Combinatorial expression of γ-protocadherins regulates synaptic connectivity in the mouse neocortex

In the process of synaptic formation, neurons must not only adhere to specific principles when selecting synaptic partners but also possess mechanisms to avoid undesirable connections. Yet, the strategies employed to prevent unwarranted associations have remained largely unknown. In our study, we have identified the pivotal role of combinatorial clustered protocadherin gamma (γ-PCDH) expression in orchestrating synaptic connectivity in the mouse neocortex. Through 5' end single-cell sequencing, we unveiled the intricate combinatorial expression patterns of γ-PCDH variable isoforms within neocortical neurons. Furthermore, our whole-cell patch-clamp recordings demonstrated that as the similarity in this combinatorial pattern among neurons increased, their synaptic connectivity decreased. Our findings elucidate a sophisticated molecular mechanism governing the construction of neural networks in the mouse neocortex.

[Deep learning-assisted construction of three-dimensional face midsagittal plane based on point clouds]

Objective: To establish an intelligent registration algorithm under the framework of original-mirror alignment algorithm to construct three-dimensional(3D) facial midsagittal plane automatically. Dynamic Graph Registration Network (DGRNet) was established to realize the intelligent registration, in order to provide a reference for clinical digital design and analysis. Methods: Two hundred clinical patients without significant facial deformities were collected from October 2020 to October 2022 at Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology. The DGRNet consists of constructing the feature vectors of key points in point original and mirror point clouds (X, Y), obtaining the correspondence of key points, and calculating the rotation and translation by singular value decomposition. Original and mirror point clouds were registrated and united. The principal component analysis (PCA) algorithm was used to obtain the DGRNet alignment midsagittal plane. The model was evaluated based on the coefficient of determination (R2) index for the translation and rotation matrix of test set. The angle error was evaluated on the 3D facial midsagittal plane constructed by the DGRNet alignment midsagittal plane and the iterative closet point(ICP) alignment midsagittal plane for 50 cases of clinical facial data. Results: The average angle error of the DGRNet alignment midsagittal plane and ICP alignment midsagittal plane was 1.05°±0.56°, and the minimum angle error was only 0.13°. The successful detection rate was 78%(39/50) within 1.50° and 90% (45/50)within 2.00°. Conclusions: This study proposes a new solution for the construction of 3D facial midsagittal plane based on the DGRNet alignment method with intelligent registration, which can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of treatment to some extent.

RIS-aided dynamically adaptive wide field-of-view receiver for visible light communication in industrial internet of things

In the current visible light communication (VLC) system, a condenser lens is generally used in the front of receiver to achieve a higher data rate, making an extremely narrow field-of-view for the receiver. With the spread of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), the communication between mobile terminals is urgently required. A wide-range detecting method for VLC system in IIoT scenario is asked. In this paper, a novel self-adaptive wide-FoV receiver involving reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) is proposed. The effective detecting range of the receiver can be expanded by dynamically adjusting the incident light directions with the assistance of RIS. Based on the maximum arrived flux criterion, the mathematical model is established and the optimized RIS parameter tuning algorithm is presented. The feasibility and validity of the method are verified by simulation. The results show that the tolerable transceiver offset can be increased to 2∼4 times as the conventional receiver.

Bioinformatics-based design of a fusion vaccine with CTLA-4 variable region to combat Brucella

Brucellosis has become a global zoonotic disease, seriously endangering the health of people all over the world. Vaccination is an effective strategy for protection against Brucella infection in livestock in developed countries. However, current vaccines are pathogenic to humans and pregnant animals, which limits their use. Therefore, it is very important to improve the safety and immune protection of Brucella vaccine. In this study, different bioinformatics approaches were carried out to predict the physicochemical properties, T/B epitope, and tertiary structure of Omp2b and Omp31. Then, these two proteins were sequentially linked, and the Cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) variable region was fused to the N-terminal of the epitope sequence. In addition, molecular docking was performed to show that the structure of the fusion protein vaccine had strong affinity with B7 (B7-1, B7-2). This study showed that the designed vaccine containing CTLA-4 had high potency against Brucella, which could provide a reference for the future development of efficient brucellosis vaccines.

[Research progress on the role of type II innate lymphoid cells in liver diseases]

Type II innate lymphoid cell (ILC2) is a newly identified innate immunological cell that belongs to the lymphocyte lineage in cell morphology, resides in the body's mucosal tissues, and has the dual functions of innate and adaptive immunity to promote tissue remodeling and repair after injury. Additionally, it is involved in the occurrence and development of a variety of liver diseases and plays an important role in maintaining the immunological homeostasis of the liver region. This article reviews the differentiation, development, and biological functions of ILC2, with particular attention to the research progress in liver diseases.

[Study on the method of automatically determining maxillary complex landmarks based on non-rigid registration algorithms]

Objective: To explore an automatic landmarking method for anatomical landmarks in the three-dimensional (3D) data of the maxillary complex and preliminarily evaluate its reproducibility and accuracy. Methods: From June 2021 to December 2022, spiral CT data of 31 patients with relatively normal craniofacial morphology were selected from those who visited the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology. The sample included 15 males and 16 females, with the age of (33.3±8.3) years. The maxillary complex was reconstructed in 3D using Mimics software, and the resulting 3D data of the maxillary complex was mesh-refined using Geomagic software. Two attending physicians and one associate chief physician manually landmarked the 31 maxillary complex datasets, determining 24 anatomical landmarks. The average values of the three expert landmarking results were used as the expert-defined landmarks. One case that conformed to the average 3D morphological characteristics of healthy individuals' craniofacial bones was selected as the template data, while the remaining 30 cases were used as target data. The open-source MeshMonk program (a non-rigid registration algorithm) was used to perform an initial alignment of the template and target data based on 4 landmarks (nasion, left and right zygomatic arch prominence, and anterior nasal spine). The template data was then deformed to the shape of the target data using a non-rigid registration algorithm, resulting in the deformed template data. Based on the unchanged index property of homonymous landmarks before and after deformation of the template data, the coordinates of each landmark in the deformed template data were automatically retrieved as the automatic landmarking coordinates of the homonymous landmarks in the target data, thus completing the automatic landmarking process. The automatic landmarking process for the 30 target data was repeated three times. The root-mean-square distance (RMSD) of the dense corresponding point pairs (approximately 25 000 pairs) between the deformed template data and the target data was calculated as the deformation error of the non-rigid registration algorithm, and the intra-class correlation efficient (ICC) of the deformation error in the three repetitions was analyzed. The linear distances between the automatic landmarking results and the expert-defined landmarks for the 24 anatomical landmarks were calculated as the automatic landmarking errors, and the ICC values of the 3D coordinates in the three automatic landmarking repetitions were analyzed. Results: The average three-dimensional deviation (RMSD) between the deformed template data and the corresponding target data for the 30 cases was (0.70±0.09) mm, with an ICC value of 1.00 for the deformation error in the three repetitions of the non-rigid registration algorithm. The average automatic landmarking error for the 24 anatomical landmarks was (1.86±0.30) mm, with the smallest error at the anterior nasal spine (0.65±0.24) mm and the largest error at the left oribital (3.27±2.28) mm. The ICC values for the 3D coordinates in the three automatic landmarking repetitions were all 1.00. Conclusions: This study established an automatic landmarking method for three-dimensional data of the maxillary complex based on a non-rigid registration algorithm. The accuracy and repeatability of this method for landmarking normal maxillary complex 3D data were relatively good.

[Preliminary study on three-dimensional morphological reconstruction method for external nose defect based on three-dimensional face template]

Objective: To provide a new solution for the digital design of nasal prostheses, this study explores the three-dimensional (3D) facial morphology completion method for external nasal defects based on the non-rigid registration process of 3D face template. Methods: A total of 20 male patients with tooth defect and dentition defect who visited the Department of Prosthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from June to December 2022 were selected, age 18-45 years old. The original 3D facial data of patients were collected, and the 3D facial data of the external nose defect was constructed in Geomagic Wrap 2021 software. Using the structured 3D face template data constructed in the previous research of the research group, the 3D face template was deformed and registered to the 3D facial data of external nose defect (based on the morphology of non-defective area) by non-rigid registration algorithm (MeshMonk program), and the personalized deformed data of the 3D face template was obtained, as the complemented facial 3D data. Based on the defect boundary of the 3D facial data of the external nose defect, the complemented external nose 3D data can be cut out from the complemented facial 3D data. Then the nasofacial angle and nasolabial angle of the complemented facial 3D data and the original 3D facial data was compared and analyzed, the ratio between the nose length and mid-face height, nose width and medial canthal distance of the complemented facial 3D data was measured, the edge fit between the edge curve of the complemented external nose 3D data and the defect edge curve of the 3D facial data of external nose defect was evaluated, and the morphological difference of the nose between the complemented external nose 3D data and the original 3D facial data was analyzed. Results: There was no significant statistically difference (t=-0.23, P=0.823; Z=-1.72, P=0.086) in the nasofacial angle (28.2°±2.9°, 28.4°±3.5° respectively) and nasolabial angle [95.4°(19.2°), 99.9°(9.5°) respectively] between the 20 original 3D facial data and the complemented facial 3D data. The value of the ratio of nose length to mid-face height in the complemented facial 3D data was 0.63±0.03, and the value of the ratio of nose width to medial canthal distance was 1.07±0.08. The curve deviation (root mean square value) between the edge curve of the complemented external nose 3D data and the defect edge curve of the 3D facial data of external nose defect was (0.37±0.09) mm, the maximum deviation was (1.14±0.32) mm, and the proportion of the curve deviation value within±1 mm was (97±3)%. The distance of corresponding nose landmarks between the complemented facial 3D data and the original 3D facial data were respectively, Nasion: [1.52(1.92)] mm; Pronasale: (3.27±1.21) mm; Subnasale: (1.99±1.09) mm; Right Alare: (2.64±1.34) mm; Left Alare: (2.42± 1.38) mm. Conclusions: The method of 3D facial morphology completion of external nose defect proposed in this study has good feasibility. The constructed complemented external nose 3D data has good facial coordination and edge fit, and the morphology is close to the nose morphology of the original 3D facial data.

[The design method of the digital sequential tooth-sectioning guide for the extraction of mandibular impacted third molars]

Objective: To explore a method for digitally designing and fabricating a sequential tooth-sectioning guide that can assist in the extraction of mandibular horizontal impacted third molars, preliminarily evaluate its feasibility and provide a reference for clinical application. Methods: Twenty patients with mandibular low level impacted third molars who visited the Department of General Dentistry, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from March 2021 to January 2022 were selected. Cone-beam CT showed direct contact between the roots and mandibular canal, and full range impressions of the patients' intraoral teeth were taken and optical scans of the dental model were performed. The patients' cone-beam CT data and optical scan data were reconstructed in three dimensions, anatomical structure extraction, registration fusion, and the design of the structure of the guide (including crown-sectioning guide and root-sectioning guide) by Mimics 24.0, Geomagic Wrap 2021, and Magics 21.0 software, and then the titanium guide was three dimension printed, and the guide was tried on the dental model. After confirmation, the guide was used to assist the dentist in the operation. We observed whether the guide was in place, the number of tooth splitting, the matching of tooth splitting with the preoperative design, the operation time, and whether there were any complications. Results: In this study, 20 sectioning guides were successfully printed, all of them were well fitted in the patients' mouth, the average number of section was 3.4 times, the tooth parts was better matched with the preoperative design, and the average operative time of the guides was (29.2±9.8) minutes without complications such as perforation of the bone cortex. Conclusions: The use of sequential sectioning guides to assist in the extraction of mandibular impacted third molars was initially validated to accurately replicate the preoperative sectioning design, and is expected to provide a digital solution to improve surgical precision and ensure safety. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to evaluate its accuracy and safety.

[Preliminary evaluation of the trueness of 5 chairside 3D facial scanning techniques]

OBJECTIVE

To quantitatively evaluate the trueness of five chairside three-dimensional facial scanning techniques, and to provide reference for the application of oral clinical diagnosis and treatment.

METHODS

The three-dimensional facial data of the subjects were collected by the traditional professional three-dimensional facial scanner Face Scan, which was used as the reference data of this study. Four kinds of portable three-dimensional facial scanners (including Space Spider, LEO, EVA and DS-FScan) and iPhone Ⅹ mobile phone (Bellus3D facial scanning APP) were used to collect three-dimensional facial data from the subjects. In Geomagic Studio 2013 software, through data registration, deviation analysis and other functions, the overall three-dimensional deviation and facial partition three-dimensional deviation of the above five chairside three-dimensional facial scanning technologies were calculated, and their trueness performance evaluated. Scanning time was recorded during the scanning process, and the subject's comfort was scored by visual analogue scale(VAS). The scanning efficiency and patient acceptance of the five three-dimensional facial scanning techniques were evaluated.

RESULTS

DS-FScan had the smallest mean overall and mean partition three-dimensional deviation between the test data and the reference data, which were 0.334 mm and 0.329 mm, respectively. The iPhone Ⅹ mobile phone had the largest mean overall and mean partition three-dimensional deviation between the test data and the reference data, which were 0.483 mm and 0.497 mm, respectively. The detailed features of the three-dimensional facial data obtained by Space Spider were the best. The iPhone Ⅹ mobile phone had the highest scanning efficiency and the highest acceptance by the subject. The average scanning time of the iPhone Ⅹ mobile phone was 14 s, and the VAS score of the subjects' scanning comfort was 9 points.

CONCLUSION

Among the five chairside three-dimensional face scanning technologies, the trueness of the scan data of the four portable devices had no significant difference, and they were all better than the iPhone Ⅹ mobile phone scan. The subject with the iPhone Ⅹ scanning technology had the best expe-rience.

MHD instability dynamics and turbulence enhancement towards the plasma disruption at the HL-2A tokamak

The evolutions of MHD instability behaviors and enhancement of both electrostatic and electromagnetic turbulence towards the plasma disruption have been clearly observed in the HL-2A plasmas. Two types of plasma disruptive discharges have been investigated for similar equilibrium parameters: one with a distinct stage of a small central temperature collapse ([Formula: see text] 5-10%) around 1 millisecond before the thermal quench (TQ), while the other without. For both types, the TQ phase is preceded by a rotating 2/1 tearing mode, and it is the development of the cold bubble from the inner region of the 2/1 island O-point along with its inward convection that causes the massive energy loss. In addition, the micro-scale turbulence, including magnetic fluctuations and density fluctuations, increases before the small collapse, and more significantly towards the TQ. Also, temperature fluctuations measured by electron cyclotron emission imaging enhances dramatically at the reconnection site and expand into the island when approaching the small collapse and TQ, and the expansion is more significant close to the TQ. The observed turbulence enhancement near the X-point cannot be fully interpreted by the linear stability analysis by GENE. Evidences suggest that nonlinear effects, such as the reduction of local [Formula: see text] shear and turbulence spreading, may play an important role in governing turbulence enhancement and expansion. These results imply that the turbulence and its interaction with the island facilitate the stochasticity of the magnetic flux and formation of the cold bubble, and hence, the plasma disruption.

Adaptive blind receiving for deep VLC coverage in non-uniform LED systems

Recently, visible light communication (VLC) has become a promising technology for reliable communication in the industrial Internet of Things. In VLC, light sources with non-uniform parameters make uncontrollable signal blind zones and aliases. The unknown parameters also lead to the problem of channel estimation. Hence, deep coverage of VLC is challenging. In this paper, we design a dual-sensor elongated receiver. The receiver expands the signal receiving area by increasing the distance between photon detectors and realizes aliased signal recovery without channel estimation. Cooperatively, an adaptive blind receiving scheme is proposed. The scheme separates aliased signals by parameter estimation of a Gaussian mixture model without knowing transmitter parameters. It unifies the aliased and blind receiving cases by an adaptive signal combining method. Finally, the simulation results demonstrate that our scheme achieves better reliability and deeper communication coverage in the given system.

[Analysis and significance of HBV DNA below the lower detection limit of HBV RNA levels after long-term NAs antiviral therapy in patients with hepatitis B virus cirrhosis]

Objective: To analyze the significance of HBV DNA below the lower detection limit of HBV RNA levels after long-term nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) antiviral therapy in patients with hepatitis B virus cirrhosis. Methods: 97 cases with hepatitis B virus cirrhosis treated with NAs antiviral therapy for at least 3 years between May 2018 to July 2019 were selected. High-sensitivity HBV DNA (<20 IU/ml), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), HBsAg, HBeAg and HBV RNA at least twice every 6 months were detected. According to Child-Pugh classification, HBeAg, HBsAg level, and HBV RNA level intergroup comparison was performed. Rank sum test, χ² test and linear regression analysis were performed on the data. Results: Compared with the HBV RNA level of child-Pugh class A patients, the HBV RNA level of Child-Pugh class B+C patients were significantly higher [4.1 (0,4.9) log₁₀ copies/ml and 2.0 (0,3.5) log₁₀ copies/ml], and the difference was statistically significant (Z=2.370, P<0.05). According to different HBeAg levels, they were divided into HBeAg positive and negative group, and the quantitative comparison of HBV RNA levels between the two groups were 2.0 (0, 4.5) log₁₀ copies/ml and 1.0 (1.0, 2.0) log₁₀ copies/ml, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (Z=3.233, P<0.05). According to different HBsAg levels, they were divided into three groups: HBsAg≤100 IU/ml, 100<HBsAg<1 000 IU/ml, and HBsAg≥1 000 IU/ml, and the quantitative comparison of HBV RNA levels among the three groups were 0 (0, 2.0) log₁₀, 2.0 (0,4.6) log_10, and 2.2 (2.0, 4.7) log₁₀ copies/ml, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (H=11.265, P<0.05). Gender, age, ALT, AST, GGT, HBsAg, and HBeAg were included for linear regression analysis, and the HBsAg and AST levels were correlated with HBV RNA quantification (P<0.05). Adverse events occurrence during 1-year follow-up were recorded. 19 (31.7%) out of 60 cases had adverse events with detectable HBV RNA, and 3 (8.1%) out of 37 cases had adverse events with undetectable HBV RNA, and the difference was statistically significant (χ²=7.24, P<0.05). Conclusion: HBV RNA can still be detected after HBV DNA falls below the detection limit in patients with hepatitis B virus cirrhosis treated with long-term NAs antiviral therapy. HBV RNA quantification level is higher in patients with Child Pugh class B and C. Patients with detectable HBV RNA has higher proportion of adverse events, and AST and HBsAg levels may be correlated with serum HBV RNA.

A developmental switch between electrical and neuropeptide communication in the ventromedial hypothalamus

Dissecting neural connectivity patterns within local brain regions is an essential step to understanding the function of the brain.¹ Neural microcircuits in brain regions, such as the neocortex and the hippocampus, have been extensively studied.² By contrast, the microcircuit in the hypothalamus remains largely uncharacterized. The hypothalamus is crucial for animals' survival and reproduction.³ Knowledge of how different hypothalamic nuclei coordinate with each other and outside brain regions for hypothalamus-related functions has been significantly advanced.^4-9 Although there are limited studies on the neural microcircuit in the lateral hypothalamus (LHA)^10,11 and the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN),^12,13 the patterns of neural microcircuits in most of the given hypothalamic nuclei remain largely unknown. This study applied combinatory approaches to address the local neural circuit pattern in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) and other hypothalamic nuclei. We discovered a unique neural circuit design in the VMH. Neurons in the VMH were electrically coupled at the early postnatal stage like ones in the neocortex.¹⁴ However, unlike neocortical neurons,^14,15 they developed very few chemical synapses after the disappearance of electrical synapses. Instead, VMH neurons communicated with neuropeptides. The similar scarceness of synaptic connectivity found in other hypothalamic nuclei further indicated that the lack of synaptic connections is a unique feature for local neural circuits in most adult hypothalamic nuclei. Thus, our findings provide a solid synaptic basis at the cellular level to understand hypothalamic functions better.

[Subcutaneous nodules, mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy]

A 52-year old man was admitted to our hospital because of dyspnea on exertion for 2 months and subcutaneous nodules for 1 month. Chest enhanced CT showed bilateral hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Bronchial alveolar lavage fluid revealed a CD₄⁺/CD₈⁺ T cell subsets ratio of 4.3 and culture for acid-fast bacillus (AFB) was negative. The pathology of skin nodules and transbronchial needle aspiration biopsy guided by endoscopic ultrasound (EBUS-TBNA) revealed non-caseating necrotizing epithelioid granulomas with negative acid-fast bacilli staining and periodic acid-Schiff staining, which was compatible with sarcoidosis. The patient was diagnosed as sarcoidosis and glucocorticoid was administrated. The subcutaneous nodules were improved. However, the lymph nodes were enlarged instead of shrinking after 6-month therapy. The failure to respond to glucocorticoids raised the possibility of sarcoidosis complicated with tuberculosis infection. The patient received anti-tuberculosis therapy. Lymphadenopathy responded within 4 months, and there was complete regression after 18-month treatment. The patient was followed up for 5 years and repeated chest CT scan showed that the sizes of bilateral hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes were normal.

[Value of tumor growth rate in evaluating the early therapeutic efficacy of neuroendocrine neoplasm]

Objective: To determinate the value of tumor growth rate (TGR) in evaluating the efficacy of early drug treatment for neuroendocrine neoplasm (NEN). Methods: Patients with NEN who treated at Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Cancer Hospital from January 2010 to December 2018 were retrospectively enrolled. A total of 30 patients (16 males and 14 females, aged from 26 to 73 (53±11) years) were enrolled. The sum of largest diameter of target lesions and the interval time were measured, TGR of 3 months after the first treatment was calculated using a formula. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to test the repeatability of TGR. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was used to determine the optimal cut-off values of TGR for predicting progression-free survival (PFS). Overall patients and SD patients assessed by RECIST were grouped by the optimal cut-off values of TGR. Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate PFS rates and plot patient survival curves of patients at different group of TGR. Cox risk proportional hazard model was used to assess the effect of TGR on the prognosis. Results: The optimal cut-off value of TGR was -5.8(%/m), the area under the curve was 0.921 (95%CI: 0.824-0.999, P<0.001). Interobserver ICC was 0.955 (95%CI: 0.907-0.978,P<0.001). Multivariate Cox analysis showed that compared with the patients with TGR<-5.8, the patients with TGR ≥-5.8 had a higher risk of progression in either overall population (HR: 10.906, 95%CI: 1.953-60.898, P=0.006) or the SD population (HR: 14.354, 95%CI: 1.602-128.627, P=0.017); TGR ≥-5.8 was an independent risk factor affecting the prognosis of NEN. Conclusions: TGR can evaluate the efficacy of NEN's early anti-tumor drug treatment, and associate with prognosis.

[Preliminary study on the method of automatically determining facial landmarks based on three-dimensional face template]

Objective: To explore the establishment of an efficient and automatic method to determine anatomical landmarks in three-dimensional (3D) facial data, and to evaluate the effectiveness of this method in determining landmarks. Methods: A total of 30 male patients with tooth defect or dentition defect (with good facial symmetry) who visited the Department of Prosthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from June to August 2021 were selected, and these participants' age was between 18-45 years. 3D facial data of patients was collected and the size normalization and overlap alignment were performed based on the Procrustes analysis algorithm. A 3D face average model was built in Geomagic Studio 2013 software, and a 3D face template was built through parametric processing. MeshLab 2020 software was used to determine the serial number information of 32 facial anatomical landmarks (10 midline landmarks and 22 bilateral landmarks). Five male patients with no mandibular deviation and 5 with mild mandibular deviation were selected from the Department of Orthodontics or Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from June to August 2021. 3D facial data of patients was collected as test data. Based on the 3D face template and the serial number information of the facial anatomical landmarks, the coordinates of 32 facial anatomical landmarks on the test data were automatically determined with the help of the MeshMonk non-rigid registration algorithm program, as the data for the template method to determine the landmarks. The positions of 32 facial anatomical landmarks on the test data were manually determined by the same attending physician, and the coordinates of the landmarks were recorded as the data for determining landmarks by the expert method. Calculated the distance value of the coordinates of facial anatomical landmarks between the template method and the expert method, as the landmark localization error, and evaluated the effect of the template method in determining the landmarks. Results: For 5 patients with no mandibular deviation, the landmark localization error of all facial anatomical landmarks by template method was (1.65±1.19) mm, the landmark localization error of the midline facial anatomical landmarks was (1.19±0.45) mm, the landmark localization error of bilateral facial anatomical landmarks was (1.85±1.33) mm. For 5 patients with mild mandibular deviation, the landmark localization error of all facial anatomical landmarks by template method was (2.55±2.22) mm, the landmark localization error of the midline facial anatomical landmarks was (1.85±1.13) mm, the landmark localization error of bilateral facial anatomical landmarks was (2.87±2.45) mm. Conclusions: The automatic determination method of facial anatomical landmarks proposed in this study has certain feasibility, and the determination effect of midline facial anatomical landmarks is better than that of bilateral facial anatomical landmarks. The effect of determining facial anatomical landmarks in patients without mandibular deviation is better than that in patients with mild mandibular deviation.

[Diagnostic value of surgical lung biopsies for diffuse parenchymal lung disease: the change of disease spectrum in the past 28 years in a single institution in China]

Objective: To investigate the changes of disease spectrum in diffuse parenchymal lung disease (DPLD) diagnosed by surgical lung biopsy, and to explore the diagnostic value of surgical lung biopsy in DPLD. Methods: Four hundred and fifty-five consecutive DPLD patients, who underwent surgical lung biopsy in Peking Union Medical College Hospital during the past 28 years, were analyzed retrospectively. Results: There were 211 males and 244 females. The average age at biopsy was (45±14) years. Four hundred and eleven cases (90.3%) were diagnosed by pathologic findings. Four hundred and forty-one cases (96.9%) were diagnosed by clinical-radiologic-pathologic multidisciplinary discussion. The 30-day mortality and 90-day mortality were 2.4% and 3.3% respectively. The disease spectrum included interstitial pneumonia in 209 cases (45.9%) (nonspecific interstitial pneumonia in 105 cases, usual interstitial pneumonia in 33 cases), other miscellaneous DPLD in 166 cases (36.5%) (including hypersensitivity pneumonitis in 49 cases), tumor in 39 cases (8.6%), and infectious diseases in 27 cases (5.9%). In the three consecutive periods (1993-2002, 2003-2012 and 2013-2020), the number of biopsies was 76 (16.7%), 297 (65.3%) and 82 (18%) respectively. The disease spectrum changes over time: in the above three periods, the percentage of interstitial pneumonia in DPLD was 68.4%, 45.1% and 28%, other miscellaneous DPLDs were 22.4%, 39.4% and 39.0%, the tumors were 2.6%, 7.4% and 18.3%, the infectious diseases were 5.3%, 5.1% and 9.8%. Conclusions: This study presented the changes of disease spectrum in DPLD diagnosed by surgical lung biopsy through single center real-world data, reflecting the progress of clinicians' understanding of DPLD and interstitial pneumonia. Surgical lung biopsy is still valuable for some difficult and complicated DPLD cases.

Effects of Different Mold Materials and Coolant Media on the Cooling Performance of Epoxy-Based Injection Molds

Metal additive manufacturing techniques are frequently applied to the manufacturing of injection molds with a conformal cooling channel (CCC) in order to shorten the cooling time in the injection molding process. Reducing the cooling time in the cooling stage is essential to reducing the energy consumption in mass production. However, the distinct disadvantages include higher manufacturing costs and longer processing time in the fabrication of injection mold with CCC. Rapid tooling technology (RTT) is a widely utilized technology to shorten mold development time in the mold industry. In principle, the cooling time of injection molded products is affected by both injection mold material and coolant medium. However, little work has been carried out to investigate the effects of different mold materials and coolant media on the cooling performance of epoxy-based injection molds quantitatively. In this study, the effects of four different coolant media on the cooling performance of ten sets of injection molds fabricated with different mixtures were investigated experimentally. It was found that cooling water with ultrafine bubble is the best cooling medium based on the cooling efficiency of the injection molded parts (since the cooling efficiency is increased further by about 12.4% compared to the conventional cooling water). Mold material has a greater influence on the cooling efficiency than the cooling medium, since cooling time range of different mold materials is 99 s while the cooling time range for different cooling media is 92 s. Based on the total production cost of injection mold and cooling efficiency, the epoxy resin filled with 41 vol.% aluminum powder is the optimal formula for making an injection mold since saving in the total production cost about 24% is obtained compared to injection mold made with commercially available materials.

[Merkel cell carcinoma: a clinicopathological study of 10 cases]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features, differential diagnosis and prognosis of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). Methods: The clinical and pathological data of 10 patients with MCC were collected at the 940th Hospital of PLA. The histological characteristics were examined. Immunohistochemical EnVision method was used to detect thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF1), broad-spectrum cytokeratin (CKpan), CK20, S-100, Ki-67, CD56, chromogranin A, synaptophysin and other markers in the 10 cases. Results: Intradermal MCC of the skin showed a nested, cord-like, cribriform distribution, polygonal cells, uniform size, and lack of cytoplasm. Tumor cell nuclei were large and round, with clear nuclear membranes, fine and scattered chromatin, absence of nucleoli, and mitotic figures of 10 per 50 high power fields. Among them, one patient had sarcoma and squamous cell carcinoma in situ, one patient had squamous cell carcinoma in situ, and one patient had unique cell morphology. Immunohistochemical staining showed that all cancer cells expressed CKpan, synaptophysin and CD56. There were seven cases with perinuclear dot-like positivity of CK20. Six MCCs expressed chromogranin A to varying degrees, while 2 MCCs were weakly positive for p63. The nuclear positive index in the Ki-67 hotspot area was 60%. Conclusion: The histology of MCC varies. Rendering a correct diagnosis of MCC requires adequate sampling, close correlation with clinical history and rational use of immunohistochemical staining. The treatment requires standardized surgery, postoperative radiotherapy and multimodal chemotherapy. Immunotherapy may replace the traditional treatment in the future.

[Value of gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion-weighted MR imaging in predicting microvascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma and the prognostic significance]

Objective: To investigate the combined value of gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA) enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in predicting pathological microvascular invasion (pMVI) preoperatively, and to determine the relationship between prediction results and prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Methods: A total of 181 newly diagnosed HCC patients were enrolled in this study. Imaging characteristics and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value of DWI were analyzed. The differences of imaging characteristics and ADC values between different pMVI groups were analyzed.Multivariate logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to analyze the value for pMVI prediction by using significant parameters. The patients were grouped based on MRI predicted MVI (mrMVI), and the relationship between mrMVI and recurrence free survival time (RFS) was analyzed. Results: Fifty-one patients were pMVI positive and 130 patients were pMVI negative. The ADC value in pMVI positive group were (1.10±0.17)×10(-3) mm(2)/s, significantly lower than (1.27±0.22)×10(-3) mm(2)/s of pEMVI negative group (P<0.001). The incidence rates of incomplete enhancing "capsule" , non-smooth tumor margin, arterial peritumoral enhancement, mosaic architecture and peritumoral hypointensity on hepatobiliary phase (HBP) in pMVI positive group were significantly higher than those of negative group (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that tumor margin, arterial peritumoral enhancement, peritumoral hypointensity on HBP and ADC value were independently associated with pMVI. ROC analysis showed that the area under curve, sensitivity and specificity of pMVI predicted by combined parameters were 0.830, 76.5% and 81.5%, respectively. The median RFS of mrMVI positive group was 23.6 months, significantly lower than 38.2 months of mrEMVI negative group (P=0.004). Conclusion: Tumor margin, arterial peritumoral enhancement, peritumoral hypointensity on HBP and ADC value are independent predictors of pMVI in HCC, and mrMVI is related with RFS.

[Advances in the research on the interaction between human parasites and gut microbiota]

Human parasites may interact with the microbiome parasitizing in human and mammalian intestines. The interplay between intestinal parasites and gut microbiota and its potential impacts have been widely reported; however, some parasites that do not parasitize in intestines may also affect the characteristic of gut microbiota. Hereby, we review the advances in the research on the impacts of parasites inside and outside of human intestines on the gut microbiota.

[The differential diagnosis for novel coronavirus pneumonia and similar lung diseases in general hospitals]

Novel coronavirus pneumonia was a novel coronavirus infection that has dominated pulmonary infection since December 2019. The main manifestations were fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, normal or leukopenia in peripheral blood and changes in chest CT and in severe cases, multiple organ failure might occur. The National Health Commission, PRC has revised the consensus on diagnosis and treatment seven times in a short period of time, indicating the growing understanding of the disease. Patients with novel coronavirus pneumonia usually had history of travelling or living in the epidemic area including Wuhan within 14 days before onset, or have been exposed to patients who had fever or respiratory symptoms from the epidemic area, or had clustering diseases. However, novel coronavirus pneumonia was becoming more and more blurred after vanishing epidemic. The diagnosis and differential diagnosis of novel coronavirus pneumonia were challenges not only because of large number of tourists increasing dramatically after the relieving of epidemic, but also patients with other diseases from different areas to search for medical care. In this article, the clinical and chest imaging features of the novel coronavirus pneumonia were reviewed and compared with other infections and non-infectious diffuse pulmonary diseases. We try to find the similarities and differences among them, and to identify clues to the diagnosis of novel coronavirus pneumonia, so as to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Adaptive spatial-layout selection for massive multi-color visible light communications

Massive multi-color visible light communications (mMC-VLC) sufficiently utilizing space and color domain resources is proposed to satisfy high-spectral-efficiency, high-speed, and high-density-coverage requirements of next-generation indoor data connections. However, the gap between the number of LEDs and photodiodes (PDs) and the high correlation among different channels limit the multiplexing of mMC-VLC. Also, the mobility of the receiver is the bottleneck of mMC-VLC. So, adaptive spatial-layout selection (ASLS) is proposed to settle the above problems, which selects $ N $N sets $ n $n-color LEDs from the transmitter to form an approximate optimal closed-circle layout adapting to the receiver position. First, the optimal parameter problems to minimize the ill condition of the activated system under layout constraints of the closed circle and linear types are formulated for a fixed receiver position. Second, to achieve adaptivity, the fitting curves of the optimal layout parameter and $ {D_v} $D_v under both constraints are researched; $ {D_v} $D_v is the vertical distance between the transmitter and receiver planes. Finally, the closest layout-selected principle (CLSP) is proposed to solve the problem of the LEDs perhaps not perfectly forming the optimal parameter layout for mMC-VLC. The bit-error ratio (BER) performances and application scopes of ASLS under both layout constraints are compared to determine that the constraint layout is a closed circle; meanwhile the available maximal $ N $N corresponding to the receiver position is obtained. The optimal parameter of ASLS is linearly related to the receiver position and not related to $ N $N. The ASLS always achieves better BER performance than optical multi-stream spatial modulation.

[Predictive value of quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging for the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced gastric cancer]

Objective: To investigate the predictive value of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) quantitative parameters for the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced gastric cancer. Methods: Sixty-five patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC) confirmed by gastroscopy and received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) were enrolled in this study. Quantitative DCE-MRI was performed before NCT, and the quantitative parameters were measured, including volume transfer constant (K(trans)), rate constant (K(ep)), volume fraction of extravascular extracellular space (V(e)) and volume fraction of plasma (V(p)). After NCT, all patients received radical gastrectomy. According to postoperative pathological tumor regression grade, patients were divided into response group and non-response group, and the differences of DCE quantitative parameters between the two groups were compared. ROC curve was utilized to analyze the predictive efficacy of DCE quantitative parameters for NCT response of LAGC, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the predictive efficacy of combined parameters. Results: Thirty-seven patients were in response group and 28 patients were in non-response group. The pretreatment K(trans) in the response group were [0.216 min(-1) (0.130 min(-1), 0.252 min(-1))], significantly higher than [0.091 min(-1) (0.069 min(-1), 0.146 min(-1))] of non-response group (P<0.001), and V(e) in the response group were [0.354(0.228, 0.463)], significantly higher than [0.200(0.177, 0.253)]of non-response group (P<0.001). ROC analysis showed the AUCS of K(trans) and V(e) in predicting NCT efficacy were 0.881 and 0.756, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the combination of the two parameters could improve the AUC to 0.921, with the sensitivity and specificity of 86.5% and 89.3%, respectively. Conclusion: DCE-MRI quantitative parameters could help to predict the NCT response of LAGC, and the combination of parameters could improve the predictive efficacy.

InAs/GaAs quantum dot semiconductor saturable absorber for controllable dual-wavelength passively Q-switched fiber laser

We experimentally demonstrate the first use of 1550-nm InAs/GaAs quantum dot semiconductor saturable absorber mirror (QD-SESAM) in the dual-wavelength passively Q-switched (QS) erbium doped fiber (EDF) laser. The dual-wavelength QS lasing was obtained at a pump threshold of 180 mW with the average output power of 2.2 mW and the spacing between the two lasing wavelengths is 14 nm. A large absorption ranging from 1520 to 1590 nm has been realized when no substrate rotation was employed during the molecular beam epitaxy growth of the QD-SESAM indicating the potential to generate a 60 nm spacing of the dual-wavelength QS lasing peaks by changing the positions in the QD-SESAM and replacing EDF by co-doped fiber as gain medium. These results have provided a new opportunity towards achieving the stable and wide wavelength-tunable dual-modes fiber lasers.

[Effects of glutamine on skeletal muscle membrane repair in severely burned mice and the functional mechanism]

Objective: To observe how glutamine affect the skeletal muscle membrane repair in severely burned mice through promoting the mitsugumin 53 (MG53) dimerization in skeletal muscle and to explore its functional mechanism. Methods: (1) Animal experiments. A total of 179 BALB/c male mice aged 6 to 8 weeks were divided into sham injury group (n=43), burn group (n=73) and burn+ glutamine group (n=63) according to the random number table (the same grouping method below). Mice in sham injury group were sham injured on the back, and mice in burn group and burn+ glutamine group were inflicted with 30% total body surface area full-thickness scald (hereinafter referred to as burn) on the back. Mice in burn+ glutamine group were intragastrically administered with glutamine (1 mg/kg), and the other two groups were given the same amount of amino acid solution once per day for 14 days. On post burn hour 12, 10 mice from burn group were taken for preparation of burn serum, which is used in the following cell experiments. Blood samples were collected from the hearts to prepare serum from 10 mice in sham injury group immediately after burn and from 10 mice in burn group and burn+ glutamine group on post burn day (PBD) 5, 10, and 14, respectively. And then the whole gastrocnemius muscle was harvested after the mice were sacrificed. On PBD 10, the whole flexor brevis digitorum was harvested from 6 mice in the 3 groups respectively after the mice were sacrificed. On PBD 5, 10, and 14, the whole gastrocnemius muscle tissue was harvested from another 9 mice in the 3 groups respectively after the mice were sacrificed. The mass of the whole gastrocnemius muscle of mice was weighed. The total protein content of gastrocnemius muscle of mice was detected by coomassie brilliant blue method. The repair function of myolemma of flexor brevis digitorum of mice was detected by two-photon laser fiber membrane perforating. The serum content of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) of mice was determined with radioimmunoassay. The expressions of MG53 dimer and monomer in gastrocnemius of mice were determined with non-reductive electrophoresis-Western blotting. The protein expressions of endoplasmic reticulum stress sign proteins CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) and glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) in gastrocnemius of mice were determined with Western blotting. (2) Cell experiments. Mice skeletal muscle precursor cells C2C12 were cultured in vitro, and cells of the second passage were selected for the experiments. The cells were divided into normal control group, burn serum group, and burn serum+ glutamine group, with 3 dishes in each group and 1×10(3) cells in each dish. Cells in normal control group were cultured with 1 mL Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium (DMEM) with fetal bovine serum of volume fraction 10%, cells in burn serum group were cultured with 1 mL DMEM with burn serum of volume fraction 10%, and cells in burn serum+ glutamine group were cultured with 1 mL DMEM with burn serum of volume fraction 10% and 4 μL glutamine with a final molar concentration of 8 mmol/L. After 24 hours of culturing, the repair function of myocyte membrane after differentiation of skeletal muscle precursor cells in mice was detected with the same method before. Another cells were grouped and cultured as before, with 3 wells in each group and 1×10(5) cells in each well. After 24 hours of culturing, the expressions of MG53 dimer and monomer and endoplasmic reticulum stress marker proteins in the cells were detected as before. Data were processed with analysis of variance of factorial design, one-way analysis of variance, least significant difference t test, and Student Newman Keuls test. Results: Animal experiments. (1) Compared with those in sham injury group, the mass and total protein content of gastrocnemius muscle of mice in burn group were significantly decreased on PBD 5, 10, and 14 (P<0.05). Compared with those in burn group, the mass and total protein content of gastrocnemius muscle of mice in burn+ glutamine group were significantly increased on PBD 5, 10, and 14 (P<0.05). (2) Compared with that in sham injury group (0.9±0.4), the fluorescence intensity of FM1-43 in myofiber of mice in burn group (7.8±0.4) was significantly increased on PBD 10 (t=7.75, P<0.05). Compared with that in burn group, the fluorescence intensity of FM1-43 in myofiber of mice in burn+ glutamine group (4.0±0.4) was significantly decreased on PBD 10 (t=-4.31, P<0.05). (3) Compared with that in sham injury group, the serum content of TNF-α and IL-6 of mice in burn group was significantly increased on PBD 5, 10, and 14 (P<0.05). Compared with that in burn group, the serum content of TNF-α and IL-6 of mice in burn+ glutamine group was significantly decreased on PBD 5, 10, and 14 (P<0.05). (4) Compared with 56.97±2.82, 44.89±4.72, 42.46±1.06, 14.26±0.99, 62.36±2.74, and 29.45±0.84 in sham injury group, the expressions of MG53 dimer and monomer in gastrocnemius of mice were significantly decreased in burn group on PBD 5, 10, and 14 (6.16±0.25, 26.09±1.22, 28.86±1.53, 5.63±0.25, 26.74±0.79, 4.41±0.52, P<0.05). Compared with those in burn group, the expression of MG53 dimer of gastrocnemius of mice in burn+ glutamine group was significantly increased on PBD 10 and 14 (36.79±1.44, 43.96±1.62), and the expression of MG53 monomer of gastrocnemius muscle of mice in burn+ glutamine group was significantly increased on PBD 14 (13.16±2.17, P<0.05). Compared with those in sham injury group, the protein expressions of CHOP and GRP78 in gastrocnemius muscle of mice in burn group were significantly elevated on PBD 5, 10, and 14 (P<0.05). Compared with those in burn group, the protein expressions of CHOP and GRP78 in gastrocnemius of mice in burn+ glutamine group were significantly reduced on PBD 5, 10 (P<0.05). Cell experiments. (1) Compared with that in normal control group (1.76±0.25), the fluorescence intensity of FM1-43 in cells in burn serum group (9.46±1.22) was significantly increased after 24 hours of culturing (t=12.28, P<0.05). Compared with that in burn serum group, the fluorescence intensity of FM1-43 in cells in burn serum+ glutamine group (4.71±0.45) was significantly decreased after 24 hours of culturing (t=-7.59, P<0.05). (2) The expressions of MG53 monomer of cells were similar in normal control group, burn serum group, and burn+ glutamine group after 24 hours of culturing (P>0.05). Compared with 58.5±1.8 in normal control group, the expression of MG53 dimer of cells in burn serum group was significantly decreased after 24 hours of culturing (14.1±1.4, P<0.05). Compared with that in burn serum group, the expression of MG53 dimer of cells in burn serum+ glutamine group was significantly increased after 24 hours of culturing (30.9±0.6, P<0.05). Compared with those in normal control group, the protein expressions of CHOP and GRP78 of cells were significantly elevated in burn serum group after 24 hours of culturing (P<0.05). Compared with those in burn serum group, the protein expressions of CHOP and GRP78 of cells were significantly reduced in burn serum+ glutamine group after 24 hours of culturing (P<0.05). Conclusions: Glutamine can promote MG53 dimerization by alleviating endoplasmic reticulum stress in severely burned mice. Thus it can accelerate skeletal muscle membrane repair, reduce the local inflammatory reaction of skeletal muscle and consumption of skeletal muscle.

[Effects of dexmedetomidine on cerebral oxygen saturation and postoperative revival period in elderly patients with ovarian cancer]

Objective: To observe the effects of dexmedetomidine on cerebral oxygen saturation and postoperative recovery in elderly patients with ovarian cancer. Methods: Sixty elderly patients with ovarian cancer were randomly divided into two groups. Both groups were given total intravenous anesthesia. Patients in group D were given a loading dosage of dexmedetomidine 0.5 μg/kg, followed by continuous infusion 0.2 μg·kg(-1)·h(-1) until 30 minutes before the end of operation. Group C were given normal saline at the same time. The cerebral oxygen saturation was observed and recorded before anaesthesia (T0), an hour after operation (T1), the end of operation (T2) and 30 min after tracheal extubation (T3). The time of extubation and adverse reactions such as restlessness, shivering and respiratory inhibition were observed in both groups. Results: There was no significant difference in cerebral oxygen saturation between the two groups at different time points (P>0.05), and the degree of restlessness and its incidence in group D were lower than those in group C, and the adverse reactions such as shivering were lower (P<0.05). Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine has no obvious effect on cerebral oxygen saturation in elderly patients with ovarian cancer. It can effectively prevent and reduce postoperative restlessness, does not affect recovery time, and has fewer adverse reactions.

Fast-adaptive color-collaborative constellation designs for multicolor multiple-input multiple-output visible light communications systems

A fast-adaptive color-collaborative signal constellation (CCSC) is proposed for chromaticity-changeable multicolor multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) visible light communications (VLC) systems. The design of CCSC aims at developing the constellation to minimize the average optical power with shaping-based lattice code. For multicolor VLC signals, we arrive at the fact that the optimum shape of the constellation bounding region is an inequilateral N-D simplex. With the densest lattice-packing structure, detailed design steps of CCSC are fully elaborated by lattice construction, effective point selection, and chromaticity adjustment. As CCSC has a low complexity, its constellation structure can adapt quickly to changeable chromaticity demands. Simulation results show that the performance of CCSC is better than enhanced standard color shift keying (CSK) and is close to iterative CSK modulation based on numerical search.

[Experience of 14 cases using hemi-semilaminectomy microsurgery treating by spinal dural arteriovenous fistula]

Objective: To explore the efficacy and feasibility of the hemi-semilaminectomy microsurgical operation treatment of spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF). Methods: The clinical data of 32 patients with SDAVF were analyzed retrospectively. Before operation all patients were diagnosed by spinal MRI and spinal angiography, 14 patients were treated by hemi-semilaminectomy approach and other 18 patients were by traditional laminectomy approach. All the data were analyzed by T test and P<0.05 was considered to have significant difference. Results: The nidus of SDAVF located on thoracic segments in 18 cases, lumbar segments in 12 cases, and cervical segment in 2 cases, which was fed by single artery. The hemi-semilaminectomy microsurgical operation showed shorter operation time, less bleeding, less hospitalization time and cost. All the patients followed-up for 6 months-2 years. Symptoms of all the patients were improved compared with those before surgery. Conclusions: On the premise of spinal angiography accurately positioning the location of fistula, the hemi-semi-laminectomy approach microsurgery clipping operation is safe and feasible, and the operation has fewer traumas, also helps to maintain the stability of spine.

One symbol training receiver for the SPAD-based UVLC system

For the long distance single photon avalanche diode (SPAD)-based underwater visible light communication (UVLC) system, the multiple-symbol union detection scheme is presented. However, an error floor curve of the bit-to-error ratio (BER) occurs and cannot vanish even though the transmitted power approaches infinity. In this paper, to solve the problems of error floor and channel estimation in the long distance SPAD-based UVLC system, we propose the one training symbol maximum likelihood (ML) detection receiver. First, we add one training symbol in the head of each frame to eliminate the error floor and ensure the reliable blind estimation of the long distance UVLC channel. Meanwhile, the training ML detection (TMLD) receiver is developed. And then, to improve the system performance, a training modified (TM) quasi-ML receiver with Anscombe root transformation is proposed. Compared to the traditional mean detection scheme of the SPAD receiver, the simulation results show that the proposed TM quasi-ML and TMLD schemes significantly improve the error-rate performance.

[Clinical application of oxycodone combined with dexmedetomidine in percutaneous ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinomas]

Objective: To explore the effects of oxycodone combined with dexmedetomidine in percutaneous ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinomas. Methods: Sixty patients who underwent percutaneous ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinomas were randomly divided into fentanyl group (group A) and oxycodone group( group B), with 30 patients in each group. Patients in group A were injected with fentanyl (2 μg/kg), and patients in group B were injected with oxycodone (0.2 mg/kg). All the patients were injected with dexmedetomidine, with a loading dose of 0.5 μg/kg for 10 minutes and a continuous infusion rate of 0.2 μg·kg(-1)·h(-1) until the end of the operation. The changes of heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), pulse oxygen saturation (SPO(2)) and bispectral index (BIS) were monitored at different time points: time when patients entering the operating room (T0), the beginning of operation (T1), 10 minutes after operation (T2), the end of operation (T3), 15 minutes after the end of operation (T4). The incidence of side effects (nausea and vomiting, respiratory depression and body movements) was assessed. The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were also recorded at T0, T3 and an hour postoperatively. Results: Five patients of Group A had the body movements during the operation, and it was improved after injecting with fentanyl 2 μg/kg. Compared with T0, HR in two groups decreased significantly at T2 (P<0.05). At each time point, the difference of MAP, HR, SPO(2) and BIS was not statistically significant in two groups. The incidence of Nausea and vomiting, body movements was lower in group B than that in group A(P<0.05). The VAS scores were lower in group B than that in group A at T3 and an hour postoperatively (P<0.05). Conclusion: The combination of oxycodone and dexmedetomidine can be used safely and effectively in percutaneous ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinomas, and it shows more effective analgesia and less side-effects.

[A new method of measuring leg length discrepancy on radiograph in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty]

Objective: To investigate the reliability of the distance between the tip of the greater trochanter and inter-teardrop line (GT-IT) in evaluating the leg length discrepancy (LLD) in patients underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods: Patients who underwent THA in Xi'an Honghui Hospital from August 2015 to February 2016 were enrolled in this study.The patients were measured for bilateral hips anterior-posterior (AP) radiograph preoperatively and postoperatively.Four distances measured, included: GT-IT, the tip of lesser trochanter and bi-ischial line (LT-BI); LT-IT and the anterior superior iliac spine and the medial malleolus (ASIS-MM). Magnification factor was considered when calculating absolute values.Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to detect the reliability of the measurement data.Single factor analysis and paired t test were performed to compare data among the methods. Results: The ICC values of the four groups were greater than 0.80, which showed excellent agreement in the measurements.Single factor analysis of variance showed there were no statistically significant differences in the LLDs of the four groups preoperatively and postoperatively (F=0.914, 0.886, both P>0.05). There was no significant differences in preoperative and postoperative LLD between group GT-IT and group ASIS-MM, LT-BI or LT-IT(t=-1.544-1.114, all P>0.05). The LLDs were comparable between group LT-BI, ASIS-MM and LT-IT both preoperatively and postoperatively (t=1.577, 0.976, 1.344, -0.087, all P>0.05). And the LLD in group LT-IT and ASIS-MM were equivalent preoperatively and postoperatively (t=0.130, 1.063, both P>0.05). Bland-Altman plot illustrated high level of agreements between the four methods. Conclusion: Great reliability can be obtained with the GT-IT in evaluating the LLD in patients undergoing THA.

Efficient signal design and optimal power allocation for visible light communication attocell systems

In this paper, we investigate visible light communication (VLC) attocell systems in which any two neighboring attocells overlap. An efficient signal design for VLC called time superposition reuse (TSR) is proposed to mitigate interference and improve spectral efficiency. In the scheme, two neighboring cells are allocated with two time slots that have superposition in the time domain. By adjusting superposition between time slots, the system can achieve a flexible spectral efficiency and system performance. Further, we develop an optimal power allocation strategy for TSR in the system. The strategy is given according to the position of the user and the level of superposition, and then the corresponding optimal Euclidean distance is derived. In addition, we analyze the system performance and prove that the optimal Euclidean distance is an increasing function of the delay between signals and a decreasing function of the sampling period. Simulation results demonstrate that the optimal power allocation has a better performance than uniform power allocation and TSR outperforms time division multiple access significantly for the user in VLC attocell systems.

Changes in the Level of Immunoglobulins and CD4/CD8 Ratio in Young and Aged Mice with Estradiol Deficiency

Studies demonstrated that deficiency in 17β-estradiol (E₂) in postmenopausal women influences their immune system. However, few studies have reported alterations in immunologic presentation during nonnatural menopause in young females. Here we compared the differences in immune response between young C57BL/6N mice with surgical or medical variectomy and aged C57BL/6N mice with the common feature of E₂ deficiency following Con A stimulation. We observed inverted CD4/CD8 ratios in the aged group and apparent reduced production of serum immunoglobin (Ig)G, IgA, and IgM in the surgical group, whereas changes in immune parameters in the medical group were moderate. These data suggested that the immunological response to Con A stimulus differed among the three groups and that E₂ deficiency was only partially responsible for the development of immune deficiency in aged mice.

[Effect of catheter choice during embryo transfer on the clinical outcome of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer]

OBJECTIVE

To compare two flexible embryo catheters and determine whether clinical outcome differs in the in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) cycles.

METHODS

This prospective control study was conducted by one doctor between July 2012 and November 2013. In the study, 2 064 patients undergoing fresh embryo transfer by using IVF-ET/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)-ET in Reproductive Medical Center of Peking University Third Hospital were recruited. The subjects were divided into two groups. Cook Sydney IVF embryo transfer catheters (product model: K-JETS-7019-SIVF) were used for embryo transfer in group 1 (n=949), and Frydman-CCD catheters (product model: 131230301) were used in group 2 (n=1 115). Pregnancy outcomes were compared between these two groups.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in age, diagnosis for infertility and stimulation protocol used between the two groups. In addition, there was no difference in the number of oocytes collected and in the number and score of embryos transferred. The significantly higher implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and live birth rate (34.40% vs. 26.92%, 51.21% vs. 41.52%, 42.57% vs. 33.09%, P<0.05) were observed in group 1 compared with group 2. The abortion rate was not significantly different between the two groups (11.93% vs. 15.98%, P>0.05). The proportion of difficult transfer was higher in group 1 than that in group 2 (5.27% vs. 3.41%, P<0.05). There was no difference in the clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate between the two difficult transfer cycles.

CONCLUSION

The type of embryo transfer catheter affects the clinical outcome in IVF. Good clinical outcome can be obtained by using Cook Sydney IVF catheter, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

[Value of perineural invasion in prostatectomy specimen in the assessment on tumor progression and prognosis]

OBJECTIVE

To assess perineural invasion in prostatectomy specimen(PNIp)on tumor progression and prognosis after radical prostatectomy.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis including 502 prostate cancer patients admitted in Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University from December 2002 to May 2014 was studied.Differences of serum prostate specific antigen(PSA), Gleason score of prostate biopsy, Gleason score of prostatectomy specimen, tumor stage, capsular invasion, positive surgical margin, seminal invasion, pelvic lymph node metastasis, nadir PSA were analyzed in patients with PNIp and without PNIp. Logistic regression analysis, Log-rank test and Cox regression analysis was used to analyzed the data, respectively.

RESULTS

There were 91 patients with PNIp(18.1%) and 411 patients without PNIp(81.9%). Differences of serum PSA, Gleason score of prostate biopsy, Gleason score of prostatectomy specimen, tumor stage, capsular invasion, seminal invasion, nadir PSA between the two groups were found(all P<0.05). In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, PNIp was independent predictor of Gleason score of prostate biopsy, Gleason score of prostatectomy specimen, tumor stage, capsular invasion(OR=1.515, 1.955, 2.069, 1.859, all P<0.05). One hundred and twenty-one patients with biochemical serum recurrence(26.7%). Serum PSA, Gleason score of prostate biopsy, Gleason score of prostatectomy specimen, tumor stage, PNIp, seminal invasion were related to biochemical serum recurrence(P<0.05). In the multivariable cox regression analysis, serum PSA, Gleason score of prostate biopsy, PNIp, seminal invasion were independent predictors of biochemical serum recurrence(HR=1.021, 1.441, 1.663, 3.257, all P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

PNIp is the important predictor of the tumor progression and prognosis of prostate cancer.

Cardiomyocyte-Specific Ablation of Med1 Subunit of the Mediator Complex Causes Lethal Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Mice

Mediator, an evolutionarily conserved multi-protein complex consisting of about 30 subunits, is a key component of the polymerase II mediated gene transcription. Germline deletion of the Mediator subunit 1 (Med1) of the Mediator in mice results in mid-gestational embryonic lethality with developmental impairment of multiple organs including heart. Here we show that cardiomyocyte-specific deletion of Med1 in mice (csMed1-/-) during late gestational and early postnatal development by intercrossing Med1fl/fl mice to α-MyHC-Cre transgenic mice results in lethality within 10 days after weaning due to dilated cardiomyopathy-related ventricular dilation and heart failure. The csMed1-/- mouse heart manifests mitochondrial damage, increased apoptosis and interstitial fibrosis. Global gene expression analysis revealed that loss of Med1 in heart down-regulates more than 200 genes including Acadm, Cacna1s, Atp2a2, Ryr2, Pde1c, Pln, PGC1α, and PGC1β that are critical for calcium signaling, cardiac muscle contraction, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor regulated energy metabolism. Many genes essential for oxidative phosphorylation and proper mitochondrial function such as genes coding for the succinate dehydrogenase subunits of the mitochondrial complex II are also down-regulated in csMed1-/- heart contributing to myocardial injury. Data also showed up-regulation of about 180 genes including Tgfb2, Ace, Atf3, Ctgf, Angpt14, Col9a2, Wisp2, Nppa, Nppb, and Actn1 that are linked to cardiac muscle contraction, cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis and myocardial injury. Furthermore, we demonstrate that cardiac specific deletion of Med1 in adult mice using tamoxifen-inducible Cre approach (TmcsMed1-/-), results in rapid development of cardiomyopathy and death within 4 weeks. We found that the key findings of the csMed1-/- studies described above are highly reproducible in TmcsMed1-/- mouse heart. Collectively, these observations suggest that Med1 plays a critical role in the maintenance of heart function impacting on multiple metabolic, compensatory and reparative pathways with a likely therapeutic potential in the management of heart failure.

Genome-Wide Identification of the AP2/ERF Gene Family Involved in Active Constituent Biosynthesis in

Tanshinones and phenolic acids are the major bioactive constituents in the traditional medicinal crop ; however, transcription factors (TFs) are seldom investigated with regard to their regulation of the biosynthesis of these compounds. Here a complete overview of the APETALA2/ethylene-responsive factor (AP2/ERF) transcription factor family in is provided, including phylogeny, gene structure, conserved motifs, and gene expression profiles of different organs (root, stem, leaf, flower) and root tissues (periderm, phloem, xylem). In total, 170 AP2/ERF genes were identified and divided into five relatively conserved subfamilies, including AP2 (25 genes), DREB (61 genes), ethylene responsive factor (ERF; 79 genes), RAV (4 genes), and Soloist (1 gene). According to the distribution of bioactive constituents and the expression patterns of AP2/ERF genes in different organs and root tissues, the genes related to the biosynthesis of bioactive constituents were selected. On the basis of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis, coexpression analysis, and the prediction of -regulatory elements in the promoters, we propose that two genes ( and ) regulate tanshinone biosynthesis and two genes ( and ) participate in controlling phenolic acid biosynthesis. The genes related to tanshinone biosynthesis belong to the ERF-B3 subgroup. In contrast, the genes predicted to regulate phenolic acid biosynthesis belong to the ERF-B1 and ERF-B4 subgroups. These results provide a foundation for future functional characterization of AP2/ERF genes to enhance the biosynthesis of the bioactive compounds of .

[Research progress of Merlin protein and its signal pathway in tumor]

Hippo signaling pathway was first found in drosophila, and was proved to participate in regulatory of cell proliferation, cell apoptosis and organ size in multicellular animals. Compared with Hippo/Mst to YAP/Yki phosphorylation of the core kinase cascade, upstream the protein interaction of Hippo kinase cascade has rarely been studied. Early studies in drosophila have shown that apical membrane associated FERM domain protein Merlin and its extension may be upstream of the Hippo pathway as a signaling pathway component. Recently, increasing researches showed that Merlin protein has a close relationship with tumor occurrence. As upstream regulatory molecule and the core in Hippo signaling pathway, the mutation or deletion of Merlin can increase oncogene Yap/Yki expression, and then contribute to tumor progression. It ultimately affects the patients' prognosis. To clarify the relationship between Merlin(NF2) and malignant tumor will be helpful for the prevention and treatment of cancer. This article revivewed the latest research progress of Merlin(NF2) protein.

Diversity-optimal power loading for intensity modulated MIMO optical wireless communications

In this paper, we consider the design of space code for an intensity modulated direct detection multi-input-multi-output optical wireless communication (IM/DD MIMO-OWC) system, in which channel coefficients are independent and non-identically log-normal distributed, with variances and means known at the transmitter and channel state information available at the receiver. Utilizing the existing space code design criterion for IM/DD MIMO-OWC with a maximum likelihood (ML) detector, we design a diversity-optimal space code (DOSC) that maximizes both large-scale diversity and small-scale diversity gains and prove that the spatial repetition code (RC) with a diversity-optimized power allocation is diversity-optimal among all the high dimensional nonnegative space code schemes under a commonly used optical power constraint. In addition, we show that one of significant advantages of the DOSC is to allow low-complexity ML detection. Simulation results indicate that in high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) regimes, our proposed DOSC significantly outperforms RC, which is the best space code currently available for such system.

Interleukin-1B 31 C>T polymorphism combined with Helicobacter pylori-modified gastric cancer susceptibility: evidence from 37 studies

Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Interleukin‐1‐beta (IL‐1β) is a pro‐inflammatory cytokine and potent inhibitor of gastric acid secretion. Some studies provided evidence of the association between IL‐1B 31 polymorphism and gastric cancer risk while other studies did not. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive meta‐analysis to reassess the association. A systematic literature search of the PubMed and EMBASE databases identified 37 studies with 6108 cases and 8980 controls for this meta‐analysis. The crude odd ratios (ORs) and the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate the strength of the association. Meta‐regression was used to determine the major source of heterogeneity across the studies. The pooled analysis did not suggest the significant association of IL‐1B 31 C>T polymorphism with gastric cancer risk. Stratified analysis was performed by ethnicity, source of control, genotype method, and indicated a significantly increased gastric cancer risk associated with IL‐1B 31T variant in the population‐based subgroup (heterozygous model: OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.03–1.45). Moreover, stratified analysis by Helicobacter pylori infection status indicated that IL‐1B 31 polymorphism increased gastric cancer risk in infection‐positive subgroup (homozygous model: OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.02–1.78; heterozygous model: OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.04–1.66; recessive model: OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.04–1.61). The study suggested that IL‐1B 31 polymorphism might confer susceptibility to gastric cancer in the presence of H. pylori infection, indicating a gene–environment interaction in gastric carcinogenesis.

Energy-efficient space-time modulation for indoor MISO visible light communications

We consider an indoor multi-input single-output (MISO) visible light communication (VLC) system without channel state information at the transmitter. For such a system, an energy-efficient time-collaborative modulation (TCM) constellation is first designed by minimizing a total optical power subject to a fixed minimum Euclidean distance. Then, a new space-time transmission scheme is proposed. Comprehensive computer simulations indicate that our proposed design always has better average error performance within illumination coverage area than the currently available schemes for this application.

PPARα-Deficient ob/ob Obese Mice Become More Obese and Manifest Severe Hepatic Steatosis Due to Decreased Fatty Acid Oxidation

Obesity poses an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome and closely associated nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, including liver cancer. Satiety hormone leptin-deficient (ob/ob) mice, considered paradigmatic of nutritional obesity, develop hepatic steatosis but are less prone to developing liver tumors. Sustained activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) in ob/ob mouse liver increases fatty acid oxidation (FAO), which contributes to attenuation of obesity but enhances liver cancer risk. To further evaluate the role of PPARα-regulated hepatic FAO and energy burning in the progression of fatty liver disease, we generated PPARα-deficient ob/ob (PPARα(Δ)ob/ob) mice. These mice become strikingly more obese compared to ob/ob littermates, with increased white and brown adipose tissue content and severe hepatic steatosis. Hepatic steatosis becomes more severe in fasted PPARα(Δ)ob/ob mice as they fail to up-regulate FAO systems. PPARα(Δ)ob/ob mice also do not respond to peroxisome proliferative and mitogenic effects of PPARα agonist Wy-14,643. Although PPARα(Δ)ob/ob mice are severely obese, there was no significant increase in liver tumor incidence, even when maintained on a diet containing Wy-14,643. We conclude that sustained PPARα activation-related increase in FAO in fatty livers of obese ob/ob mice increases liver cancer risk, whereas deletion of PPARα in ob/ob mice aggravates obesity and hepatic steatosis. However, it does not lead to liver tumor development because of reduction in FAO and energy burning.

Do the intestinal microbiotas differ between paddlefish (Polyodon spathala) and bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis) reared in the same pond?

AIMS

A study was conducted to compare the intestinal microbial compositions of two fish species with similar feeding strategy; paddlefish (Polyodon spathala) and bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis) reared in the same pond.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Age-0 paddlefish and bighead carp with mean average body lengths of 43·39 ± 2·78 and 19·33 ± 3·68 cm, respectively, were reared with natural prey items in the same pond (20 m(2)). After 30 days of rearing, the intestinal microbiota of the two fish species was assessed by pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA genes. Interestingly, deviations were observed in the microbial communities of the two fish species according to the alpha- and beta-diversity measurements and detrended correspondence analysis (DCA). Shannon diversity (P = 0·015) and Pielou.evenness (P = 0·035) revealed significant lower diversity of the intestinal microbiota of paddlefish. Moreover, different core intestinal microbiota was noticed in the two fish species. Proteobacteria (57·3%), Firmicutes (11·9%), Fusobacteria (8·9%), Planctomycetes (7·3%), Actinobacteria (6·0%) and Verrucomicrobia (3·2%) were detected in bighead carp, while the dominant phyla in paddlefish intestines were Bacteroidetes (37·0%), Fusobacteria (35·1%), Firmicutes (14·8%) and Proteobacteria (12·6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results revealed that the intestinal microbiota differed between paddlefish and bighead carp reared in the same pond when fed similar nature food. The potential host factors, such as the genetic background, gut histology and physiology are assumed to be involved in the intestinal bacterial compositions.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Considering the similar feeding strategy of paddlefish and bighead carp, this study presents basic knowledge for evaluation of the importance of host factors (genetic background and gut anatomy) on intestinal microbial composition.

Absent, small or homeotic 2-like protein (ASH2L) enhances the transcription of the estrogen receptor α gene through GATA-binding protein 3 (GATA3)

ASH2L is a component of MLL complexes that confer H3K4 trimethylation. The ASH2L gene is located at 8q11-12, which is often amplified in breast cancers. We found that increased ASH2L expression, which can result from gene amplification, is often correlated with increased ERα expression in both breast cancer cell lines and primary breast cancers. Forced expression of ASH2L induced ERα expression in mammary epithelial cells, whereas depletion of ASH2L suppressed ERα expression in breast cancer cells. To understand the mechanism by which ASH2L regulates ERα expression, we identified GATA3 as the binding protein of ASH2L. ASH2L was shown to potentiate the transcriptional activity of GATA3. ASH2L was recruited to the enhancer of the ERα gene through GATA3 to promote ERα transcription. This study established that ASH2L enhances ERα expression as a coactivator of GATA3 in breast cancers.

Comparison and Confirmation of Quantitative Trait Loci Conferring Partial Resistance to Rice Sheath Blight on Chromosome 9

Sheath blight (SB), caused by Rhizoctonia solani, is one of the worst rice (Orzya sativa) diseases worldwide. Resistance to the SB disease in rice is a complex trait controlled by quantitative trait loci (QTLs). Through map integration, we found several previously identified SB resistance (SBR) QTLs reported in inconsistent regions on the long arm of chromosome 9. Five of them were detected on 'Jasmine 85' (J85), 'Minghui 63' (MH63), and 'Lemont' (LMNT) rice and were designated qSB-9^J85-1, qSB-9^J85-2, qSB-9^MH63-1, qSB-9^MH63-2, and qSB-9^LMNT, respectively, in the present study. To further verify and physically map the five potential SBR QTLs, we introduced these SBR QTLs into a common susceptible variety (LMNT) and developed a few chromosomal segment substitution lines through marker-assisted selection. After artificial inoculation with the SB fungus, we were able to validate qSB-9^J85-2 but not the other four SBR QTLs; whereas, on MH63, an SBR QTL designated qSB-9^MH63-3 was confirmed in the region defined by markers Y83 and Y91.8 that included qSB-9^J85-2, covering approximately 1,235 kb. Both qSB-9^J85-2 and qSB-9^MH63-3 appeared to be dominant resistance genes and contributed to similar levels to SB resistance, reducing SB disease severity by approximately 1.0 on a 0-to-9 SB disease rating system. After comparing with another confirmed SBR QTL (qSB-9^TQ) from 'Teqing' rice (TQ), we conclude that qSB-9^J85-2, qSB-9^MH63-3, and qSB-9^TQ are probably controlled by the same allelic resistance genes. These results will accelerate the utilization of this major SBR QTL and its map-based cloning.

The Med1 subunit of the mediator complex induces liver cell proliferation and is phosphorylated by AMP kinase

Mediator, a large multisubunit protein complex, plays a pivotal role in gene transcription by linking gene-specific transcription factors with the preinitiation complex and RNA polymerase II. In the liver, the key subunit of the Mediator complex, Med1, interacts with several nuclear receptors and transcription factors to direct gene-specific transcription. Conditional knock-out of Med1 in the liver showed that hepatocytes lacking Med1 did not regenerate following either partial hepatectomy or treatment with certain nuclear receptor activators and failed to give rise to tumors when challenged with carcinogens. We now report that the adenovirally driven overexpression of Med1 in mouse liver stimulates hepatocyte DNA synthesis with enhanced expression of DNA replication, cell cycle control, and liver-specific genes, indicating that Med1 alone is necessary and sufficient for liver cell proliferation. Importantly, we demonstrate that AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an important cellular energy sensor, interacts with, and directly phosphorylates, Med1 in vitro at serine 656, serine 756, and serine 796. AMPK also phosphorylates Med1 in vivo in mouse liver and in cultured primary hepatocytes and HEK293 and HeLa cells. In addition, we demonstrate that PPARα activators increase AMPK-mediated Med1 phosphorylation in vivo. Inhibition of AMPK by compound C decreased hepatocyte proliferation induced by Med1 and also by the PPARα activators fenofibrate and Wy-14,643. Co-treatment with compound C attenuated PPARα activator-inducible fatty acid β-oxidation in liver. Our results suggest that Med1 phosphorylation by its association with AMPK regulates liver cell proliferation and fatty acid oxidation, most likely as a downstream effector of PPARα and AMPK.