[Cancer statistics in China, 2016]

Objective: Data for 2016 from cancer registries were used to estimate cancer incidence and mortality in China in 2016. Methods: According to the quality control process of the National Central Cancer Registry, the data from 683 cancer registries submitted by each province were evaluated, and the data of 487 cancer registries were qualified and included in the final analysis. Age-specific incidence and mortality rates were calculated by area (urban/rural), sex, age and cancer site, combined with national population data to estimate cancer incidence and mortality in China in 2016. Chinese population census in 2000 and Segi's population were used for age-standardized incidence and mortality rates. Results: Total population covered by 487 cancer registries was 381 565 422 (192 628 370 in urban and 188 937 052 in rural areas). The percentages of morphologically verified (MV%) and death certificate-only cases (DCO%) accounted for 68.31% and 1.40%, respectively, and the mortality to incidence ratio was 0.61. It was estimated about 4 064 000 new cases occurred in China in 2016, with the crude incidence rate being 293.91/100 000 (the rates of males and females were 315.52/100 000 and 271.23/100 000), age-standardized incidence rates by Chinese standard population (ASIRC) and by world standard population (ASIRW) were 190.76/100 000 and 186.46/100 000, with the cumulative incidence rate (0-74 years old) being 21.42%. The crude incidence and ASIRC were 314.74/100 000 and 196.38/100 000 in urban areas, whereas in rural areas, they were 265.90/100 000 and 182.21/100 000, respectively. It was estimated about 2 413 500 cancer deaths occurred in China in 2016, the crude mortality rate was 174.55/100 000 (216.16/100 000 in males and 130.88/100 000 in females), the age-standardized mortality rates by Chinese standard population (ASMRC) and by world standard population (ASMRW) were 106.00/100 000 and 105.19/100 000, and the cumulative mortality rate (0-74 years old) was 11.85%. The crude mortality and ASMRC were 180.31/100 000 and 104.44/100 000 in urban areas, whereas in rural areas, they were 166.81/100 000 and 108.01/100 000, respectively. The most common cancer cases include lung, colorectal, stomach, liver and female breast cancers. The top five cancers accounted for about 57.27% of all cancer cases. The most common cancer deaths included lung, liver, stomach, colorectal and esophageal cancers. The top five cancers accounted for about 69.25% of all cancer deaths. Conclusions: The burden of cancer shows a continuous increasing trend in China. Regional and gender differences in cancer burden are obvious. The cancer patterns still show the coexistence of cancer patterns in developed countries and developing countries. The situation of cancer prevention and control is still serious in China.

[Exploration and thinking on functional preservation after orthotopic neobladder construction]

The concept of functional preservation after orthotopic neobladder construction has gradually attracted attention. Reconstruction of urine storage and voiding is the basic function preservation of orthotopic neobladder. Clinical exploration mainly focuses on the optimization of neobladder reconstruction methods and procedures, and there is still a lack of summary of existing surgical characteristics and high-quality functional comparative studies. For strictly selected patients, on the basis of tumor control and standardized postoperative rehabilitation guidance, most patients with preserved nerve can retain satisfied sexual function after surgery. The protection of neurovascular bundle and ancillary structures combined with postoperative exercise is crucial to the improvement of urinary continence. According to the characteristics of patients, choosing the appropriate urinary diversion methods and function preserving can help patients establish a normal life style after surgery and improve their self-image and quality of life.

[Effects of oral bacterial metabolites on systemic diseases]

The oral cavity is the second largest microbial habitat in the whole body. Due to the divergence of oxygen, metabolic substrates and rate-limiting enzymes, oral bacteria are classified into sugar-metabolizing and nitrogen-compound-metabolizing bacteria according to their metabolic characteristics. The metabolites include organic acids, carbon dioxide, amino acids, proteins, and ammonia. Oral bacterial metabolites are very important for oral bacteria growth and reproduction, and also play an important role in systemic diseases such as periodontitis, oral cancer, intestinal diseases, diabetes and atherosclerosis. Therefore, in-depth exploration of oral bacterial metabolism is of great significance to understand the impact of oral cavity on systemic health. This article reviews the metabolic characteristics of oral bacteria and their correlation with systemic diseases.

Effect of the Active Cycle of Breathing Technique on Perioperative Outcome in Individuals With Esophagectomy: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Background: The effect of active cycle of breathing technique (ACBT) on EC patients has not been well elucidated. In this research, we aim to explore the effect of ACBT on the perioperative outcomes in patients with esophageal carcinoma who underwent esophagectomy. Methods: Patients who underwent esophagectomy in an academic institution from December 2017 to July 2019 were included in this study. In a quasi-experimental study, participants were randomly divided into an experimental group (active cycle of breathing technique, n = 107) and an observational group (n = 106) by drawing lots. The chi-squared test, Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test, Logistic regression analysis, and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to analyze data. A two-sided P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The primary observational endpoint was the mean weight of the sputum. Other outcomes included the six-min-walk test (6MWT), Borg scale, anastomotic leakage, and the length of hospital stay. Results: 95 patients underwent minimally invasive surgery, and 118 patients received open surgery. There were 16 patients with anastomotic leakage in the present study, and we found that patients in the observational group had higher odds of anastomotic leakage. The results showed that the mean weight of the sputum in the observation group was lighter than that of the experimental group. After esophagectomy, the experimental group had better outcomes than the observation group (Borg scale: 2.448 vs. 1.547; 6-MWT: 372.811 vs. 425.355m, all P < 0.05). The mean length of hospital stay was longer in the observation group (17.953 days) than that in the experimental group (12.037 days, P = 0.01). We also found that the observational group had a higher discharge ratio over 2 weeks in all cohort (adjusted OR 2.487, 95% confidence intervals 1.147-5.392, P = 0.021). Conclusion: Active cycle of breathing technique may improve the perioperative outcomes and decrease the length of hospital stay after surgery in patients with esophageal cancer. However, we need more researches to validate these findings.

[Advances in application of tissue clearing technique in hard tissues]

Tissue clearing is a novel technique developed within recent years, which could make the tissue optical transparency using physical or chemical methods by refractive index matching. Combined with fluorescence imaging and three-dimensional reconstruction technology, it could achieve three-dimensional observing and analyze the tissue structure at the cellular resolution. The tissue clearing technique is mainly applied to soft tissues, as less to hard tissues. In recent years, many researchers have modified tissue clearing methods and made them suitable for hard tissues, such as bone and teeth. The present paper reviews the recent application of tissue clearing techniques in hard tissues.

[Bladder cancer incidence, mortality and temporal trends in China]

Objective: To describe the epidemiological characteristics of bladder cancer in 2015 and temporal trends in China. Methods: From 501 cancer registries in China, we collected data of cancer new cases, deaths and populations in 2015. After qualified, sex-specific, area-specific, age-specific and overall incidence/mortality rates (including age-standardized rates by Chinese standard population and by world standard population) and estimated cases of bladder cancer were calculated. Annual Percent Change (APC)/Average Annual Percent Change (AAPC) fitted from Log-line model was applied to evaluate the temporal trends of bladder cancer incidence/mortality rates from 1998 to 2015. Results: Bladder cancer is the 13(th) most common cancer in China. The crude, age-standardized by China standard population and by world standard population rates were 5.80/10(5), 3.60/10(5) and 3.57/10(5) for incidence, and 2.37/10(5), 1.31/10(5) and 1.32/10(5) for mortality, respectively. The incidence of bladder cancer ranked 7(th) in male. The incidence and mortality of male were 3.8 and 4.0 times as high as those of female. Bladder cancer incidence in urban area was 1.4 times as high as that in rural area. Incidence in western areas and middle areas of China were similar, which were lower than that in eastern areas. Geographical distribution characteristics of mortality was along with incidence.Both incidence and mortality remained low before 45 and 55 years old, then they increased rapidly and peaked at 80-84 and over 85 years old age group. Temporal trend analysis suggested that bladder cancer incidence in China increased in 1998-2007 (APC=2.58, P<0.001), while decreased from 2007 to 2015 (APC=-3.82, P<0.001). Bladder cancer mortality declined gradually, with APCs for 1998-2003 and 2003-2015 of 3.65% (P=0.002) and 1.42% (P<0.001). Conclusions: Bladder cancer is one of the main cancers in China. Its epidemiological distributions varies among different sex, area and age group. Both incidence and mortality of bladder cancer decline. More efforts on tobacco control should be made, and awareness of early diagnosis and early treatment could be enhanced for the middle-aged and elderly.

[Incidence and mortality of corpus uteri cancer in China, 2015]

Objective: To estimate the incidence and mortality of corpus uteri cancer in China, 2015. Methods: Quality audit and evaluation of the data from 2015 cancer registration reported by 501 cancer registries were conducted, and 368 cancer registries were included in the analysis. The incidence rate and mortality rate of corpus uteri cancer were calculated according to the factors of the region (urban, rural, east, central, western), sex and age groups. The incidence and mortality of corpus uteri cancer with the 2015 population were estimated. Chinese standard population in 2000 and world Segi's population were used for the calculation of age-standardized rates (ASR) of incidence and mortality. Results: In 2015, 368 cancer registries included in the analysis covered a total of 309 553 499 populations in China, accounting for 22.52% of the national population. It is estimated that there were about 68 900 new cases of corpus uteri cancer in 2015, the incidence rate was 10.28/10(5), age-standardized incidence rates by Chinese standard population (ASR China) and world standard population (ASR world) were 6.86/10(5) and 6.66/10(5), respectively. The incidence rate of urban area (11.35/10(5)) was higher than that of rural area (8.90/10(5)), and the incidence of eastern region (12.12/10(5)) was higher than the central region (9.94/10(5)) and the western region (8.25/10(5)). It is estimated that in 2015, there were about 16 000 deaths of corpus uteri cancer, the mortality rate was 2.39/10(5), ASR China was 1.49/10(5), ASR world was 1.47/10(5). The mortality in urban areas (2.40/10(5)) is close to rural areas (2.39/10(5)); the mortality in central areas (2.55/10(5)) was higher than the eastern areas (2.32/10(5)) and the western areas (2.31/10(5)). Conclusions: In China, the incidence of corpus uteri cancer is on the rise and has a trend of youth, the burden of disease is gradually increasing, which threatens the health of women. Targeted prevention and control measures should be carried out in the different regions.

[Cancer incidence and mortality of kidney and unspecified urinary organs in China, 2015]

Objective: To estimate cancer incidence and mortality of kidney and unspecified urinary organs in China using cancer registry data in 2015. Methods: The cancer registry data from 501 local cancer registries in China were collected, checked and assessed based on the criteria of data quality control of the National Central Cancer Registry of China (NCCRC), and data from 368 registries were qualified for the analysis. Cancer incidence and mortality rates of kidney and unspecified urinary organs stratified by geographical location (eastern, middle, western areas), gender, age groups were calculated. Population data of 2015 was used to estimate the cancer cases and deaths of kidney and unspecified urinary organs in China. Chinese standard population in 2000 and Segi's world population were used for the calculation of age-standardized incidence and mortality rates. Results: A total of 74.2 thousand new cancer cases of kidney and unspecified urinary organs were diagnosed in 2015, 46.9 thousand of them were male, while 27.3 thousand were female, with a crude incidence rate of 5.40/10(5). The age-standardized incidence rates by Chinese (ASIRC) and world standard population (ASIRW) were 3.57/10(5) and 3.56/10(5), respectively. A total of 53.4 thousand and 20.8 thousand new cases were diagnosed in urban and rural area, with incidence rates of 6.93/10(5) and 3.45/10(5), respectively. The ASIRC of urban area was higher than that of rural area. There were 39.2 thousand, 20.6 thousand, and 14.4 thousand new cases diagnosed in eastern, middle, and western areas of China, respectively. The crude incidence rates were 7.60/10(5), 4.47/10(5), and 3.63/10(5), respectively, with a descend ASIRC of each area. A total of 27.1 thousand death cases reported, of them 16.9 thousand were male, while 10.2 thousand were female, with a crude mortality rate of 1.97/10(5), both of the ASIRC and ASMRW were 1.21/10(5). The deaths of urban and rural area were 19.5 thousand and 7.6 thousand cases, with the crude mortality rates of 2.53/10(5) and 1.26/10(5), respectively. The ASIRC of urban area was higher than that of rural area. There were 13.4 thousand, 8.4 thousand, and 5.1 thousand death cases reported in eastern, middle, and western areas, respectively, the crude mortality rates were 2.61/10(5), 1.83/10(5) and 1.30/10(5), respectively, with a descend ASIRC of each area. Conclusion: The disease burden of kidney cancer differs between urban area and rural area, and differs among eastern, middle, and western areas of China, therefore, different prevent and treatment strategies should be taken in different areas of China.

[Statistical analysis of incidence and mortality of prostate cancer in China, 2015]

Objective: To estimate the incidence and mortality rates of prostate cancer in China in 2015. Methods: The data from 501 cancer registries in China collected by the National Cancer Center were reviewed and evaluated, and the qualified data were included in the final analysis. According to the national population data in 2015, the nationwide incidence and mortality of the prostate cancer were estimated. Chinese standard population in 2000 and world Segi's population were used to calculate the age-standardized (ASR) incidence and mortality rates (ASR China and world, respectively). Results: After data review, the data reported by 368 registries were included in the final analysis, covering a total population of 309 553 499, accounting for 22.52% of the national population at the end of 2015. There were 72 thousand new prostate cancer cases estimated in China in 2015, with a crude incidence rate of 10.23/100 000. The ASR China and ASR world are 6.59/100 000 and 6.47/100 000, respectively, which is the sixth incidence of male malignant tumor.The estimated number of prostate cancer death was 3.07 thousand in China in 2015, with a crude mortality rate of 4.36/100 000; The ASR China and ASR world mortality rates were 2.61/100 000 and 2.65/100 000, respectively, which is the tenth leading cause of death in male malignant tumor.The ASR China incidence and mortality of prostate cancer in males were higher in urban areas (8.40/100 000 and 3.11/100 000) than those in rural areas (4.16/100 000 and 1.90/100 000). The incidence and mortality rates in the eastern areas (8.54/100 000 and 2.99/100 000) were higher than those in the central (5.28/100 000 and 2.34/100 000) and western areas (5.32/100 000 and 2.37/100 000) of China. Conclusions: The incidence and mortality rates of prostate cancer in China are lower than the global average, but there is an increasing trend. The incidence and mortality of prostate cancer in China have obvious regional differences.

Safety of menstrual blood-derived stromal cell transplantation in treatment of intrauterine adhesion

BACKGROUND

Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) can cause serious damage to women's reproductive health, yet current treatment methods are difficult to achieve satisfactory results. In our previous studies, we demonstrated that menstrual-derived stromal stem cells (MenSCs), with high proliferative capacity and self-renewal ability, have a powerful therapeutic effect in patients with severe IUA. However, safety assessment of MenSCs transplantation is essential for its further application.

AIM

To evaluate the short-, medium-, and long-term biosafety of MenSCs via intrauterine transplantation in a rat model of IUA, with a focus on toxicity and tumorigenicity.

METHODS

MenSCs were injected into the sub-serosal layer of the uterus in an IUA rat model, for 3 d, 3 mo, and 6 mo separately, to monitor the corresponding acute, sub-chronic, and chronic effects. Healthy rats of the same age served as negative controls. Toxicity effects were evaluated by body weight, organ weight, histopathology, hematology, and biochemistry tests. Tumorigenicity of MenSCs was investigated in Balb/c-nu mice in vivo and by colony formation assays in vitro.

RESULTS

Compared with the same week-old control group, all of the IUA rats receiving MenSC transplantation demonstrated no obvious changes in body weight, main organ weight, or blood cell composition during the acute, sub-chronic, and chronic observation periods. At the same time, serum biochemical tests showed no adverse effects on metabolism or liver and kidney function. After 4 wk of subcutaneous injection of MenSCs in Balb/c-nu nude mice, no tumor formation or cell metastasis was observed. Moreover, there was no tumor colony formation of MenSCs during soft agar culture in vitro.

CONCLUSION

There is no acute, sub-chronic, or chronic poisoning, infection, tumorigenesis, or endometriosis in rats with IUA after MenSC transplantation. The above results suggest that intrauterine transplantation of MenSCs is safe for endometrial treatment.

[Epidemiological characteristics of gastric cancer in China, 2015]

Objective: To estimate the morbidity and mortality of gastric cancer and its distribution in China in 2015 and provide information for future cancer prevention and control study and policy decision. Methods: In 2018, a total of 501 cancer registry systems reported data to the office of National Central Cancer Registry, and the data from 368 cancer registry systems met the criteria. The overall, gender specific, age specific and area specific morbidity and mortality rates of gastric cancer in China were estimated based on national population data in 2015. Chinese standard population in 2000 and World Segi's population data were used to calculate the age-standardized rates (ASR) of morbidity and mortality, including ASR of China and the world. Results: In 2015, the qualified 368 cancer registry system covered a total of 309 553 499 population in China, including 156 934 140 males and 152 619 359 females. We estimated that there were 403 000 new gastric cancer cases, with the crude morbidity rate of 29.31 per 100 000, ASR China of 18.68 per 100 000, ASR world of 18.57 per 100 000, and a cumulative rate of 2.29% for 0-74 years. There were 290 900 new gastric cancer deaths, with the crude mortality rate of 21.16 per 100 000, ASR China of 13.08 per 100 000, ASR world of 12.92 per 100 000, and a cumulative rate of 1.5% for 0-74 years. Gastric cancer ranked second as the most common cancers and third as the most common cancer causes of death in China. In general, both the morbidity rate (ASR China, male: 26.54 per 100 000; female: 11.09 per 100 000; rural area: 21.82 per 100 000; urban area: 16.37 per 100 000) and mortality rate (ASR China, male: 18.75 per 100 000; female: 7.72 per 100 000; rural area: 15.84 per 100 000; urban area: 11.05 per 100 000) were higher in males than those in females, and higher in rural area than those in urban area. The morbidity and mortality rates of gastric cancer increased from the age of 40 years and peaked in age group of 80-years. The case number of gastric cancer significantly increased from the age group of 50-years, peaked at 60-70 years, and the majority of cases occured in age group of 55-80 years. There was an overall consistent trend of the age-specific morbidity and mortality rates across different subgroups by sex and geographic areas, with the rates were higher in males than those in females, and higher in rural area than that in urban area. Conclusions: The incidence of gastric cancer varied with sex, age and areas (urban area and rural area). The present analysis provides the latest data on the prevalence of gastric cancer in China, which can help optimize the current screening guidelines and the prevention and control strategies of gastric cancer to reduce the disease burden caused by gastric cancer in China.

[Application of meticulous anatomy skills with straight bipolar electric coagulation forceps in thyroid surgery]

Objective: To compare the efficacies of the two techniques of "micro-hemostasis and micro-cutting" with straight bipolar electrocoagulation forceps and traditional clamp-ligation for hemostasia in thyroid surgery. Methods: A total of 228 patients who underwent surgical treatment for thyroid neoplasms in our hospital between January 2015 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed, including 50 males and 178 females, aged 23-68 years old. Of those, 150 cases as electric knife group received traditional thyroid surgery between January 2015 and December 2018 and 78 cases as bipolar electrocoagulation group received thyroid surgery by using the technique of bipolar electrocoagulation with meticulous anatomy between January 2018 and December 2018. The total operation time, single operation time, intraoperative hemorrhage, postoperative drainage volume on the first day, postoperative hoarseness and hypocalcemia were compared between the two groups. SPSS 16.0 was used to analyze the data. Results: The total operation time and intraoperative hemorrhage in the bipolar electrocoagulation group were significantly lower than those in the electric knife group ((59.33±18.29)min vs (77.21±25.39)min, (14.83±9.22)ml vs (36.86±11.80)ml, all P<0.01). The single operation time of the bipolar electrocoagulation group was shorter than that of the electric knife group((10.25±6.16) min vs (20.34±7.24)min, (16.25±7.15)min vs (35.68±8.25)min, (12.12±5.25)min vs (20.68±7.26)min, t value was 3.948,16.262,8.238, all P<0.01).There was no significant difference between the two groups in postoperative drainage volume on the first day (P>0.05) and the incidence of postoperative hoarseness (P>0.05), while the incidence of hypocalcemia in the bipolar electrocoagulation group(10.26%) was lower than that in the electric knife group(21.33%,χ(2)=4.353, P<0.05). Conclusions: The fine dissection for thyroid operation can be achieved by using straight bipolar electrocoagulation tweezers. The use of "micro-hemostasis" and "micro-cutting" technique with bipolar electrocoagulation tweezers can greatly reduce intraoperative bleeding, operation time and postoperative complication.

Engineering sulphur vacancy in VS2 as high performing zinc-ion batteries with high cyclic stability

Zn²⁺ diffusion into S-deficient VS₂ is enhanced due to lower adsorption energy and slightly wider interlayer spacing of VS₂.

Effect of thermosonication process on physicochemical properties and microbial load of goat's milk

In this study, thermosonication was used as a combined treatment of raw goat milk (RGM) using pasteurization (72 °C for 15 s) and ultrasound treatments (20 kHz at the power variance of 150 W, 200 W, 300 W and 400 W for 10 min). Investigation on the impact of the microbial load, protein content, protein aggregation, the particle size of fat and casein micelles, pH, viscosity, turbidity, color, and soluble calcium and phosphorus contents were carried out, whiles RGM and PGM served as the control. Our results revealed that at 400 W, that thermosonication resulted in a significant reduction (α = 0.05) in the microbial load of the samples to less than 2.3 log cfu/mL in comparison to those of RGM and pasteurized goat milk (PGM) at 5.94 log cfu/mL and 4.76 log cfu/mL respectively. In RGM, the fat size (3.5 µm) decreased to 0.4 µm at 300 W; while those of casein micelles also decreased from 406 to 256.4 nm at 400 W. However, no significant effect was observed in the color and soluble calcium and phosphorus contents of all samples. The effect on the microbial load and fat homogenization would promote thermosonication process in the dairy industry.

[Analysis of the clinical characteristics of 8 081 primary lung cancer]

Objective: To characterize the clinical epidemiological features of primary lung cancer patients based on massive clinical data. Methods: The demographic and histological information of 8 081 primary lung cancer patients who were initially identified from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2013 in 16 hospitals from 6 provinces were retrospectively analyzed to determine the characteristics of different histological subtypes among different gender, age-group and birth cohort. Results: Among the 8 081 lung cancer patients, 5 422 (67.10%) were male and 2 659 (32.90%) were female, the average age was (60.96±10.14) years. The most common histological subtypes of lung cancer successively were adenocarcinoma (ADC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), small cell carcinoma and large cell carcinoma, and the proportions of these subtypes were 53.13%, 24.51%, 14.59% and 0.66%, respectively, which collectively accounted for 92.89%. The current highest smoking rate was observed in SCC patients, which was 62.45%, while lowest in ADC, which was 29.68%. The incidence of lung cancer in male was significantly higher that that of female, with a sex ratio of 2.04∶1. The highest sex ratio was observed in SCC, which was 9.14∶1, while lowest in ADC, which was 1.14∶1. The distribution of histological subtypes in male lung cancer patients was consistent with the general situation.While among the female lung cancer patients, the proportion of ADC was the highest (75.42%), followed by SCC (10.08%), squamous cell carcinoma (7.34%) and large cell carcinoma (0.39%). Analyzed by the birth cohort, the proportion of ADC gradually increased with the age, while the reduced tendency was observed in SCC (P<0.000 1). Conclusion: Adenocarcinoma is the most important histological subtype of lung cancer, and the distribution characteristics of histological subtypes of lung cancer differs among genders, age and birth cohort.

[Gastrectomy with either wedge resection of the pancreas or pancreaticosplenectomy for adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction invading the pancreas: a comparison study]

Objective: To compare the outcomes of gastrectomy with either wedge resection of the pancreas or pancreaticosplenectomy for adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) invading pancreas. Methods: From May 2005 to December 2015, a total of 64 patients with AEG invading pancreas underwent gastrectomy with either wedge resection of pancreas (n=25) or pancreaticosplenectomy (n=39) at Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fourth Hospital, Hebei Medical University. There were 53 males and 11 females, with a mean age of 60.2 years (range: 39 to 77 years). According to the AJCC esophageal cancer staging system, 8(th) edition, there were 27 patients in phase T4N0M0, 18 in phase T4bN1M0, 9 in phase T4bN2M0 and 10 in phase T4bN3M0. Follow-up was carried out every 6 months. The t-test for the measurement data and the χ(2) test, Fisher exact test or Wilcoxon ran-sum test for the enumeration data were used between the two groups. Survival curves were generated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and compared using the Log-rank test. Multivariate analysis was undertaken using the Cox proportional hazard model (forward stepwise regression). Results: In 39 patients who underwent pancreaticosplenectomy, incision infection occurred in 5 patients, anastomotic leak, peritoneal infection, lung infarction each occurred in 1 patient. There was 1 respiratory failure and 1 peritoneal infection in 25 patients undergoing wedge resection of the pancreas. There were no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between the 2 groups (8/39 vs. 2/25, P=0.292), and no postoperative death in the study. Fifty-seven patients were followed up, with a follow-up rate of 89.1%. The 5-year overall survival rate was 32.3% in patients who underwent simultaneous gastrectomy and pancreaticosplenectomy, compared to 0 in those who underwent gastrectomy and wedge resection of the pancreas (χ(2)=4.484, P=0.034). The 5-year overall survival rate for patients who undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy was 32.3%, compared to 17.2% in whom underwent surgery alone (χ(2)=4.186, P=0.041). Conclusions: Survival benefit from R0 resection by simultaneous gastrectomy and pancreaticosplenectomy for AEG invading the pancreas can be achieved. Adjuvant chemotherapy is necessary for these patients.

[Analysis on the trend of cancer incidence and age change in cancer registry areas of China, 2000 to 2014]

Objective: To analyze the trends of cancer incidence and age changes in China with using cancer registration data, and to provide evidence for the development of cancer prevention and control. Methods: Twenty-two cancer registries with continuous (2000-2014) data were selected. The incidence of different sex and regional population, the standardized incidence rate by Chinese population, the average annual change percentage (AAPC) and annual change percentage(APC) were calculated. Age-period-cohort model were used to analyze the changes of cancer incidence, age-adjusted mean ages. The age-standardized proportion of 2000 and 2014 with were compared. Results: The cancer incidence in China increased by 3.9% (95%CI: 3.7%-4.1%) from 2000 to 2014 in APC, and the age-standardized incidence rate increased by 1.2% (95%CI: 1.0%-1.4%) in AAPC. The age-specific incidence showed that each age groups increased significantly in female, ranged between 0.9% to 6.0%. The APC in male aged from 60 years old showed decline trend, the APC in 60-69, 70-79, ≥80 years old were -0.2, -0.3, -0.3, while in the population aged 0-29, 30-39 years old increased dramatically, APC were 3.5, 2.0. Female under 60 also increased, and APC in 0-29, 30-39, 40-49, 0-59 years old were 5.7, 6.0, 3.4, 2.9, respectively. The mean age of patients diagnosed with cancer were increased during the past 15 years, with about 0.11 years per year increased. However, the mean age of the patients diagnosed with cancer showed decreased trend by 0.13 years after age structure adjusted. Conclusion: The trend of mean age for cancer incidence in China were getting younger than before, and the trend in women is more obviously than in man.

[Incidence trend and change in the age distribution of female breast cancer in cancer registration areas of China from 2000 to 2014]

Objective: To estimate the incidence trend and change in the age distribution of female breast cancer in cancer registry areas in China from 2000 to 2014. Methods: 22 cancer registries in China with continuous monitoring data from 2000 to 2014 were selected. All datasets were checked and evaluated based on data quality control criteria and were included in the analysis. The cancer registries covered 675 954 193 person-years, including 342 010 930 person-years of male and 333 943 263 person-years of female. Female breast cancer cases (International Classification of Diseases-10(th) Revision: C50) were extracted. Crude incidence rate (CR), age-standardized incidence rate by Chinese standard population(ASIRC), annual percent change (APC), crude and adjusted mean age at onset were calculated. Incidence rates stratified by regions and age groups were calculated. Results: Female breast cancer incidence rate significantly increased from 31.90/100 000 in 2000 to 63.30/100 000 in 2014. Incidence rate increased rapidly from 2000 to 2008 (CR: APC=6.5%, 95%CI: 5.3%-7.8%; ASIRC: APC=4.6%, 95%CI: 3.6%-5.7%). Its increment slowed down from 2008-2014 (CR: APC=3.2%, 95%CI: 1.4%-5.1%; ASIRC: APC=1.4%, 95%CI:-0.1%-2.9%). The crude mean age at onset increased from 54.4 in 2000 to 57.0 in 2014. Adjusted mean age at onset remained around 54.3 in 2014. Crude mean age at onset increased significantly over time in all registry areas (β=0.192, P<0.001), urban (β=0.205, P<0.001) and rural (β=0.092, P=0.014) areas, while adjusted mean age at onset remained stable in all registry areas (β=0.009, P=0.289), urban (β=0.017, P=0.139) and rural (β=-0.054, P=0.109) areas. Conclusion: Female breast cancer incidence rate in China increased from 2000 to 2014. Aging of the population resulted in a significant increase in crude mean age at onset. After age adjustment, no significant changes in age distribution were found.

[Report of incidence and mortality of gallbladder cancer in China, 2014]

Objective: The incidence and mortality of gallbladder cancer from Chinese cancer registries in 2014 were analyzed to describe the prevalence of gallbladder cancer in China. Methods: Incidence and mortality data of gallbladder cancer in 2014 derived from registration data in 2017, collected by the National Central Cancer Registry (NCCR). Qualified data from 339 cancer registries were calculated after evaluating. According to the national population data of 2014, the gallbladder cancer incidence and mortality of China in 2014 were stratified by the area, gender and age.The age composition of standard population of Chinese census in 2000 and Segi's population were used for age-standardizes incidence and mortality in China and worldwide. Results: 339 cancer registries cover a total of 288 243 347 population including 146 203 891 males and 142 039 456 females (144 061 915 in urban and 144 181 432 in rural areas). The mortality to incidence ratio of gallbladder cancer was 0.74. The morphologically verified cases (MV%) and death certificate-only cases (DCO%) were 48.38% and 2.66%, respectively. Unclear diagnosis cases (UB%) was 0.48%. The crude incidence of gallbladder cancer in China in 2014 was 3.82/100 000, which accounted for 1.37% of new cancer cases (4.48/100 000 in urban areas and 3.01/100 000 in rural areas, 3.59/100 000 for male and 4.05/100 000 for female). Age-standardized incidence rates by Chinese standard population (ASR China) and world standard population (ASR world) were 2.38/100 000 and 2.37/100 000, respectively, and the cumulative incidence rate (0-74 age years old) was 0.27%.Besides, the crude mortality of gallbladder cancer was 2.86/100 000 (3.47/100 000 in urban areas and 2.12/100 000 in rural areas, 2.59/100 000 for male and 3.14/100 000 for female). Age-standardized mortality rates by ASR China and ASR world were 1.72/100 000 and 1.71/100 000, with a cumulative mortality rate (0-74 age years old) of 0.19%. Conclusion: The incidence and mortality of gallbladder cancer were significantly different between the city and country, while not obviously different between the female and male.

[Report of cancer epidemiology in China, 2015]

Objective: Data from local cancer registries were pooled to estimate cancer incidence and mortality in China, 2015. Methods: Data submitted from 501 cancer registries were checked & evaluated according to the criteria of data quality control, and 368 registries' data were qualified for the final analysis. Data were stratified by area (urban/rural), sex, age group and cancer sites, and combined with national population data to estimate cancer incidence and mortality in China, 2015. Chinese population census in 2000 and Segi's population were used for age-standardized. Results: Total population covered by 368 cancer registries were 309 553 499 (148 804 626 in urban and 160 748 873 in rural areas). The percentage of morphologically verified cases (MV) and the percentage of death certificate-only cases (DCO) accounted for 69.34% and 2.09%, respectively, and the mortality to incidence ratio was 0.61. About 3 929 000 new cancer cases were reported in 2015 and the crude incidence rate was 285.83 per 100 000 population (males and females were 305.47 and 265.21 per 100 000 population). Age-standardized incidence rates by Chinese standard population (ASIRC) and by world standard population (ASIRW) were 190.64 and 186.39 per 100 000 population, respectively, with the cumulative incidence rate (0-74 age years old) of 21.44%. The cancer incidence and ASIRC were 304.96/100 000 and 196.09/100 000 in urban areas and 261.40/100 000 and 182.70/100 000 in rural areas, respectively. About 2 338 000 cancer deaths were reported in 2015 and the cancer mortality was 170.05/100 000 (210.10/100 000 in males and 128.00/100 000 in females). Age-standardized mortality rates by Chinese standard population (ASMRC) and by world standard population (ASMRW) were 106.72/100 000 and 105.84/100 000, respectively, with the cumulative incidence rate (0-74 age years old) of 11.94%. The cancer mortality and ASMRC were 172.61/100 000 and 103.65/100 000 in urban areas and 166.79/100 000 and 110.76/100 000 in rural areas, respectively. The most common cancer cases including lung, gastric, colorectal, liver and female breast, the top 10 cancer incidence accounted for about 76.70% of all cancer new cases. The most common cancer deaths including lung, liver, gastric, esophageal and colorectal, the top 10 cancer deaths accounted for about 83.00% of all cancer deaths. Conclusions: The burden of cancer showed a continuous upward trend in China. Cancer prevention and control faces the problem of the disparity in different areas and different cancer burden between men and women. The cancer pattern in China presents the coexistence of the cancer patterns in developed and developing countries. The situation of cancer prevention and control is still serious in China.

[The incidence and mortality of lung cancer in China, 2014]

Objective: To estimate lung cancer incidence and mortality in China using population-based cancer registry data in 2014 collected by National Central Cancer Registry of China (NCCRC). Methods: 449 cancer registries submitted cancer registry data in 2014. All datasets were evaluated and 339 registries' data which met the quality control criteria of NCCRC were analyzed. Numbers of new lung cancer cases and deaths were estimated using calculated incidence and mortality rates and corresponding national population stratified by areas, sexes and age groups. The standard population of Chinese census in 2000 and world Segi' s population were applied to calculate age-standardized incidence and mortality rates in China and worldwide, respectively. Results: A total of 781, 500 new lung cancer cases were diagnosed in 2014. The crude incidence rate was 57.13 per 100 000 and the age-standardized incidence rates by Chinese standard population (ASIRC) and by world standard population (ASIRW) were 36.71 per 100 000 and 36.63 per 100 000, respectively. The cumulative incidence rate (0-74 years old) was 4.50%. Lung cancer was the most common cancer in male (ASIRW: 50.04 per 100 000) and the second most common cancer in female (ASIRW: 23.63 per 100 000). The incidence rates were slightly similar in urban areas and in rural areas (ASIRW: 36.64 per 100 000 vs 36.56 per 100 000). A total of 626 400 lung cancer deaths were reported. The crude mortality rate was 45.80 per 100 000 and the age-standardized mortality rates by Chinese standard population (ASMRC) and by world standard population (ASMRW) were 28.49 per 100 000 and 28.31 per 100 000, respectively. The cumulative mortality rate (0-74 years old) was 3.32%. Lung cancer was the most common cause of cancer deaths both in male (ASMRW: 40.21 per 100 000) and female (ASMRW: 16.88 per 100 000). The mortality rate was slightly higher in rural areas than in urban areas (ASMRW: 28.63 per 100 000 vs 28.04 per 100 000). Both lung cancer incidence and mortality rates increased with age, and the peak age was 80-84 years group. Conclusions: The disease burden of lung cancer is heavy in China. Efficient national health policies and prevention and control strategies against lung cancer should be promoted.

[Incidence and mortality of laryngeal cancer in China, 2014]

Objective: To estimate the incidence and mortality of laryngeal cancer in China based on the cancer registration data in 2014, collected by the National Central Cancer Registry (NCCR), and to provide support data for the control and prevention of laryngeal cancer. Methods: The incident and death data of laryngeal cancer in 2014 from 339 cancer registries met the quality criteria of NCCR, and then adopted for analysis. The incident and death number, crude rate, age standardized rate, truncated rate and proportion which stratified by areas (urban/rural) and age were calculated. The nationwide incidence and mortality of laryngeal cancer in 2014 were estimated by combining with those data on national population in 2014. Chinese population census in 2000 and Segi's population were used for age-standardized incidence/mortality rates. Results: It was estimates that 23.4 thousand new cases of laryngeal cancer occurred in China in 2014. There were 20.8 thousand males and 2.6 thousand females. And 14.5 thousand occurred in urban areas, while 8.9 thousand in rural areas. The age standardized rates of incidence by world standard population (ASRs world) in male, female and both genders were 2.05/100, 000, 0.24/100, 000 and 1.14/100, 000, respectively, whereas those were 1.22/100, 000 and 1.03/100, 000 for urban and rural areas. The incidence was much higher in males than females, and slightly higher in urban areas than those in rural areas. Moreover, it was estimates that 13.2 thousand death cases of laryngeal cancer occurred in China in 2014. There were 11.5 thousand males and 1.7 thousand females. And 7.8 thousand occurred in urban areas, while 5.4 thousand in rural areas. The age standardized rates of mortality by ASRs world in male, female and both genders were 1.08/100, 000, 0.14/100, 000 and 0.60/100, 000, respectively, whereas those were 0.60/100, 000 and 0.59/100, 000 for urban and rural areas. The mortality was much higher in males than females, and slightly higher in urban areas than those in rural areas. In males, the age specific incidence and mortality of laryngeal cancer increased greatly from 40-44 and 45-44 years old, respectively, and peaked at age group of 75-79 and >85 years old. In females, the age specific incidence and mortality increased slowly from 50-54 and 60-64 years old, respectively, and peaked at age group of 80-84 and >85 years old. The trends remained similar in urban and rural areas, except for the different peak ages. Conclusions: The incidence and mortality of laryngeal cancer in China are at middle-low levels worldwide, and there are obvious differences between urban and rural areas with distinct gender disparity. Comprehensive prevention and control strategies should be carried out according to local status and age groups.

Simultaneous quantification combined with multivariate statistical analysis of multiple chemical markers of Wu Ji Bai Feng Pill by UHPLC–MS/MS

Wu Ji Bai Feng Pill (WJBFP) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) complex formula, which has been widely used in the treatment of various gynecological disorders. However, the quality control of multiple components in WJBFP is challengeable by using the methods applicable to analysis of several phytochemicals in single herbs or simple herbal preparations. The purpose of this study is to establish an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS) method for the quantitative determination of 20 bioactive compounds in WJBFP. The modified chromatographic conditions were achieved on an Agilent Poroshell 120 EC-C₁₈ column with a gradient elution consisted of 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile and 0.1% aqueous formic acid (v/v). All analytes were determined using a triple quadrupole mass spectrometry in positive or negative ionization modes with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. An UHPLC–MS/MS method was optimized and validated for linearity, limits of detection and quantification, precision, repeatability, stability and recovery. The proposed method was applied for the analysis of 20 compounds in 19 batches of commercial WJBFP products. principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis were applied to evaluate intrinsic quality and to identify chemical markers most responsible for quality evaluation. In conclusion, the established method offered speedy and sensitive determination for 20 compounds and is helpful for chemical standardization of commercial WJBFP products.

[Incidence and mortality of stomach cancer in China, 2013]

Objective: To estimate the incidence and mortality of stomach cancer in China based on the cancer registration data in 2013, collected by the National Central Cancer Registry (NCCR). Methods: There were 347 cancer registries that submitted stomach cancer incidence and deaths occurred in 2013 to NCCR. After evaluating the data quality, 255 registries' data were accepted for analysis and stratified by areas (urban/rural), sex, and age group. Combined with data on national population in 2013, the nationwide incidence and mortality of stomach cancer were estimated. Chinese population census in 2000 and Segi's population were used for age-standardized incidence/mortality rates. Results: Qualified 255 cancer registries covered a total of 226 494 490 populations (111 595 772 in urban and 114 898 718 in rural areas). The percentage of cases morphologically verified and death certificate-only cases were 76.27% and 1.98%, respectively, and the mortality to incidence rate ratio was 0.72. It is estimated that there were 427 000 new cases for stomach cancer nationwide, with a crude incidence rate of 31.38 per 100 000 (42.85 per 100 000 in males, 19.33 per 100 000 in females). The age-standardized incidence rates by Chinese standard population (ASR China) and by world standard population (ASR world) were 21.40 per 100 000 and 21.32 per 100 000, respectively, with a cumulative incidence rate (0-74 age years old) of 2.66%. The crude and ASR China incidence rates of stomach cancer in urban areas were 27.80 per 100 000 and 18.48 per 100 000, respectively, whereas those were 35.54 per 100 000 and 24.93 per 100 000 in rural areas. It is estimated that there were 301 000 deaths for stomach cancer nationwide, with a crude mortality rate of 22.13 per 100 000 (29.85 per 100 000 in males, 14.03 per 100 000 in females). The ASR China and ASR world mortality rates were 14.68 per 100 000 and 14.54 per 100 000, respectively, with a cumulative mortality rate (0-74 years old) of 1.70%. The crude and ASR China mortality rates were 18.94 per 100 000 and 12.20 per 100 000 in urban areas, respectively, whereas those were 25.84 per 100 000 and 17.67 per 100 000 in rural areas. Conclusions: There is still a heavy burden of stomach cancer in China. The burden and patterns of stomach cancer shows different gender and urban-rural differences. Prevention and control strategies should be implemented referring to local status.

[Incidence and mortality of bladder cancer in China, 2014]

Objective: To estimate the incidence and mortality of bladder cancer in China based on the cancer registration data in 2014, collected by the National Central Cancer Registry (NCCR). Methods: There were 449 cancer registries submitted bladder cancer new cases and deaths occurred in 2014 to NCCR. After evaluating the data quality, 339 registries' data were finally accepted for analysis. According to the national population data of 2014, the nationwide incidence and mortality of bladder cancer were estimated by stratification in the area (urban or rural), gender, and age. Chinese population census in 2000 and Segi's population were used for age-standardized incidence/mortality rates. Results: All 339 cancer registries covered a total of 288 243 347 populations (144 061 915 in urban and 144 181 432 in rural areas). The percentage of morphologically verified cases and death certificate-only cases were 74.86% and 1.45%, respectively. The mortality to incidence ratio was 0.41. The estimates of new bladder cancer cases were 78 100 in China in 2014, with a crude incidence rate of 5.71/100 000. The age-standardized incidence rates by China standard population (ASR China) and world standard population (ASR world) of bladder cancer were 3.61/100 000 and 3.56/100 000, respectively. Cumulative incidence rate of bladder cancer in China was 0.41%. The crude and ASR China incidence rates in urban areas were 6.88/100 000 and 4.07/100 000, respectively, whereas those were 4.29/100, 000 and 2.96/100 000 in rural areas. The estimates of bladder cancer deaths caused by bladder cancer were about 32 100 in China in 2014, with a crude mortality rate of 2.35/100 000. The ASR China and ASR world mortality rates were both 1.30/100 000 with a cumulative mortality rate (0-74 years old) of 0.12%. The crude and ASR China mortality rates were 2.79/100 000 and 1.41/100 000 in urban areas, respectively, whereas those were 1.81/100 000 and 1.14/100 000 in rural areas. Conclusions: The incidence and mortality pattern of bladder cancer were different in urban and rural areas. The incidence and mortality were higher in urban areas than that in rural areas, and higher for male than for female. We should focus on strengthening the prevention and control of bladder cancer in key population, especially men in urban areas.

[Incidence and mortality of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in China, 2014]

Objective: To estimate the incidence and mortality of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in China based on cancer registration data in 2014, collected by the National Central Cancer Registry (NCCR). Methods: 449 cancer registries submitted nasopharyngeal carcinoma incidence and deaths occurred in 2014 to NCCR. After evaluating the data quality, 339 registries' data were accepted for analysis and stratified by area (urban/rural) and age group. Combined with data on national population in 2014, the nationwide incidence and mortality of nasopharyngeal carcinoma were estimated. Chinese population census in 2000 and Segi's population were used for age-standardized incidence and mortality rates. Results: The estimates of new nasopharyngeal carcinoma incident cases and deaths were 44.6 thousands and 24.2 thousands, respectively. The crude incidence rate was 3.26/100 000 (Male 4.51/100 000, Female 1.94/100 000). Age-standardized incidence rates by Chinese standard population (ASIRC, 2000) and by world standard population (ASIRW) were 2.48/100 000 and 2.33/100 000, respectively. Male to female ratio was 2.32∶1. The ASIRC in urban and rural areas were all 2.48/100 000. The crude mortality rate of nasopharyngeal carcinoma was 1.77/100 000 (Male 2.55/100 000, Female 0.95/100 000). Age-standardized mortality rates by Chinese standard population (ASMRC, 2000) and by world standard population(ASMRW) were 1.23/100 000 and 1.20/100 000, respectively. The ASMRC in urban and rural areas were all 1.23/100 000. The cumulative incidence and mortality rates(0-74 years old)were 0.25% and 0.14%, respectively. Conclusions: Incidence and mortality of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in China in 2014 were at high levels in the world. Corresponding prevention and control measures should be established according to the epidemic characteristics and risk factors of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Observation of Complex Time Structures in the Cosmic-Ray Electron and Positron Fluxes with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

We present high-statistics, precision measurements of the detailed time and energy dependence of the primary cosmic-ray electron flux and positron flux over 79 Bartels rotations from May 2011 to May 2017 in the energy range from 1 to 50 GeV. For the first time, the charge-sign dependent modulation during solar maximum has been investigated in detail by leptons alone. Based on 23.5×10^{6} events, we report the observation of short-term structures on the timescale of months coincident in both the electron flux and the positron flux. These structures are not visible in the e^{+}/e^{-} flux ratio. The precision measurements across the solar polarity reversal show that the ratio exhibits a smooth transition over 830±30 days from one value to another. The midpoint of the transition shows an energy dependent delay relative to the reversal and changes by 260±30 days from 1 to 6 GeV.

Precision Measurement of Cosmic-Ray Nitrogen and its Primary and Secondary Components with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

A precision measurement of the nitrogen flux with rigidity (momentum per unit charge) from 2.2 GV to 3.3 TV based on 2.2×10^{6} events is presented. The detailed rigidity dependence of the nitrogen flux spectral index is presented for the first time. The spectral index rapidly hardens at high rigidities and becomes identical to the spectral indices of primary He, C, and O cosmic rays above ∼700  GV. We observed that the nitrogen flux Φ_{N} can be presented as the sum of its primary component Φ_{N}^{P} and secondary component Φ_{N}^{S}, Φ_{N}=Φ_{N}^{P}+Φ_{N}^{S}, and we found Φ_{N} is well described by the weighted sum of the oxygen flux Φ_{O} (primary cosmic rays) and the boron flux Φ_{B} (secondary cosmic rays), with Φ_{N}^{P}=(0.090±0.002)×Φ_{O} and Φ_{N}^{S}=(0.62±0.02)×Φ_{B} over the entire rigidity range. This corresponds to a change of the contribution of the secondary cosmic ray component in the nitrogen flux from 70% at a few GV to <30% above 1 TV.

Observation of Fine Time Structures in the Cosmic Proton and Helium Fluxes with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

We present the precision measurement from May 2011 to May 2017 (79 Bartels rotations) of the proton fluxes at rigidities from 1 to 60 GV and the helium fluxes from 1.9 to 60 GV based on a total of 1×10^{9} events collected with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer aboard the International Space Station. This measurement is in solar cycle 24, which has the solar maximum in April 2014. We observed that, below 40 GV, the proton flux and the helium flux show nearly identical fine structures in both time and relative amplitude. The amplitudes of the flux structures decrease with increasing rigidity and vanish above 40 GV. The amplitudes of the structures are reduced during the time period, which started one year after solar maximum, when the proton and helium fluxes steadily increase. Above ∼3  GV the p/He flux ratio is time independent. We observed that below ∼3  GV the ratio has a long-term decrease coinciding with the period during which the fluxes start to rise.

[Incidence and mortality of cervical cancer in China, 2014]

Objective: To estimate the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer in China based on the cancer registry data in 2014, collected by the National Central Cancer Registry (NCCR). Methods: There were 449 cancer registries submitted cervical cancer incidence and deaths in 2014 to NCCR. After evaluating the data quality, 339 registries' data were accepted for analysis and stratified by areas (urban/rural) and age group. Combined with data on national population in 2014, the nationwide incidence and mortality of cervical cancer were estimated. Chinese population census in 2000 and Segi's population were used for age-standardized incidence/mortality rates. Results: Qualified 339 cancer registries covered a total of 288 243 347 populations (144 061 915 in urban and 144 181 432 in rural areas). The percentage of morphologically verified cases and death certificate-only cases were 86.07% and 1.01%, respectively. The mortality to incidence ratio was 0.30. The estimates of new cases were about 102 000 in China in 2014, with a crude incidence rate of 15.30/100 000. The age-standardized incidence rates by China standard population (ASR China) and world standard population (ASR world) of cervical cancer were 11.57/100 000 and 10.61/100 000, respectively. Cumulative incidence rate of cervical cancer in China was 1.11%. The crude and ASR China incidence rates in urban areas were 15.27/100 000 and 11.16/100 000, respectively, whereas those were 15.34/100 000 and 12.14/100 000 in rural areas. The estimates of cervical cancer deaths were about 30 400 in China in 2014, with a crude mortality rate of 4.57/100 000. The ASR China and ASR world mortality rates were 3.12/100 000 and 2.98/100 000, respectively, with a cumulative mortality rate (0-74 years old) of 0.33%. The crude and ASR China mortality rates were 4.44/100 000 and 2.92/100 000 in urban areas, respectively, whereas those were 4.72/100 000 and 3.39/100 000 in rural areas. Conclusions: There is still a heavy burden of cervical cancer in China. The burden and patterns of cervical cancer shows different characters of urban and rural people. Prevention and control strategies should be implemented referring to local status.

[Progress of research on the association between air pollution and prevalence of major cancers]

Being an undisputed risk factor of cancer, air pollution is posing a huge threat to the health on human beings. In this article, we introduced the composition of air pollution, and the standards on air quality which was set by both World Health Organization and the Chinese government. We also summarized the most recent research findings on the association between air pollution and the risk of lung, breast, bladder and other major cancers.

[Incidence and mortality of female breast cancer in China, 2014]

Objective: To estimate the incidence and mortality of female breast cancer in China based on the cancer registration data in 2014, collected by the National Central Cancer Registry (NCCR), and to provide support data for breast cancer prevention and control in China. Methods: There were 449 cancer registries submitting female breast cancer incidence and deaths data occurred in 2014 to NCCR. After evaluating the data quality, 339 registries' data were accepted for analysis and stratified by areas (urban/rural) and age group. Combined with data on national population in 2014, the nationwide incidence and mortality of female breast cancer were estimated. Chinese population census in 2000 and Segi's population were used for age-standardized incidence/mortality rates. Results: Qualified 339 cancer registries covered a total of 288 243 347 populations (144 061 915 in urban and 144 181 432 in rural areas) in 2014. The morphology verified cases (MV%) accounted for 87.42% and 0.59% of incident cases were identified through death certifications only (DCO%), with mortality to incidence ratio of 0.24. The estimates of new breast cancer cases were about 278 900 in China in 2014, accounting for 16.51% of all new cases in female. The crude incidence rate, age-standardized rate of incidence by Chinese standard population (ASRIC), and age-standardized rate of incidence by world standard population (ASRIW) of breast cancer were 41.82/100 000, 30.69/100 000, and 28.77/100 000, respectively, with a cumulative incidence rate (0-74 age years old) of 3.12%. The crude incidence rates and ASRIC in urban areas were 49.94 per 100 000 and 34.85 per 100 000, respectively, whereas those were 31.72 per 100 000 and 24.89 per 100 000 in rural areas. The estimates of breast cancer deaths were about 66 000 in China in 2014, accounting for 7.82% of all the cancer-related deaths in female. The crude mortality rate, age-standardized rate of mortality by Chinese standard population(ASRMC) and age-standardized rate of mortality by world standard population (ASRMW) of breast cancer were 9.90/100 000, 6.53/100 000, and 6.35/100 000, respectively, with a cumulative mortality rate of 0.69%. The crude mortality rates and ASRMC in urban areas were 11.48 per 100 000 and 7.04 per 100 000, respectively, whereas those were 7.93 per 100 000 and 5.79 per 100 000 in rural areas. The incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer were higher in areas than those in rural areas. The age-specific incidence rates of breast cancer increased greatly after 20 years old and peaked at the age group of 55-60. The age-specific mortality rates increased rapidly with age, particularly after 25 years old. They remained at a relative stable level from 55 to 65 years of age, and then increased dramatically and peaked in the age group of 85 and above. Conclusions: Breast cancer is still one of the most common malignant tumor threatening to famale health in China. The disease is more prevalent in urban areas at the age group of 55-60. Comprehensive prevention and control strategies referring to local status and age groups should be carried out to reduce the burden of breast cancer.

[Report of Cancer Incidence and Mortality in China, 2014]

Objective: The registration data of local cancer registries in 2014 were collected by National Central Cancer Registry (NCCR)in 2017 to estimate the cancer incidence and mortality in China. Methods: The data submitted from 449 registries were checked and evaluated, and the data of 339 registries out of them were qualified and selected for the final analysis. Cancer incidence and mortality were stratified by area, gender, age group and cancer type, and combined with the population data of 2014 to estimate cancer incidence and mortality in China. The age composition of standard population of Chinese census in 2000 and Segi's population were used for age-standardized incidence and mortality in China and worldwide, respectively. Results: Total covered population of 339 cancer registries (129 in urban and 210 in rural) in 2014 were 288 243 347 (144 061 915 in urban and 144 181 432 in rural areas). The mortality verified cases (MV%) were 68.01%. Among them, 2.19% cases were identified through death certifications only (DCO%), and the mortality to incidence ratio was 0.61. There were about 3, 804, 000 new cases diagnosed as malignant cancer and 2, 296, 000 cases dead in 2014 in the whole country. The incidence rate was 278.07/100, 000 (males 301.67/100, 000, females 253.29/100, 000) in China, age-standardized incidence rates by Chinese standard population (ASIRC) and by world standard population were 190.63/100, 000 and 186.53/100, 000, respectively, and the cumulative incidence rate (0-74 age years old) was 21.58%. The cancer incidence and ASIRC in urban areas were 302.13/100, 000 and 196.58/100, 000, respectively, whereas in rural areas, those were 248.94/100, 000 and 182.64/100, 000, respectively. The cancer mortality in China was 167.89/100, 000 (207.24/100, 000 in males and 126.54/100, 000 in females), age-standardized mortality rates by Chinese standard population (ASMRC) and by world standard population were 106.98/100, 000 and 106.09/100, 000, respectively. And the cumulative incidence rate (0-74 age years old) was 12.00%. The cancer mortality and ASMRC in urban areas were 174.34/100, 000 and 103.49/100, 000, respectively, whereas in rural areas, those were 160.07/100, 000 and 111.57/100, 000, respectively. Lung cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, female breast cancer, esophageal cancer, thyroid cancer, cervical cancer, encephala and pancreas cancer, were the most common cancers in China, accounting for about 77.00% of the new cancer cases. Lung cancer, liver cancer, gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, encephala, leukemia and lymphoma were the leading causes of death and accounted for about 83.36% of cancer deaths. Conclusions: The progression of cancer registry in China develops rapidly in these years, with the coverage of registrations is expanded and the data quality was improved steadily year by year. As the basis of cancer prevention and control program, cancer registry plays an important role in making the medium and long term of anti-cancer strategies in China. As China is still facing the serious cancer burden and the cancer patterns varies differently according to the locations and genders, effective measures and strategies of cancer prevention and control should be implemented based on the practical situation.

Observation of New Properties of Secondary Cosmic Rays Lithium, Beryllium, and Boron by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

We report on the observation of new properties of secondary cosmic rays Li, Be, and B measured in the rigidity (momentum per unit charge) range 1.9 GV to 3.3 TV with a total of 5.4×10^{6} nuclei collected by AMS during the first five years of operation aboard the International Space Station. The Li and B fluxes have an identical rigidity dependence above 7 GV and all three fluxes have an identical rigidity dependence above 30 GV with the Li/Be flux ratio of 2.0±0.1. The three fluxes deviate from a single power law above 200 GV in an identical way. This behavior of secondary cosmic rays has also been observed in the AMS measurement of primary cosmic rays He, C, and O but the rigidity dependences of primary cosmic rays and of secondary cosmic rays are distinctly different. In particular, above 200 GV, the secondary cosmic rays harden more than the primary cosmic rays.

Observation of the Identical Rigidity Dependence of He, C, and O Cosmic Rays at High Rigidities by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

We report the observation of new properties of primary cosmic rays He, C, and O measured in the rigidity (momentum/charge) range 2 GV to 3 TV with 90×10^{6} helium, 8.4×10^{6} carbon, and 7.0×10^{6} oxygen nuclei collected by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) during the first five years of operation. Above 60 GV, these three spectra have identical rigidity dependence. They all deviate from a single power law above 200 GV and harden in an identical way.

[Lung cancer incidence and mortality in China in 2013]

Objective: Lung cancer incidence and mortality were estimated by sorting and analyzing the national cancer registration data in 2013. Methods: Lung cancer data of 2013 were retrieved from the database of 255 qualified cancer registries. Lung cancer incidence and mortality rates in cancer registration areas in 2013 were estimated by areas (urban/rural), gender and age groups, new lung cancer cases and deaths were estimated using age-specific rates by areas and gender using the corresponding population in 2013. Lung cancer incidence and mortality rates in China in 2013 were calculated based on the estimated new cancer cases and deaths and the corresponding population. The Chinese population in 2000 and Segi's world population were used to calculate age-standardized rates. Results: It was estimated that there were about 732.8 thousand new lung cancer cases and 580.7 thousand deaths occurred in China in 2013. The crude incidence rate was 53.86/10(5)(males 70.10/10(5,) females 36.78/10(5)), while age-standardized incidence rate by Chinese standard populations (ASIRC) and by world standard populations (ASIRW) were 36.19/10(5) and 36.09/10(5) with the cumulative incidence rate (0-74 years old) of 4.42%.The crude mortality rate was 43.41/10(5)(males 57.64/10(5,) females 28.45/10(5)), and age-standardized mortality rate by Chinese standard populations (ASMRC) and by world standard populations (ASMRW) were 28.64/10(5) and 28.41/10(5) with the cumulative incidence rate (0-74 years old) of 3.34%.Both incidence and mortality rates were higher in males than in females. Crude incidence and mortality rates were slightly higher in urban areas than in rural areas, but after age standardized, the results were opposite. Conclusions: Lung cancer is the common cancer, which both incidence and mortality rates are ranking first in China, and the burden of the disease is heavy. Comprehensive measures towards risk factors control, cancer early diagnosis and treatment should be strengthened continuously.

[Incidence and trend analysis of esophageal cancer in China]

OBJECTIVE

Incidence data retrieved from population-based cancer registration were used to analyze the esophageal cancer incidence and trend in China. The results can provide basic information for prevention and control of esophageal cancer.

METHODS

Esophageal cancer incidence data in 2012 were retrieved from the National Central Cancer Registry, nationwide new esophageal cancer cases were estimated using age-specific rate by urban or rural and gender and national population in 2012. Esophageal cancer incidence data from 22 cancer registries were used to analyze the trend during 2000-2011.

RESULTS

The estimates of new cases of esophageal cancer were about 286.7 thousand in 2012 in China. The incidence rate was 21.17/10(5,) the age-standardized incidence rates by Chinese standard population and by world population were 14.73/10(5) and 14.93/10(5,) respectively, and the cumulative incidence rate was 1.91%.There was a decreasing trend of incidence rate of esophageal cancer in registration areas of China during 2000-2011 with an average annual percentage change (AAPC) of 0.9% (95%CI: -1.6% to -0.1%), no significant differences were observed in urban area and an increasing trend with AAPC of 1.3% (95%CI: 0.2% to 2.5%) in rural area. After age standardization, the incidence rate was significantly decreased, with AAPC of -4.0% (95%CI: -5.5% to -2.6%) overall, -3.8% (95%CI: -4.9% to -2.7%) in urban and -1.7% (95%CI: -3.0% to -0.4%) in rural areas.

CONCLUSIONS

Esophageal cancer is one of the most common cancers in China and is an emphasis for cancer control. After effective control of risk factors and development of esophageal cancer screening techniques in high-risk areas for years, esophageal cancer incidence appears to have a significant decreasing trend.

[Mortality and survival analysis of esophageal cancer in China]

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the nationwide mortality of esophageal cancer in China in 2012, to investigate the trends of the disease, and to provide support data for esophageal cancer prevention and control in China.

METHODS

Data of population-based cancer registry of China were extracted by sex and geographical area. Joinpoint software was used to analyze the trends of esophageal cancer from 2000 to 2011 using the continuous data of 22 cancer registries. Average annual percentage change rates (AAPC) were calculated, and 17 cancer registries data during 2003-2005 were analyzed.

RESULTS

In 2012, there were estimated 210.9 thousand new cases of esophageal cancer death in China, with 149 thousand in males and 61.9 thousand in females, accounting for 9.65% of overall cancer death. The crude mortality rate of esophageal cancer in 2012 was 15.58 per 100 000, accounting for the fourth-leading cause of overall cancer deaths. The age-standardized mortality rates by world population and China population were 10.67 per 100 000 and 10.62 per 100 000, respectively. The cumulative mortality rate for age 0-74 was 1.28%. The age-specific mortality rates were increasing with age, and there was a sharp increase after 50 years of age. From 2000 to 2011, there was a slight decreasing trend for crude mortality rate, with the AAPC of -1.1% (95% CI: -1.8% to -0.5%). However, the age standardized mortality rates were decreasing significantly with the AAPC of -4.6% (95% CI: -5.7% to -3.6%). The AAPCs for age-standardized esophageal cancer mortality were -3.8% in urban areas and -2.4% in rural areas. For combined 5-year age standardized relative survival was 20.9% (95%CI: 20.2% to 21.7%) and the 1-, 3- and 5-year observed survival rates were 54.0%, 25.5%, 18.4%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

There is still a heavy burden of esophageal cancer in China. Prevention and early diagnosis of the disease in esophageal cancer high-risk areas is very essential.

Connexin 43 enhances oxaliplatin cytotoxicity in colorectal cancer cell lines

Oxaliplatin, a platinum-based chemotherapeutic agent, is an important first-line drug in the treatment of colorectal cancers, but drug resistance causes treatment failure. It has been reported that gap junctional communication can enhance the cytotoxicity of platinum drugs.  The gap junction formed of connexin proteins provides a direct pathway for electrical and metabolic cell-cell interaction. The voltage-dependent gating of gap junction allows small hydrophilic molecules and ions to permeate to adjacent cells. Connexin 43 is a diagnostic marker for cancer therapy and the predominant connexin isoform in many cell types. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of connexin 43 in oxaliplatin activity by using colorectal cancer cell lines. LoVo and HCT116 cell lines were used for analysis. Connexin 43 expression was confirmed by western blot and immunocytochemistry. MTT, western blot, "Parachute" dye-coupling assays and reactive oxygen species measurement were used to detect cytotoxicity and the inhibition of connexin 43 expression induced by oxaliplatin. Results showed that connexin 43 enhanced oxaliplatin cytotoxicity through gap junctional communication function and high concentration of oxaliplatin inhibited connexin 43 expression to counteract its cytotoxicity. This study suggested that connexin 43 could be considered a molecular target of oxaliplatin activity in colorectal cancer.

IL-8 -251A/T polymorphism contributes to coronary artery disease susceptibility in a Chinese population

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a mediator of inflammation and plays an important role in regulating immune responses. To date, several studies have tested the association between IL-8 gene polymorphisms and development of coronary artery disease (CAD), but their results have proved to be inconsistent. We conducted an investigation to assess the relationship between the IL-8 -251A/T (rs4073) sequence variant and CAD in a Chinese population. Between April 2013 and January 2015, 217 patients with coronary angiography-confirmed CAD were enrolled in our study, along with 245 control subjects. IL-8 -251A/T genotyping was performed using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. A chi-square test revealed that IL-8 -251A/T genotype distributions significantly differed between CAD patients and control subjects (chi-square = 8.29, P < 0.02). Moreover, multiple-logistic regression analysis showed that individuals carrying TA [odds ratio (OR) = 1.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01-2.57] and AA (OR = 2.06, 95%CI = 1.21-3.52) genotypes were at increased risk of CAD compared to those with the TT genotype. Under dominant (OR = 1.75, 95%CI = 1.13-2.73) and recessive (OR = 1.54, 95%CI = 1.02-2.37) genetic models, the IL-8 -251A/T polymorphism also significantly correlated with CAD. In conclusion, our results suggest that this variant is an independent risk factor for CAD development under codominant, dominant, and recessive models.

Precision Measurement of the Boron to Carbon Flux Ratio in Cosmic Rays from 1.9 GV to 2.6 TV with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

Knowledge of the rigidity dependence of the boron to carbon flux ratio (B/C) is important in understanding the propagation of cosmic rays. The precise measurement of the B/C ratio from 1.9 GV to 2.6 TV, based on 2.3 million boron and 8.3 million carbon nuclei collected by AMS during the first 5 years of operation, is presented. The detailed variation with rigidity of the B/C spectral index is reported for the first time. The B/C ratio does not show any significant structures in contrast to many cosmic ray models that require such structures at high rigidities. Remarkably, above 65 GV, the B/C ratio is well described by a single power law R^{Δ} with index Δ=-0.333±0.014(fit)±0.005(syst), in good agreement with the Kolmogorov theory of turbulence which predicts Δ=-1/3 asymptotically.

[The relationship between lysosome-autophagy and the head and neck squamous cancer cell apoptosis]

Autophagy can be used as both a protective mechanism of cell survival and a mechanism of cell death.The dual mechanism has been the emphases and difficulties of our research.The latest research shows that autophagy plays an important role in occurrence,development, transfer and treatment of the cancer.Head and neck cancer is usually derived from the upper respiratory tract's. The upper digestive tract's malignant tumor, because of its complex anatomic structure, low 5 years of survival rate, to study the prevention and treatment has the extremely important significance. The purpose of this paper is to clarify the role of lysosome-autophagy,mitochondria-autophagy in the treatment of head and neck cancers and the relationship between autophagy and apoptosis, which will be contribute to the prevention and treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas for us.Autophagy as a cellular lysosomal degradation pathway that can be used as a kind of dynamic monitoring index of the tumor.

In Situ Growth of Free-Standing All Metal Oxide Asymmetric Supercapacitor

Metal oxides have attracted renewed interest in applications as energy storage and conversion devices. Here, a new design is reported to acquire an asymmetric supercapacitor assembled by all free-standing metal oxides. The positive electrode is made of 3D NiO open porous nanoribbons network on nickel foam and the negative electrode is composed of SnO₂/MnO₂ nanoflakes grown on carbon cloth (CC) substrate. The combination of two metal oxide electrodes which replaced the traditional group of carbon materials together with metal oxide has achieved a higher energy density. The self-supported 3D NiO nanoribbons network demonstrates a high specific capacitance and better cycle performance without obvious mechanical deformation despite of undergoing harsh bulk redox reactions. The SnO₂/MnO₂ nanoflakes as the pseudocapacitive electrode exhibit a wide range of voltage window (-1 to 1 V), which is conducive to electrochemical energy storage. The (CC/SnO₂/MnO₂)(-)//(NiO/Ni foam)(+) asymmetric supercapacitor device delivers an energy density of 64.4 Wh kg^-1 (at a power density of 250 W kg^-1) and two devices in series are applied to light up 24 red LEDs for about 60 s. The outstanding electrochemical properties of the device hold great promise for long-life, high-energy, and high-power energy storage/conversion applications.

[Safety and efficacy of partial nephrectomy for solitary kidney tumor]

Objective: To explore the safety and clinical efficacy of partial nephrectomy for solitary kidney tumor. Methods: Twenty patients with a functional or anatomic solitary kidney who underwent nephron-sparing surgery for one or more renal masses were retrospectively analyzed. There were 15 male and 5 female patients with mean age of 63 years.Patients were divided into open partial nephrectomy(OPN) group and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy(LPN) group, the two groups were followed up.Demographic and clinical characteristics were analyzed using student t-test for continuous variables, and the χ² test for categorical variables. Results: There were 21 tumors whose maximum diameter were 1.5 to 6.0 cm, the mean size was (3.7±1.3)cm, mean operative time was (205.3±81.8)minutes, and median estimated blood loss was 385.6 ml.Five cases accepted blood transfusion intro-operation, 1 case appeared leakage of urine post-operation, none had obvious fever.Eighteen cases were clear cell carcinoma, 2 cases were chromophobe renal carcinoma, 1 case was papillary renal cell carcinoma.Seventeen cases were T1aNxM0, 3 cases were T1bNxM0, 1 case was T3NxM0.One case lost to follow up, the others had completed a mean follow-up of 21.5 months (ranging from 1 to 53 months). One case recurred, no one had metastasis, all patients were alive.The hemoglobin ((114.9±19.6)g/L) and estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR) ((46.5±18.2) ml/min) of postoperative day were lesser than pre-operation ((130.7±18.8)g/L, (58.0±16.4) ml/min), while the serum creatinine was higher ((123.8±39.8) μmol/L vs.(90.9±33.2) μmol/L). Three months after operation, hemoglobin, serum creatinine and eGFR had no difference with pre-operative.Compared with OPN group, LPN group gain less blood loss (306 ml vs.510 ml)(t=-2.38, P=0.03), had shorter length of stays (15 d vs.21 d)(t=-3.34, P=0.04), had longer time of renal artery clamping (25.8 min vs.16.5 min)(t=2.60, P=0.02). Conclusions: Partial nephrectomy is secure and effective selection for solitary kidney tumor.The LPN has less trauma, gain less blood loss, recover faster and has shorter length of stays than the OPN, which needs shorter ischaemic time.

Effect of swine leukocyte antigen-DQA gene variation on diarrhea in Large White, Landrace, and Duroc piglets

Piglet diarrhea is one of the most common factors that affects the benefits of the swine industry. Although recent studies have shown that exon 2 of SLA-DQA is associated with piglet resistance to diarrhea, contributions of genetic variation in the additional exon coding regions of this gene remain unclear. Here, we investigated variation in exons 1, 3 and 4 of the SLA-DQA gene and evaluated their effects on diarrheal infection in 425 suckling piglets. No variation was identified in exon 1. In exon 3, there were eight alleles detected, generated by 14 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and three nucleotide deletions, eight SNPs being newly identified. Four allele sequences and three SNPs were identified in exon 4, only one SNP being newly identified. Statistical analysis showed that the genotypes of exon 3 are significantly associated with piglet diarrhea; indeed, genotypes DQA*wb01/wb02 and wb04/wb05 are clearly associated with resistance to piglet diarrhea, as they have the lowest probabilities of infection (P < 0.05). However, no significant association was found between the genotypes of exon 4 and diarrhea (P > 0.05). These results provide important new information concerning the level of genetic diversity at the SLA-DQA locus and suggest that further genetic association studies of piglet diarrhea resistance should include analyses of both exons 2 and 3 of this locus.

Antiproton Flux, Antiproton-to-Proton Flux Ratio, and Properties of Elementary Particle Fluxes in Primary Cosmic Rays Measured with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

A precision measurement by AMS of the antiproton flux and the antiproton-to-proton flux ratio in primary cosmic rays in the absolute rigidity range from 1 to 450 GV is presented based on 3.49×10^{5} antiproton events and 2.42×10^{9} proton events. The fluxes and flux ratios of charged elementary particles in cosmic rays are also presented. In the absolute rigidity range ∼60 to ∼500  GV, the antiproton p[over ¯], proton p, and positron e^{+} fluxes are found to have nearly identical rigidity dependence and the electron e^{-} flux exhibits a different rigidity dependence. Below 60 GV, the (p[over ¯]/p), (p[over ¯]/e^{+}), and (p/e^{+}) flux ratios each reaches a maximum. From ∼60 to ∼500  GV, the (p[over ¯]/p), (p[over ¯]/e^{+}), and (p/e^{+}) flux ratios show no rigidity dependence. These are new observations of the properties of elementary particles in the cosmos.

Identification of altered pathways in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy based on combined data of protein-protein interactions and molecular pathways

The purpose of our study was to identify molecular pathways altered during the pathogenesis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) based on data from the STRING protein-protein interaction (PPI) database and the REACTOME pathway database. Identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was carried out, followed by construction of a targeted network and selection of hub genes in this network. PPI pairs in each pathway were extracted, and altered pathways were identified when the said pathway differed from common interactions within the targeted network with a P value of less than 0.05. These altered pathways were further validated based on enrichment of hub genes in pathways within the targeted network. Through this method, we identified 1085 DEGs. The DEGs were inputted into the STRING database, and the resulting targeted network was composed of 3631 interactions. Based on the selection criteria, 30 significantly changed pathways were screened in total. Among these, the top five pathways were found to be involved in immune modulation, signal transduction, hemostasis, and G protein-coupled receptor signaling. Similarly, enrichment in hub gene interactions was also found in members within the altered pathways, including those involved in the innate immune system, the immune system, and signal transduction pathways. These altered pathways are important for understanding the underlying mechanisms of HCM, and can be used for clinical application of treatments in the future.

Precision Measurement of the Helium Flux in Primary Cosmic Rays of Rigidities 1.9 GV to 3 TV with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station

Knowledge of the precise rigidity dependence of the helium flux is important in understanding the origin, acceleration, and propagation of cosmic rays. A precise measurement of the helium flux in primary cosmic rays with rigidity (momentum/charge) from 1.9 GV to 3 TV based on 50 million events is presented and compared to the proton flux. The detailed variation with rigidity of the helium flux spectral index is presented for the first time. The spectral index progressively hardens at rigidities larger than 100 GV. The rigidity dependence of the helium flux spectral index is similar to that of the proton spectral index though the magnitudes are different. Remarkably, the spectral index of the proton to helium flux ratio increases with rigidity up to 45 GV and then becomes constant; the flux ratio above 45 GV is well described by a single power law.