Mass, Spectroscopy, and Two-Neutron Decay of ^{16}Be

The structure and decay of the most neutron-rich beryllium isotope, ^{16}Be, has been investigated following proton knockout from a high-energy ^{17}B beam. Two relatively narrow resonances were observed for the first time, with energies of 0.84(3) and 2.15(5) MeV above the two-neutron decay threshold and widths of 0.32(8) and 0.95(15) MeV, respectively. These were assigned to be the ground (J^{π}=0^{+}) and first excited (2^{+}) state, with E_{x}=1.31(6)  MeV. The mass excess of ^{16}Be was thus deduced to be 56.93(13) MeV, some 0.5 MeV more bound than the only previous measurement. Both states were observed to decay by direct two-neutron emission. Calculations incorporating the evolution of the wave function during the decay as a genuine three-body process reproduced the principal characteristics of the neutron-neutron energy spectra for both levels, indicating that the ground state exhibits a strong spatially compact dineutron component, while the 2^{+} level presents a far more diffuse neutron-neutron distribution.

Human pluripotent stem cell modeling of alveolar type 2 cell dysfunction caused by ABCA3 mutations

Mutations in ATP-binding cassette A3 (ABCA3), a phospholipid transporter critical for surfactant homeostasis in pulmonary alveolar type II epithelial cells (AEC2s), are the most common genetic causes of childhood interstitial lung disease (chILD). Treatments for patients with pathological variants of ABCA3 mutations are limited, in part due to a lack of understanding of disease pathogenesis resulting from an inability to access primary AEC2s from affected children. Here, we report the generation of AEC2s from affected patient induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) carrying homozygous versions of multiple ABCA3 mutations. We generated syngeneic CRISPR/Cas9 gene-corrected and uncorrected iPSCs and ABCA3-mutant knockin ABCA3:GFP fusion reporter lines for in vitro disease modeling. We observed an expected decreased capacity for surfactant secretion in ABCA3-mutant iPSC-derived AEC2s (iAEC2s), but we also found an unexpected epithelial-intrinsic aberrant phenotype in mutant iAEC2s, presenting as diminished progenitor potential, increased NFκB signaling, and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The ABCA3:GFP fusion reporter permitted mutant-specific, quantifiable characterization of lamellar body size and ABCA3 protein trafficking, functional features that are perturbed depending on ABCA3 mutation type. Our disease model provides a platform for understanding ABCA3 mutation-mediated mechanisms of alveolar epithelial cell dysfunction that may trigger chILD pathogenesis.

[Surgical treatment strategies for pancreatic cancer with simultaneous liver metastasis]

Objective: To explore the outcome of different treatment strategies in patients with pancreatic cancer with synchronous liver metastasis (sLMPC). Methods: A retrospective analysis of the clinical data and treatment results of 37 patients with sLMPC treated in China-Japan Friendship Hospital was performed from April 2017 to December 2022. A total of 23 males and 14 females were included,with an age(M(IQR)) of 61 (10) years (range: 45 to 74 years). Systemic chemotherapy was carried out after pathological diagnosis. The initial chemotherapy strategy included modified-Folfirinox, albumin paclitaxel combined with Gemcitabine, and Docetaxel+Cisplatin+Fluorouracil or Gemcitabine with S1. The possibility of surgical resection (reaching the standards of surgical intervention) was determined after systemic treatment,and the chemotherapy strategy was changed in the cases of failed initial chemotherapy plans. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the overall survival time and rate,while Log-rank and Gehan-Breslow-Wilcoxon tests were used to compare the differences of survival curves. Results: The median follow-up time for the 37 sLMPC patients was 39 months,and the median overall survival time was 13 months (range:2 to 64 months) with overall survival rates of 1-,3-,and 5-year of 59.5%,14.7%,and 14.7%,respectively. Of the 37 patients,97.3%(36/37) initially received systemic chemotherapy, 29 completed more than four cycles,resulting in a disease control rate of 69.4% (partial response in 15 cases,stable disease in 10 cases,and progressive disease in 4 cases). In the 24 patients initially planned for conversion surgery,the successful conversion rate was 54.2% (13/24). Among the 13 successfully converted patients,9 underwent surgery and their treatment outcomes were significantly better than those (4 patients) of those who did not undergo surgery (median survival time not reached vs. 13 months,P<0.05). Regarding the 9 patients whose conversion was unsuccessful, no significant differences were observed in median survival time between the surgical group (4 cases) and the non-surgical group (5 cases) (P>0.05). In the allowed-surgery group(n=13),the decreased in pre-surgical CA19-9 levels and the regression of liver metastases were more significant in the successful conversion sub-group than in the ineffective conversion sub-group;however, no significant differences were observed in the changes in primary lesion between the two groups. Conclusion: For highly selective patients with sLMPC who achieve partial response after receiving effective systemic treatment,the adoption of an aggressive surgical treatment strategy can significantly improve survival time;however, surgery dose not provide such survival benefits in patients who do not achieve partial response after systemic chemotherapy.

Multiple Mechanisms in Proton-Induced Nucleon Removal at ∼100 MeV/Nucleon

We report on the first proton-induced single proton- and neutron-removal reactions from the neutron-deficient ^{14}O nucleus with large Fermi-surface asymmetry S_{n}-S_{p}=18.6  MeV at ∼100  MeV/nucleon, a widely used energy regime for rare-isotope studies. The measured inclusive cross sections and parallel momentum distributions of the ^{13}N and ^{13}O residues are compared to the state-of-the-art reaction models, with nuclear structure inputs from many-body shell-model calculations. Our results provide the first quantitative contributions of multiple reaction mechanisms including the quasifree knockout, inelastic scattering, and nucleon transfer processes. It is shown that the inelastic scattering and nucleon transfer, usually neglected at such energy regime, contribute about 50% and 30% to the loosely bound proton and deeply bound neutron removal, respectively. These multiple reaction mechanisms should be considered in analyses of inclusive one-nucleon removal cross sections measured at intermediate energies for quantitative investigation of single-particle strengths and correlations in atomic nuclei.

Workforce Diversity of Interventional Radiology Physicians in North America: Reflections on the U.S. Experience

Achieving parity in representation within the field of Interventional Radiology (IR) across women and specific subsets of minority groups has been a challenge. The lack of a strongly diverse physician workforce in gender, race, and ethnicity suggests suboptimal recruitment after, during as well prior to IR training. There is a dearth of studies which effectively characterize the national demographic trends of the evolving IR workforce. This has prevented an accurate appraisal of continuing efforts to narrow the gaps in physician workforce diversity across the field of IR. To support these needs, this article illustrates historic trends while providing contemporary data that canvasses the status of diversity within the current IR physician and IR trainee workforce. It highlights the representation of those individuals historically underrepresented in medicine as well as women. It also highlights current obstacles to achieving equity, diversity, and inclusion within the field of IR as well as existing efforts that have been employed to mitigate this gap.

Extended p_{3/2} Neutron Orbital and the N=32 Shell Closure in ^{52}Ca

The one-neutron knockout from ^{52}Ca in inverse kinematics onto a proton target was performed at ∼230  MeV/nucleon combined with prompt γ spectroscopy. Exclusive quasifree scattering cross sections to bound states in ^{51}Ca and the momentum distributions corresponding to the removal of 1f_{7/2} and 2p_{3/2} neutrons were measured. The cross sections, interpreted within the distorted-wave impulse approximation reaction framework, are consistent with a shell closure at the neutron number N=32, found as strong as at N=28 and N=34 in Ca isotopes from the same observables. The analysis of the momentum distributions leads to a difference of the root-mean-square radii of the neutron 1f_{7/2} and 2p_{3/2} orbitals of 0.61(23) fm, in agreement with the modified-shell-model prediction of 0.7 fm suggesting that the large root-mean-square radius of the 2p_{3/2} orbital in neutron-rich Ca isotopes is responsible for the unexpected linear increase of the charge radius with the neutron number.

[Present situation of myopia among primary and junior high school students in Yinzhou District, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province]

Objective: To determine the situation of myopia among primary and junior high school students from 2019 to 2021 in Yinzhou District, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, carried out a cross-sectional study by reviewing the results of five times visual acuity screens among primary and junior high school students from 2019 to 2021 in Yinzhou District, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province. The myopia rate, High myopia rate and spherical equivalent refraction were calculated according to the uncorrected distance visual acuity and non-cycloplegic subjective refraction. Chi-square test and analysis of variance were used to analysis the difference of myopia among term, sex and eye. Results: The visual acuity screen had been completed five times from 2019 to 2021 in Yinzhou District, with a total of 458 654 people, of which 454 812 people met the inclusion criteria. The myopia rate of each screen is 56.6%(50 443/89 122),52.5%(48 463/92 311),63.7%(57 968/91 002),53.2%(48 351/90 886),64.4%(58 920/91 491). The rate of Myopia increased gradually with promoting to high grade, and it was obviously in low grade,up to 17.6%. Conclusion: The myopia rate of primary and junior high school students was raising volatility from 2019 to 2021 in Yinzhou District, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province.

[Analysis of clinical phenotype and genotype of Chinese children with disorders of sex development]

Objective: To explore the heterogeneity and correlation of clinical phenotypes and genotypes in children with disorders of sex development (DSD). Methods: A retrospective study of 1 235 patients with clinically proposed DSD in 36 pediatric medical institutions across the country from January 2017 to May 2021. After capturing 277 DSD-related candidate genes, second-generation sequencing was performed to analyzed the heterogeneity and correlation combined with clinical phenotypes. Results: Among 1 235 children with clinically proposed DSD, 980 were males and 255 were females of social gender at the time of initial diagnosis with the age ranged from 1 day of age to 17.92 years. A total of 443 children with pathogenic variants were detected through molecular genetic studies, with a positive detection rate of 35.9%. The most common clinical phenotypes were micropenis (455 cases), hypospadias (321 cases), and cryptorchidism (172 cases) and common mutations detected were in SRD5A2 gene (80 cases), AR gene (53 cases) and CYP21A2 gene (44 cases). Among them, the SRD5A2 mutation is the most common in children with simple micropenis and simple hypospadias, while the AMH mutation is the most common in children with simple cryptorchidism. Conclusions: The SRD5A2 mutation is the most common genetic variant in Chinese children with DSD, and micropenis, cryptorchidism, and hypospadias are the most common clinical phenotypes. Molecular diagnosis can provide clues about the biological basis of DSD, and can also guide clinicians to perform specific clinical examinations. Target sequence capture probes and next-generation sequencing technology can provide effective and economical genetic diagnosis for children with DSD.

[Analysis of clinical features and etiological diagnostic indices of reproductive age women with hyperandrogenism]

Objective: To investigate the clinical features and the value of different diagnostic indices for etiology in reproductive age women with hyperandrogenism. Methods: The medical records of 96 reproductive age women with hyperandrogenism in the multi-disciplinary team of Peking University First Hospital from January 2020 to April 2021 were collected. The patients were divided into four groups based on final diagnosis: congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) (n=8), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (n=67), idiopathic hyperandrogenism (n=13) and other specific diseases (n=8), respectively. The indices related to androgens in different groups were compared, and then their efficiency for diagnosis of CAH and PCOS were analyzed with receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve). Results: A total of 96 patients with hyperandrogenism were recruited, with the age of 19-45 (29±6) years old. Overall, 4.2% (4/96) of the patients were with single clinical hyperandrogenism, 56.3% (54/96) were with single laboratory hyperandrogenaemia and 39.6% (38/96) were with both. The breakdown into laboratory hyperandrogenaemia subtypes was as follows: only T elevation 22.8% (21/92), only A2 elevation 7.6% (7/92), none DHEAS elevation, only FAI elevation 5.4% (5/92) and elevation of more than one of the androgen indices mentioned above accounted for 64.1% (59/92). In the reasons of consultation, simple irregular menstruation (36.0%, 32/89) or accompanied by clinical hyperandrogenism with or without infertility (36.0%, 32/89) were the most common. As for primary visiting departments, Obstetrics and Gynecology accounted for 53.2% (51/96), and then Endocrinology as 39.5% (38/96). The 17-OHP level of CAH, PCOS and idiopathic hyperandrogenism group was 20.0 (8.2, 33.1), 1.1 (0.8, 1.4), 0.9 (0.8, 1.3) ng/ml, respectively. The androstenedione level in these groups was 6.3 (4.6, 8.7), 3.8 (2.9, 4.8) and 3.2 (2.7, 3.7) ng/ml, respectively. The 17-OHP and androstenedione levels of CAH group were significantly higher than that in PCOS or idiopathic hyperandrogenism group (all P<0.05). The ratio of LH and FSH in these three groups was 0.8(0.5, 1.0), 1.3(0.6, 1.9) and 0.6(0.3, 0.7), respectively. The ratio of LH and FSH was significantly higher in PCOS than that in idiopathic hyperandrogenism group (P=0.024), but yet there was no significant difference compared with CAH group (P>0.05). The AUC of ROC curve of 17-OHP for CAH diagnosis was 0.94, followed by androstenedione 0.83, whereas LH/FSH for PCOS diagnosis was only 0.63. Conclusions: Among the reasons of consultation in reproductive age women who visited our multi-disciplinary team for female hyperandrogenism, simple irregular menstruation or accompanied by clinical hyperandrogenism with or without infertility are the most common. PCOS accounts for the majority of different androgen excess disorders. 17-OHP is the most valuable parameter for the diagnosis of CAH and secondly androstenedione.

[Efficacy of two-lung ventilation with different tidal volume assisted by CO2 pneumothorax for airway management in patients undergoing radical resection of esophageal cancer using combined laparoscopic and thoracoscopic approach]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of two-lung ventilation with different tidal volume assisted by CO₂ pneumothorax for airway management in patients undergoing radical esophagectomy using combined thoracoscopic and laparoscopic approach. Methods: One hundred and eighty patients undergoing radical esophagectomy using combined thoracoscopy and laparoscopy under general anesthesia from the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University between February and September 2019 were randomly divided into three groups (group V₁, V₂, V₃, n=60) according to the tidal volume (TV) used. The TVs of group V₁-V₃ were 4, 5, 7 ml/kg during thoracoscopic surgery, respectively. All the patients were intubated with a single-lumen endotracheal tube and underwent two-lung ventilation assisted by continuous positive pressure CO₂ pneumothorax in group V₁, V₂ and V₃, with the CO₂ pressure of 10 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) and the frequency of 20 times/min. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded before thoracoscopic surgery (T₁), 30 minutes after thoracoscopic surgery (T₂), at the end of thoracoscopic surgery (T₃), after thoracoscopic surgery and 30 minutes after two-lung intermittent positive pressure ventilation, respectively. The results of arterial blood gas were collected at T₁, T₂, T₃ and T₄. Recovery time from anesthesia, consciousness recovery time, and lung collapse condition were recorded. Results: At T₂, the value of MAP in group V₁ was (81±10) mmHg, which was higher than those of group V₂ [(69±7) mmHg] and group V₃ [(71±8) mmHg], with a statistically significant difference (F=9.270, P<0.05). Meanwhile, at T₂, the value of HR in group V₁ was (83±7) times/min, which was higher than those of group V₂ [(68±6) times/min] and group V₃ [(71±7) times/min], and there was a statistically significant difference (F=23.460, P<0.05). However, at T₂, the values of arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO₂) in three groups were (262±16), (249±16) and (241±20) mmHg, respectively, with no statistically significant difference (F=1.929, P>0.05). At T₃, the value of arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO₂) in group V₃ was (46±5) mmHg, which was lower than those of group V₁ [(63±9) mmHg] and V₂ [(62±10) mmHg], with a statistically significant difference (F=20.890, P<0.05). Moreover, at T₃, the value of pH in group V₃ was (7.35±0.04), which was higher than those of group V₁ (7.28±0.04) and V₂ (7.32±0.04), and there was a statistically significant difference (F=9.309, P<0.05). Additionally, the satisfaction rates of lung collapse in group V₃ was 57.1%, which was lower than those of group V₁ (94.7%) and group V₂ (96.3%), with a statistically significant difference (χ²=7.601, P<0.05). There was no statistical significance in the time of awakening and consciousness recovery among three groups (F=1.020 and 1.110, both P>0.05). Conclusion: The two-lung ventilation with 5 ml/kg tidal volume assisted by CO₂ pneumothorax has advantages in terms of hemodynamics and surgical field exposure, and is more suitable as the appropriate dose for respiratory management in patients undergoing radical resection of esophageal cancer using combined thoracoscopic and laparoscopic approach.

Pairing Forces Govern Population of Doubly Magic ^{54}Ca from Direct Reactions

Direct proton-knockout reactions of ^{55}Sc at ∼220  MeV/nucleon were studied at the RIKEN Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory. Populated states of ^{54}Ca were investigated through γ-ray and invariant-mass spectroscopy. Level energies were calculated from the nuclear shell model employing a phenomenological internucleon interaction. Theoretical cross sections to states were calculated from distorted-wave impulse approximation estimates multiplied by the shell model spectroscopic factors, which describe the wave function overlap of the ^{55}Sc ground state with states in ^{54}Ca. Despite the calculations showing a significant amplitude of excited neutron configurations in the ground-state of ^{55}Sc, valence proton removals populated predominantly the ground state of ^{54}Ca. This counterintuitive result is attributed to pairing effects leading to a dominance of the ground-state spectroscopic factor. Owing to the ubiquity of the pairing interaction, this argument should be generally applicable to direct knockout reactions from odd-even to even-even nuclei.

Heterogeneity in Human iPSC-derived Alveolar Epithelial Type II Cells Revealed with ABCA3/SFTPC Reporters

Alveolar epithelial type 2 cells (AEC2s), the facultative progenitors of lung alveoli, are typically identified through the use of the canonical markers, SFTPC and ABCA3. Self-renewing AEC2-like cells have been generated from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) through the use of knock-in SFTPC fluorochrome reporters. However, developmentally, SFTPC expression onset begins in the fetal distal lung bud tip and thus is not specific to mature AEC2s. Furthermore, SFTPC reporters appear to identify only those iPSC-derived AEC2s (iAEC2s) expressing the highest SFTPC levels. Here, we generate an ABCA3 knock-in GFP fusion reporter (ABCA3:GFP) that enables the purification of iAEC2s while allowing visualization of lamellar bodies, organelles associated with AEC2 maturation. Using a SFTPCtdTomato and ABCA3:GFP bi-fluorescent line for in vitro distal lung directed differentiation, we observe later onset of ABCA3:GFP expression and broader identification of the subsequently emerging iAEC2 population based on ABCA3:GFP expression compared to SFTPCtdTomato expression. Comparing ABCA3:GFP/SFTPCtdTomato double positive (DP) to ABCA3:GFP single positive cells (SP) by RNA sequencing and functional studies reveals iAEC2 cellular heterogeneity with both populations functionally processing surfactant proteins but the SP cells exhibiting faster growth kinetics, increased clonogenicity, increased expression of progenitor markers, lower levels of SFTPC expression, and lower levels of AEC2 maturation markers. Over time, we observe each population (DP and SP) gives rise to the other and each can serve as the parents of indefinitely self-renewing iAEC2 progeny. Our results indicate iAEC2s are a heterogeneous population of cells with differing proliferation vs maturation properties, the majority of which can be tracked and purified using the ABCA3:GFP reporter or surrogate cell surface proteins, such as SLC34A2 and CPM.

[Relationship between insulin resistance, serum VCAM-1, FGF19, IGF-1 and colorectal polyps]

Objective: To explore the relationship between insulin resistance, glucose and lipid metabolism related molecules and colorectal polyps. Methods: A total of 262 healthy people who underwent colonoscopy in Shandong cancer hospital from June 2019 to September 2020 were selected. The levels of serum vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19), insulin like growth factor (IGF-1), fasting blood glucose and fasting blood insulin were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was calculated, and the influencing factors of occurrence, pathological type, size and number of polyps were analyzed. Results: Among 262 cases, 116 cases were polyp free, 113 cases were adenomatous polyp and 33 cases were inflammatory polyp. HOMA-IR, VCAM-1 and FGF19 in polyp group were 2.904±1.754, (334.415±139.573) ng/ml and (135.865±98.470) pg/ml, respectively, which were higher than 2.369±1.306, (302.480±99.946) ng/ml and(110.694±76.044) ng/ml in non-polyp group, respectively (P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the gender (OR=4.269, 95%CI: 1.963-9.405) and FGF19 (77.0-131.4 pg/ml: OR=2.385, 95%CI: 1.155-4.926) were independent factors of colorectal polyps. The gender (OR=3.799, 95%CI: 1.650-8.748) and FGF19 (77.0-131.4 pg/ml: OR=2.290, 95%CI: 1.072-4.891) were independent factors of colorectal adenomatous polyps. The gender(OR=6.725, 95%CI: 1.853-24.410) and fasting plasma glucose (≥6.5 mmol/L: OR=0.047, 95%CI: 0.009-0.245) were independent factors of colorectal inflammatory polyps. The gender (OR=3.539, 95% CI: 1.293-9.689) was an independent factor for the occurrence of single polyp. The gender (OR=5.063, 95% CI: 2.048-12.515), FGF19 (77.0-131.4 pg/ml: OR=2.502, 95%CI: 1.102-5.681), fasting plasma glucose (≥6.5 mmol/L: OR=0.282, 95%CI: 0.095-0.839) were independent factors of multiple polyps. The gender (OR=3.416, 95% CI: 1.134-10.289) and fasting insulin (≥9.4 μU/ml: OR=9.480, 95% CI: 1.485-60.521) were independent risk factors for colorectal polyps<0.5 cm. The gender (OR=3.151, 95%CI: 1.244-7.984) and fasting plasma glucose (≥6.5 mmol/L: OR=0.310, 95%CI: 0.102-0.941) were independent risk factors for colorectal polyps with the size of 0.5-0.9 cm. The gender (OR=22.649, 95%CI: 4.154-123.485), age (55 to 64 years old: OR=4.473, 95%CI: 1.070-18.704; ≥65 years old: OR=5.815, 95%CI: 1.300-26.009), BMI (≥28 kg/m(2): OR=5.310, 95%CI: 1.224-23.032) and FGF19 (77.0-131.4 pg/ml: OR=7.474, 95%CI: 1.903-29.351) were independent factors for colorectal polyps with size ≥ 1.0 cm. Gender stratification analysis showed that FGF19 was an independent factor for the occurrence of male polyps (77.0-131.4 pg/ml: OR=6.109, 95%CI: 1.688-22.104) and adenomas (77.0-131.4 pg/ml: OR=6.401, 95%CI: 1.717-23.864). The age (55 to 64 years old: OR=3.783, 95%CI: 1.052-13.611) and VCAM-1 (≥352.8 ng/ml: OR=4.341, 95%CI: 1.142-16.493) were independent risk factors of female polyps. The age (55 to 64 years old: OR=5.743, 95%CI: 1.205-27.362, ≥65 years old: OR=6.885, 95%CI: 1.143-41.467), VCAM-1 (≥352.8 ng/ml: OR=6.313, 95%CI: 1.415-28.159) and IGF-1 (≥7.6 ng/ml: OR=5.621, 95%CI: 1.069-29.543) were independent factors of female adenoma. Conclusions: The occurrences of colorectal polyps and adenomatous polyps are related to insulin resistance and glucose and lipid metabolism. Serum FGF19 is an independent influencing factor for the occurrence of colorectal polyps and adenomatous polyps, and is a potential serological diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for colorectal polyps and adenomatous polyps.

[Application of different kinds of endotracheal intubation in the combined thoracoscopic and laparoscopic esophagectomy]

Objective: To observe the application of three different kinds of endotracheal intubation in the combined thoracoscopic and laparoscopic esophagectomy. Methods: one hundred and eighty patients undergoing combined thoracoscopic and laparoscopic esophagectomy under general anesthesia from the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University from February to September 2019 were randomly divided into three groups which include: double-lumen endotracheal intubation group (group S,n=60),single-lumen endotracheal intubation group (group D,n=60) and Coopdech occlusion of bronchial catheter combined with a single-lumen endotracheal intubation group (group C,n=60). The arterial blood samples were collected immediately after endotracheal intubation (T₀), 30 min after artificial pneumothorax (single lung ventilation) (T₁), 30 min after artificial pneumothorax (double lung ventilation) (T₂), and 30 min after extubation (T₃) to detect arterial blood gas. Patients' heart rate (HR), blood oxygen partial pressure (PaO₂), blood carbon dioxide partial pressure (PaCO₂) and airway pressure(Paw) were recorded at T₀-T₃.Completion time of endotracheal intubation, carbon dioxide intrathoracic inflation pressure, degree of lung collapse and incidence of postoperative 3-day pneumonia in three groups were recorded. The bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of patients at T₀, T₂ and the end of the operation (T₄) were collected to detect the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in BALF by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: A total of 14 patients were excluded during the operation, of which 9 cases lasted longer than 6 hours, 3 cases had arrhythmia during the operation and 2 cases lasted less than 1 hour. Finally, 56 cases in group S, 54 cases in group D and 56 cases in group C completed the experiment. The satisfaction rates of lung collapse in group S, group D and group C were 85.7% (48/56), 100.0% (54/54), 89.2% (50/56), respectively, with no statistically significant difference (χ²=1.308, P>0.05). The intrathoracic inflation pressure of carbon dioxide in group D was (10.2±2.2) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), which was higher than (5.1±3.4) mmHg in group S and (5.6±3.1) mmHg in group C, the difference was statistically significant (F=-9.303, P<0.05). The incidence of postoperative 3-day pneumonia in group D was 14.8%, which was lower than 39.3% in group S and 17.8% in group C, the difference was statistically significant (χ²=8.300, P<0.05). At T₄, the value of TNF-α in group D was (122.4±4.4) ng/L, which was lower than that in group S and group C, (257.9±6.3) and (185.8±5.6) ng/L, with statistically significant difference (F=69.020, P<0.05). At T₄, the value of IL-6 in group D was (175.4±4.9) ng/L, which was lower than that of patients in group S and group C, (289.6±6.8) and (226.2±4.4) ng/L, with statistically significant difference (F=59.750, P<0.05). At T₄, the value of IL-8 in group D was (303.1±7.2) ng/L, which was lower than in group S and group C, (595.4±22.1) and (436.8±10.9) ng/L, with statistically significant difference (F=55.359, P<0.05). Conclusion: All the three endotracheal intubations can produce satisfactory ventilation effect in the combined thoracoscopic and laparoscopic esophagectomy, however, single-lumen endotracheal intubation has less effect on lung injury.

Quasifree Neutron Knockout Reaction Reveals a Small s-Orbital Component in the Borromean Nucleus ^{17}B

A kinematically complete quasifree (p,pn) experiment in inverse kinematics was performed to study the structure of the Borromean nucleus ^{17}B, which had long been considered to have a neutron halo. By analyzing the momentum distributions and exclusive cross sections, we obtained the spectroscopic factors for 1s_{1/2} and 0d_{5/2} orbitals, and a surprisingly small percentage of 9(2)% was determined for 1s_{1/2}. Our finding of such a small 1s_{1/2} component and the halo features reported in prior experiments can be explained by the deformed relativistic Hartree-Bogoliubov theory in continuum, revealing a definite but not dominant neutron halo in ^{17}B. The present work gives the smallest s- or p-orbital component among known nuclei exhibiting halo features and implies that the dominant occupation of s or p orbitals is not a prerequisite for the occurrence of a neutron halo.

Surface Localization of the Dineutron in ^{11}Li

The formation of a dineutron in the ^{11}Li nucleus is found to be localized to the surface region. The experiment measured the intrinsic momentum of the struck neutron in ^{11}Li via the (p,pn) knockout reaction at 246  MeV/nucleon. The correlation angle between the two neutrons is, for the first time, measured as a function of the intrinsic neutron momentum. A comparison with reaction calculations reveals the localization of the dineutron at r∼3.6  fm. The results also support the density dependence of dineutron formation as deduced from Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov calculations for nuclear matter.

[A study of the relationships between occupational stress career calling and occupational burnout among primary teachers]

Objective: To discuss the relationships between occupational stress, career calling and occupational burnout among primary school teachers, and test whether career calling moderates the relationship between occupational stress and occupational burnout. Methods: 399 teachers from public primary schools were recruited as participant. Their occupational stress and burnout, and career calling were assessed via online questionnaire in the period between March and August 2018. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to test the moderating role of career calling. Results: The score of occupational stress was (3.59±0.85) , the score of career calling was (3.15±0.69) and the score of occupational was (3.26±0.88) . Occupational stress was significantly and positively related to occupational burnout (r=0.42, P<0.01) , while career calling was significantly and negatively related to occupational stress (r=-0.30, P<0.01) and occupational burnout (r=-0.32, P<0.01) . Career calling moderated the relationship between occupational stress and occupational burnout. Conclusion: Career calling as a personal resource buffers the positive relationship between occupational stress and occupational burnout. School leaders can promote teachers' career calling by endowing educational work with more meaning, which leading to lower level of occupational burnout.

[Effect of silencing hepatocyte growth factor receptor c-Met expression on biological characteristics of colon cancer cells]

Objective: To investigate the effect of silencing hepatocyte growth factor receptor (c-Met) expression on the biological characteristics of HCT116 colon cancer cells. Methods: Cellular model of c-Met transient transfection was established by using small interfering RNA (siRNA), the expression of c-Met in colon cancer cells was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot. The apoptosis assay, cell invasion assay, cell migration and other experiments were conducted to observe the effects of silencing c-Met on the biological characteristics of colon cancer cells. Results: RT-qPCR results showed that the relative expression levels of c-Met mRNA in siRNA-Met group, blank control group and siRNA negative control (siRNA-NC) group were 0.32±0.26, 1.01±0.03 and 1.05±0.23, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Western blot analysis showed that the expression level of c-Met protein in the siRNA-Met group was 0.24±0.03, significantly lower than 1.23±0.06 in the blank control group and 1.18±0.11 in the siRNA-NC group (P<0.05). The cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) results showed that the 72-hour absorbance (A) values of the siRNA-Met group, blank control group and the siRNA-NC group were 1.13±0.05, 1.48±0.08 and 1.53±0.07, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). Cell cycle results showed that the proportion of cells in G(2)/M phase was (14.65±1.41)% in siRNA-Met group , (5.07±0.70)% in blank control group and (5.63±0.71)% in siRNA-NC group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The expression levels of cell cycle regulatory proteins Cdc25c and cyclin B1 in siRNA-Met group were significantly decreased. The apoptotic rate in siRNA-Met group was (5.85±0.35)%, significantly higher than (1.00±0.17)% in blank control group and (0.91±1.14)% in siRNA-NC group (P<0.05). The expression level of apoptosis-related protein Bcl-2 in the siRNA-Met group was significantly decreased while Bcl-2 associated X protein (BAX) expression level was significantly increased. The cell scratching result showed that the cell migration abilities of the siRNA-Met group, blank control group and the siRNA-NC group were (51.33±8.62)%, (100.00±3.72)% and (102.33±6.43)%, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The number of cell penetrating into the basement membrane of the siRNA-Met group, blank control group and the siRNA-NC group were 47.50±10.60, 100.00±5.33 and 102.50±10.61, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The expressions of invasion related proteins including MMP-2 and MMP-9 in siRNA-Met group were decreased significantly. Conclusions: c-Met plays an important role in maintaining the biological characteristics of colon cancer cells. Inhibition of c-Met may have important values in the treatment of colon cancer.

Reconstructed Single-Cell Fate Trajectories Define Lineage Plasticity Windows during Differentiation of Human PSC-Derived Distal Lung Progenitors

Alveolar epithelial type 2 cells (AEC2s) are the facultative progenitors responsible for maintaining lung alveoli throughout life but are difficult to isolate from patients. Here, we engineer AEC2s from human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) in vitro and use time-series single-cell RNA sequencing with lentiviral barcoding to profile the kinetics of their differentiation in comparison to primary fetal and adult AEC2 benchmarks. We observe bifurcating cell-fate trajectories as primordial lung progenitors differentiate in vitro, with some progeny reaching their AEC2 fate target, while others diverge to alternative non-lung endodermal fates. We develop a Continuous State Hidden Markov model to identify the timing and type of signals, such as overexuberant Wnt responses, that induce some early multipotent NKX2-1+ progenitors to lose lung fate. Finally, we find that this initial developmental plasticity is regulatable and subsides over time, ultimately resulting in PSC-derived AEC2s that exhibit a stable phenotype and nearly limitless self-renewal capacity.

[Resection of lumbar nerve sheath tumors via muscle-pedicle open-door laminoplasty approach]

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of resection of lumbar nerve sheath tumors via muscle-pedicle open-door laminoplasty approach. Methods: From March 2016 to June 2018, 6 patients (4 males and 2 females, average age (45±14) years) with lumbar spinal nerve sheath tumors received surgical treatment via muscle-pedicleopen-door laminoplasty approach in the Department of Spinal Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University. The operation time, blood loss, cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) leakage, and pre- and post-operative Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and low back and leg pain visual analogue scale (VAS) were recorded for all patients. Cobb angle of lumbar lordosis was measured on the standing lateral X-ray before and 6 months after surgery. Bone fusion was observed in computed tomography at six months after surgery. Results: Total tumor resection was achieved in all the 6 patients. The operation time was from 76 to 117 minutes (average, (102±15) minutes). The blood loss was from 160 to 280 ml (average, (256±24) ml). No CSF leakage was observed in this cohort.All patients were followed up for more than 6 months. ODI and VAS for low back and leg pain were much better at one month after operation than those before the operation(t=7.70, 8.63,11.31, all P<0.05). The Cobb angle of lumbar lordosis before operation and at six months after the operation were comparable in all six patients(t=0.70, P>0.05). Bone fusion was observed in computed tomography at six months after surgery. No bone necrosis or absorption, no lamina dislodgement or spinal stenosis was occurred. Conclusions: The muscle-pedicle open-door laminoplasty approach is proved effective and safe to incise nerve sheath tumors in the lumbar spine. Some blood supply of lamina can be kept intact to accelerate bone fusion.

Quasifree Neutron Knockout from ^{54}Ca Corroborates Arising N=34 Neutron Magic Number

Exclusive cross sections and momentum distributions have been measured for quasifree one-neutron knockout reactions from a ^{54}Ca beam striking on a liquid hydrogen target at ∼200  MeV/u. A significantly larger cross section to the p_{3/2} state compared to the f_{5/2} state observed in the excitation of ^{53}Ca provides direct evidence for the nature of the N=34 shell closure. This finding corroborates the arising of a new shell closure in neutron-rich calcium isotopes. The distorted-wave impulse approximation reaction formalism with shell model calculations using the effective GXPF1Bs interaction and ab initio calculations concur our experimental findings. Obtained transverse and parallel momentum distributions demonstrate the sensitivity of quasifree one-neutron knockout in inverse kinematics on a thick liquid hydrogen target with the reaction vertex reconstructed to final state spin-parity assignments.

Prevalence of Piroplasma in Ticks Collected from Dogs and Cattle in Guangxi, South China Determined by Reverse Line Blot Hybridization Assay

Piroplasmosis is a disease of domestic and wild animals caused by tick-borne protozoa of the genera Theileria and Babesia. Piroplasmosis leads to substantial economic losses in the livestock industry. This disease has been frequently reported in subtropical and tropical regions worldwide. However, information regarding the prevalence of piroplasma in ticks collected from dogs and cattle is lacking in most areas. To assess the potential threat of piroplasmosis in South China, 671 ticks were collected in Guangxi Province. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted from these ticks to evaluate the presence of piroplasma through a reverse line blot (RLB) hybridization assay using the hypervariable V4 region of the piroplasmic 18S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (r)RNA genes as probes to detect Theileria and Babesia species. The RLB results indicated that 144/671 (21.46%) ticks were infected with piroplasma species belonging to the genera Theileria or Babesia. Theileria buffeli, Babesia vogeli, Theileria annulata, and Theileria luwenshuni were present in the ticks at frequencies of 60/671 (8.94%), 21/671 (3.13%), 6/671 (0.89%), and 6/671 (0.89%), respectively. Mixed infections with 2 or more piroplasma species were present in 8/671 (1.19%) tick samples. The hypervariable V4 region of the piroplasmic 18S rRNA genes from 6 tick DNA samples with single infections was cloned, sequenced, and aligned to related sequences from GenBank. The Theileria and Babesia sequences were analyzed separately. 18S rRNA gene fragment sequences of T. annulata and T. buffeli were compared with previously reported homologous sequences. All 3 B. vogeli sequences examined in this study were grouped into the same cluster and belonged to the same genotype. The present study provides important epidemiological information regarding piroplasmosis occurrence in China. The existence of tick-borne piroplasma likely leads to high infection risks among the local animals in the studied areas.

[Diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic tuberculosis: experiences of 10 cases]

Objectives: To study the clinical characteristics of pancreatic tuberculosis, and therefore to improve the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Methods: The clinical data of 10 patients with pancreatic tuberculosis form 1990 to 2017 were reviewed, including clinical characteristics, laboratory tests and imaging features. Results: The ten patients aged 28 to 71 (median 56) years. All of them presented varying degrees of abdominal pain and weight loss (3 to 8 kg). Hypo-echoic pancreatic masses were shown by abdominal ultra-sound in 7 cases, and cystic-solid masses with thick wall was shown by abdominal CT scan in 4 cases, but dilatation of the pancreatic duct was found in none of the 10 cases. Hemoglobin levels lower than 12 g/L were found in 6 cases, and ESR more than 20 mm/1 h was present in 7 cases. Four cases received PPD test, but only one was positive. CA19-9 was found to be higher than normal (27 IU/ml) in 3 cases (39.2 IU/ml, 125.7 IU/ml, 88.9 IU/ml respectively). Three cases received T-spot.TB tests, and all the results were positive. Seven cases received laparotomy, and the other 3 received endoscopic ultrasound-guided biopsy. Caseous necrosis and Langerhans cells were found in all the 10 cases. Nine patients were treated by 6 to 12 months' anti-tuberculosis therapies, and at 1-5 years' follow-up, 8 were cured and 1 improved. Conclusions: The manifestations of pancreatic tuberculosis were easy to be confused with other diseases, and therefore a comprehensive understanding of history and careful examinations were important for a correct diagnosis. Once the diagnosis was made, prompt standard anti-tuberculosis therapy could lead to a favorable outcome.

[Ultrastructural and clinical findings of mitochondrial encephalomyopathy:report of 27 cases]

Objective: To investigate the ultrastructural features of muscle in patients with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy for its diagnosis and differential diagnosis. Methods: The clinical data of 27 mitochondrial encephalomyopathy patients who underwent left or right biceps brachii muscle biopsy at Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University from July 2006 to August 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. The muscle biopsy specimens were examined underlight microscope and transmission electron microscope. Results: There were 27 patients (17 males, 10 females) with an age range of 12 to 62 years (mean 29 years). The age of onset ranged from 3 to 38 years. The course of disease ranged from 1 month to 24 years. Twenty-two cases presented with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome, four with myoclonic epilepsy with ragged red fibers (MERRF) syndrome, and one with chronic progressive paralysis of extraocular muscle (CPEO) syndrome. Skeletal muscle biopsy showed abundant ragged red fibers and strongly SDH-reactive vessel. Genetic studies showed 17 of 22 cases of MELAS syndrome had A3243G mutation, and the other 5 cases had no abnormality. A8344G mutation was found in 3 of 4 cases of MERRF syndrome. No single or multiple mtDNA mutations were found in the single case of CPEO. Transmission electron microscopy of all 27 cases showed diffuse proliferation of mitochondria between the myofibrils and beneath the sarcolemma, with increased spacing between muscle cells. Seven cases showed numerous glycogen and four showed subsarcolemmal lipid droplets, 13 cases showed unusual mitochondrial morphology, including mitochondrial electron-dense substances and paracrystal line inclusions ("parking lot" change)in eight cases. Conclusions: Transmission electron microscopy shows significant differences in ultrastructural pathological changes among different patients with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy. Some patients with mild clinical symptoms have increased mitochondrial number, increased metabolism of glycogen and lipid droplets, while others with severe clinical symptoms have abnormal mitochondrial morphology. Typical crystalloid inclusions are found in mitochondria, which are of great value in the diagnosis of this disease.

How Robust is the N=34 Subshell Closure? First Spectroscopy of ^{52}Ar

The first γ-ray spectroscopy of ^{52}Ar, with the neutron number N=34, was measured using the ^{53}K(p,2p) one-proton removal reaction at ∼210  MeV/u at the RIBF facility. The 2_{1}^{+} excitation energy is found at 1656(18) keV, the highest among the Ar isotopes with N>20. This result is the first experimental signature of the persistence of the N=34 subshell closure beyond ^{54}Ca, i.e., below the magic proton number Z=20. Shell-model calculations with phenomenological and chiral-effective-field-theory interactions both reproduce the measured 2_{1}^{+} systematics of neutron-rich Ar isotopes, and support a N=34 subshell closure in ^{52}Ar.

[Effect of single lumen endobronchial tube and double lumen endobronchial tube on ventilation and lung injury in patients with esophageal cancer undergoing combined thoracoscopic and laparoscopic esophagectomy]

Objective: To investigate the effect of the single lumen endobronchial tube and the double lumen endobronchial tube on ventilation and lung injury in patients with esophageal cancer undergoing combined thoracoscopic and laparoscopic esophagectomy. Methods: Sixty patients with esophageal cancer undergoing combined thoracoscopic and laparoscopic esophagectomy were divided into single lumen endobronchial tube group (D group, n=30) and double lumen endobronchial tube group (S, n=30) according to the random number table. Blood samples were harvested at the moment of tracheal intubation (T(0)), after artificial pneumothorax (one lung ventilation) 30 min (T(1)), after artificial pneumothorax (one lung ventilation) 90 min (T(2)), artificial pneumothorax over (double lung ventilation) 30 min (T(3)) and after extubation 30 min (T(4)) for arterial blood gas analysis. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), pulse oxygen saturation (SpO(2)), oxygen tension (PaO(2)), carbon dioxide partial pressure (PaCO(2)) and airway pressure (PAW) were recorded at T(0)-T(4). The incidences of pneumonia of two groups were record at 3 days after operation. Results: There were no obvious differences in HR, MAP, SpO(2), PaO(2), PaCO(2) between two groups at T(0)-T(4) (P>0.05). Compared with T(0), the levels of HR and PaO(2) were increased remarkably at T(1)-T(3) (P<0.05), the levels of PaCO(2) were increased remarkably at T(1)-T(4) (P<0.01), and the levels of Paw were increased remarkably at T(1)-T(3) (P<0.01). Compared with S group, the levels of Paw were decreased remarkably at T(1)-T(2) (29.5±3.7 vs 21.3±2.1, P=0.001; 30.7±4.8 vs 20.3±2.3, P=0.001). There were no obvious differences in the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8 in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid (BALF) between two groups at T(0) (P>0.05). Compared with T(0), the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8 in BALF were increased remarkably at T(3), T(5) (P<0.05). Compared with S group, the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8 in D group in BALF were decreased remarkably at T(3), T(5) (P<0.05). Compared with S group, the incidence of pneumonia in D group were decreased remarkably at 3 days after operation (4(13.3%) vs 11(36.7%), P=0.017). Conclusion: The ventilation effect of the single lumen endobronchial tube on lung injury for patients with esophageal cancer undergoing combined thoracoscopic and laparoscopic esophagectomy is the same as that of the double lumen endobronchial tube, however the single lumen endobronchial tube has less injury on the lung.

Oxaliplatin-rapamycin combination was superior to mono-drug in treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma both in vitro and in vivo

The presented study aimed to investigate the antitumor efficacy of combination of oxaliplatin with rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor, in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The activation status of mTOR pathway was first examined in HCC cell lines HepG2, BEL7402, and HuH7 using Western blotting. Effects of rapamycin, oxaliplatin, and their combination on the proliferation of HCC cells were determined in vitro using MTT assay and in vivo using a nude mice model bearing HepG2 xenografts. Drug-induced cell apoptosis was examined by flow cytometry. Expression of apoptosis-related protein was determined by Western blotting. We observed that mTOR pathway was activated in all three cell lines used in the current study. MTT assay demonstrated that oxaliplatin in combination with rapamycin synergistically inhibited the proliferation of HCC cells. The combination regimen reduced terminal tumor burden more efficiently than the corresponding monotherapy. The percentages of apoptotic cells and the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins including cleaved caspase-9, -3, and PARP were significantly higher in combination-treatment groups than those in mono-drug-treatment groups. The ratios of Bax/Bcl-2 in cells exposed to both oxaliplatin and rapamycin were significantly increased compared to those in cells subjected to oxaliplatin or rapamycin alone treatment. Results obtained in the presented study suggested that combination of oxaliplatin and rapamycin was superior to mono-drug and may have a potential value in treatment of HCC.

[The epidemiological and clinical characteristics of liver hemangioma in health adults]

Objective: To report the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of liver hemangioma in health adults from a large sample of Health Examination Database. Methods: A retrospective study was performed to analyze the epidemiological and clinical Characteristics of liver hemangioma from people who underwent examination in China-Japan friendship hospital from 2014 to 2016. The analysis was also included the relationship between gender or age and the incidence and tumor size. Results: A total of 83 964 healthy adults (age≥18) were included in the study. The overall incidence of liver hemangioma was 2.95%. There was no significant difference of liver hemangiomas incidence between male which was 3.03%, and which was 2.88% in female. Liver hemangiomas incidence had shown obviously increased with patients' age, as the evidence indicating that the prevalence of liver hemangioma in <30 age group was only 1.87%, and the prevalence of liver hemangioma in 41-50 age group raised to 3.72%. While the size of liver hemangioma in different genders was also increasing with age, the tumor size of liver hemangioma in <30 age group was the smallest. Under 50 years old, the size of female patients' liver hemangioma was larger than that of male patients in each age group. The size of female patients' liver hemangioma had obviously decreased over 60 years old. Conclusion: The progress of liver hemangioma was highly influenced by age and gender.

[Diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced CT scans in identifying lung adenocarcinomas manifesting as ground glass nodules]

Objective: To investigate the value of contrast-enhanced CT scans in differential diagnosis of atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH), adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), minimal invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA) and invasive adenocarcinoma (IAC) in patients who manifested as ground glass nodules (GGNs) or mixed GGNs (mGGNs) in unenhanced CT imaging. Methods: The unenhanced and enhanced CT images of 194 patients with GGNs in the lung were retrospectively analyzed, including 64 cases with pre-invasive lesions, 80 cases with MIA, and 50 cases with IAC. The prediction of pathological types was based on maximal diameters and the solid portions of the lesions displayed on unenhanced and enhanced CT images, and then compared with pathological diagnosis. Results: In 64 patients with pre-invasive lesions, the CT value increased in 59 cases after contrast-enhanced administration, whereas the solid portions increased in 5 cases. In the 80 patients with MIA, solid portions increased in 50 cases and the CT value increased in 30 cases after contrast administration. In 50 cases with IAC, almost all of them showed increased solid portions, whereas only 2 cases showed an increase of CT values. In the pre-invasive group and the MIA group, the increase of CT values after contrast administration was (45.88±15.97) HU and (66.47±44.54) HU, respectively, showing statistically significant difference (P=0.001). The increase of solid portions in the MIA group and IAC group was (1.55±0.73) mm and (1.88±0.75) mm, respectively, also showing significant difference (P=0.032). Conclusion: Contrast-enhanced CT scans were more useful than unenhanced CT scans for the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinomas manifesting as GGNs .

Misdiagnosis of primary hepatic marginal zone B cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue type, a case report

Background

Extra-nodal marginal zone B cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue originating in the liver is less common.

Case presentation

We described the clinical presentation, immunohistochemistry, and immunophenotypes of this lymphoma, which was misdiagnosed with tiny hepatic carcinoma in a 44-year-old woman with hepatitis C; the patient underwent left lateral sectionectomy. The immunophenotype identified the most of the lymphoid cells as positive CD20, CD34, Ki67, CD3, CD4, CD79a, CD45RO, MUM-1, and CD5 and negative CD10, CD15, CD30, ACT, CK, CRO, DES, and HMB45. The diagnosis of primary hepatic mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) was made by histology after surgery; the patient went through the excellent recovery with no chemotherapy and is disease free for 27 months.

Conclusions

Primary hepatic MALT is less common with incidental finding; local resection is beneficial due to its oncological indolence.

Analysis of specific sequences in mutant rice generated by introduction of exogenous corn DNA

Rice variation induced by the introduction of exogenous DNA has become an important method of improving rice varieties and creating new germplasms. In this study, we transferred maize genomic DNA fragments to the receptor of Nipponbare rice using a modified "pollen-tube pathway" method. Material from mutant rice B1 and B2 were acquired and 14 specific bands were obtained from the material using amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis. From the 14 specific sequences obtained, there were 3791 bp, including 144 base mutations with a base mutation rate of 3.80%. Specific bands resulted from base mutation of selective bases or restriction endonuclease recognition sequences, or insertion or deletion of DNA fragments. The frequency of single-base mutations was significantly higher than that of double-base mutations, three-sequential base mutations, and multiple-sequential base mutations. The site frequency of base substitution (87.04%) was significantly higher than that of base insertion (3.70%) or deletion (9.26%). In all cases of base substitution, the frequency of transition (76.47%) was significantly higher than transversion (23.53%). The above results indicate that transferring foreign-species DNA into rice cells can induce base mutations in the receptor, with base substitutions occurring at the highest frequency, and the dominant type of base substitutions being transition. Preliminary analysis reveals that the molecular mechanism of transferring exogenous DNA into rice causes mutations, which provides theoretical data on biological mutagenesis for further research.

Morphology and photosynthetic enzyme activity of maize phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase transgenic rice

The morphology and photosynthetic enzyme activity were studied in maize phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase transgenic rice and non-transgenic rice. The results showed that compared with non-transgenic rice, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase transgenic rice was taller and had a stronger stalk, wider leaves, and more exuberant root system, with increased photosynthetic enzyme activity and improved yield components. Therefore, given the superiority of this plant type and heterosis, this is a novel breeding strategy for rice for the introduction of C4 photosynthesis genes into high-yielding rice.

Identification of commonly dysregulated genes in colorectal cancer by integrating analysis of RNA-Seq data and qRT-PCR validation

The progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) is a multistep process and metastatic CRC is always incurable; consequently, CRC is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. There is therefore an urgent need for identifying useful biomarkers with enough sensitivity and specificity to detect this disease at early stages, which will significantly reduce the mortality for this malignancy. In this study, we performed an integrating analysis of different RNA-Seq data sets to find new candidate biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis and as therapeutic targets for this malignancy, as well as to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of CRC carcinogenesis. We identified 883 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) across the studies between CRC and normal control (NC) tissues by combining five RNA-Seq data sets. Gene function analysis revealed high correlation with carcinogenesis. The top 10 most significantly DEGs were further evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in both rectal cancer (RC) and colon cancer (CC), and the results matched well with integrating data, suggesting that the method of integrating analysis of different RNA-seq data sets is acceptable. Therefore, integrating analysis of different RNA-seq data sets may be a useful way to overcome the limitation of small sample size in a single RNA-seq study. In addition, our study showed that some genes, such as SIM2, ADAMTS6, FOXD4L4 and DNAH5, may have an important role in the development of CRC, which could be applied for diagnosis, prognosis and as therapy for this malignancy. Our findings would also help to understand the pathology of CRC.

A modified model of helical resonator with predictable loaded resonant frequency and Q-factor

High voltage radio frequency (RF) supply is a critical part in an ion trapping system. The RF supply should have high Q-factor and relatively high driving frequency. A frequently used RF supply for an ion trap system is a helical resonator. In certain applications, it is advantageous to have a predictable resonant frequency and Q-factor when the helical resonator is connected to a capacitive load. We develop a model to describe the behavior of a helical resonator with capacitive load. With this model, we can correctly predict the loaded resonant frequency and the loaded Q-factor. To test our prediction, we construct a helical resonator, and measure its resonant frequencies and Q-factors under different capacitive loads. The experimental results agree with our prediction.

Observation of enhanced monopole strength and clustering in (12)Be

In a recent breakup-reaction experiment using a Be12 beam at 29  MeV/nucleon, the 0+ band head of the expected He4+He8 molecular rotation was clearly identified at about 10.3 MeV, from which a large monopole matrix element of 7.0±1.0  fm2 and a large cluster-decay width were determined for the first time. These findings support the picture of strong clustering in Be12, which has been a subject of intense investigations over the past decade. The results were obtained thanks to a specially arranged detection system around zero degrees, which is essential in determining the newly emphasized monopole strengths to signal the cluster formation in a nucleus.

First Report of Root Rot on Atractylodes macrocephala (Largehead Atractylodes Rhizome) Caused by Ceratobasidium sp. in China

Atractylodes macrocephala is a perennial herbaceous plant (family Asteraceae) native to China. The biennial root, Largehead Atractylodes Rhizome (LAR), is the most commonly used Chinese herbal medicine to prevent early pregnancy loss due to miscarriage. From summer 2010 to spring 2012, symptoms of root rot were observed on LAR in Xianfeng county, Enshi city, Hubei Province, China. White mold on the root of LAR could be observed at an early growth stage in the field and the white mold spread over the entire plant after 10 days, which differs from root rot of LAR caused by Fusarium oxysporum and Rhizoctonia solani, neither of which are characterized as having mycelium spreading over the whole plant (4). Where root rot symptoms were present, rhizome yield was reduced by 15% on average, with up to 40% yield loss in some fields. Under humid conditions in mid-June, the disease in the field spread quickly and the rhizomes of LAR were completely rotted. After rainfall and increasing temperature from 16 to 35°C, white mycelium appeared and plants withered within a few weeks. In April 2011 and 2012, a fungus was consistently recovered from symptomatic rhizome samples after they were surface sterilized with 0.1% mercuric chloride solution and plated onto potato dextrose agar (PDA). Pale gray colonies with short aerial mycelia and brown sclerotia formed on PDA after 7 days incubation at 28°C. Binucleate cells were observed using light microscopy and the characteristics were matched with morphological characteristics of a Ceratobasidium sp (3). Genomic DNA of the culture was extracted, and the rDNA-internal transcribed spacer sequence (GenBank Accession No. JQ926741) showed 99% identity to Ceratobasidium sp (GenBank No. H269825.1). Mycelial plugs of the culture taken from PDA were inoculated onto 40 rhizomes of 1-year-old seedlings and plants were incubated with a 16-h photoperiod at 28°C and 90% relative humidity in an artificial climate chamber where they developed typical disease symptoms after 2 days. Ten rhizomes of 1-year-old seedlings and were treated with PDA plugs only. All seedlings inoculated with the pathogen were withered and the rhizomes were completely covered with gray mycelium 2 days after inoculation, which was similar to the symptoms observed in the field. After 7 days, the symptoms were more severe than those observed in the field, with seedlings rotted completely. The main stalk of all inoculated plants was covered with gray mycelia in 4 days, and the stalk became withered, which was similar to the symptoms observed in the field. No symptoms were observed on control seedlings and plants. Koch's postulates were fulfilled by successful reisolation of Ceratobasidium sp. from diseased seedlings. The pathogenicity tests were carried out twice. Ceratobasidium sp. has been reported to cause root rot of canola in Washington (2). It has also been observed on Rehmannia in China (1). To our knowledge, this is the first report of Ceratobasidium sp. causing root rot on LAR. References: (1) B. B. Chen et al. Chin. J. Chin. Material Medica (In Chinese) 9:1137, 2011. (2) K. L. Schroeder et al. Plant Dis. 96:591, 2012. (3) B. Sneh et al. Page 39 in: Identification of Rhizoctonia Species. The American Phytopathological Society, 1991. (4) S. X. Zang et al. J. Agric. Univ. Hebei (In Chinese) 28:73, 2005.

Serum Levels of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide and Substance P are Decreased in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus and Coronary Artery Disease

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated serum levels of the neuropeptides calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP) in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with and without a history of diabetes mellitus (DM). METHODS: Patients undergoing coronary angiography for suspected myocardial ischaemia were divided into four groups depending on their clinical status: control group (no CAD or DM; n = 44), DM group (DM without CAD; n = 46), CAD group (stable CAD without DM; n = 44) and DM + CAD group (stable CAD with DM; n = 50). Serum levels of CGRP and SP were determined using radioimmunoassays. RESULTS: CGRP and SP levels in the DM and CAD groups were significantly lower than in the control group. The lowest levels of CGRP and SP were observed in the DM + CAD group. There were no significant differences in CGRP and SP levels between the DM group and the CAD group. CONCLUSION: CGRP and SP may have a role in the pathogenesis of CAD in patients with diabetes.

Algorithm for automatic detection of pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in rats

Epilepsy affects approximately one percent of the world population. Antiepileptic drugs are ineffective in approximately 30% of patients and have side effects. We are developing a noninvasive, or minimally invasive, transcranial focal electrical stimulation (TFS) system through our novel concentric ring electrodes to control seizures. Here we report on the development of a seizure detecting algorithm to be used for automatic application of TFS. A cumulative sum (CUSUM) algorithm was evaluated that detected the electrographic seizure activity in all experiments well in advance of the behavioral seizure activity.

Isolation, sequence analysis, and characterization of androgen receptor in Southern catfish, Silurus meridionalis

Androgen receptor (AR), the mediator of androgen, plays important roles in the androgen signal pathway. In the present study, we isolated and analyzed the cDNA sequence and tissue distribution of androgen receptor in Southern catfish (scAR). The full-length cDNA of scAR contains 3,116 bp with an open reading frame (ORF) of 2,415 bp, encoding a protein of 804 amino acids (aa). Tissue distribution analysis of scAR revealed that it was expressed in all tissues examined, with no sexual dimorphism in the ovary and testis. Phylogenetic analysis and multiple amino acids sequence alignment indicated the close relationship and high similarity of scAR with ARs from cypriniform species. In addition, partial sequences of ARs from 7 other siluriform species were also isolated. Comparison of catfish ARs with those from other vertebrates revealed that an extra C-terminal tail of about 20aa exists in all the ARs from siluriform fishes investigated, but not in other ARs. The extra sequence was resulted from a 4-bp insertion before the stop codon of other vertebrate ARs, and it was identical in ARs from siluriform species of the same genus but different among ARs from species of different genera. We report here for the first time that the ARs from siluriform species are longer in C-terminal than those from other vertebrates and it might be useful in reconstruction of the phylogenetic relationship among siluriform fishes. The significance of the extra C-terminal tail for AR function remains elusive.

MMP2 promoter polymorphism (C-1306T) and risk of recurrence in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after transplantation

Genetic variants in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) gene may influence the biological function of these enzymes and change their role in carcinogenesis and progression. The effect of MMP2 C-1306T and MMP9 C-1562T polymorphisms on genetic susceptibility has been investigated in various kinds of cancer. However, the relationship between these polymorphisms and risk of recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after liver transplantation (LT) has not been reported. The present study was designed to investigate the association of these two loci with the risk of HCC recurrence in 93 HCC patients treated with LT. Genotyping was performed using direct DNA sequencing. For MMP2 C-1306T variant, patients with CT heterozygous conferred a 58% reduction in recurrence risk (risk ratio: 0.419; 95% confidence interval: 0.177-0.994). The mean recurrence-free survival for CT genotype was significantly longer than that for homozygous CC patients (30.4 vs 19.3 months, p = 0.019). However, no association was found between MMP9 C-1562T polymorphisms and recurrence of HCC (p = 0.259). These findings suggest that MMP2 promoter polymorphisms may provide some predictive value for HCC recurrence after LT.

Establishment and characterization of a spontaneously immortalized porcine mammary epithelial cell line

We have established a spontaneously immortalized porcine mammary epithelial cell line (SI-PMEC) from the mammary gland of a lactating sow and maintained it long-term in culture by continuous subculturing. SI-PMEC cells were maintained for more than 8 months (70 passages) in DMEM/F12 medium supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum, insulin, and hydrocortisone without obvious signs of senescence. When grown at low density on a plastic substratum, SI-PMEC cells formed islands, and when grown to confluency, the cells formed a monolayer and aggregated with the characteristic cobblestone morphology of epithelial cells. The subcultured SI-PMEC cells appeared to proliferate without changes in morphology or growth pattern, with an estimated population doubling time of 20-22 h. With increasing density, SI-PMEC cells organized into lumen-like structures with elongated cells at the margins. SI-PMEC cells from stocks frozen at Passage 30 were subcultured up to 20 times without changes in cell viability, proliferation rate, or morphology. Furthermore, SI-PMEC cells remained immunopositive to an antibody against cytokeratin AE3 and immunonegative to an antibody against a human fibroblast antigen. The SI-PMEC cells could form functional structures resembling ducts, lateral-buds, and alveoli in a Matrigel matrix-dependent manner in vitro. When grown on the Matrigel and stimulated by prolactin, the cells differentiated and formed mammary gland structures and strongly expressed transcripts encoding the milk proteins alpha-lactalbumin, beta-casein, and beta-lactoglobulin. Our results indicate that the SI-PMEC cell line can be subpassaged many times and still form functional differentiated secretory structures. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an immortalized mammary epithelial cell line from pig.

Gene transfection and expression in a primary culture of mammary epithelial cells isolated from lactating sows

Porcine mammary epithelial cells (PMECs) were isolated from lactating sow mammary glands and cultured on a matrix gel. Primary culture cells expressed significant amounts of the specific marker cytokeratin as determined by immunohistochemistry, and exhibited mammary-specific functions, such as transcription of alpha-lactalbumin, beta-casein and beta-lactoglobulin genes. They also formed mammospheres when the medium was supplemented with lactogenic hormones. The PMECs were used to study gene transfer and expression in vitro. A gene encoding enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) was used as a reporter and two constructs were investigated, pEGFP-N1 (a vector constructed with a CMV promoter followed by the EGFP gene) and pGB562/GFP (a mammary gland-specific expression vector with regulatory sequences from the goat beta-casein gene linked to EGFP). The efficiency of DNA transfer into the cultured PMECs was about 20-30%. GFP expression in the pGB562/GFP-transfected PMECs was markedly stimulated by prolactin supplements in the medium. The established PMECs maintained optimal gene expression from 1 to 20 passages and appeared to provide an efficient and convenient system for assessing the expression of transgenes containing mammary gland-specific promoters.

Association between Polymorphisms of Vitamin D Receptor Gene ApaI, BsmI and TaqI and Muscular Strength in Young Chinese Women

The association between the polymorphisms of vitamin D receptor gene ApaI, BsmI and TaqI and isokinetic muscular strength was examined in 109 healthy, young Chinese women.

METHODS

Genomic DNA was extracted from mouthwash samples and vitamin D receptor genotypes were determined with the established methods. The peak torque of the dominant limb in concentric and eccentric knee extensors and flexors and elbow extensors and flexors was measured using Cybex-Norm-770 isokinetic dynamometer at slow and fast velocities. The distribution frequency of vitamin D receptor gene alleles was analyzed by chi-square test. The difference in muscular strength between VDR genotype groups was analyzed using one-way ANOVA. The ApaI, BsmI and TaqI alleles and genotype frequencies appeared to be in a Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Subjects with the vitamin D receptor ApaI null (A allele) mutation (AA) exhibited significantly lower knee and elbow concentric or eccentric peak torque than those with aa homozygous or Aa heterozygous. The BB & Bb group showed significantly higher peak torque in concentric knee flexors than bb group. No association was found between vitamin D receptor gene TaqI and muscular strength. The data indicated that vitamin D receptor gene ApaI and BsmI polymorphisms rather than TaqI polymorphism might be associated with muscular strength.

Structural and biochemical evidence of mitochondrial depletion in pigs with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Pig hearts with naturally occurring hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) were isolated to investigate the effects of mitochondrial deficiency at biochemical and molecular levels. Enzyme activities of mitochondrial-encoded cytochrome c oxidase and NADH dehydrogenase in the HCM hearts (n=12) were lower than that in the controls (n=12) by 41+/-29% (P<0.01) and 43+/-21% (P<0.001), respectively. Additionally, Southern blot analysis was conducted to quantify the relative amount of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from the HCM and controls. The relative amount of mtDNA in the HCM hearts was significantly 57+/-19% (P<0.001) lower than that in the controls. Both mitochondrial enzyme deficiency and mtDNA depletion were significantly correlated with the degree of cardiac hypertrophy judged based on the ratio of heart/body weight. In conclusion, our results reveal that a secondary effect of tissue-specific mtDNA depletion and mitochondrial dysfunction is in response to the HCM.

The angiotensin II type 1 receptor and receptor-associated proteins

The mechanisms of regulation, activation and signal transduction of the angiotensin II (Ang II) type 1 (AT1) receptor have been studied extensively in the decade after its cloning. The AT1 receptor is a major component of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). It mediates the classical biological actions of Ang II. Among the structures required for regulation and activation of the receptor, its carboxyl-terminal region plays crucial roles in receptor internalization, desensitization and phosphorylation. The mechanisms involved in heterotrimeric G-protein coupling to the receptor, activation of the downstream signaling pathway by G proteins and the Ang II signal transduction pathways leading to specific cellular responses are discussed. In addition, recent work on the identification and characterization of novel proteins associated with carboxyl-terminus of the AT1 receptor is presented. These novel proteins will advance our understanding of how the receptor is internalized and recycled as they provide molecular mechanisms for the activation and regulation of G-protein-coupled receptors.

[Pathological and virological studies of the liver tissues from the patients with sporadic hepatitis E]

OBJECTIVE

To study the pathological feature, viral distribution and replication in the liver tissue of sporadic hepatitis E(HE), and to explore the mechanism of the liver injury induced by hepatitis E virus(HEV).

METHODS

The total bioptic liver tissues (n=54) were obtained from the patients with sporadic hepatitis E, including the clinical acute stage (n=20), the convalescent stage (n=16), and the chronic hepatitis B (CHB) overlapped with HEV infection recently (n=18). The pathological changes in the liver tissues were observed under the light and the electron microscope. HEV RNA was detected by in situ hybridization, and Kupffer cells were marked with immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

The HE liver tissues showed the pathological features in the clinical acute stage, presenting frequently with feathery degeneration of hepatocytes (100%), cholangiolar cholestasis (75.0%), and double nuclei and multinuclei hepatocytes (65.0%). The apoptotic body of hepatocyte was larger and irregular, and the proliferation of Kupffer cells was prominent. HEV RNA was distributed in hepatocyte cytoplasm near the nuclei. The positive rate of HEV RNA in acute stage was evidently higher than that in convalescent stage (100% vs 12.5%,P < 0.001), and the HEV RNA positive hepatocytes and the viral copies in acute stage were also more than in convalescent stage, in which the liver tissues were becoming normal. The liver tissue changes of the CBH overlapped with HEV infection were more severe compared with the single CHB.

CONCLUSIONS

Sporadic HE had histopathological characteristics. HEV infection and replication in hepatocytes occurred mainly during clinical acute stage and regressed in convalescent stage, which suggested sporadic acute HE may have a good result. The immune-mediated liver injury by lymphocytes might be a main pathogenesis of HE,but the liver injury induced directly by HEV might not be excluded.

Stretching short biopolymers using optical tweezers

Optical tweezers is a useful technique to study single molecules. It has been applied to stretch biopolymers in several approaches. However, these approaches may not be appropriate to measure short biopolymers. In the present study, the optical signals of beads in different situations were studied. A new method was developed for stretching short biopolymers, as short as 300 nm in length. This new method was successfully applied to determine the stiffness of procollagen I molecules.

Neurotoxic effect of high dose of L-(+)-2-amino-3-phosphonopropionic acid in rats after intracaudatal injection

AIM

To investigate neurotoxic effect of L-(+)-2-amino-3-phosphonopropionic acid (L-AP3), a partial agonist/antagonist of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), and explore the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Consciousness and behavior of rats were evaluated after injection of L-AP3, D-(+)-2-amino-3-phosphonopropionic acid (D-AP3, an isomer of L-AP3) or L-(+)-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid (L-AP4, an agonist of mGluRs) into right caudatum. Brain water, Na+, K+, and Ca2+ contents as well as the permeability of blood brain barrier (BBB) were determined 6 h after treatment of these chemicals. Histological changes at the same time point were also observed.

RESULTS

Rats treated with L-AP3 600 nmol but not 60 nmol became somnolentia. Inject ion of L-AP3 600 nmol induced a great increase of brain water, Na+, and Ca2+ contents, and a decrease of brain K+ content (P < 0.01). Meanwhile, the permeability of BBB was also increased (P < 0.01). Electron microscopic study revealed remarkable swelling of astrocytes and degenerative changes of neurons in chemical-treated caudatum. The neurotoxic effect of L-AP3 was not mimicked by D-AP3 or L-AP4 (P < 0.05). DL-2-Amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid, an antagonist of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, attenuated the changes induced by L-AP3 (P < 0.05), whereas (+/-)-alpha-methyl-(4-carboxyphenyl)glycine, a non-subtype specific antagonist of mGluRs, failed to block the effect of L-AP3.

CONCLUSION

Intracaudatal injection of L-AP3 induced neurotoxic effect characterized by vasogenic brain edema, neuronal degeneration, and high brain Ca2+ content. Neurotoxic effect of L-AP3 was stereoselective and might be mediated by phospholipase C activation and partially involvement of NMDA receptors.