Orthogonality of non-coaxial Laguerre-Gaussian beams

The conventional orthogonality of Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) beams is widely recognized and serves as the fundamental basis for mode division multiplexing utilizing LG beams as channels. However, this conventional orthogonality holds true only when two LG beams share the same axis. Whether non-coaxial LG beams, with parallel axes separated by a distance, are orthogonal to each other remains an open question. To address this issue and reveal the orthogonality of non-coaxial LG beams, we analytically derive the projection of one LG beam onto another. This projection exhibits a helical phase and a rotationally symmetric amplitude with dark rings present. These dark rings indicate that two non-coaxial LG beams are indeed orthogonal to each other when their axes are appropriately separated. Furthermore, any pair of non-coaxial LG beams within a set also exhibit orthogonality when their axes are fixed at a certain separation distance. This novel form of orthogonality predicts an innovative compound multiplexing technique that simultaneously combines mode and space, enabling more efficient packing of multiple LG beams within a single transmission aperture while maintaining parallel and closely spaced beam axes.

The value of audiovisual sexual stimulation with virtual reality in diagnosing erectile dysfunction

Background

The traditional audiovisual sexual stimulation (AVSS) test may experience limitations including low erectile response rate and lack of unified diagnostic criteria.

Aim

We aimed to explore the clinical value of AVSS with virtual reality (VR-AVSS) test in assessing erectile function and diagnosing erectile dysfunction (ED).

Methods

Participants 18 to 60 years of age were screened for analysis in 3 clinical centers from June 2020 to March 2022. Demographic data, 5-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), erectile hardness score (EHS), and self-reported symptom questions were collected. The ED patients and control patients were confirmed according to the IIEF-5 and EHS. All subjects watched a 60-minute erotic video by VR device during RigiScan recording. The parameters including tip average rigidity, tip effective erectile duration (duration of rigidity ≥60%, tip effective erectile duration), base average rigidity, and base effective erectile duration were evaluated.

Outcomes

The main outcome of interest was the application of VR immersion technology to improve the traditional AVSS test.

Results

A total of 301 ED cases and 100 eligible control patients were included for final analysis. Compared with control patients, ED cases had significantly lower IIEF-5 scores, EHS, positive response rate, and erectile rigidity and duration. The positive response rate of ED and control patients were 75.5% and 90.9%, respectively. The cutoff points of tip average rigidity, tip effective erectile duration, base average rigidity, and base effective erectile duration were 40.5% (sensitivity: 77.6%, specificity: 70.2%; P < .001), 4.75 minutes (sensitivity: 75.9%, specificity: 75.4%; P < .001), 48.5% (sensitivity: 77.6%, specificity: 75.1%; P < .001), and 7.75 minutes (sensitivity: 79.3%, specificity: 75.7%; P < .001).

Clinical Implications

The technological superiority of VR will enable the VR-AVSS immersion test to be a more accurate detection than traditional AVSS modes.

Strengths and Limitations

Our study applied VR immersion technology to establish the standard operation procedure for the AVSS test, which could effectively reduce the interference of adverse factors and minimize the detecting errors. However, the test data only included positive response subjects, so the true erectile status of men with a negative response to the AVSS test cannot be obtained.

Conclusions

The VR-AVSS test can effectively improve the diagnostic accuracy of ED. The average rigidity and effective erectile duration were the optimal diagnostic parameters for excluding ED.

[Analysis of contents of different kinds of fatty acids in carotid atherosclerotic plaques]

Objective: To analyze the contents of different kinds of fatty acids in carotid atherosclerotic plaques. Methods: A total of 24 patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University from October 2021 to September 2022 due to moderate and severe carotid artery stenosis were retrospectively enrolled, including 20 males and 4 females, with a median age[M(Q1, Q3)] of 68.5 (63.5, 72.3) years. According to the symptoms of cerebral ischemia, the patients were divided into a symptomatic group (12 cases) and an asymptomatic group (12 cases). Regarding the pathological characteristics, the patients were divided into a stable group (14 cases) and a vulnerable group (10 cases) according to carotid plaque pathology scores. The expression differences of different types of fatty acids in carotid plaques were analyzed by targeted fatty acid metabolomics technology based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS) analysis. Results: In the 24 samples, the median amount of fatty acids [M (Q1, Q3)] was 1 113 (330, 5 897) ng/g. A total of 13 medium and long-chain fatty acids were detected, including saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The content of saturated fatty acids was 584 (290, 9 888) ng/g, accounting for the highest proportion of 51.8%. The content of polyunsaturated fatty acids was 1 444 (393, 4 264) ng/g, accounting for 44.4%. The content of monounsaturated fatty acids was 2 793 (1 558, 3 247) ng/g, accounting for 3.8%. The contents of linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid and oleic acid in carotid plaques in the symptomatic group were 1 760 (581, 3 006), 682 (527, 886) and 2 081 (1 358, 2 907) ng/g, respectively, which were lower than those in the asymptomatic group 3 149 (2 226, 4 683), 1 423 (964, 2 270) and 3 178 (2 352, 3 993) ng/g (all P<0.05). The contents of linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid and oleic acid in carotid plaques in the vulnerable group were 1 537 (588, 2 921), 649 (477, 850) and 2 081 (1 129, 2 831) ng/g, respectively, which were lower than those in the stable group 3 149 (2 047, 4 416), 1 423 (940, 2 184) and 3 091 (2 201, 3 973) ng/g (all P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the contents of 11, 14-eicosadienoic acid, γ-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, arachidonic acid, erucic acid, margaric acid, pentadecanoic acid, stearic acid, dodecanoic acid and palmitic acid (all P>0.05). Conclusions: Saturated fatty acids are the main type in carotid plaques. The contents of oleic acid, α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid decrease in vulnerable plaques.

Generation of a human haploid neural stem cell line for genome-wide genetic screening

BACKGROUND

Haploid embryonic stem cells (haESCs) have been established in many species. Differentiated haploid cell line types in mammals are lacking due to spontaneous diploidization during differentiation that compromises lineage-specific screens.

AIM

To derive human haploid neural stem cells (haNSCs) to carry out lineage-specific screens.

METHODS

Human haNSCs were differentiated from human extended haESCs with the help of Y27632 (ROCK signaling pathway inhibitor) and a series of cytokines to reduce diploidization. Neuronal differentiation of haNSCs was performed to examine their neural differentiation potency. Global gene expression analysis was con-ducted to compare haNSCs with diploid NSCs and haESCs. Fluorescence activated cell sorting was performed to assess the diploidization rate of extended haESCs and haNSCs. Genetic manipulation and screening were utilized to evaluate the significance of human haNSCs as genetic screening tools.

RESULTS

Human haESCs in extended pluripotent culture medium showed more compact and smaller colonies, a higher efficiency in neural differentiation, a higher cell survival ratio and higher stability in haploidy maintenance. These characteristics effectively facilitated the derivation of human haNSCs. These human haNSCs can be generated by differentiation and maintain haploidy and multipotency to neurons and glia in the long term in vitro. After PiggyBac transfection, there were multiple insertion sites in the human haNSCs’ genome, and the insertion sites were evenly spread across all chromosomes. In addition, after the cells were treated with manganese, we were able to generate a list of manganese-induced toxicity genes, demonstrating their utility as genetic screening tools.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report of a generated human haploid somatic cell line with a complete genome, proliferative ability and neural differentiation potential that provides cell resources for recessive inheritance and drug targeted screening.

[Clinical and genetic characteristics of 9 rare cases with coexistence of dual genetic diagnoses]

Objective: To analyze the clinical and genetic characteristics of pediatric patients with dual genetic diagnoses (DGD). Methods: Clinical and genetic data of pediatric patients with DGD from January 2021 to February 2022 in Peking University First Hospital were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Results: Among the 9 children, 6 were boys and 3 were girls. The age of last visit or follow-up was 5.0 (2.7,6.8) years. The main clinical manifestations included motor retardation, mental retardation, multiple malformations, and skeletal deformity. Cases 1-4 were all all boys, showed myopathic gait, poor running and jumping, and significantly increased level of serum creatine kinase. Disease-causing variations in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene were confirmed by genetic testing. The 4 children were diagnosed with DMD or Becker muscular dystrophy combined with a second genetic disease, including hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, spinal muscular atrophy, fragile X syndrome, and cerebral cavernous malformations type 3, respectively. Cases 5-9 were clinically and genetically diagnosed as COL9A1 gene-related multiple epiphyseal dysplasia type 6 combined with NF1 gene-related neurofibromatosis type 1, COL6A3 gene-related Bethlem myopathy with WNT1 gene-related osteogenesis imperfecta type XV, Turner syndrome (45, X0/46, XX chimera) with TH gene-related Segawa syndrome, Chromosome 22q11.2 microduplication syndrome with DYNC1H1 gene-related autosomal dominant lower extremity-predominant spinal muscular atrophy-1, and ANKRD11 gene-related KBG syndrome combined with IRF2BPL gene-related neurodevelopmental disorder with regression, abnormal movement, language loss and epilepsy. DMD was the most common, and there were 6 autosomal dominant diseases caused by de novo heterozygous pathogenic variations. Conclusions: Pediatric patients with coexistence of double genetic diagnoses show complex phenotypes. When the clinical manifestations and progression are not fully consistent with the diagnosed rare genetic disease, a second rare genetic disease should be considered, and autosomal dominant diseases caused by de novo heterozygous pathogenic variation should be paid attention to. Trio-based whole-exome sequencing combining a variety of molecular genetic tests would be helpful for precise diagnosis.

[Prevalence and related factors of visual disability, hearing disability and comorbidity of visual and hearing disability among the elderly in China]

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of visual disability, hearing disability and comorbidity of visual and hearing disability among the elderly in China, and explore the related factors of comorbidity of visual and hearing disability in the elderly. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Based on the Second China National Sample Survey on Disability in 2006, the data of the elderly with visual and hearing disability were extracted and combined for descriptive analysis. Meanwhile, multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the related factors of comorbidity of visual and hearing disability among the elderly. Results: A total of 250 752 cases were in the final analysis (119 120 males and 131 632 females), and there were 164 003, 74 156 and 12 593 cases with the age of 65-<75, 75-<85 and ≥ 85 years, respectively. The prevalence of visual disability and hearing disability of the elderly in China was 8.10% (95%CI: 8.00%-8.21%), 13.41% (95%CI: 13.29%-13.54%), respectively, while the prevalence of comorbidity of visual and hearing disability was 1.97% (95%CI: 1.92%-2.02%). The severity of disability of the elderly with comorbidity of visual and hearing disability was higher, and the percentage of mild disabilities (18.31%, 966/5 277) was lower than those with visual (53.06%, 11 208/21 123) or hearing disabilities (32.96%, 11 536/34 995). Moreover, 19.40% (1 024/5 277) of visual or hearing disability occurred in the same year. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that education level below primary school (OR=0.65, 95%CI: 0.61-0.70, P<0.001), having a spouse (OR=0.68, 95%CI: 0.64-0.72, P<0.001), living in an urban area (OR=0.77, 95%CI: 0.71-0.82, P<0.001) and having a per capita household income higher than the national average (OR=0.73, 95%CI: 0.68-0.78, P<0.001) were protective factors for comorbidity of visual and hearing disability among the elderly. Conclusions: Visual disability is correlated with hearing disability in the elderly. Attention should be paid to the prevention and control of associated disabilities such as visual and hearing co-disabilities in the elderly population, with emphasis on strengthening publicity and education on prevention and control of visual and hearing disabilities for the elderly who are economically disadvantaged, have no spouse and live in remote areas.

Constraints on Sub-GeV Dark Matter-Electron Scattering from the CDEX-10 Experiment

We present improved germanium-based constraints on sub-GeV dark matter via dark matter-electron (χ-e) scattering using the 205.4  kg·day dataset from the CDEX-10 experiment. Using a novel calculation technique, we attain predicted χ-e scattering spectra observable in high-purity germanium detectors. In the heavy mediator scenario, our results achieve 3 orders of magnitude of improvement for m_{χ} larger than 80  MeV/c^{2} compared to previous germanium-based χ-e results. We also present the most stringent χ-e cross-section limit to date among experiments using solid-state detectors for m_{χ} larger than 90  MeV/c^{2} with heavy mediators and m_{χ} larger than 100  MeV/c^{2} with electric dipole coupling. The result proves the feasibility and demonstrates the vast potential of a new χ-e detection method with high-purity germanium detectors in ultralow radioactive background.

Exotic Dark Matter Search with the CDEX-10 Experiment at China's Jinping Underground Laboratory

A search for exotic dark matter (DM) in the sub-GeV mass range has been conducted using 205 kg day data taken from a p-type point contact germanium detector of the CDEX-10 experiment at China's Jinping underground laboratory. New low-mass dark matter searching channels, neutral current fermionic DM absorption (χ+A→ν+A) and DM-nucleus 3→2 scattering (χ+χ+A→ϕ+A), have been analyzed with an energy threshold of 160 eVee. No significant signal was found; thus new limits on the DM-nucleon interaction cross section are set for both models at the sub-GeV DM mass region. A cross section limit for the fermionic DM absorption is set to be 2.5×10^{-46}  cm^{2} (90% C.L.) at DM mass of 10  MeV/c^{2}. For the DM-nucleus 3→2 scattering scenario, limits are extended to DM mass of 5 and 14  MeV/c^{2} for the massless dark photon and bound DM final state, respectively.

Synthesis and Characterization of Polyimides with Naphthalene Ring Structure Introduced in the Main Chain

In this paper, a new aromatic diamine monomer 4,4'-(2,6-naphthalenediyl)bis[benzenamine]) (NADA) was synthesized and a series of modified PI films containing naphthalene ring structure obtained by controlling the molar ratio of NADA monomer, ternary polymerization with 4,4'-oxydianiline (ODA), and pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA). The effects of the introduction of the naphthalene ring on the free volume and various properties of PI were investigated by molecular dynamic simulations. The results show that the comprehensive properties of the modified films are all improved to some extent, with 5% thermal weight loss temperature (T_d5%) of 569 °C, glass transition temperature (Tg) of 381 °C, tensile strength of 96.41 MPa, and modulus of elasticity of 2.45 GPa. Dielectric property test results show that the dielectric constant (Dk) of the film at 1 MHz is reduced from 3.21 to 2.82 and dielectric loss (Df) reduced from 0.0091 to 0.0065. It is noteworthy that the PI-1 dielectric constant is reduced from 3.26 to 3.01 at 10 GHz with only 5% NADA doping, which is expected to yield the best ratio and provide the possibility of industrial production.

Observations of the Outer Heliosphere, Heliosheath, and Interstellar Medium

The Voyager spacecraft have left the heliosphere and entered the interstellar medium, making the first observations of the termination shock, heliosheath, and heliopause. New Horizons is observing the solar wind in the outer heliosphere and making the first direct observations of solar wind pickup ions. This paper reviews the observations of the solar wind plasma and magnetic fields throughout the heliosphere and in the interstellar medium.

Observations of the Outer Heliosphere, Heliosheath, and Interstellar Medium

The Voyager spacecraft have left the heliosphere and entered the interstellar medium, making the first observations of the termination shock, heliosheath, and heliopause. New Horizons is observing the solar wind in the outer heliosphere and making the first direct observations of solar wind pickup ions. This paper reviews the observations of the solar wind plasma and magnetic fields throughout the heliosphere and in the interstellar medium.

[Comparative study of three scores in predicting the death risk of severe burn patients]

Objective: To explore the predictive values of the modified Baux score, Belgian Outcome in Burn Injury score, and Ryan score on the death risk of severe burn patients. Methods: A retrospective case series study was conducted. From February 2018 to November 2019, 260 severe burn patients who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the Department of Burns of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, including 158 males and 102 females, aged 36 (3, 53) years. According to the final outcome, the patients were divided into survival group (n=229) and death group (n=31). Data of patients were compared and statistically analyzed with chi-square test or Mann-Whitney U test between the two groups, including the gender, age, cause of burn, site of burn, total burn area, depth of burn, combined inhalation injury, and combined underlying diseases on admission, and the modified Baux score, Belgian Outcome in Burn Injury score, and Ryan score calculated based on part of the aforementioned data. The Kendall tau-b coefficient method was used to analyze the consistency of the above-mentioned three scores in 260 severe burn patients. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of the above-mentioned three scores predicting the death risk of 260 severe burn patients were drawn, and the area under the curve (AUC), the optimal threshold, and the sensitivity and specificity under the optimal threshold were calculated. The quality of AUC of the above-mentioned three scores was compared by Delong test. Results: The gender, site of burn, and depth of burn of patients between the two groups were all similar (P>0.05). The age, total burn area, proportion of flame burn, proportion of combined inhalation injury, and proportion of combined underlying diseases of patients in death group were significantly higher than those in survival group (with Z values of 5.53 and 17.78, respectively, χ2 values of 16.23, 15.89, and 17.78, respectively, P<0.01); the modified Baux score, Belgian Outcome in Burn Injury score, and Ryan score of patients in death group were 142 (115, 155), 7 (5, 7), 2 (2, 3), all significantly higher than 64 (27, 87), 1 (0, 3), 0 (0, 1) in survival group (with Z values of 7.91, 7.64, and 7.61, respectively, P<0.01). In 260 severe burn patients, the results between the modified Baux score and Ryan score, modified Baux score and Belgian Outcome in Burn Injury score, Ryan score and Belgian Outcome in Burn Injury score were significantly consistent (with Kendall tau-b coefficients of 0.75, 0.71, and 0.86, respectively, P<0.01). The AUCs of ROC curves of the modified Baux score, Belgian Outcome in Burn Injury score, and Ryan score for predicting the death risk of 260 severe burn patients were 0.92, 0.89, and 0.85, respectively (with 95% confidence intervals of 0.86-0.98, 0.83-0.95, and 0.78-0.93, respectively, P<0.01); the optimal thresholds were 106.5, 4.5, and 1.5 points, respectively; the sensitivity under the optimal threshold were 88.5%, 76.9%, and 73.1%, respectively, and the specificity under the optimal threshold were 88.5%, 87.2%, and 86.3%, respectively. The modified Baux score was similar to Belgian Outcome in Burn Injury score in the AUC quality (z=1.25, P>0.05), which were both significantly better than the AUC quality of Ryan score (with z values of 2.35 and 2.11, respectively, P<0.05). Conclusions: The modified Baux score, Belgian Outcome in Burn Injury score, and Ryan score have good ability in predicting the death risk of severe burn patients. From the perspective of clinical practice, the modified Baux score is more suitable as a predictive tool for the prognosis of severe burn patients.

A prospective randomized controlled study on scheduled PDE5i and vacuum erectile devices in the treatment of erectile dysfunction after nerve sparing prostatectomy

Cavernous nerve injury is an important cause of erectile dysfunction (ED). Although protective nerve technology has been widely used in nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy (nsRP), the incidence of ED is still very high after surgery. The purpose of our study was to evaluate erectile function (EF) and penile length in the non-erectile state (PLNES) following scheduled phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor (PDE5i), vacuum erectile device (VED) treatment, and combination therapy after nsRP. One hundred patients with localized prostate cancer and normal EF were randomized to scheduled PDE5i group, VED treatment group, a combined treatment group, and the control group without any intervention. The International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) scores and PLNES were evaluated after 6 months and 12 months of treatment. Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP-Question 2 and SEP-Question 3) were evaluated after 12 months of treatment. Ninety-one of the 100 randomized patients completed the study. We found that the 5 mg tadalafil once a day (OaD) combined with VED can help improve IIEF-5 scores in nsRP patients after both 6 months and 12 months. VED alone or combined with tadalafil OaD can help patients maintain PLNES. VED combined with tadalafil OaD can improve the rate of successful penetration (SEP-Question 2) after 12 months. There were no significant differences in the return to target EF after 12 months among the groups. No significant correlation was noted between the variables and return to target EF (IIEF ≥ 17), and between the variables and effective shortening of the patient's penis (shortening ≥ 1 cm) after 12 months of intervention.

[Serum exosomal miRNAs profiling and functional study in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease]

Objective: Differential expression of serum exosomal miRNAs were detected for NAFLD patients and healthy controls, thereby determining the role of serum exosomal miRNAs in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of NAFLD. Methods: Four patients with S2-3 NAFLD who shared similar demographic features and personal histories, and matched healthy controls were recruited for high-throughput sequencing of serum exosomal miRNAs. Four miRNAs with the most significant differential expression were verified by qRT-PCR in three groups (S1, S2-3, and control groups) with 20 cases in each group. Target gene prediction was performed for these differentially-expressed miRNAs, along with GO and KEGG enrichment analyses for the target genes. T-test or ANOVA were used for normally distributed data. Wilcoxon rank sum test was used for ranked data and non-normally distributed data. The count data used Pearson chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Results: There were 19 serum exosomal miRNAs with significantly different levels of expression (P < 0.05) and a fold-change > 2. The expression of hsa-miR-122-5p, hsa-miR-146b-5p, and hsa-miR-197-3P was highest in the S2-3 group, followed by the S1 and control groups (in order); hsa-miR-483-3p expression was higher in the NAFLD group (S1 or S2-3) than the control group. There were 84 pathways significantly enriched in target genes. From 20 pathways closely related to NAFLD, at least 5 target genes which were simultaneously correlated to all 10 pathways were screened (PIK3R2, AKT2, AKT3, MAPK1, and NFKB1). Conclusion: Differential expression of serum exosomal miRNAs was detected in NAFLD patients and healthy controls. Four miRNAs with the greatest fold-changes were assessed to judge the severity of fatty degeneration of the liver. The research findings provide reference for non-invasive identification of new biomarkers and specific targets for NAFLD treatment.

[Study on the feature of cortical auditory evoked potential under different auditory tasks in cochlear implant children]

Objective: To investigate the variation regularity and influencing factors of cortical auditory evoked potential (CAEP) evoked by pure tone, syllable and tone stimuli in cochlear implant (CI) children. Methods: Cortical auditory evoked potential (CAEP) responses were collected from 46 CI children in the sound field. Pure tones with frequencies of 1 kHz and 2 kHz were used as the standard and the deviant respectively in the pure tone stimulation condition. The Chinese Mandarin tokens/ba/-/pa/and/ba1/-/ba4/pairs were used as the stimuli respectively in the syllable and tone stimulation condition. The latency, amplitude and presence rate of P1 and mismatch negative(MMN) were obtained and the correlation between the difficulty of auditory task, the age of hearing month, the duration of severe-profound hearing loss, the wearing history of hearing aid before CI, the hearing threshold of the better ear before CI and the latency and amplitude of P1 and MMN were analyzed. All statistical analyses and figures were conducted using SPSS 25.0. Results: The P1 presence rate of pure tone, syllable and tone group was 100% (17/17), 100% (13/13) and 75.0% (12/16), respectively, with significant difference (χ²=8.214, P=0.016). There was significant difference between pure tone group and tone group (χ²=4.836, P=0.028), but no significant difference between pure tone group and syllable group, syllable group and tone group. The MMN presence rate of pure tone, syllable and tone group was 94.1% (16/17), 84.6% (11/13) and 62.5% (10/16), respectively, but no significant difference among the three groups with different auditory tasks(χ²=0.066, P=0.066). No significant difference was observed among the three groups of different auditory tasks in the latency and amplitude of P1 and MMN. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the latency of P1 was positively correlated with the difficulty of auditory task and the hearing threshold of the better ear before CI, and negatively correlated with hearing age and the history of hearing aid before CI. The latency of MMN was positively correlated with the difficulty of auditory task, and negatively correlated with hearing age. Conclusions: The P1 presence rate of pure tone auditory task is significantly higher than that of tone auditory task. The difficulty of auditory task, hearing age, the history of hearing aid before CI, and the hearing threshold of the better ear before CI has significant effects on the P1 latency. The difficulty of auditory task and hearing age has significant effects on the MMN latency.

[Application of next-generation sequencing technology in prenatal screening and diagnosis]

Developed rapidly for more than ten years, next-generation sequencing (NGS) has derived a series of new technologies which are widely used clinically, such as noninvasive prenatal testing(NIPT), noninvasive prenatal testing-plus(NIPT Plus), copy number variation sequencing(CNV-seq), and exome sequencing(ES), and plays an important role in birth defects prevention. Moreover, with in-deep development, the superiority of NGS is gradually recognized by clinicians, but there are still many challenges in practical application process. This study specifically elaborates on the development status, technological breakthroughs and future prospects of NGS in the field of prenatal screening and prenatal diagnosis at home and abroad.

[Genetics Analysis of patients with Dravet syndrome due to mosaicism variation of paternal SCN1A gene]

Genetic analysis was performed on a family of fraternal twins affected with Dravet syndrome by genetic tests whose parents were normal. To further analyze the cause of the disease, the fraternal twins were subjected to whole exome sequencing (WES), and the family was verified by Sanger sequencing, with the father semen and peripheral blood DNA were further analysed by target sequencing. The WES test identified a heterozygous c.5348C>T (p.Ala1783Val) variant of the SCN1A gene in the fraternal twins, which was predicted to be pathogenic and was detected in the father peripheral blood and semen, but not in the mother. So the mosaicism mutation of paternal SCN1A gene might be the genetic cause of Dravet syndrome in offspring.

Assembly of MXene/PP Separator and Its Enhancement for Ni-Rich LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 Electrochemical Performance

In this work, a few-layer MXene is prepared and sprinkled on a commercial polypropylene (PP) separator by a facile spraying method to enhance the electrochemistry of the Ni-rich LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂ (NCM811) cathode. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) are used to characterize the morphology and structure of MXene. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and a contact angle tester are used to measure the bond structure and surface wettability PP and MXene/PP separator. The effect of the MXene/PP separator on the electrochemical performance of ternary NCM811 material is tested by an electrochemical workstation. The results show that the two-dimensional MXene material could improve the wettability of the separator to the electrolyte and greatly enhance the electrochemical properties of the NCM811 cathode. During 0.5 C current density cycling, the Li/NCM811 cell with MXene/PP separator remains at 166.2 mAh/g after the 100 cycles with ~90.7% retention. The R_ct of MXene/PP cell is measured to be ~28.0 Ω. Combining all analyses results related to MXene/PP separator, the strategy by spraying the MXene on commercial PP is considered as a simple, convenient, and effective way to improve the electrochemical performance of the Ni-rich NCM811 cathode and it is expected to achieve large-scale in high-performance lithium-ion batteries in the near future.

Effect of low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy on nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity and penile haemodynamics

The study aims to evaluate the effect of low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT) on nocturnal erection and penile haemodynamics. Patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) were enrolled from January 2018 to March 2019. Self-reported erectile symptoms, the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) and Erection Hardness Scores (EHS), nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity (NPTR) and cavernous duplex Doppler ultrasound (CDDU) were evaluated. NPTR and CDDU were evaluated by Rigiscan and vascular ultrasound system respectively. Comparisons of NPTR and CDDU parameters were performed before and after Li-ESWT (Renova, once a week, 4 weeks in total). A total of 35 cases (mean age 36.51 ± 11.47 years) were enrolled for analysis. The IIEF-5 (10.60 ± 5.99 vs. 15.13 ± 6.22, p = .003), EHS (p = .016) and self-reported erectile hardness (p = .014) were significantly improved after 1-month treatment. Nocturnal erection frequency (p = .010), duration of total erection (p = .017), duration of erectile rigidity ≥60% at penile tip and base (p = .014 and p = .002) and the best erectile rigidity at penile tip and base (p = .012 and p = .005) improved significantly after treatment. However, no CDDU parameters improved after Li-ESWT (all p > .05). Li-ESWT can effectively improve subjective erectile function and nocturnal erection in ED patients. Large sample and well-designed studies need to be developed for supporting the current findings.

Direct Detection Constraints on Dark Photons with the CDEX-10 Experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory

We report constraints on the dark photon effective kinetic mixing parameter (κ) with data taken from two p-type point-contact germanium detectors of the CDEX-10 experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory. The 90% confidence level upper limits on κ of solar dark photon from 205.4 kg-day exposure are derived, probing new parameter space with masses (m_{V}) from 10 to 300  eV/c^{2} in direct detection experiments. Considering dark photon as the cosmological dark matter, limits at 90% confidence level with m_{V} from 0.1 to 4.0  keV/c^{2} are set from 449.6 kg-day data, with a minimum of κ=1.3×10^{-15} at m_{V}=200  eV/c^{2}.

Search for Light Weakly-Interacting-Massive-Particle Dark Matter by Annual Modulation Analysis with a Point-Contact Germanium Detector at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory

We present results on light weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) searches with annual modulation (AM) analysis on data from a 1-kg mass p-type point-contact germanium detector of the CDEX-1B experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory. Datasets with a total live time of 3.2 yr within a 4.2-yr span are analyzed with analysis threshold of 250 eVee. Limits on WIMP-nucleus (χ-N) spin-independent cross sections as function of WIMP mass (m_{χ}) at 90% confidence level (C.L.) are derived using the dark matter halo model. Within the context of the standard halo model, the 90% C.L. allowed regions implied by the DAMA/LIBRA and CoGeNT AM-based analysis are excluded at >99.99% and 98% C.L., respectively. These results correspond to the best sensitivity at m_{χ}<6  GeV/c^{2} among WIMP AM measurements to date.

Constraints on Spin-Independent Nucleus Scattering with sub-GeV Weakly Interacting Massive Particle Dark Matter from the CDEX-1B Experiment at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory

We report results on the searches of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) with sub-GeV masses (m_{χ}) via WIMP-nucleus spin-independent scattering with Migdal effect incorporated. Analysis on time-integrated (TI) and annual modulation (AM) effects on CDEX-1B data are performed, with 737.1 kg day exposure and 160 eVee threshold for TI analysis, and 1107.5 kg day exposure and 250 eVee threshold for AM analysis. The sensitive windows in m_{χ} are expanded by an order of magnitude to lower DM masses with Migdal effect incorporated. New limits on σ_{χN}^{SI} at 90% confidence level are derived as 2×10^{-32}∼7×10^{-35}  cm^{2} for TI analysis at m_{χ}∼50-180  MeV/c^{2}, and 3×10^{-32}∼9×10^{-38}  cm^{2} for AM analysis at m_{χ}∼75  MeV/c^{2}-3.0  GeV/c^{2}.

[The timing and surgical choice of surgical treatment for carotid stenosis after radiotherapy]

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid angioplasty with stenting(CAS) for carotid artery stenosis after radiotherapy. Methods: The clinical data of 73 cases with carotid artery stenosis after radiotherapy from October 2007 to September 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. Among them, 36 cases underwent CEA and 37 cases underwent CAS. Results: No complications occurred during the perioperative period in both groups. During the follow-up period, transient cerebral ischemia occurred in 1 case in the CEA group. There was no in-stent restenosis or adverse events such as stroke or myocardial infarction. In the CAS group, transient cerebral ischemia occurred in 2 cases, postoperative restenosis occurred in 2 cases, and myocardial infarction occurred in 1 case. The restenosis rate and incidence of adverse events were lower in the CEA group. Conclusions: Both surgical methods are safe and effective in the treatment of carotid artery stenosis after radiotherapy. CEA surgery can be more beneficial to long-term outcome, and it is supposed to be the preferred surgical method.

[A modified mouse model of instable carotid atherosclerotic plaque]

Objective: To explore a modified method for constructing a mouse model of instable carotid plaque and provide the mouse model for simulating the development of human instable carotid plaque. Methods: Twenty-four low density lipoprotein receptor deficiency (LDLr-/-), C57BL/6, male mice were randomized into two groups according to computer-generated table, tandem constriction of carotid artery+ high cholesterol diet (tandem surgery group, n=12); sham surgery+ high cholesterol diet(sham surgery group, n=12). After 12 weeks of consecutive feeding, murine carotid artery were collected and analyzed by carotid ultrasound, pathological examination to assess the formation and stability of atherosclerotic plaque. Results: No statistical difference in body weight and blood lipid level between the two groups was observed (all P>0.05). After surgery, through ultrasound biomicroscopy, obvious stenosis at the two sites of tandem constriction and atherosclerotic plaque between the two sites were observed in tandem surgery group. By pathological examination, no plaque was formed in carotid artery in sham surgery group. The lipid area in the stable plaque of innominate artery in sham surgery group and the plaque of carotid artery in tandem surgery group were (4.8±0.6) ×10(4),(10.2±1.1)×10(4) μm(2), respectively. The difference was statistically significant between the two groups (t=12.023,P<0.001). In addition, the thickness of fibrous cap in the above groups were (122.4±17.8), (41.3±20.2) μm, respectively. The difference was statistically significant either (t=9.224, P<0.001). The region of necrotic core were (3.3±0.4)×10(4),(8.1±0.9)×10(4) μm(2).The difference was statistically significant as well (t=13.456, P<0.001). The percentage of macrophages in innominate artery of sham surgery group and in carotid artery of tandem surgery group were (20.8±5.2)%, (38.6±6.4)%, respectively.The percentage of vascular smooth muscle cells were (32.5±7.3)%,(21.2±5.1)%, respectively (t=6.114,3.585, all P<0.05). The results indicated that the plaque in tandem surgery group had severer inflammatory response. Conclusion: Through tandem constriction surgery upon carotid artery in LDL-/-mouse, instable carotid atherosclerotic plaque can be induced, which is less time-consuming, replicable and effective.

[Off-treatment responses and predictors and after long-term anti-HBV therapy with nucleos(t)ide analogues]

Recurrence rate after cessation of nucleos(t)ide analogues remains high in clinical practice. According to current evidences, age, HBsAg level, HB VRNA level, time of consolidation therapy and HBV DNA load were considered to be associated with off-treatment responses after cessation of nucleos(t)ide analogues. Combinative factors of several predictors might perform better in future accompanying with further studies of HBV related markers.

Restriction on orbital angular momentum distribution: a role of media in vortex beams propagation

The vortex beam carrying single orbital angular momentum (OAM) propagating through a medium with a certain transmission function is investigated. We show that the OAM mode weights in the output OAM spectrum involve two factors: the radial distribution of output beam power and the proposed restriction-characterized function. Based on the restriction-characterized function, we show that the OAM mode weights can only vary in a limited range. We analyze the relationship between the radial distribution of the output beam power and the OAM mode weights in the output OAM spectrum. Finally, our theoretical analysis is illustrated numerically with the cases of eccentric circular aperture and atmospheric turbulence in a weak fluctuation regime. These results provide new insights into the characterization of the OAM spectrum and may find applications for fields involving OAM, such as an OAM-based optical communication link and object detection.

Limits on Light Weakly Interacting Massive Particles from the First 102.8 kg×day Data of the CDEX-10 Experiment

We report the first results of a light weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) search from the CDEX-10 experiment with a 10 kg germanium detector array immersed in liquid nitrogen at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory with a physics data size of 102.8 kg day. At an analysis threshold of 160 eVee, improved limits of 8×10^{-42} and 3×10^{-36}  cm^{2} at a 90% confidence level on spin-independent and spin-dependent WIMP-nucleon cross sections, respectively, at a WIMP mass (m_{χ}) of 5  GeV/c^{2} are achieved. The lower reach of m_{χ} is extended to 2  GeV/c^{2}.

A smart bilayered scaffold supporting keratinocytes and muscle cells in micro/nano-scale for urethral reconstruction

Rationale: In urethral tissue engineering, the currently available reconstructive procedures are insufficient due to a lack of appropriate scaffolds that would support the needs of various cell types. To address this problem, we developed a bilayer scaffold comprising a microporous network of silk fibroin (SF) and a nanoporous bacterial cellulose (BC) scaffold and evaluated its feasibility and potential for long-segment urethral regeneration in a dog model. Methods: The freeze-drying and self-assembling method was used to fabricate the bilayer scaffold by stationary cultivation G. xylinus using SF scaffold as a template. The surface morphology, porosity and mechanical properties of all prepared SF-BC scaffolds were characterized using Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), microcomputed tomography and universal testing machine. To further investigate the suitability of the bilayer scaffolds for tissue engineering applications, biocompatibility was assessed using an MTT assay. The cell distribution, viability and morphology were evaluated by seeding epithelial cells and muscle cells on the scaffolds, using the 3D laser scanning confocal microscopy, and SEM. The effects of urethral reconstruction with SF-BC bilayer scaffold was evaluated in dog urethral defect models. Results: Scanning electron microscopy revealed that SF-BC scaffold had a clear bilayer structure. The SF-BC bilayer scaffold is highly porous with a porosity of 85%. The average pore diameter of the porous layer in the bilayer SF-BC composites was 210.2±117.8 μm. Cultures established with lingual keratinocytes and lingual muscle cells confirmed the suitability of the SF-BC structures to support cell adhesion and proliferation. In addition, SEM demonstrated the ability of cells to attach to scaffold surfaces and the biocompatibility of the matrices with cells. At 3 months after implantation, urethra reconstructed with the SF-BC scaffold seeded with keratinocytes and muscle cells displayed superior structure compared to those with only SF-BC scaffold. Principal Conclusion: These results demonstrate that the bilayer SF-BC scaffold may be a promising biomaterial with good biocompatibility for urethral regeneration and could be used for numerous other types of hollow-organ tissue engineering grafts, including vascular, bladder, ureteral, bowel, and intestinal.

[Effectiveness of microsurgical crossover anastomosis in treating complicated obstructive azoospermia]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of microsurgical crossover vasovasostomy in treating complicated obstructive azoospermia. Methods: The data of 14 patients with complicated obstructive azoospermia treated with microsurgical crossover vasovasostomy were reviewed from October 2012 to March 2016.Ten of them underwent microsurgical crossover vasovasostomy. Intraoperative exploration revealed that 2 patients had vas deferens injury and contralateral testicular atrophy or epididymal obstruction due to previous hernia repair; 7 patients had obstruction of intracorporeal vas deferens on one side and epididymal obstruction on the other side; the other 1 patient had unilateral vasal obstruction with contralateral epididymal obstruction. Furthermore, 4 patients underwent microsurgical crossover vasoepididymostomy, including 3 patients who had obstruction at caput epididymis on one side, and obstruction at cauda epididymis and distal vas deferens on the other side; the other patient had absence of vas deferens in the scrotum on one side, and testicular atrophy on the other side. Regular follow-up visits were conducted after the surgery. Results: Two patients were lost to follow-up; the other 12 patients were follow-up for an average of 11 (range: 2-23) months. In the 10 cases receiving microsurgical crossover vasovasostomy (including 2 patients lost to follow-up), 1 has not undergone semen re-analysis, 6 were confirmed patent, including 3 reporting spontaneous pregnancy. The patency rate in the 4 patients receiving microsurgical crosseover vasoepididymostomy was 2/4, with 1 patient reporting spontaneous pregnancy. There was no complaint of discomfort or complications following the surgery. Conclusions: Microsurgical crossover anastomosis may be effective and safe for patients with complicated obstructive azoospermia, according to preoperative assessment and intraoperative exploration. It allows natural conception for patients with refractory infertility. The microsurgical crossover anastomosis could be an effective therapy to achieve satisfactory patency of vas deferens.

[Risk factors for the complications of primary hypospadias urethroplasty with the urethral plate reserved]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the risk factors for the complications of urethroplasty in patients with primary hypospadias by postoperative follow-up observation.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 110 cases of primary hypospadias repair performed from November 2010 to October 2015, including 70 cases of tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty and 40 cases of inlay internal preputial graft (IIPG) urethroplasty, all with the urethral plate reserved. We followed up the patients for 15.6－36 months, (27.3 ± 0.52) mo for those with and (26.9 ± 0.22) mo for those without complications. The mean age of the two groups of patients was (7.5 ± 0.2) and (7.0 ± 0.5) yr, respectively.

RESULTS

The follow-up data were collected from all the patients, 17 (15.5%) with and 93 (84.5%) without complications. The success rate of surgery was 84.5%. There were no statistically significant differences in the follow-up time and age between the two groups of patients (P >0.05). Single-factor analysis of variance showed significant differences between the complication and non-complication groups in the preoperative urethral opening (P <0.01), ventral penile curvature (P <0.01), and length of urethral defect (P = 0.04), while multiple linear regression analysis exhibited that only ventral curvature was associated with the postoperative complications of the patients (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.06－1.19, P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

We chose single-stage urethroplasty with the urethral plate reserved for the treatment of primary hypospadias and achieved satisfactory outcomes. Ventral penile curvature is an independent risk factor for the complications of primary hypospadias, and a higher degree of curvature is associated with a higher incidnece of complications.

Self-recovery effect of orbital angular momentum mode of circular beam in weak non-Kolmogorov turbulence

It is generally true that the orbital angular momentum (OAM) mode persistently degenerate when a vortex beam propagates in the atmospheric turbulence. Here, however, we unveil an interesting self-recovery effect of OAM mode of the circular beam (CiB) in weak non-Kolmogorov turbulence. We show that the CiB displays the self-focusing effect and has clear focus in the weak non-Kolmogorov turbulence if we choose proper complex parameters, and the detection probability of the original OAM mode reaches the maximum at the focus. Our study proposes a method to alleviate the turbulent effects on OAM-based communication.

Prognostic significance of ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase hinge protein expression in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase hinge protein (UQCRH), as a connecter between cytochrome c1 with cytochrome c in complex III of respiratory chain, is top-ranked hypermethylated gene in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). This study aims to evaluate the impact of UQCRH on recurrence and survival of 424 ccRCC patients enrolled retrospectively from a single institution after surgical resection using immunohistochemistry method. UQCRH was specifically downregulated in ccRCC, compared with papillary and chromophobe RCC. Moreover, patients with low UQCRH were prone to possess high T stage and TNM stage and associated with poor survival and early recurrence. UQCRH remained an independent favorable prognosticator for OS (Hazard rate [HR]: 0.510, 95% CI: 0.328-0.795, p=0.003) and RFS (HR: 0.506, 95% CI: 0.334-0.767, p=0.001) adjusting with other well-established factors using backward Cox model. Furthermore, in stratified subgroups, patients with low UQCRH had an increased risk of recurrence (HR: 0.452, 95% CI: 0.261-0.783, p=0.005) and mortality (HR: 0.386, 95% CI: 0.205-0.726, p=0.003) in subgroup of early TNM stage. Taken together, UQCRH is a potential independent favorable prognostic factor for recurrence and survival of patients with ccRCC after nephrectomy.

Isolation and characterization of a chalcone isomerase gene promoter from potato cultivars

Chalcone isomerase (CHI) is a key enzyme involved in anthocyanin metabolism. Previous research on CHI has mainly focused on cDNA cloning and gene expression. In the current study, the 1425-bp potato CHI promoter (PCP) was isolated from four potato cultivars (Heijingang, Zhongshu 7, Désirée, and Favorita) using PCR and DNA sequencing. The PCP contained many cis-regulatory elements (CREs) related to anthocyanin metabolism, tissue specificity, light response, stress, and hormone induction. Of the PCP CREs identified, 19 were common to those found in the higher plants examined, based on plant CRE databases. Multiple sequence alignment showed six single nucleotide variation sites in PCP among the potato cultivars examined, resulting in changes in the number of CREs connected with tissue specificity, anthocyanin metabolism, and light response. The 665-bp PCP fragments from Favorita and 1425-bp PCP fragments from Heijingang were used to construct plant expression vectors, which may be a useful tool for biological engineering. A transient expression assay demonstrated that the two PCP fragments from Heijingang could direct the expression of a green fluorescent protein gene in onion epidermis and a β-glucuronidase gene in all potato tuber tissues with different colors, suggesting that the single nucleotide variation in the PCP did not affect its activity, and that silencing of the CHI gene in Favorita may be attributed to other regulatory factors.

Diversity and degradation mechanism of an anaerobic bacterial community treating phenolic wastewater with sulfate as an electron acceptor

Petrochemical wastewater often contains high concentrations of phenol and sulfate that must be properly treated to meet discharge standards. This study acclimated anaerobic-activated sludge to treat saline phenolic wastewater with sulfate reduction and clarified the diversity and degradation mechanism of the microbial community. The active sludge in an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor could remove 90 % of phenol and maintain the effluent concentration of SO4 (2-) below 400 mg/L. Cloning and sequencing showed that Clostridium spp. and Desulfotomaculum spp. were major phenol-degrading bacteria. Phenol was probably degraded through the carboxylation pathway and sulfate reduction catalyzed by adenosine-5'-phosphosulfate (APS) reductase and dissimilatory sulfite reductase (DSR). A real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) showed that as phenol concentration increased, the quantities of 16S rRNA gene, dsrB, and mcrA in the sludge all decreased. The relative abundance of dsrB dropped to 12.46 %, while that of mcrA increased to 56.18 %. The change in the electron flow ratio suggested that the chemical oxygen demand (COD) was removed mainly by sulfate-reducing bacteria under a phenol concentration of 420 mg/L, whereas it was removed mainly by methanogens above 630 mg/L.

ST6Gal-I predicts postoperative clinical outcome for patients with localized clear-cell renal cell carcinoma

Hyperactivated α2-6-sialylation on N-glycans due to overexpression of the Golgi enzyme β-galactoside: α2-6- sialyltransferase (ST6Gal-I) often correlates with cancer progression, metastasis, and poor prognosis. This study was aimed to determine the association between ST6Gal-I expression and the risk of recurrence and survival of patients with localized clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) following surgery. We retrospectively enrolled 391 patients (265 in training cohort and 126 in validation cohort) with localized ccRCC underwent nephrectomy at a single center. Tissue microarrays were constructed for immunostaining of ST6Gal-I. Prognostic value and clinical outcomes were evaluated. High ST6Gal-I expression was associated with Fuhrman grade (p<0.001 and p=0.016, respectively) and the University of California Los-Angeles Integrated Staging System (UISS) score (p=0.004 and p=0.017, respectively) in both cohorts. Patients with high ST6Gal-I expression had significantly worse overall survival (OS) (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively) and recurrence free survival (RFS) (p<0.001 and p=0.002, respectively) than those with low expression in both cohorts. On multivariate analysis, ST6Gal-I expression remained associated with OS and RFS even after adjusting for the UISS score. Stratified analysis suggested that the association is more pronounced among patients with low and intermediate-risk disease defined by the UISS score. High ST6Gal-I expression is a potential independent adverse predictor of survival and recurrence in ccRCC patients, and the prognostic value is most prominent in those with low and intermediate-risk disease defined by the UISS score.

Clinical features and therapeutic strategies of obstructive azoospermia in patients treated by bilateral inguinal hernia repair in childhood

Childhood inguinal herniorrhaphy is one common cause of seminal tract obstruction. Vasovasostomy (VV) can reconstruct seminal deferens and result in appearance of sperm and natural pregnancy in some patients. Secondary epididymal obstruction caused by a relatively long-term vasal obstruction is a common cause of lower patency compared with VV due to vasectomy in adults. From July 2007 to June 2012, a total of 62 patients, with history of childhood inguinal herniorrhaphy and diagnosed as obstructive azoospermia were treated in our center. The overall patency rate and natural pregnancy rate were 56.5% (35/62) and 25.8% (16/62), respectively. 48.4% (30/62) of the patients underwent bilateral VV in the inguinal region, with a patency rate of 76.7% (23/30) and a natural pregnancy rate of 36.7% (11/30), respectively. 30.6% (19/62) of the patients underwent bilateral VV and unilateral or bilateral vasoepididymostomies due to ipsilateral epididymal obstruction with the patency and natural pregnancy rate decreasing to 63.2% (12/19) and 26.3% (5/19). 21.0% (13/62) of the patients merely underwent vasal exploration without reconstruction due to failure to find distal vasal stump, etc. Our study indicate that microsurgical reanastomosis is an effective treatment for some patients with seminal tract obstruction caused by childhood inguinal herniorrhaphy.

Installing and thereafter removing an aberrant prosthesis elicited opposite remodelling responses in growing mouse temporomandibular joints

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) displays a high remodelling capability. The current purpose was to investigate the differences between mandibular condylar remodelling responses of growing mice to installation and removal of unilateral anterior crossbite (UAC) prosthesis. Twenty-four mice were divided into one mock control group and two UAC groups. Unilateral anterior crossbite was created by installing a pair of prosthesis to left-side maxillary and mandibular incisors. Unilateral anterior crossbite was removed in removal group at 3 weeks but remained in UAC group. Temporomandibular joints were sampled at 7 weeks. Changes in condylar cartilage and subchondral bone were assessed by histology and in vivo micro-CT. Real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry were performed to evaluate expression changes in ADAMTS-5, MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-13, IL-1, TNF-α, OPG and RANKL. Statistical analysis was performed at α = 0.05. Temporomandibular joint cartilage degradation was induced by UAC as previously reported but was reversed by removal of UAC. The dropped cartilage thickness, chondrocyte number and collagen II-positive area, the increased expression levels of Adamts-5, Mmp3, 9, 13, Tnf-α and Il-1β in cartilage, the decreased ratio of OPG/RANKL in both condylar cartilage and subchondral bone, the loss of TMJ subchondral bone and the increase in the TRAP-positive cells in subchondral bone were all reversed in the removal group (P < 0.05). The growing mouse TMJ condyle displays a high remodelling capability which can be degenerative and rehabilitative, respectively, in response to placement and thereafter removal of the aberrant prosthesis. Eliminating aberrant prosthesis is helpful to promote the degraded condyle to recover.

Decreased expression of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (Hnf4α)/microRNA-122 (miR-122) axis in hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma enhances potential oncogenic GALNT10 protein activity

MicroRNA-122 (miR-122), a mammalian liver-specific miRNA, has been reported to play crucial roles in the control of diverse aspects of hepatic function and dysfunction, including viral infection and hepatocarcinogenesis. In this study, we explored the clinical significance, transcriptional regulation, and direct target of miR-122 in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. Reduced expression of miR-122 in patients with HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma was correlated with venous invasion and poor prognosis. Furthermore, UDP-N-acetyl-α-D-galactosamine:polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase-10 (GALNT10) was identified as a bona fide target of miR-122 in hepatoma cells. Ectopic expression and knockdown studies showed that GALNT10 indeed promotes proliferation and apoptosis resistance of hepatoma cells in a glycosyltransferase-dependent manner. Critically, adverse correlation between miR-122 and GALNT10, a poor prognosticator of clinical outcome, was demonstrated in hepatoma patients. Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (Hnf4α), a liver-enriched transcription factor that activates miR-122 gene transcription, was suppressed in HBV-infected hepatoma cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed significantly reduced association of Hnf4α with the miR-122 promoter in HBV-infected hepatoma cells. Moreover, GALNT10 was found to intensify O-glycosylation following signal activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor. In addition, in a therapeutic perspective, we proved that GALNT10 silencing increases sensitivity to sorafenib and doxorubicin challenge. In summary, our results reveal a novel Hnf4α/miR-122/GALNT10 regulatory pathway that facilitates EGF miR-122 activation and hepatoma growth in HBV-associated hepatocarcinogenesis.

[Microsurgical management of male infertility in china: 15-year development and prospects]

Male infertility is a common and complex disease in urology and andrology, and for many years there has been no effective surgical treatment. With the emergence of microsurgery and assisted reproductive medicine (IVF/ICSI), rapid development has been achieved in the treatment of male infertility. The Center for Male Reproductive Medicine and Microsurgery at Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University has been playing an important leading role in developing microsurgical techniques for the management of male infertility. The development of microsurgical treatment of male infertility in China has experienced the 3 periods of emerging, making, and boosting ever since its systematic introduction from Weill Cornell Medical College 15 years ago. At present, many Chinese hospitals have adopted microsurgery in the management of male infertility, which has contributed to the initial establishment of a microsurgical treatment system for male infertility in China. However, some deficiencies do exist concerning microsurgical treatment of male infertility, as in normalized technical training programs for competent surgeons, unified criteria for evaluation of surgical outcomes, and detailed postoperative follow-up data. This article presents an overview on the 15-year development of microsurgical management of male infertility in China, points out the existing deficiencies, and offers some propositions for the promotion of its development.

The influence of microgravity on Euglena gracilis as studied on Shenzhou 8

The German Aerospace Center (DLR) enabled German participation in the joint space campaign on the unmanned Shenzhou 8 spacecraft in November 2011. In this report, the effect of microgravity on Euglena gracilis cells is described. Custom-made dual compartment cell fixation units (containing cells in one chamber and fixative - RNA lysis buffer - in another one) were enclosed in a small container and placed in the Simbox incubator, which is an experiment support system. Cells were fixed by injecting them with fixative at different time intervals. In addition to stationary experiment slots, Simbox provides a 1 g reference centrifuge. Cell fixation units were mounted in microgravity and 1 g reference positions of Simbox. Two Simbox incubators were used, one for space flight and the other as ground reference. Cells were fixed soon after launch and shortly before return of the spaceship. Due to technical problems, only early in-flight samples (about 40 min after launch microgravity and corresponding 1 g reference) were fully mixed with fixative, therefore only data from those samples are presented. Transcription of several genes involved in signal transduction, oxidative stress defence, cell cycle regulation and heat shock responses was investigated with quantitative PCR. The data indicate that Euglena cells suffer stress upon short-term exposure to microgravity; various stress-induced genes were up-regulated. Of 32 tested genes, 18 were up-regulated, one down-regulated and the rest remained unaltered. These findings are in a good agreement with results from other research groups using other organisms.

Influence of long-term drinking alcohol on the cytokines in the rats with endogenous and exogenous lung injury

BACKGROUND

Acute lung injury (ALI) and the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are syndromes of acute respiratory failure.

PURPOSE

Exploration of the impacts of long-term drinking alcohol on the cytokines of rats with endogenous and exogenous lung injuries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Through giving the model rats long-term drinking alcohol or water, we acquired the changes of the cytokines in the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of these rats with lung injuries due to different incentives.

RESULTS

The partial pressure of oxygen in rats with lung damage after long-term drinking alcohol were significantly lower than those drinking water group (p < 0.05); W/D values of groups drinking alcohol were significantly higher than those drinking water (p < 0.05); The levels of TNF-alpha, IL-6 and IL-10 in the serum and BALF were significantly higher in the group drinking alcohol (p < 0.01). While the cytokine levels in the serum of the rats with exogenous lung injury were higher than those of rats with endogenous lung injury (p < 0.05), the cytokines in the BALF of the rats with endogenous lung injury were higher than those with exogenous lung injury (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term drinking alcohol can aggravate the inflammatory response induced by the exogenous lung injury. The expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 are different according to the different ways that lead to the acute lung injury.

Three new lignans from the seeds of Saussurea involucrata

Three new lignans, arctigenin-4-O-(6''-O-acetyl-β-d-glucoside) (1), arctigenin-4-O-(2''-O-acetyl-β-d-glucoside) (2), and arctigenin-4-O-(3''-O-acetyl-β-d-glucoside) (3), together with two known lignans, were isolated from the seeds of Saussurea involucrata. Their structures were established by spectroscopic methods, mainly 1D and 2D NMR, and mass spectral analysis.

Study on the time-varying and propagating characteristics of ultrashort pulse Laguerre-Gaussian beams

This work proposes a simple model of pulse Laguerre-Gaussian Beams (LGBs) by chopping the incident continuous wave LGB into ultrashort pulse. The pulse LGBs are expanded into a series of LGBs with the same angular quantum number (AQN), whose expansion coefficients show the time-varying and propagating characteristics. Bigger radial quantum number (RQN) of incident LGB will cause more serious mode dispersion. This work discusses the case of zero RQN incident LGB intensively, in which the original modes, i.e. the same eigen-modes as the incident beams, can be used to approximate the pulse LGBs in short propagating range, e.g. 2zR. The original modes decrease, expand and delay when propagating, and it's more evident for incident LGBs with larger AQN . These conclusions are important for the optical communication by using the OAM division multiplexing (OAM-DM) technology.

[A recommendable standard protocol of adult male circumcision with the Chinese Shang Ring: outcomes of 328 cases in China]

OBJECTIVE

Standardization of and training in adult male circumcision can significantly reduce its complication rate. Currently no such program exists for its standardization and training, making it difficult to guarantee the quality of male circumcision services. We therefore established a standardized surgical protocol for adult male circumcision in China using the Shang Ring, and applied it to a clinical study examining the performance of the Shang Ring in adult male circumcision.

METHODS

A total of 328 adult men aged 18-58 (mean 27.8) years, 25 with phimosis and 303 with redundant prepuce, underwent circumcision with the Shang Ring, and evaluation of the operation time, pain scores (using the visual analog scale), postoperative complications, time for wound healing, and their satisfaction with the postoperative appearance.

RESULTS

The operation time was 4.7 +/- 1.3 minutes. The pain scores were 0. 2 +/- 0.6 during the surgery, 1.6 +/- 1.0 twenty hours postoperatively, 1.7 +/- 1.1 twenty hours prior to the ring removal, and 2.7 +/- 1.4 during the ring removal. Complications included infection in 2 (0.6%), bleeding in 2 (0.6%), and wound dehiscence in 2 (0.6%) of the patients. None of the patients with wound dehiscence required postoperative suturing and all were managed conservatively instead. Sixteen of the patients (4.9%) experienced penile edema. The time for complete wound healing after circumcision was 20.3 +/- 6.7 days. The rate of the patients'satisfaction was 99.7% (327/328).

CONCLUSION

The standard protocol of adult male circumcision with the Shang Ring has the advantages of short operation time, slight pain, low rate of complications, and high satisfaction and acceptance of the patients. Strict standardization of the surgical protocol can maximize its clinical advantages for adult male circumcision.