Belavkin-Staszewski Relative Entropy, Conditional Entropy, and Mutual Information.

Belavkin-Staszewski relative entropy can naturally characterize the effects of the possible noncommutativity of quantum states. In this paper, two new conditional entropy terms and four new mutual information terms are first defined by replacing quantum relative entropy with Belavkin-Staszewski relative entropy. Next, their basic properties are investigated, especially in classical-quantum settings. In particular, we show the weak concavity of the Belavkin-Staszewski conditional entropy and obtain the chain rule for the Belavkin-Staszewski mutual information. Finally, the subadditivity of the Belavkin-Staszewski relative entropy is established, i.e., the Belavkin-Staszewski relative entropy of a joint system is less than the sum of that of its corresponding subsystems with the help of some multiplicative and additive factors. Meanwhile, we also provide a certain subadditivity of the geometric Rényi relative entropy.

Fn14 hepatic progenitor cells are associated with liver fibrosis in biliary atresia.

PURPOSE: The liver in biliary atresia (BA) is characterized by progressing fibrosis which is promoted by unclear reasons. We aimed to understand the factors influencing liver fibrosis. This study hypothesized that HPCs (hepatic progenitor cells) are activated and associated with liver fibrosis in biliary atresia. METHODS: Liver samples from biliary atresia patients are as BA group, and the normal liver derived from hepatoblastoma infants during operation are control group. The extent of fibrosis in liver samples was blindly evaluated by two experienced pathologists depending on Ishak system. The BA liver samples were divided into mild liver fibrosis group (grade I-IV, BAa) and severe liver fibrosis group (grade V-VI, BAb) to detect Fn14 protein expression. RESULTS: In mRNA level, Fn14 expression was 21.23 ± 8.3 vs. 1.00 ± 0.17, p = 0.023 < 0.05 and CD133 expression was 6.02 ± 2.16 vs. 1.14 ± 0.75, p = 0.008 < 0.01 between BA group and control group. Fn14 cells co-expressed the progenitor marker CD133 in liver, and activated in BA. Fn14 andα-SMA were co-location in fibrous area in liver. Compared to the control group, Fn14, CD133, and α-SMA protein expression were 2.10 ± 0.53 vs. 0.97 ± 0.2, p = 0.001, 2.23 ± 0.57 vs. 1.00 ± 0.03, p = 0.000, 4.96 ± 2.4 vs. 1.00 ± 0.22, p = 0.001. The Fn14 protein expression was 2.60 ± 0.35 vs. 1.86 ± 0.42, p = 0.012, between BAb and BAa group. CONCLUSION: Fn14 cells, which co-express the progenitor marker CD133 in liver, are HPCs and activated in BA. Fn14 + HPCs are associated with liver fibrosis in BA.

A child with coexistent juvenile xanthogranuloma and Langerhans cell histiocytosis.

A 15-month-old boy was seen because of two distinct types of lesions, namely, yellowish papules on the scalp and face, and hemorrhagic macules and papules on the trunk. A biopsy specimen from one of the yellowish papules showed histopathologic and immunohistochemical changes of both juvenile xanthogranuloma and Langerhans cell histiocytosis. The section from the center of the biopsy specimen showed a proliferation of foamy histiocytes, among them Touton giant cells, which were positive for CD68, but negative for S-100 and CD1a. At the edges of the specimen was a predominantly histiocytic infiltration in the papillary dermis that was positive for S-100 and CD1a, but negative for CD68. The patient died 12 days after hospital admission consequent to disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. We did not biopsy the hemorrhagic lesions; however, this combination of findings suggests a possible relationship between juvenile xanthogranuloma and Langerhans cell histiocytosis, as previously reported.

A Histomorphological Study of the Divergent Corpus Spongiosum Surrounding the Urethral Plate in Hypospadias.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the histomorphological changes of the divergent corpus spongiosum surrounding the urethral plate in hypospadias. METHODS: Seventy boys with hypospadias were divided into the distal (n = 44) and proximal (n = 26) groups by the location of the ectopic meatus. The morphology of the divergent corpus spongiosum was evaluated and the histopathological studies were carried out by HE staining, Masson staining, and immunohistochemical analyses of α-SMA, CD34, TGF-ß1 and androgen receptor. Western blotting was performed to measure the expression of TGF-ß1 and androgen receptor. RESULTS: The divergent corpus spongiosum was significantly thicker in the distal group than the proximal group (distal 3.14 ± 1.12 mm, proximal 1.74 ± 0.87 mm, P <.0001). Histological evaluation suggested the cavernous sinus in the hypospadias group had an abnormal structure, which was characterized by an increase in the width of the vascular lumen (control 7.20 ± 1.12 µm, hypospadias 13.75 ± 8.08 µm, P = .0068), an increased vascular wall thickness (control 5.40 ± 1.28 µm, hypospadias 14.11 ± 7.59 µm, P = .0006), a decreased vascular density (control 15.66 ± 1.17, hypospadias 7.24 ± 4.19, P <.0001) and a decreased trabecular density (control 9.80 ± 1.92, hypospadias 3.68 ± 2.87, P <.0001). The severity of the structural abnormalities was greater in the proximal group than the distal group. Immunohistochemical analysis and Western blotting showed decreased TGF-ß1 and androgen receptor expression in the hypospadias group (P <.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Histomorphological analysis showed that the divergent corpus spongiosum in hypospadias is abnormal. The structural variation is positively correlated with the severity of hypospadias.

[Unusual expression and molecular mechanisms of E-cadherin, beta-catenin in correlation with clinicopathologic parameters in neuroblastoma].

OBJECTIVE: To study the expression of E-cadherin and beta-catenin in neuroblastomas of various degrees of differentiation, and to investigate their molecular mechanisms in correlation with clinicopathologic parameters. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry EnVision method was used to detect E-cadherin and beta-catenin expression in 90 paraffin-embedded tissue samples of neuroblastomas. The methylation status of CpG islands of E-cadherin promoter was investigated by MSP in 7 fresh tissue and 24 paraffin-embedded tissue samples. The mutation status of exon 3 of beta-catenin gene was studied by PCR in 7 fresh tissue samples. Statistical analysis of the data was performed by SPSS software. RESULTS: E-cadherin and beta-catenin were abnormally expressed in neuroblastomas in general. The expression of beta-catenin in well-differentiated neuroblastoms was markedly higher (47/70, 67.1%) than that of the poorly differentiated tumors (8/20, 40.0%). There was a markedly decreased expression of both genes in tumors with lymph node metastasis than those without. Demethylation was seen in some regions of the promoter of E-cadherin in 31 cases of nuroblatomas. PCR of the exon 3 of beta-catenin followed by DNA sequencing demonstrated rearrangements and mutations in 7 cases, including 2 cases harboring identical point mutation at gene position 27184, leading to a T-->A alteration. CONCLUSIONS: The abnormal over-expression of E-cadherin in neuroblastomas is independent of the methylation status of their promoter sequences. The abnormal expression of beta-catenin may be related to mutational changes at exon 3 of the gene.

Quantum control of spin-nematic squeezing in a dipolar spin-1 condensate.

Versatile controllability of interactions and magnetic field in ultracold atomic gases ha now reached an era where spin mixing dynamics and spin-nematic squeezing can be studied. Recent experiments have realized spin-nematic squeezed vacuum and dynamic stabilization following a quench through a quantum phase transition. Here we propose a scheme for storage of maximal spin-nematic squeezing, with its squeezing angle maintained in a fixed direction, in a dipolar spin-1 condensate by applying a microwave pulse at a time that maximal squeezing occurs. The dynamic stabilization of the system is achieved by manipulating the external periodic microwave pulses. The stability diagram for the range of pulse periods and phase shifts that stabilize the dynamics is numerical simulated and agrees with a stability analysis. Moreover, the stability range coincides well with the spin-nematic vacuum squeezed region which indicates that the spin-nematic squeezed vacuum will never disappear as long as the spin dynamics are stabilized.

Short-term surgical outcomes of preterm infants with necrotizing enterocolitis: A single-center experience.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the nature of the disease, the surgical procedures, complications, and survival of preterm infants with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) at our institution.Medical records of 34 preterm (gestational age <37 weeks) infants with surgical NEC were retrospectively analyzed from January 2010 to December 2014. Patients were divided into 2 groups: low birth weight (LBW, <2500 g, n = 27) and normal birth weight (NBW, ≥2500 g, n = 7).The LBW and NBW groups differed dramatically in gestational age (31.2 ±â€Š2.2 vs. 36.3 ±â€Š0.5 weeks), and respiratory support (55.5% vs. 0%). The median age of NEC onset was 12 and 5 postnatal days respectively. There was an inverse association between gestational age and day of NEC onset (r = -0.470). Pneumoperitoneum, positive paracentesis, and progressive clinical deterioration were the indications for laparotomy. There was no difference in the extent of disease, in the bowel involvement, in the surgical procedures, and in the postoperative complication rates between the 2 groups. The choice of procedure has often depended upon the extent of disease (enterostomy was performed in most localized and multifocal infants, simple drainage was used in 83.3% pan-intestinal patients, P < 0.001). Postoperative complications occurred in 70.5% patients. The most common complications were sepsis, intestinal stricture, and short bowel syndrome. The median hospital stay was significantly longer in the LBW group (65 vs. 19 days, P = 0.004). The overall postoperative 180-day survival rate was 70.6% (70.4% vs. 71.5%, P = 0.890, log rank test). The severity of illness was the main risk factor for mortality (8.3% in localized, 18.7% in multifocal, and 100% in pan-intestinal, P < 0.001).The short-term outcomes for surgical NEC are grave. The high mortality and postoperative complications in this study mandate urgent improvements in early recognition, expeditious operation, and better perioperative care.

Quantum coherence and correlations in quantum system.

Criteria of measure quantifying quantum coherence, a unique property of quantum system, are proposed recently. In this paper, we first give an uncertainty-like expression relating the coherence and the entropy of quantum system. This finding allows us to discuss the relations between the entanglement and the coherence. Further, we discuss in detail the relations among the coherence, the discord and the deficit in the bipartite quantum system. We show that, the one-way quantum deficit is equal to the sum between quantum discord and the relative entropy of coherence of measured subsystem.

A Case Report of Adrenocortical Adenoma Mimicking Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia in a Young Girl.

Adrenal cortical tumors are rare in children. Secondary tumors associated with untreated congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) have also been reported in pediatric population. It is difficult for pediatricians to differentiate these 2 lesions.We described a 4.5-year-old girl who presented with symptoms and signs of virilization. Bone age was 9.5 years. Genetic analysis of CYP21A2 and CYP11B1 revealed a heterozygous mutation of CYP11B1 at c.1157C>T (A386V). No germline p53 gene mutation including R337H was detected.The patient was first misdiagnosed as CAH and treated with hydrocortisone for 3 months. Diagnosis of an adrenal cortical tumor was confirmed by laboratory data and abdominal computed tomography. After resection of the tumor, serum steroids normalized and clinical signs receded. The child received no additional treatment and remains disease free after 12 months of close observation. Histological examination showed neoplasia cells with predominantly eosinophilic cytoplasm and few atypical mitotic figures. The proliferation-associated Ki-67 index was <1% detected by immunohistochemistry.Neoplasm is a rare but significant cause of precocious puberty (PP). The possibility of neoplasms should always be considered early to avoid delayed cancer diagnosis and treatment in cases of PP.

Paediatric lymphoma in China: a clinicopathological study of 213 cases.

AIM: This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate information on paediatric lymphoma in China. METHODS: We reviewed the pathological files of patients less than 12 years of age with lymphoma in Shanghai Xinhua Hospital from January 1982 to June 2009. SPSS version 11.0 was used to analyse the results. RESULTS: Of the 213 subjects, 176 (82.6%) had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and 37 (17.4%) had Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL). All NHL cases had diffuse and high grade tumours, and 33.5% of these tumours primarily involved extra-nodal sites. Of the NHL cases, 56.6%, 43.3%, and 1.7% were derived from T, B, and null cells, respectively. Lymphoblastic lymphoma (LL, 50.6%), Burkitt's lymphoma (BL, 28.4%), and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL, 12.5%) comprised the majority of the NHL cases. A significant difference was found in the frequency of stage I/II cases between LL and ALCL. Paediatric HL resembled the disease in adults. CONCLUSIONS: Paediatric lymphoma in China is different from that in Western countries with respect to the incidence rate of HL and BL. The distribution pattern of NHL histological subtypes is more similar to that in Japan than that in Pakistan. These features suggest ethnic or geographic variations.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis of bone in children: a clinicopathologic study of 108 cases.

BACKGROUND: Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease that is characterized by abnormal proliferation of pathological Langerhans cells (LCs). In this study, a total of 108 pediatric patients with LCH of bone were evaluated retrospectively for illustrating the clinicopathologic features of this disease, with a goal of improving the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. METHODS: A retrospective study was based on the clinical records and pathological data of 108 patients (13 days to 12 years of age) with LCH of bone from a single hospital. Hematoxylin-eosin stain and immunohistochemical stain were applied. The follow-up was conducted to June 2008. RESULTS: The peak age of the patients ranged between 3 years and 6 years (80.6%, 87/108), and male gender predominated. The most common clinical presentation was local pain, and the imaging findings commonly showed an isolated lytic lesion in the bone. Of the 108 patients, 79 (73.1%) had single bone involvement, 27 (25.0%) had multi-bone involvement (with or without related skin involvement), and 2 (1.8%) had multisystem involvement. Histologically, all the lesions revealed abnormal proliferation of pathological Langerhans cells along with an admixture of eosinophils, lymphocytes, and other inflammatory cells. The LCs have similar shape and are positive for cluster of differentiation 1a (CD1a) (100.0%, 60/60), S100 (90.0%, 54/60), CD68 (41.7%, 25/60), lysozyme (Lys) (40.0%, 24/60), and macrophage antigen compound (MAC) 387 (30.0%, 18/60); cytokeratin (CK) and epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) were negative. The overall survival rate was 98.0% at a median follow-up of 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: LCH of bone in children is predominant in males and usually shows as an isolated lytic lesion. Histologically, the lesions reveal abnormal proliferation of pathological Langerhans cells, admixed with various types of inflammatory cells. The patients have a good prognosis, except those with multi-system involvement.