[Clinical and molecular biological characterization of patients with accelerated chronic lymphocytic leukemia]

Objective: To investigate the clinical and molecular biological characteristics of patients with accelerated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (aCLL) . Methods: From January 2020 to October 2022, the data of 13 patients diagnosed with aCLL at The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were retrospectively analyzed to explore the clinical and molecular biological characteristics of aCLL. Results: The median age of the patients was 54 (35-72) years. Prior to aCLL, five patients received no treatment for CLL/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), while the other patients received treatment, predominantly with BTK inhibitors. The patients were diagnosed with aCLL through pathological confirmation upon disease progression. Six patients exhibited bulky disease (lesions with a maximum diameter ≥5 cm). Positron emission tomography (PET) -computed tomography (CT) images revealed metabolic heterogeneity, both between and within lesions, and the median maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of the lesion with the most elevated metabolic activity was 6.96 (2.51-11.90). Patients with unmutated IGHV CLL accounted for 76.9% (10/13), and the most frequent genetic and molecular aberrations included +12 [3/7 (42.9% ) ], ATM mutation [6/12 (50% ) ], and NOTCH1 mutation [6/12 (50% ) ]. Twelve patients received subsequent treatment. The overall response rate was 91.7%, and the complete response rate was 58.3%. Five patients experienced disease progression, among which two patients developed Richter transformation. Patients with aCLL with KRAS mutation had worse progression-free survival (7.0 month vs 26.3 months, P=0.015) . Conclusion: Patients with aCLL exhibited a clinically aggressive course, often accompanied by unfavorable prognostic factors, including unmutated IGHV, +12, ATM mutation, and NOTCH1 mutation. Patients with CLL/SLL with clinical suspicion of disease progression, especially those with bulky disease and PET-CT SUVmax ≥5, should undergo biopsy at the site of highest metabolic uptake to establish a definitive pathological diagnosis.

Machine learning applications for the prediction of extended length of stay in geriatric hip fracture patients

BACKGROUND

Geriatric hip fractures are one of the most common fractures in elderly individuals, and prolonged hospital stays increase the risk of death and complications. Machine learning (ML) has become prevalent in clinical data processing and predictive models. This study aims to develop ML models for predicting extended length of stay (eLOS) among geriatric patients with hip fractures and to identify the associated risk factors.

AIM

To develop ML models for predicting the eLOS among geriatric patients with hip fractures, identify associated risk factors, and compare the performance of each model.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted at a single orthopaedic trauma centre, enrolling all patients who underwent hip fracture surgery between January 2018 and December 2022. The study collected various patient characteristics, encompassing demographic data, general health status, injury-related data, laboratory examinations, surgery-related data, and length of stay. Features that exhibited significant differences in univariate analysis were integrated into the ML model establishment and subsequently cross-verified. The study compared the performance of the ML models and determined the risk factors for eLOS.

RESULTS

The study included 763 patients, with 380 experiencing eLOS. Among the models, the decision tree, random forest, and extreme Gradient Boosting models demonstrated the most robust performance. Notably, the artificial neural network model also exhibited impressive results. After cross-validation, the support vector machine and logistic regression models demonstrated superior performance. Predictors for eLOS included delayed surgery, D-dimer level, American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) classification, type of surgery, and sex.

CONCLUSION

ML proved to be highly accurate in predicting the eLOS for geriatric patients with hip fractures. The identified key risk factors were delayed surgery, D-dimer level, ASA classification, type of surgery, and sex. This valuable information can aid clinicians in allocating resources more efficiently to meet patient demand effectively.

Relationships among body weight, lipids and bone mass in elderly individuals with fractures: A case-control study

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of osteoporosis and low bone mass is steadily rising each year. Low body weight is commonly linked to diminished bone mass and serves as a robust predictor of osteoporosis. Nonetheless, the connection between body mass index (BMI), bone mineral density, and lipid profiles among the elderly remains elusive.

AIM

To examine the association between BMI and bone mass, explore the correlation between lipid profiles and bone mass, and delve into the interplay between lipid metabolism and bone health.

METHODS

The study included 520 patients aged ≥ 65 years (178 men and 342 women). Age, sex, weight, and height were recorded. Femoral neck bone mineral density and T scores were determined using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanner. Blood calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), albumin (ALB), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were measured. Patients were classified by sex (male and female), age (65-79 years and ≥ 80 years), and T score (normal bone mineral density, osteopenia and osteoporosis).

RESULTS

Age, sex, BMI, and ALP and TG levels were independent risk factors for osteoporosis. For the 65-79- and ≥ 80-year-old groups, females presented lower T scores than males. Ca, P, ALB, ALP, TC, HDL and LDL levels were significantly different between men and women in the 65-79-year-old group. In addition, BMI and TG levels were significantly decreased in osteoporotic patients compared with patients with normal bone mass. TC levels declined in 65- to 79-year-old male and female osteoporosis patients. In the group of women aged ≥ 80 years, osteoporotic patients showed significantly increased ALP levels. Furthermore, we found positive correlations between BMI and TG levels in the male and female patient groups. However, we found no significant differences in ALB, Ca, P, HDL and LDL levels in osteoporotic patients compared to patients with normal bone mass.

CONCLUSION

Osteoporotic patients showed significantly decreased BMI and TG levels compared with those with normal bone mass. BMI showed positive correlations with TG levels in male and female patients. These results indicate correlations between BMI and bone mass and between lipid profiles and bone mass.

[Clinicopathological analysis of benign mammary ductal cystic papillomatosis with loss of myoepithelial cells]

Objective: To investigate the histopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics of benign apocrine cystic papillary hyperplasia of the breast with loss of myoepithelial cell layer. Methods: The clinical data, histopathological features and immunohistochemical profile of patients with benign apocrine cystic papillary hyperplasia of breast with loss of myoepithelial cell layer from January 2016 to December 2021 were examined, in which six patients were identified. Results: All six patients were female, aged 36-61 years (median 46 years), who presented with a breast mass; three cases were from the left breast and three cases were from the right breast. Microscopic examination of all cases showed breast hyperplasia with apocrine cysts, accompanied by different degrees of micropapillary and papillary hyperplasia of apocrine cells. One case was associated with lobular carcinoma in situ, and one case was associated with apocrine ductal carcinoma in situ with intraductal dissemination in adenosis. Immunohistochemical staining of CK5/6, p63, SMA, SMMHC, Calponin and CD10 showed complete absence of myoepithelial cell layer surrounding ducts in apocrine cystic papillary hyperplasia. Conclusions: The myoepithelial cells of apocrine cystic papillary hyperplasia of the breast may undergo abnormal changes and may even be completely lost. The diagnosis should be comprehensively considered along with cytomorphological and histological features to avoid overdiagnosis.

[Effect of Friday surgery on clinical outcome of elderly patients with hip fracture under multidisciplinary treatment]

Objective: To assess the impact of Friday surgery on clinical outcomes in elderly patients with hip fracture under multidisciplinary treatment. Methods: A retrospective cohort study. The clinical data of 414 geriatric patients with hip fractures admitted to Zhongda Hospital Affiliated with Southeast University from January 2018 to March 2021 were analyzed retrospectively, including 126 males and 288 females with a mean age of (81.3±7.6) years. The patients were divided into two groups based on whether they underwent surgery on Friday or not. The Friday group(n=69) and the non-Friday group(n=345) were compared in terms of general information, American Society of Anesthesiologists(ASA) classification, fracture type, injury to admission time, preoperative waiting time, surgical method, anesthesia type and use of intensive care unit (ICU) fast track. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed based on age, ASA grade, time from injury to admission, preoperative waiting time, hemoglobin and albumin levels at admission. Clinical outcomes were collected and compared between the two groups, including length of hospital stay, total hospitalization cost and 30-day, 90-day and 1-year mortality rates, and postoperative complications. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify influencing factors for 1-year mortality in geriatric patients with hip fracture. Results: Baseline data showed statistically significant differences in hemoglobin, albumin and preoperative waiting time between the two groups (all P<0.05). After PSM matching, 69 patients were included in each group, and no significant differences were observed in baseline data between the two groups (all P>0.05). There was no significant differences in 30-day mortality rate (4.3% vs 0, P=0.080), 90-day mortality rate (7.2% vs 1.4%, P=0.095), length of hospital stay [(10.85±4.45)d vs (10.92±3.68)d, P=0.919], total hospitalization cost [(60.9±15.4) thousands yuan vs (59.1±15.4) thousands yuan, P=0.489], postoperative complications [pneumonia (11.6% vs 13.0%, P=0.796), cardio-cerebrovascular complications (11.6% vs 8.7%, P=0.573) and delirium (5.7% vs 2.9%, P=0.245)] between the Friday group and the non-Friday group (all P>0.05). However, the 1-year mortality rate was higher in the Friday group than that in the non-Friday group(18.8% vs 4.3%, P=0.008). Multivariate analysis revealed that surgery on Friday (OR=11.222, 95%CI: 2.198-57.291, P=0.004), low hemoglobin levels at admission (OR=0.920, 95%CI: 0.875-0.967, P=0.001), hemiarthroplasty treatment (OR=5.127, 95%CI: 1.308-20.095, P=0.019) and longer surgery duration (OR=0.958, 95%CI: 0.927-0.989, P=0.009) were influencing factors for 1-year mortality in geriatric patients with hip fracture. Conclusions: In the context of multidisciplinary treatment, Friday surgery does not increase short-term mortality, length of hospital stay, total hospitalization cost or incidence of complications in geriatric patients with hip fracture. However, it remains a influencing factor for 1-year mortality in those patients.

[Clonality relatedness and molecular characteristics of Richter transformation]

Objective: To investigate the clinical, genetic, and clonality related aspects of individuals with Richter transformation (RT) . Methods: From January 2019 to December 2021, 18 RT patients with diagnoses at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Pukou CLL center) were retrospectively examined. The immunoglobin heavy variable (IGHV) gene usage and IGHV-D-J rearrangement pattern of diagnosed CLL/SLL and transformed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) were compared to determine the clonality relatedness. To investigate the risk factors of RT, Clinical and laboratory data from patients with newly diagnosed CLL/SLL and transformed DLBCL were gathered. Results: The median age of RT was 56.5 (41-75) years old. 17 patients transformed to DLBCL and 1 transformed to Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) . Of 17 individuals who had DLBCL transformation, 15 had CLL/SLL-related clonality and 2 had unrelated clonality. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis of 11 paired initially diagnosed treatment-naive CLL/SLL and RT DLBCL found that EGR2、TP53 and NOTCH1 were among the most frequently mutated genes both in treatment-naive CLL/SLL and in RT DLBCL. In several cases, specific mutations were gained or lost throughout RT, indicating clonal evolution. Among 10 patients before exposure to BTK inhibitors before RT, four patients acquired BTK mutation. The aforementioned mutations should be considered high-risk variables for transformation; in addition, TP53 and EGR2 mutations could be linked to a poor prognosis following RT in patients receiving a cocktail of new medicines. Conclusion: Most RT DLBCL patients in our center are clonality related (15/17, 88.2% ) and we recommend all qualified centers to evaluate clonality relatedness of RT DLBCL patients. There was some variability in the mutational landscape between DLBCL that had undergone a transformation and initially diagnosed, treatment-naive CLL/SLL. The underlying molecular mechanism of RT needs more research.

[Expression of PD-L1 and tumor infiltrating lymphocyte markers in uterine cervical carcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the expression of PD-L1, CD4, CD8 and CXCL-13 in cervical carcinoma, and their clinicopathological significance was analyzed. Methods: A total of 77 patients with cervical carcinoma in the Seventh Medical Center, PLA General Hospital from January 2019 to December 2021 were included. All patients received radical surgical resection in the Seventh Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital. The expression of PD-L1, CD4, CD8 and CXCL-13 was detected by immunohistochemical (IHC) method. The correlation between IHC markers and patients' clinicopathological parameters was analyzed. Results: There were 59 cases of squamous cell carcinoma and 18 cases of adenocarcinoma (ranging from 29 to 69 years) with an average of (49.4±9.8) years. PD-L1 was expressed in different degrees in cervical squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma (χ²=4.975, P=0.026); CD4⁺, CD8⁺and CXCL-13⁺tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) were observed in the carcinoma cell nests and peritumoral stroma. PD-L1 expression in cervical carcinoma was moderately correlated with the number of CD4⁺TIL in the carcinoma nests, and the number of CD8⁺, CXCL-13⁺TIL infiltration in the carcinoma nests and stroma, but not to the patient's age, histologic differentiation, presence or absence of vascular invasion, presence or absence of lymph node metastasis and FIGO stage (P>0.05). Conclusions: The high expression of PD-L1 in cervical carcinoma tissues is closely related to the number of TIL in the carcinoma nests and peritumor stroma, suggesting that they may have important reference value for predicting the response to immunotherapy in patients with cervical carcinoma.

[The risk prediction models for occurrence of cervical cancer: a systematic review]

Objective: To systematically summarize and assess risk prediction models for occurrence of cervical cancer and to provide evidence for selecting the most reliable model for practice, and guide cervical cancer screening. Methods: Two groups of keywords related to cervical cancer and risk prediction model were searched on Chinese databases (CNKI, and Wanfang) and English databases (PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library). Original articles that developed or validated risk prediction models and published before November 21, 2019, were selected. Information form was created based on the CHARMS checklist. The PROBAST was used to assess the risk of bias. Results: 12 eligible articles were identified, describing 15 prediction models, of which five were established in China. The predicted outcomes included multiple stages from cervical precancerous lesions to cancer occurrence, i.e., abnormal Pap smear (1), occurrence or recurrence of CIN (9), and occurrence of cervical cancer (5), etc. The most frequently used predictors were HPV infection (12), age (7), smoking (5), and education (5). There were two models using machine learning to develop models. In terms of model performance, the discrimination ranged from 0.53 to 0.87, while only two models assessed the calibration correctly. Only two models were externally validated in Taiwan of China, using people in different periods. All of the models were at high risk of bias, especially in the analysis domain. The problems were concentrated in the improper handling of missing data (13), preliminary evaluation of model performance (13), improper use of internal validation (12), and insufficient sample size (11). In addition, the problems of inconsistency measurements of predictors and outcomes (8) and the flawed report of the use of blindness for outcome measures (8) were also severe. Compared with the other models, the Rothberg (2018) model had relatively high quality. Conclusions: There are a certain number of cervical cancer risk prediction models, but the quality is poor. It is urgent to improve the measurement of predictors and outcomes, the statistical analysis details such as handling missing data and evaluation of model performance and externally validate existing models to better guide screening.

[The value of conventional magnetic resonance imaging based radiomic model in predicting the texture of pituitary macroadenoma]

Objective: To investigate the value of conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based radiomic model in predicting the texture of pituitary macroadenoma. Methods: The complete data of 101 patients with pituitary macroadenoma confirmed by surgery and pathology in Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College from December 2014 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the texture of the intraoperative pituitary tumor, patients were divided into soft group (n=58) and hard group (n=43). They were randomly divided into training group (n=72) and validation group (n=29) at a ratio of 7∶3. All patients underwent conventional MRI scan of the pituitary gland. Itk-snap software was used to manually outline the T(1)-weighted image (T(1)WI), T(2)-weighted image (T(2)WI) and enhanced T(1)WI image section by section on tumor area of interest (ROI) and perform three-dimensional fusion. Then AK software was imported to extract texture features. The regression analysis methods of minimum redundancy maximum relevance (mRMR) and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) were used for feature selection and radiomic signature establishment. The reliability of the model was verified by 100 leave-group-out cross validation (LGOCV), and the predictive ability of the model was evaluated by drawing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to evaluate the clinical application value of the model. Results: The AUC (Area Under the ROC Curve) (95%CI) values of T1WI, T2WI, enhanced T1WI, and the combined sequence model to predict the texture of pituitary macroadenomas in the training and validation groups were 0.91 (0.84-0.98) and 0.90 (0.78-1.00), 0.86 (0.78-0.95) and 0.83 (0.64-1.00), 0.90 (0.83-0.97) and 0.89 (0.77-1.00),0.92 (0.85-0.98) and 0.91 (0.79-1.00), respectively. DCA demonstrated that T(1)WI, T(2)WI, enhanced T(1)WI, and combined sequence model all had good net benefits in clinical practice. Conclusions: T(1)WI, T(2)WI, enhanced T(1)WI, and combined sequence model of conventional MRI all had high efficacy in predicting the texture of pituitary macroadenoma, which provided a new quantitative method for predicting the texture of pituitary macroadenoma.

[Clinical application of vitrification freezing of oocytes]

Objective: To evaluate the effect of oocyte vitrification on embryo quality and developmental potential. Methods: From January 2014 to December 2017, 30 cases of oocytes vitrification in the reproductive center of Sir Run Run Shaw hospital were collected as the frozen group, due to failure of sperm extraction or inability to obtain sufficient sperm at the ovum pick-up-day because of oligoospermia or azoospermia. 220 cases of fresh oocytes from the same period were selected as the fresh group. The fertilization rate, embryo rate, pregnancy rate, implantation rate and live birth rate of the two groups were compared retrospectively. Results: The survival rate of oocyte resuscitation was 91.4% (180/197). In the frozen group, 24 cases were transferred with 14 pregnancies, while in the fresh group, 31 cases were transferred with 18 pregnancies. The number of 2PN fertilized eggs, 2PN embryos and 2PN high-quality embryos in the frozen group was significantly lower than that in the fresh group (3.7±2.5 vs 7.3±4.8), (3.3±2.5 vs 7.2±4.8), and (1.2±1.8 vs 2.9±2.7) (all P<0.05). The fertilization rate of the frozen group was 77.2% (115/149) and the high-quality embryo rate was 36.6% (37/101), lower than that of the fresh group 77.6% (1 637/2 109) and 40.9% (651/1 591) (P>0.05).The pregnancy rate of the frozen group was 58.3% (14/24) higher than that of the fresh group 58.1% (18/31), the implantation rate of each mature oocyte and the live birth rate of each mature oocyte were 10.8% (15/138) and 10.8% (15/138), both higher than that of the fresh group 9.6% (21/218) and 8.7% (19/218) (all P>0.05). Conclusions: Vitrification cryopreservation of oocytes may lead to a decrease in embryo quality, but embryo development potential is still considerable. Higher pregnancy rate, implantation rate and live birth rate may be obtained.

[Primary thymic mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma: 7 clinical cases report and a review of the literature]

Objective: To reveal clinical features, pathological diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of primary thymic mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma and review literatures. Methods: The clinical characteristics, pathological diagnosis, laboratory texts, treatment and prognosis of 7 cases of primary thymic MALT lymphoma identified at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from November 2017 to January 2019 were collected and analyzed. Results: Of 7 primary thymic MALT lymphoma cases, six were female. Patients were often asymptomatic and were found mediastinal mass by chest CT. After mediastinal mass resection, pathologist reported a primary thymic MALT lymphoma. Laboratory tests showed all patients were positive for anti-nuclear antibody, anti-Ro52 antibodies and anti-Sjogren's syndrome A antibodies, and increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) . Four were diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome (SS) . After surgery, the patients were given the positron emission tomography computed tomography (PET-CT) scans. All cases received "watch and wait" approach. Up to now, all cases showed good prognoses and none of them relapsed. Conclusion: Primary thymic MALT lymphoma was rare, and it was often associated with autoimmune diseases. Such patients who usually had good prognoses should be followed up closely and avoided excessive treatments if there were no indications of intervention.

[High-dose methylprednisolone with Rituximab and fresh frozen plasma in the treatment of six patients with B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders harboring TP53 abnormalities]

Objective: To investigate whether high-dose methylprednisolone with Rituximab and fresh frozen plasma (HDMP+RTX+FFP) is an effective therapy for patients with B-cell chronic lymphoproliferative disorders (B-CLPD) with TP53 abnormalities. Methods: Six B-CLPD patients with TP53 abnormalities from May 2008 to May 2012 were prospectively enrolled in the study. The patients were treated with HDMP+RTX+FFP for up to 6 cycles. Results: Of the six B-CLPD patients, there were 4 cases of chronic B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders-unclassified (B-CLPD-U) , 1 B-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (B-PLL) and 1 mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) . After a median 3 courses of treatment, 4 patients achieved complete remission (CR) including 3 with undetectable minimal residual disease (MRD(-)) . One patient was evaluated as stable disease (SD) and another one patient was in disease progression (PD) . After a median follow-up of 30 (4-56) months, 2 non-responders progressed quickly and died. All of CR patients survived and no one succumbed to disease progression at the last follow-up. The hematopoietic function was significantly improved after the treatment whereas there was also significant decrease in serum IgA, IgG and IgM levels. All patients showed well tolerance to this regimen. The incidence of myelosuppression was low and adverse events (AE) were mainly neutropenia which did not exceed grade 3 and infection. All AE were controllable. Conclusion: HDMP+RTX+FFP is an effective and relatively tolerable therapy for patients with B-CLPD accompanying with TP53 abnormalities.

[Clinical observation of five pediatric-type follicular lymphoma in adult]

目的

探讨成人儿童型滤泡淋巴瘤（PTFL）患者的病理诊断、临床特征、治疗及转归特点。

方法

回顾性分析在江苏省人民医院就诊的5例成人PTFL患者的临床病理特点、实验室检查、诊治经过及随访结果，并结合文献进行综述。

结果

5例PTFL患者均为成年发病，中位年龄22（15~33）岁。起病时表现为局部无痛性淋巴结肿大，无发热、盗汗、消瘦等全身B症状。组织病理表现为典型的大滤泡结构，增殖指数高，存在免疫球蛋白重链基因克隆性重排，组化提示无BCL-2蛋白表达，荧光原位杂交未见BCL-2基因异常。所有患者均为Ⅰ~Ⅱ期，治疗仅通过局部肿块切除，未追加局部放疗或全身系统性免疫化疗。中位随访27个月，5例患者均处于持续缓解状态。

结论

成人PTFL病理增殖指数较高，无BCL-2表达和基因异常，临床多为局限病变，通过局部手术治疗预后较好，与经典成人滤泡淋巴瘤有显著差异。

[The prognostic significance of peripheral lymphocyte/monocyte ratio and PET-2 evaluation in adult Hodgkin's lymphoma]

目的

探讨淋巴细胞/单核细胞比值（LMR）及2个疗程后PET评价（PET-2）在成人霍奇金淋巴瘤（HL）中的预后价值。

方法

回顾性分析2007年1月至2016年3月南京医科大学第一附属医院133例初诊成人HL患者的临床资料。采用X-tile软件确定变量的最佳临界值，生存分析采用Kaplan-Meier法及Cox回归。

结果

133例HL患者中位年龄33（18~84）岁，男女比例1.9∶1。LMR最佳临界值为2.5，LMR<2.5组无进展生存（PFS）时间（P<0.001）和总生存（OS）时间（P<0.001）均较LMR ≥2.5组显著缩短。多因素生存分析显示LMR<2.5是HL患者PFS（HR=2.35，95%CI 1.36~4.07，P=0.002）和OS（HR=10.36，95%CI 2.35~45.66，P=0.002）的独立预后因素。56例患者的PET-2结果分析显示，PET-2阳性患者PFS明显差于PET-2阴性患者（P=0.022）。根据LMR和PET-2将患者分为PET-2阴性且LMR ≥2.5、PET-2阳性或LMR<2.5、PET-2阳性且LMR<2.5三组，三组间的PFS和OS差异均有统计学意义（P值分别为0.009和0.012）。

结论

LMR<2.5是成人HL患者的独立预后不良因素。PET-2与LMR结合的预后价值可能更好。

[Clinical outcomes of peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for aggressive peripheral T-cell lymphoma]

目的

研究外周血造血干细胞移植治疗外周T细胞淋巴瘤（PTCL）的疗效。

方法

回顾性分析解放军总医院血液科2007年6月至2017年6月接受外周血造血干细胞移植PTCL患者的临床资料。

结果

共有41例PTCL患者纳入研究，男30例，女11例，中位年龄38（13~57）岁。17例行自体外周血造血干细胞移植（auto-PBSCT），24例行异基因外周血造血干细胞移植（allo-PBSCT）。auto-PBSCT组ALK阳性间变大细胞淋巴瘤占47.1%（8/17），allo-PBSCT组NK/T细胞淋巴瘤和外周T细胞淋巴瘤-非特指型占66.7%（16/24）。auto-PBSCT组患者移植前疾病处于完全缓解（CR）状态者占58.8%（10/17），疾病进展（PD）状态者占11.8%（2/17）；allo-PBSCT组移植前疾病状态为CR者8.3%（2/24），PD者45.8%（11/24）。auto-PBSCT组和allo-PBSCT组移植后2年总生存率、无病生存率差异均无统计学意义[（64.0±10.8）%对（53.5±9.7）%，P=0.543；（57.1±12.4）%对（53.5±10.6）%，P=0.701]。auto-PBSCT组6例死亡，5例死于复发；allo-PBSCT组12例死亡，其中5例死于复发，7例为移植相关死亡。

结论

auto-PBSCT和allo-PBSCT均是PTCL的有效治疗方法。

[Infiltration of tumor associated macrophages in multiple myeloma and its clinical significance]

目的

探讨肿瘤相关性巨噬细胞（TAM）在多发性骨髓瘤（MM）中的临床意义及其与肿瘤血管生成、免疫抑制的关系。

方法

以2015年8月至2017年6月就诊的70例MM患者为观察对象，以20例良性血液病（缺铁性贫血13例，巨幼细胞性贫血7例）患者为对照，采用免疫组化法检测骨髓标本中CD163、CD34、VEGF的表达，采用流式细胞术检测Treg细胞比例，采用ELISA法检测IL-10水平，结合临床特征进行分析。

结果

①70例患者中，男31例，女39例，中位年龄65（50~78）岁。MM患者组的TAM浸润密度、微血管密度（MVD）、VEGF表达水平、Treg细胞比例及IL-10水平均较对照组升高（P值均<0.05）。②在MM患者组中，疾病稳定组（15例）患者的上述指标均较初诊组（35例）和复发难治组（20例）低（P值均<0.05）；后两组差异无统计学意义（P值均>0.05）。③35例初诊MM患者中27例完成4个疗程治疗，有效组（15例）治疗后TAM浸润密度较治疗前明显下降，差异有统计学意义[（20.20±7.66）对（28.87±11.97）个/高倍，t=2.362，P=0.025]；无效组（12例）治疗前后差异无统计学意义[（42.00±13.76）对（48.25±13.59）个/高倍，t=1.119，P=0.275]。④硼替佐米方案治疗有效组患者（21例次）的TAM浸润密度较非硼替佐米方案治疗有效组（18例次）减低[（16.52±4.26）对（19.27±5.82）个/高倍，t=1.662，P=0.170]。⑤MM患者的TAM浸润密度与MVD、VEGF表达水平、Treg细胞比例及IL-10水平呈正相关（P值均<0.001）。

结论

骨髓微环境中浸润的TAM与MM发生、发展、疗效及治疗耐药有关，其作用机制可能与TAM促进肿瘤血管形成及抑制免疫反应有关。

[Prognostic significance of CLL-IPI for Chinese patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia]

目的

明确慢性淋巴细胞白血病国际预后指数（CLL-IPI）评分系统在中国慢性淋巴细胞白血病（CLL）患者中的预后评估价值。

方法

回顾性分析2002年1月至2017年11月诊断的215例初治CLL患者的临床资料，采用CLL-IPI评分系统进行危险分层和预后评估。

结果

①215例患者中，男143例，女72例，中位年龄60（16~85）岁。中位无治疗生存（TFS）和中位总生存（OS）时间分别为16（4~24）个月和180（145~215）个月。②按照CLL-IPI评分系统进行危险分层，低危组（60例）、中危组（50例）、高危组（45例）及极高危组（60例）的中位TFS时间分别为56、15、12及5个月，差异有统计学意义（P<0.001）。③中位随访48（1~192）个月，低危组、中危组、高危组及极高危组的中位OS时间分别为未达到和180、89、74个月，预计5年OS率分别为97.6%、83.7%、67.8%及55.2%，差异有统计学意义（P<0.001）。④多因素分析结果显示，免疫球蛋白重链可变区（IGHV）基因无突变（P=0.038）、β₂微球蛋白>3.5 mg/L（P<0.001）是影响患者TFS的独立危险因素；而TP53缺失和（或）突变（P=0.008）、IGHV基因无突变（P=0.017）、年龄>65岁（P=0.045）是影响患者OS的独立危险因素。

结论

CLL-IPI评分系统在中国初治CLL患者中具有较好的预后判断意义，可作为CLL有效的预后分层工具。

[Prognostic value of lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio in angioimmunoblastic T cell lymphoma]

目的

探究淋巴细胞/单核细胞比值（LMR）在血管免疫母细胞性T细胞淋巴瘤（AITL）患者中的预后价值。

方法

回顾性分析2009年6月至2017年7月南京医科大学第一附属医院收治的64例初诊AITL患者资料。采用ROC曲线计算LMR临界值，并以此将患者分为高LMR和低LMR组，采用Pearson卡方检验及Fisher精确概率法进行组间比较。采用Kaplan-Meier法和Cox回归分析影响无进展生存（PFS）和总生存（OS）的预后因素。

结果

64例患者中，男39例，女25例，中位年龄63（29~89）岁。LMR临界值为3.07。中位随访33（5~103）个月，低LMR与高LMR组比较，患者的PFS时间（9对13个月，P=0.044）和OS时间（16个月对未达到，P=0.014）差异均有统计学意义。多因素分析显示低LMR是影响患者PFS（HR=0.48, 95% CI 0.26~0.92，P=0.027）和OS（HR=0.38，95% CI 0.18~0.82，P=0.013）的独立预后不良因素。亚组分析结果显示，在中高危至高危[非特指型预后指数（PIT）评分2~4分]患者中，低LMR者有更短的PFS和OS时间（P值分别为0.013、0.031），而在低危至中低危（PIT评分0~1分）患者中其差异均无统计学意义（P值分别为0.949、0.238）。

结论

可根据PIT评分及LMR的状态初步评估患者的疾病风险。低LMR提示患者具有更差的预后。

[A retrospective analysis of clinical characteristics and prognostic factors for 124 cases of primary gastric lymphomas]

目的

探讨原发胃淋巴瘤（PGL）的临床特征、治疗方法及预后。

方法

以2009年7月至2016年1月收治的124例PGL患者为研究对象，回顾性分析患者的临床资料，并探讨患者初诊时临床特征与预后的关系。

结果

124例PGL患者中包括弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤（DLBCL）93例、黏膜相关淋巴组织（MALT）淋巴瘤25例、外周T细胞淋巴瘤非特指型4例、套细胞淋巴瘤和结外NK/T细胞淋巴瘤各1例。93例原发胃DLBCL（PG-DLBCL）患者中，非生发中心型（non-GCB）48例，生发中心型（GCB）45例，其中10例（10.8%）为MALT淋巴瘤转化的DLBCL。胃幽门螺杆菌检测：DLBCL患者阳性率51.2%（21/41），MALT淋巴瘤患者阳性率43.5%（10/23）。单因素分析结果显示临床分期Ⅲ~Ⅳ期（P=0.002）、B症状（P=0.001）、高国际预后指数（P<0.001）、HGB<100 g/L（P<0.001）、白蛋白<35 g/L（P=0.001）、LDH升高（P<0.001）、β₂微球蛋白升高（P=0.003）、未联合利妥昔单抗（P=0.006）是影响PG-DLBCL患者无进展生存（PFS）的不良因素。多因素分析结果显示临床分期Ⅲ~Ⅳ期（HR=5.113，95%CI 1.087~24.048，P=0.039）、LDH升高（HR=5.111，95%CI 1.651~15.827，P=0.005）是影响患者PFS的独立危险因素。在PG-DLBCL non-GCB型组，是否接受利妥昔单抗治疗对患者PFS率的影响差异有统计学意义（P=0.013）。MALT淋巴瘤转化与非转化的DLBCL患者PFS率差异无统计学意义（P=0.373）。

结论

PGL以DLBCL和MALT淋巴瘤多见，PG-DLBCL是一组高度异质性的恶性肿瘤，临床分期Ⅲ~Ⅳ期和LDH升高是影响PG-DLBCL患者PFS的独立危险因素。

[MRI features of ventricular system tuberculosis]

OBJECTIVE

To study the MRI features of ventricular system tuberculosis.

METHODS

Nineteen patients with ventricular system tuberculosis in our hospital from Mar. 2009 to Sep. 2014 were retrospectively identified. Their clinical features and cranial MRI characteristics were reviewed.

RESULTS

There were 13 males and 6 females, aged from 15-81 years(mean 37±16). Eight patients had intraventricular tuberculosis, with 5 long striped or irregular shaped intraventricular tuberculosis and 3 with ventricular tuberculoma. Six patients had tubercular ependymitis and 5 had intraventricular tuberculosis along with tubercular ependymitis. The lesions of 14 patients were in the lateral ventricle; 13 in occipital or temporal horn of lateral ventricle, 9 complicated by tubercular meningitis, and 10 complicated by brain tuberculoma. The lesion of 5 patients were in the fourth ventricle, 5 in the postmedian of the fourth ventricle, 5 complicated by tubercular meningitis and 4 complicated by hydrocephalus. There were 4 cases with ring-enhancement and 15 with heterogeneous enhancement. Ten cases were complicated by peripheral edema.

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnosis of ventricle system tuberculosis is difficult due to its low incidence. The site, cranial MRI characteristics, the patterns of enhancement and complications have certain specificity and are useful in the diagnosis of ventricular system tuberculosis.

Novel Polymorphisms of Adrenergic, Alpha-1B-, Receptor and Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor Gamma, Coactivator 1 Beta Genes and Their Association with Egg Production Traits in Local Chinese Dagu Hens

Adrenergic, alpha-1B-, receptor (ADRA1B) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, coactivator 1 beta (PPARGC1B) genes are involved in regulation of hen ovarian development. In this study, these two genes were investigated as possible molecular markers associated with hen-housed egg production, egg weight (EW) and body weight in Chinese Dagu hens. Samples were analyzed using the polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) technique, followed by sequencing analysis. Two novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified within the candidate genes. Among them, an A/G transition at base position 1915 in exon 2 of ADRA1B gene and a T/C mutation at base position 6146 in the 3′-untranslated region (UTR) of PPARGC1B gene were found to be polymorphic and named SNP A1915G and T6146C, respectively. The SNP A1915G (ADRA1B) leads to a non-synonymous substitution (aspartic acid 489-to-glycine). The 360 birds from the Dagu population were divided into genotypes AA and AG, allele A was found to be present at a higher frequency. Furthermore, the AG genotype correlated with significantly higher hen-housed egg production (HHEP) at 30, 43, 57, and 66 wks of age and with a higher EW at 30 and 43 wks (p<0.05). For the SNP T6146C (PPARGC1B), the hens were typed into TT and TC genotypes, with the T allele shown to be dominant. The TC genotype was also markedly correlated with higher HHEP at 57 and 66 wks of age and EW at 30 and 43 wks (p<0.05). Moreover, four haplotypes were reconstructed based on these two SNPs, with the AGTC haplotype found to be associated with the highest HHEP at 30 to 66 wks of age and with higher EW at 30 and 43 wks (p<0.05). Collectively, the two SNPs identified in this study might be used as potential genetic molecular markers favorable in the improvement of egg productivity in chicken breeding.

Association between ADSL, GARS-AIRS-GART, DGAT1, and DECR1 expression levels and pork meat quality traits

In this study, meat quality traits were compared between Chinese lard- and European lean-type pigs. The association between expression of four genes (ADSL, GARS-AIRS-GART, DGAT1, and DECR1) and meat quality traits was also investigated. Meat quality traits were found to differ significantly between pig breeds. Meat color parameter values (a* and b*) and intramuscular fat content in Anqingliubai were significantly higher than those in Landrace (P < 0.01). Meat pH at 1 and 24 h following slaughter was significantly higher in Landrace than in Wei pigs, and meat inosine monophosphate (IMP) content was significantly higher in Landrace than in Wei and Anqingliubai pigs (both P < 0.01). Expression levels of ADSL, GARS-AIRS-GART, and DGAT1 were higher in longissimus lumborum muscle than in heart or liver tissues. ADSL and GARS-AIRS-GART expression levels were correlated with meat IMP content and pH levels. The results of this study will contribute to the understanding of meat quality traits in Chinese lard- and European lean-type pigs.

Relationship between polymorphisms in exon 10 of FSHR gene and litter size in swine

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), a glycoprotein secreted by the anterior pituitary, can regulate ovarian function through the FSH receptor (FSHR). To evaluate the effects of the FSHR gene on reproductive traits in pigs, polymorphisms in exon 10 of the FSHR gene were observed by polymerase chain reaction-single-strand conformation polymorphism, and 3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (C1491T, G1885A, and C1977T) in exon 10 of the porcine FSHR gene, and 3 genotypes (AA, AB, and BB) for C1491T and 2 haplotypes (D and E) for G1885A and C1977T were identified. Further analysis of single nucleotide polymorphism genotypes associated with reproductive traits including total number born (TNB) and number born alive (NBA) was carried out in 3 pig populations including Berkshire, Wannan Black (a Chinese indigenous pig breed), and BW pigs (two-way crossbred pigs produced from Berkshire ♂ and Wannan Black pig ♀). The results showed that the TNB and NBA of Wannan Black pigs with the AB genotype were significantly higher than in AA genotype sows (P < 0.01) in multiparity sows and all parities. The TNB and NBA of Berkshire pigs with the DE genotype were significantly higher than the DD and EE genotype sows (P < 0.01) in gilts, sows and all parities. Overall, TNB and NBA from the 3 identified genotypes was DE > DD > EE. The results showed that polymorphisms in exon 10 of the FSHR gene had a significant effect on litter size traits of Wannan Black and Berkshire pigs. These results can be applied for marker-assisted selection in the 2 swine breeds.

MicroRNA-141 regulates the tumour suppressor DLC1 in colorectal cancer

Our previous study has showed that DLC1 acts as a functional tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines. The aims of this study were to determine whether DLC1 is a target of MicroRNA (miRNA) regulation and to evaluate the role of this mechanism in CRC. By bioinformatics approach and literature, miR-141 was chosen for further study. The miR-141 mimic, miR-141 inhibitor were synthesized and transfected to Lovo cells. Cell growth was determined by MTT and in vivo models. The flow cytometric analysis for cell cycle determination and transwell assays for evaluating the cell invasion were used. Luciferase reporter assays and Western blots showed that DLC1 was a direct target of miR-141 in CRC. The expression levels of miR-141 were obviously up-regulated in CRC tissues compared to non-cancerous tissues, while DLC1 expression levels were down-regulated in a high proportion of clinical samples (14/18). In addition, correlation analyses revealed negative correlation between miR-141 levels and DLC1 expression levels in CRC tissues. MiR-141 overexpression promoted cell growth in vitro and in vivo, promoted cell cycle progression and invasion in Lovo cells. Furthermore, re-introduction of DLC-1 in miR-141-overexpressing Lovo cells decreased growth rate of cells, increase of the percentage in G0/G1 phase and decreased the number of migrating cells. In conclusion, we demonstrated that miR-141 is up-regulated in CRC and acts as a functional oncogene by targeting DLC1.

New TiO2/MgAl-LDH nanocomposites for the photocatalytic degradation of dyes

In this study we report the synthesis of a series of composite nanostructures comprising LDH and TiO2 phases. The materials characterization showed that the LDH crystallites are encapsulated inside the TiO2 matrix after the anatase seeds are deposited on MgxAl-LDHs. The structure in which LDH phase is embedded into anatase matrix is unique bringing important advantages to the photocatalytic performances of the nanocomposites. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared nanocomposites was tested on the degradation of the methylene blue (MB) in aqueous solution. The photocatalytic activities of the nanocomposites were compared with commercial TiO2 nanoparticles Degussa P25. The nanocomposites exhibited superior photocatalytic activity in basic environment because the negatively charged surface of TiO2 nanoparticles at high pH attracts the positively charged methylene blue species.

Preparation, characterization, adsorption kinetics and thermodynamics of novel magnetic chitosan enwrapping nanosized gamma-Fe2O3 and multi-walled carbon nanotubes with enhanced adsorption properties for methyl orange

A novel magnetic composite bioadsorbent composed of chitosan wrapping magnetic nanosized gamma-Fe(2)O(3) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (m-CS/gamma-Fe(2)O(3)/MWCNTs) was prepared under relative mild conditions and was characterized. Adsorption of methyl orange (MO) onto m-CS/gamma-Fe(2)O(3)/MWCNTs was investigated with respect to pH, initial MO concentration, coexisting anions and temperature. Results of characterizations indicated that magnetic nanosized gamma-Fe(2)O(3) and MWCNTs have been wrapped by crosslinked chitosan. Introduction of MWCNTs could obviously increase the adsorption capacity (q(e)) of MO onto bioadsorbent by 2.2 times. Kinetics data and adsorption isotherm were better fitted by pseudo-second-order kinetic model and by Langmuir isotherm, respectively. Values of activation parameters such as free energy ( big up tri, openG degrees ), enthalpy ( big up tri, openH degrees ) and entropy (DeltaS degrees ) were determined as 3.15-3.78 kJ mol(-1), -9.94 kJ mol(-1) and -20.65 J mol(-1)k(-1), respectively, indicating that the adsorption was feasible, spontaneous and exothermic process in nature. After adsorption, m-CS/gamma-Fe(2)O(3)/MWCNTs could be effectively and fleetly separated by applying a magnetic field.

Laparoscopically assisted versus open surgery for endometrial cancer--a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

There is no clear consensus on the advantages of laparoscopically assisted surgery (LAS) versus open surgery (OS) for endometrial cancer. The present study compared LAS versus OS for patients with endometrial cancer with regard to operative parameters and outcomes. A search of the PubMed, EMBASE, the China Biological Medicine Datadase (CBMdisc), Ovid, and the Cochrane Library identified four studies that met the inclusion criteria for data extraction. Estimates of effectiveness were performed using fixed- and random effects models. The effect was calculated as an odds ratio (OR) or weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Level of significance was set at P < 0.05. Outcomes of 331 patients were studied. When randomized controlled trials were analyzed, OR for LAS was 0.34 (95% CI: 0.13, 0.89; P = 0.03) for postoperative complications and 0.14 (95% CI: 0.05, 0.39; P = 0.0002) for incidence of transfusion; and WMD for LAS was 263.58 mL (95% CI: 467.71, 59.45 mL; P = 0.01) for blood loss, 38.09 min (95% CI: 10.50, 65.68 min; P = 0.007) for operation time, and 3.35 days (95% CI: 3.84, 2.86 days; P < 0.00001) for hospital stay. There was no difference in patients in terms of recurrence and survival. The present study has shown that LAS was associated with fewer postoperative complications, lower incidence of transfusion, less blood loss, longer operation time, and shorter hospital stay. What's more, no significant difference was found in terms of recurrence and survival. When performed by suitably specialized surgeons in selected patients, it appears to be a better choice than OS.

Magnetic resonance imaging in determination of myocardial ischemia and viability: comparison with positron emission tomography and single-photon emission computed tomography in a porcine model

BACKGROUND

In patients with chronic left ventricular dysfunction, the size of the viable cardiac muscle is correlated with the prognosis and the outcome of myocardial revascularization.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the diagnostic value of various imaging techniques in determination of myocardial ischemia and viability.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A chronic myocardial ischemia animal model was established, in which 10 pigs underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and single-photon emission computed tomography (201Tl SPECT) before and 1-2 months after modeling. The size of myocardial ischemia and necrosis was judged, and the imaging manifestations were compared with pathologic findings.

RESULTS

Seven of the 10 animals completed all examinations uneventfully. On dobutamine-stressed cine MRI, 10 (8.93%) segments were found to be akinetic. Perfusion was abnormal in 34 (30.35%) segments. Delayed hyperenhancement was observed in 12 (10.71%) segments. PET detected myocardial necrosis in 17 (15.18%) segments, and SPECT detected myocardial necrosis in nine (8.04%) segments. Histological examination with triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) showed pale necrosis in 14 (12.50%) segments. The number of necrotic segments detected by PET was significantly greater than that by contrast-enhanced MRI (chi2 = 5, P = 0.0253, kappa = 0.8028) and cine MRI (chi2 = 7, P = 0.0082, kappa = 0.7079). It was also greater than that by TTC (chi2 = 3, P = 0.0833, kappa = 0.8879), although the difference was statistically insignificant. The number of necrotic segments detected by SPECT was significantly smaller than that by TTC (chi2 = 5, P = 0.0253, kappa = 0.7590), as was the number of necrotic segments detected by cine MRI (chi2 = 4, P = 0.0455, kappa = 0.8100). There was no statistically significant difference in the detection of necrotic segments between contrast-enhanced MRI and TTC (chi2 = 2, P = 0.1573, kappa = 0.9130).

CONCLUSION

Cardiac MRI can determine viable myocardium and clearly delineate the location and degree of myocardial necrosis. PET slightly overestimates the extent of the necrotic myocardium and is unable to distinguish transmural necrosis from subendocardial necrosis.

Hydrothermal Synthesis of Zn2SnO4 as Anode Materials for Li-Ion Battery

Spinel Zn2SnO4 particles with the cubic shape are prepared via a hydrothermal reaction under mild conditions. The hydrothermal conditions, such as alkaline concentration, reaction temperature, and duration time, have an important influence on the product structure and the performance of the electrode prepared with the product. The optimized product is cube-shaped Zn2SnO4 crystalline, which is prepared with 0.4 M of NaOH solution at 200 degrees C for 24 h. These cube-shaped Zn2SnO4 particles with the spinel structure exhibit a large electrochemical capacity of 988 mA h/g and a relatively good capacity retention as anode materials for Li-ion battery. The structures of the as-prepared product and specimens taken from the electrodes after charging-discharging cycles are analyzed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transition electron microscopy techniques. In particular, it is found for the first time that the spinel Zn2SnO4 structure exists to a great extent after the first cycle and contributes to the extremely high reversible capacity during the following cycles.

Praseodymium Hydroxide and Oxide Nanorods and Au/Pr6O11 Nanorod Catalysts for CO Oxidation

Praseodymium hydroxide nanorods were synthesized by a two-step approach: First, metallic praseodymium was used to form praseodymium chloride, which reacted subsequently with KOH solution to produce praseodymium hydroxide. In the second step the hydroxide was treated with a concentrated alkaline solution at 180 degrees C for 45 h, yielding nanorods as shown by the scanning and transmission electron microscopy images. The results of X-ray diffraction and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy experiments indicate that these nanorods are pure praseodymium hydroxide with a hexagonal structure, which can be converted into praseodymium oxide (Pr6O11) nanorods of a face-centered cubic structure after calcination at 600 degrees C for 2 h in air. Gold was loaded on the praseodymium oxide nanorods using HAuCl4 as the gold source, and NaBH4 was used to reduce the gold species to metallic nanoparticles with sizes of 8-12 nm on the nanorod surface. These Au/Pr6O11 nanorods exhibit superior catalytic activity for CO oxidation.

CeO2 Nanorods and Gold Nanocrystals Supported on CeO2 Nanorods as Catalyst

The formation mechanism of uniform CeO2 structure at the nanometer scale via a wet-chemical reaction is of great interest in fundamental study as well as a variety of applications. In this work, large-scale well-crystallized CeO2 nanorods with uniform diameters in the range of 20-30 nm and lengths up to tens of micrometers are first synthesized through a hydrothermal synthetic route in 5 M KOH solution at 180 degrees C for 45 h without any templates and surfactants. The nanorod formation involves dehydration of CeO2 nanoparticles and orientation growth along the 110 direction in KOH solution. Subsequently, gold nanoparticles with crystallite sizes between 10 and 20 nm are loaded on the surface of CeO2 nanorods using HAuCl4 solution as the gold source and NaBH4 solution as a reducing agent. The synthesized Au/CeO2 nanorods demonstrate a higher catalytic activity in CO oxidation than the pure CeO2 nanorods.

Phase transition between nanostructures of titanate and titanium dioxides via simple wet-chemical reactions

Titanate nanofibers of various sizes and layered structure were prepared from inorganic titanium compounds by hydrothermal reactions. These fibers are different from "refractory" mineral substances because of their dimension, morphology, and significant large ratio of surface to volume, and, surprisingly, they are highly reactive. We found, for the first time, that phase transitions from the titanate nanostructures to TiO(2) polymorphs take place readily in simple wet-chemical processes at temperatures close to ambient temperature. In acidic aqueous dispersions, the fibers transform to anatase and rutile nanoparticles, respectively, but via different mechanisms. The titanate fibers prepared at lower hydrothermal temperatures transform to TiO(2) polymorphs at correspondingly lower temperatures because they are thinner, possess a larger surface area and more defects, and possess a less rigid crystal structure, resulting in lower stability. The transformations are reversible: in this case, the obtained TiO(2) nanocrystals reacted with concentrate NaOH solution, yielding hollow titanate nanotubes. Consequently, there are reversible transformation pathways for transitions between the titanates and the titanium dioxide polymorphs, via wet-chemical reactions at moderate temperatures. The significance of these findings arises because such transitions can be engineered to produce numerous delicate nanostructures under moderate conditions. To demonstrate the commercial application potential of these processes, we also report titanate and TiO(2) nanostructures synthesized directly from rutile minerals and industrial-grade rutiles by a new scheme of hydrometallurgical reactions.

Preparation and Electrochemical Hydrogen Storage of Boron Nitride Nanotubes

Boron nitride (BN) nanotubes were synthesized through chemical vapor deposition over a wafer made by a LaNi5/B mixture and nickel powder at 1473 K. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were performed to characterize the microstructure and composition of BN nanotubes. It was found that the obtained BN nanotubes were straight with a diameter of 30-50 nm and a length of up to several microns. We first verify that the BN nanotubes can storage hydrogen by means of an electrochemical method, though its capacity is low at present. The hydrogen desorption of nonelectrochemical recombination in cyclic voltammograms, which is considered as the slow reaction at BN nanotubes, suggests the possible existence of strong chemisorption of hydrogen, and it may lead to the lower discharge capacity of BN nanotubes. It is tentatively concluded that the improvement of the electrocatalytic activity by surface modification with metal or alloy would enhance the electrochemical hydrogen storage capacity of BN nanotubes.

Phase transition between nanostructures of titanate and titanium dioxides via simple wet-chemical reactions

Titanate nanofibers of various sizes and layered structure were prepared from inorganic titanium compounds by hydrothermal reactions. These fibers are different from "refractory" mineral substances because of their dimension, morphology, and significant large ratio of surface to volume, and, surprisingly, they are highly reactive. We found, for the first time, that phase transitions from the titanate nanostructures to TiO(2) polymorphs take place readily in simple wet-chemical processes at temperatures close to ambient temperature. In acidic aqueous dispersions, the fibers transform to anatase and rutile nanoparticles, respectively, but via different mechanisms. The titanate fibers prepared at lower hydrothermal temperatures transform to TiO(2) polymorphs at correspondingly lower temperatures because they are thinner, possess a larger surface area and more defects, and possess a less rigid crystal structure, resulting in lower stability. The transformations are reversible: in this case, the obtained TiO(2) nanocrystals reacted with concentrate NaOH solution, yielding hollow titanate nanotubes. Consequently, there are reversible transformation pathways for transitions between the titanates and the titanium dioxide polymorphs, via wet-chemical reactions at moderate temperatures. The significance of these findings arises because such transitions can be engineered to produce numerous delicate nanostructures under moderate conditions. To demonstrate the commercial application potential of these processes, we also report titanate and TiO(2) nanostructures synthesized directly from rutile minerals and industrial-grade rutiles by a new scheme of hydrometallurgical reactions.

Rotor-like ZnO by epitaxial growth under hydrothermal conditionsElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: TEM images of the rod-like and rotor-like ZnO in the bright field and dark field. See http://www.rsc.org/suppdata/cc/b4/b403252g/

Rotor-like ZnO was grown from a mixture of rod-like ZnO powder and a saturated Zn(OH)(4)(2-) solution under moderate hydrothermal conditions at 100 degree C, in which the precursor rod-like ZnO crystal plane acts as a matrix core, and the branched nanorods showed fast epitaxial growth on the six directions around the prism core.

Porous nanocomposites of zirconium dioxide and silicate

Highly porous nanocomposites of zirconium dioxide and silicate are synthesised in an aqueous system from an inorganic salt of zirconium; the nanacomposites, with tailorable pore structures, exhibit superior performance as catalyst supports.

The application of computerised analysis of glow curves to personal dosimetry in LiF:Mg,Cu,P

In personnel monitoring services, it is important to omit the high-temperature annealing process so that large numbers of TL detectors can be produced economically. There are two efficient ways of reducing the residual signal of LiF:Mg,Cu,P. One is by increasing the maximum readout temperature and the other is by improving the preparation procedure (increasing the Cu concentration and the sintering temperature) but both reduce the TL sensitivity. In personal dosimetry the real dosimetric signals are separated from the residual signals by computerised analysis of glow curves. The adverse influence of the high residual signals of LiF:Mg.Cu.P TL material has been effectively eliminated and the sensitivity remains stable. A good dosimetric result using only reader measurement without pre-irradiation oven annealing is attained in a dose range of 50-80,000 microGy.

Influence of background exposure on detection and determination limits for a TL dosimetry system based on LiF:Mg,Cu,P(GR-200A)

Thermoluminescence dosemeters are widely used to monitor personal doses. For these low dose range applications, it is important to determine the detection limit L(D) and the determination limit L(Q) of the dosimetric system. The influence of background exposure on these limits for LiF:Mg,Cu,P(GR-200A) based TL dosimetry was investigated. Both the conventional analysis and the glow curve analysis methods were used to determinate these limits. The detection limit L(D) was compared with the recording level and the investigation level. A systematic error can occur in the occupational dose evaluation when the detection limit L(D) is more than the recording level. It was found that the L(D) of the dosimetric system-based LiF:Mg,Cu,P(GR-200A) was less than the recording level for exposure time tau > or = 10 days considering an annual dose limit of 1 mSv for the public recommended in ICRP Publication 60.

Rupestris stem pitting associated virus-1 consists of a family of sequence variants

Rupestris stem pitting (RSP) seems to be one of the most widespread virus diseases of grapevines. A virus, designated as rupestris stem pitting associated virus-1 (RSPaV-1), is consistently associated with, and likely to be the causative agent of RSP. Sequence analyses of cDNA clones derived from several RSP-affected grapevines suggested that a family of sequence variants of RSPaV-1 was associated with RSP. The genome structure of the sequence variants is identical to that of RSPaV-1 in that they had five open reading frames (ORF) and sequence identities ranging from 75 to 93% in nucleotide sequence and from 80 to 99% in amino acid sequence. ORF5 (coat protein) and the carboxyl-terminal portion of ORF1 (replicase) appeared to be the most conserved regions. The coat proteins of the sequence variants exhibited highly similar antigenic indices, suggesting serological relatedness among them. The cDNA clones obtained through reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction from RSP-infected grapevines were heterogeneous in nt sequence with identities of 77-99% relative to RSPaV-1. Furthermore, a number of sequence variants were identified in several grapevines infected with RSP. Baselines for defining RSPaV-1 and possible mechanisms accounting for infection of grapevines with multiple sequence variants of RSPaV-1 are proposed. Findings from this study should have practical applications toward understanding the etiology of RSP and developing reliable assays to rapidly detect the disease.

Intracellular localization of the UL31 protein of herpes simplex virus type 2

We studied intracellular localization of the UL31 protein of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) in infected and transfected cells. The UL31 protein localized diffusely throughout the nucleus in infected Vero cells and the distribution patterns of the UL31 protein appeared to be different from those of either replication protein ICP8 or capsid protein ICP35. In transfected Vero cells it localized diffusely throughout the nucleus except the nucleolus at early times after transfection. At very low efficiency, it accumulated in the nucleolus. At intermediate times after transfection, the UL31 protein showed punctate staining in the nucleus. These punctate forms fused and became larger. At later times after transfection, granular forms further fused and a nuclear diffuse pattern virtually disappeared. We also constructed five N and C terminal deletion mutants of the UL31 protein for transfection assays and showed that the region containing amino acids 44 to 110 was important for nuclear and nucleolar localization. Moreover, green fluorescent protein (GFP)-targeting experiments showed that the UL31 protein was able to transport nonnuclear GFP to the nucleus and nucleolus as a fusion protein.

Development of Composite Adsorbents of Carbon and Intercalated Clay for N2 and O2 Adsorption: A Preliminary Study

Composite adsorbents of carbon and alumina intercalated montmorillonite were prepared and characterized by adsorption of N2 and O2 at various temperatures. The effects of pyrolysis, temperature, heating rate, subsequent degassing, and doping of cations and anions were investigated. The adsorption capacities of the composite adsorbents developed at higher temperatures (0 and -79 degreesC) are found to be larger than those of normal alumina pillared clays. The experimental results showed that the framework of these adsorbents is made of alumina particles and clay sheets while the pyrolyzed carbon distributes in the space of interlayers and interpillars. The pores between the carbon particles, clay sheets, and alumina pillars are very narrow with very strong adsorption forces, leading to enhanced adsorption capacities at 0 and -79 degreesC. The composite adsorbents exhibit features similar to those of carbonaceous adsorbents. Their pore structures, adsorption capacities, and selectivities to oxygen can be tailored by a controlled degassing procedure. Meanwhile, ions can be doped into the adsorbents to modify their adsorption properties, as usually observed for oxide adsorbents like zeolite and pillared clays. Such flexibility in pore structure tailoring is a potential advantage of the composite adsorbents developed for their adsorption and separation applications. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

Photocatalytic Properties of Titania Pillared Clays by Different Drying Methods

Photocatalysts based on titania pillared clays (TiO2 PILCs) have been prepared through a sol-gel method. Different drying methods, air drying (AD), air drying after ethanol extraction (EAD), and supercritical drying (SCD) have been employed and found to have significant effects on the photocatalytic efficiency of the resultant catalysts for the oxidation of phenol in water. Titania pillared clay (TiO2 PILC) obtained by SCD has the highest external and micropore surface area, largest amount and smallest crystallite size of anatase, and exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity. Furthermore, silica titania pillared clay (SiO2-TiO2 PILC) after SCD, titania coated TiO2 PILC (SCD) and SiO2-TiO2 PILC (SCD) were synthesized to study the key factors controlling the photocatalytic activity. It is concluded that the dispersion of nanometer-sized anatase on the surface of the PILC particles and the suspensibility of the particles are the most important factors for high photocatalytic efficiency. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

Preparation, Characterization, and Catalytic Properties of Clay-Based Nickel Catalysts for Methane Reforming

Naturally occurring clays and pillared clays are used as supports of nickel catalysts for the methane reforming reaction with carbon dioxide to synthesis gas. The structural and textural characteristics of the supports and catalysts are systematically examined by N2 adsorption/desorption and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. It is found that the pore structures and surface properties of supports greatly affect the catalytic activities of the catalysts prepared. The catalysts supported on the mesoporous clays or pillared clays are obviously superior to those on microporous supports because the mesoporous supports are highly thermal stable compared to the microporous ones. It is found that introducing lanthanum to the supports can improve the catalyst basicity and thus enhance the catalytic activities of these catalysts. Deactivation of catalysts prepared and factors influencing their stability are also discussed. Copyright 1998 Academic Press.

Nucleotide sequence of the 3'-terminal two-thirds of the grapevine leafroll-associated virus-3 genome reveals a typical monopartite closterovirus

The RNA genome of grapevine leafroll-associated closterovirus-3 (GLRaV-3) was cloned as a cDNA generated from GLRaV-3-specific dsRNA, and a partial genome sequence of 13154 nucleotides (nt) including the 3' terminus was determined. The sequenced portion contained 13 open reading frames (ORFs) potentially encoding, in the 5'-3' direction, proteins of > 77 kDa (ORF1a; helicase, HEL), 61 kDa (ORF1b; RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, RdRp), 6 kDa (ORF2), 5 kDa (ORF3, small transmembrane protein), 59 kDa (ORF4; heat shock protein 70, HSP70), 55 kDa (ORF5), 35 kDa (ORF6; coat protein, CP), 53 kDa (ORF7; diverged coat protein, CPd), 21 kDa (ORF8), 20 kDa (ORF9), 20 kDa (ORF10), 4 kDa (ORF11), 7 kDa (ORF12), and an untranslated region of 277 nt. ORF1b is probably expressed via a +1 ribosomal frameshift mechanism, most similar to that of lettuce infectious yellows virus (LIYV). Phylogenetic analysis using various gene sequences (HEL, RdRp, HSP70 and CP) clearly demonstrated that GLRaV-3, a mealybug-transmissible closterovirus, is positioned independently from aphid-transmissible monopartite closteroviruses (beet yellows, citrus tristeza and beet yellows stunt) and whitefly-transmissible bipartite closterovirus (lettuce infectious yellows, LIYV). However, another alleged mealybug-transmissible closterovirus, little cherry virus, was shown to be more closely related to the whitefly-transmissible LIYV than to GLRaV-3.