous wave beam into a pulsed one. The minimum width of the pulse is less than 10 μs and the fall/rise time of the chopper is about 20 ns. The performance of the proton source and the LEBT, such as beam current, beam profile, emittance and the impact to RFQ injection will be presented.

The development of a room temperature electron cyclotron resonance ion source (Lanzhou electron cyclotron resonance ion source No. 4) with evaporative cooling technology at Institute of Modern Physics

LECR4 (Lanzhou electron cyclotron resonance ion source No. 4) has been successfully constructed at IMP and has also been connected with the Low Energy Beam Transport (LEBT) and Radio Frequency Quadrupole (RFQ) systems. These source magnet coils are cooled through evaporative cooling technology, which is the first attempt with an ECR ion source in the world. The maximum mirror field is 2.5 T (with iron plug) and the effective plasma chamber volume is 1.2 l. It was designed to be operated at 18 GHz and aimed to produce intense multiple charge state heavy ion beams for the linear injector project SSC-Linac at IMP. In February 2014, the first analyzed beam at 18 GHz was extracted. During about three months' commissioning, some outstanding results have been achieved, such as 1.97 emA of O(6+), 1.7 emA of Ar(8+), 1.07 emA of Ar(9+), and 118 euA of Bi(28+). The source has also successfully delivered O(5+) and Ar(8+) ion beams for RFQ commissioning in April 2014. This paper will give a brief overview of the design of LECR4. Then, the latest results of this source at 18 GHz will be presented.

Characteristics of growth traits and their effects on body weight of G₁ individuals in the mud crab (Scylla paramamosain)

The mud crab (Scylla paramamosain) is considered a potentially important marine crab species for selective breeding. Here, we first examined sex ratio and differences in 16 growth traits between females and males in a G1 population of S. paramamosain, and we then analyzed the correlation between these growth traits and their effects on body weight (BW). Of these growth traits, nine were significantly different between sexes. In females, the correlation coefficients in all trait pairs ranged from 0.524 to 0.997. The traits carapace length (CL) and distance between lateral spine 2 (DLS2) significantly affected BW directly, with the path coefficients being 1.124 and -0.186, respectively. The determination coefficients of traits CL and DLS2 to BW were 1.263 and 0.035 with the total value being 0.951, indicating that the two traits were the key factors affecting BW. In males, the correlation coefficients in all trait pairs ranged from 0.881 to 0.999. The three traits body height (BH), fixed finger height of the claw (FFHC), and meropodite length of pereopod 2 (MLP2) significantly affected BW directly, with the path coefficients being 0.484, 0.300, and 0.225, respectively. The determination coefficients of traits BH, FFHC and MLP2 to BW were 0.234, 0.090 and 0.051, with the total value being 0.967, indicating that these three traits played a key role in affecting BW. Moreover, we constructed two best-fit linear regression equations, which were Y (BW) = 4.969 X1 (CL) - 0.758 X2 (DLS2) - 140.177 and Y (BW) = 3.806 X1 (BH) + 2.371 X2 (FFHC) + 1.725 X3 (MLP2) - 123.559 in females and males, respectively.

A 2.45 GHz intense proton source and low energy beam transport system for China Initiative Accelerator Driven Sub-Critical reactor system

At Institute of Modern Physics, a cw 35 keV, 20 mA intense proton source and the low energy beam transport system (LEBT) have been developed for China Initiative Accelerator Driven Sub-Critical reactor system. In order to ensure high quality transmission of the intense ion beam from the exit of ion source to Radio Frequency Quadrupole (RFQ), a low energy beam transport line is used to focus beam to the RFQ entrance and match the Twiss parameters to the RFQ requirements. The 35 keV, 20 mA ion beam extracted by a three-electrode extraction system from the ion source passes through the LEBT to the RFQ entrance and the root-mean-square emittance is measured to be less than 0.2 π mm mrad. The commissioning results of the ion source and low energy beam transport system are described in this paper. The beam quality and transmission efficiency are also studied.

[HPLC fingerprint of flavonoids in Sophora flavescens and determination of five components]

A simple and reliable method of high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection (HPLC-DAD) was developed to evaluate the quality of a traditional Chinese medicine Sophora flavescens through establishing chromatographic fingerprint and simultaneous determination of five flavonoids, including trifolirhizin, maackiain, kushenol I, kurarinone and sophoraflavanone G. The optimal conditions of separation and detection were achieved on an ULTIMATE XB-C18 column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) with a gradient of acetonitrile and water, detected at 295 nm. In the chromatographic fingerprint, 13 peaks were selected as the characteristic peaks to assess the similarities of different samples collected from different origins in China according to similarity evaluation for chromatographic fingerprint of traditional chinese medicine (2004AB) and principal component analysis (PCA) were used in data analysis. There were significant differences in the fingerprint chromatograms between S. flavescens and S. tonkinensis. Principal component analysis showed that kurarinone and sophoraflavanone G were the most important component. In quantitative analysis, the five components showed good regression (R > 0.999) with linear ranges, and their recoveries were in the range of 96.3% - 102.3%. This study indicated that the combination of quantitative and chromatographic fingerprint analysis can be readily utilized as a quality control method for S. flavescens and its related traditional Chinese medicinal preparations.

A low energy beam transport system for proton beam

A low energy beam transport (LEBT) system has been built for a compact pulsed hadron source (CPHS) at Tsinghua University in China. The LEBT, consisting of two solenoids and three short-drift sections, transports a pulsed proton beam of 60 mA of energy of 50 keV to the entrance of a radio frequency quadrupole (RFQ). Measurement has shown a normalized RMS beam emittance less than 0.2 π mm mrad at the end of the LEBT. Beam simulations were carried out to compare with the measurement and are in good agreement. Based on the successful CPHS LEBT development, a new LEBT for a China ADS projector has been designed. The features of the new design, including a beam chopper and beam simulations of the LEBT are presented and discussed along with CPHS LEBT development in this article.