[Clinical effect of laparoscopy for the treatment of biliary stricture after biliary dilatation operation].

Objective: To investigate the safety and effect of laparoscopy for the treatment of biliary stricture after the biliary dilatation operation. Methods: The clinical data of 78 patients,including 27 males and 51 females aged (48.6±14.2)years(range:17 to 76 years),who presented biliary stricture after biliary dilatation operation from January 2017 to June 2021 in the Department of Minimally Invasive Hepatobiliary Surgery,Hunan Provincial People's Hospital,were retrospectively collected,with 38 cases in the laparoscopy group and 40 cases in the laparotomy group. Of the 78 patients,there were 67 cases of cholangiojejunostomy stricture and 11 cases of stricture of the high intrahepatic bile duct. Statistical methods such as t-test and χ2 test were carried out to compare perioperative clinical data and follow-up information between the two groups. Results: Less intraoperative blood loss((102.6±76.4)ml vs. (162.5±105.9) ml, t=-2.874,P=0.005),shorter postoperative stay length of stay((10.5±3.7)days vs. (14.5±6.4)days, t=-3.379,P=0.001) and shorter waiting time for postoperative anal exhaust((2.0±0.6)days vs. (2.5±0.9)days, t=-2.827,P=0.006) were found in the laparoscopy group than that in the laparotomy group,with statistically significant differences. While there was no statistically difference in the operative time((252.8±54.7)minutes vs. (257.4±68.6)minutes,t=-0.331,P=0.742). Postoperative review and follow-up did not show statistically significant differences between the two groups in the residual stone rate(5.3%(2/38) vs. 5.0%(2/40)) and the incidence of recurrent biliary stricture(5.3%(2/38) vs. 7.5%(3/40))(both P>0.05). Conclusion: Laparoscopy may be safe and effective in the treatment of biliary stricture after the biliary dilatation operation,with less trauma,faster recovery compared to laparotomy.

[Laparoscopic surgery in treatment of perivascular epithelioid cell tumor in liver: safety and efficacy].

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic surgery for perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa). Methods: The clinical data of 42 patients with hepatic PEComa diagnosed by pathology in Hunan Provincial People's Hospital from September 2012 to September 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into the endoscopic group and the open group according to surgical methods. Statistical software was used to compare the differences in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative pathological data and incidence of complications between the two groups. Results: There were 27 cases in the endoscopic group and 15 cases in the open group. In the endoscopic group, there were 5 males and 22 females, aged (40.0±10.4) years. In the open group, there were 5 males and 10 females, aged (44.5±12.6) years. The operative time of the endoscopic group and the open group was (239±156.2) min and (348±103.0) min, and the postoperative hospital stay was (8.2±2.4) d and (13.7±4.9) d, respectively, the endoscopic group was significantly better than the open group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in intraoperative blood loss, tumor benign and malignant, tumor site, tumor diameter, Ki67 index, postoperative complications such as biliary leakage, incision infection and pleural effusion (P>0.05). During the follow-up period of 2-103 months, one case was lost to follow-up, two cases died in the endoscopic group,one case died in the open group. The 5-year overall survival rate (OS) and disease-free survival rate (DFS) were 80.8% and 83.0%, respectively. Meanwhile,. The 5-year OS and DFS were both 92.3%, the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusions: Laparoscopic treatment of hepatic PEComa has the advantages of short operation time and short postoperative hospital stay, and the incidence of complications, 5-year OS and DFS are not significantly different from that of the open group.

[Analysis of the changes and characteristics of pediatric outpatient visits in a general hospital in Beijing before and after the COVID-19 pandemic].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the changes and characteristics of pediatric outpatient visits in a general hospital before and after the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic. METHODS: Based on the registration data of pediatric outpatient visits in the information system (HIS)of Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, from January 1 2018 to December 31 2020, aged 0 to 16 years, we analyzed the changes of outpatient visits before and after the epidemic, focusing on respiratory infection including influenza. The relationship between the outpatient visits and age and quarterly distribution were also studied. RESULTS: (1) Respiratory infection accounted for the majority of outpatient visits in 2018 and 2019 (60.6% and 60.5%, respectively). Non-respiratory infection accounted for the main proportion of outpatient visits in 2020, while respiratory infection accounted for only 47.4%. Annual respiratory infection visits, respiratory infectious diseases visits especially influenza visits all decreased significantly in 2020 compared with that in 2018 and 2019 (P < 0.05). (2)Respiratory infection visits were highest in the infant group, lowest in the school age group (P < 0.05) and highest in the fourth quarter each year. It decreased significantly in the second quarter of 2020 with statistical significance when compared with the other quarters of 2020(P < 0.05). (3)Influenza accounted for the highest proportion of respiratory infectious diseases visits in each year. It was highest in first quarter, which was significantly different from the other quarters of the year (P < 0.05). There were different distributions of influenza visits throughout 2018 and 2019, while it was only distributed in the first quarter and 99% in January in 2020. CONCLUSION: The respiratory infection and influenza visits have decreased significantly in our pediatric outpatient department after the COVID-19 epidemic, which is considered closely related to the lifestyle and personal protection after the epidemic. It is recommended that health education on respiratory infection and influenza prevention should be strengthened, especially in winter and spring, to promote the development of good respiratory and hand hygiene habits.

[Feasibility of radiofrequency ablation for cancer patients with atrial fibrillation].

Objective: To analyze the impact of cancer on the recurrence rate of atrial fibrillation (AF) after AF radiofrequency ablation and further evaluate the feasibility of radiofrequency ablation therapy in cancer patients with AF. Methods: This study was a single-center, retrospective study. Cancer patients with AF undergoing radiofrequency ablation for the first time in the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University from May 30, 2008 to September 30, 2018 were included (cancer group). AF patients without cancer undergoing radiofrequency ablation for the first time during the same period served as non-cancer group. Clinical data including age, gender, past history, cancer and AF-related parameters, etc. were analyzed. Patients were followed up after radiofrequency ablation. The primary endpoints were AF recurrence or all-cause death. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to analyze the effect of cancers on the recurrence after AF ablation. The multivariate cox regression analysis was further applied to correct for other confounding factors to analyze whether the impact of cancers on the recurrence of atrial fibrillation was statistically significant. Results: A total of 90 patients were enrolled, there were 30 patients in the cancer group (mean age (64.8±6.6) years, 16 (53.3%) males) and 60 patients in the non-cancer group (mean age (63.6±6.2) years, 32 (53.3%) males). Clinical data, such as age, gender, and cancer treatment, were similar between the two groups. During an average follow-up period of (328.7±110.2) days, there were 6 AF recurrences (recurrence rate 20.0%) in the cancer group, and 17 AF recurrences (recurrence rate 28.3%) in the control group. AF recurrence rate was similar between the two groups (P>0.05). During the follow-up period, there was no all-cause death in the two groups. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that cancer was not related to AF recurrence after radiofrequency ablation (P = 0.383). After adjusting for other confounding factors, the multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that cancer was not an independent predictor of AF recurrence after radiofrequency ablation (HR=0.508, 95%CI: 0.192-1.342, P = 0.172). Conclusions: The combination of cancer has no impact on the recurrence of AF after radiofrequency ablation. For cancer patients with AF, radiofrequency ablation therapy can be considered as a feasible heart rhythm control treatment strategy.

[Application of Chen's pancreaticojejunostomy technique in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (116 cases report)].

Objective: To investigate the safety and feasibility of longitudinal transpancreatic U-sutures invaginated pancreatojejunostomy (Chen's pancreaticojejunostomy technique) in laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD). Methods: Clinical data of 116 consecutive patients who underwent LPD using Chen's pancreaticojejunostomy technique in Hunan Provincial People's Hospital from May 2017 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Among these patients, 66 were males and 50 were females. The median age was 58 years old (32-84 yeas old). All 116 patients underwent pure laparoscopic whipple procedure with Child reconstruction method, using Chen's pancreaticojejunostomy technique. The intraoperative and postoperative data of patients were analyzed. Results: All 116 patients underwent LPD successfully. The mean operative time was (260.3±33.5) minutes (200-620 minutes). The mean time of pancreaticojejunostomy was (18.2±7.6) minutes (14-35 minutes). The mean time of hepaticojejunostomy was (14.6±6.3) minutes (10-25 minutes). The mean time of gastrojejunostomy was (12.0±5.5) minutes (8-20 minutes). The mean estimated blood loss was (106.0±87.6) ml (20-800 ml). Postoperative complications were: 11.2%(13/116) of cases had postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), including 10.3% (12/116) of biochemical fistula and 0.9%(1/116) of grade B POPF, no grade C POPF occurred; 10.3%(12/116) had gastrojejunal anastomotic bleeding; 3.4%(4/116) had hepaticojejunal anastomotic fistula; 3.4%(4/116) had delayed gastric emptying; 4.3% (5/116) had localized abdominal infection; 12.1%(14/116) had pulmonary infection; postoperative mortality were 0(0/116) and 1.7%(2/116) within 30 days and 90 days, respectively. One patient died of massive abdominal bleeding secondary to Gastroduodenal artery pseudoaneurysm rupture, the other patient died of extensive tumor recurrence and metastasis after surgery. Conclusions: Chen's pancreaticojejunostomy technique is safe and feasible for LPD.It is an option especially for surgeons who have not completed the learning curve of LPD.

[A multicenter clinical analysis of short-term efficacy of laparoscopic radical resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma].

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic radical resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma at multiple centers in China. Methods: Between December 2015 and August 2019, the clinical data of 143 patients who underwent LRHC in Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Affiliated Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, the First Hospital Affiliated to Army Medical University, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital Affiliated to Medical College of Zhejiang University, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were collected prospectively. There were 92 males and 51 females with age of (64±11) years (range: 53 to 72 years). Bismuth type: type I, 38 cases (26.6%), type Ⅱ, 19 cases (13.3%), type Ⅲa, 15 cases (10.5%), type Ⅲb, 28 cases (19.6%) and type Ⅳ, 43 cases (30.0%). The patients within the first 10 operation cases in each operation time (the first 10 patients in each operation team) were divided into group A (77 cases), and the patients after 10 cases in each operation time were classified as group B (66 cases); the cases with more than 10 cases in the center were further divided into group A(1) (116 cases), and the center with less than 10 cases was set as group A(2) (27 cases). T test or Wilcoxon test was used to compare the measurement data between groups, and the chi square test or Fisher exact probability method was used to compare the counting data between groups. Kaplan Meier curve was used for survival analysis. Results: All patients successfully completed laparoscopic procedure. The mean operation time was (421.3±153.4) minutes (range: 159 to 770 minutes), and the intraoperative blood loss was 100 to 1 500 ml (median was 300 ml) .Recent post-operative complications contained bile leakage, abdominal bleeding, abdominal infection, gastrointestinal bleeding, and delay gastric emptying, pulmonary infection, liver failure, et al.The post-operative hospital stay was (15.9±9.2) days. The operation time in group B was relatively reduced ( (429.5±190.7)minutes vs. (492.3±173.1)minutes, t=2.063, P=0.041) and the blood loss (465 ml vs. 200 ml) was also reduced (Z=2.021, P=0.043) than that in group B. The incidence of postoperative biliary fistula and lung infection in patients in group A was significantly higher than that in group B (χ(2)=4.341, 0.007; P=0.037, 0.047) .Compared with group A(2), the operation time in group A(1) was relatively reduced( (416.3±176.5)minutes vs. (498.1±190.4)minutes, t=2.136, P=0.034) , the incidence of bile leakage and abdominal cavity infection in group A(1) was lower than that in group A(2) (χ(2)=7.537, 3.162; P=0.006, 0.046) . Kaplan Meier survival curve showed that the difference of short-term survival time between group A and group B was statistically significant (P<0.05) . Conclusions: The completion of laparoscopic hilar cholangiocarcinoma radical surgery is based on improved surgical skills, and proficiency in standardized operation procedures.It is feasible for laparoscopic radical resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma to well experienced surgeon with cases be strictly screened, but it is not recommended for widespread promotion at this exploratory stage.

[Exploration on laparoscopic hepatectomy on central liver tumor: a report of 40 cases].

Objective: To assess the safety and feasibility of the application of the laparoscopic modality in the perioperative treatment of central liver tumors. Methods: Collecting all the clinical information of a total of 40 patients with central liver tumors who received laparoscopic resection treatment carried out at Department of Hepatological Surgery of People's Hospital of Hunan Provincial from January 2016 to December 2018 to take a retrospective review. There were 19 males and 21 females.The age was (59.5±14.5) years (range: 15 to 71 years) . There were 26 cases of primary hepatic carcinoma (24 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma, 2 cases of cholangiocellular carcinoma) , 8 cases of hepatic cavernous hemangioma, 1 case of metastatic hepatic carcinoma, 5 cases of hepatocellular adenoma. The maximum diameter of tumors were (6.2±2.9) cm (range: 2 to 13 cm) . The patient's information about hepatectomy methods, blocking mode and time of blood flow, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative blood transfusion rate, post-operative hospitalization time, perioperative reoperation and postoperative complications were collected. Results: A total of 40 patients all were treated with laparoscopic surgery. The surgical procedure was as follows: 2 patients received the right hepatic lobectomy (Ⅴ, Ⅵ, Ⅶ and Ⅷ segments) , 2 patients received the left hepatic lobectomy (Ⅱ, III and Ⅳ segments) , 13 patients received mesohepatectomy (Ⅳ, Ⅰ and Ⅷ segments) , 2 patients received left hepatic trisegmentectomy (Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ and Ⅷ segments) , 2 patients received right hepatic trisegmentectomy (Ⅳ, Ⅴ, Ⅵ, Ⅶ and Ⅷ segments) , 7 patients received Ⅷ segmentectomy, 1 patient received Ⅳ segmentectomy, 3 patients received Ⅴ and Ⅷ segmentectomy, 5 patients received hepatic caudate lobe resection (Ⅰ, Ⅸ segments) , and 3 patients received local tumors resection.Pathological results: there were 26 cases of primary hepatic carcinoma (24 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma, 2 cases of cholangiocellular carcinoma) , 8 cases of hepatic cavernous hemangioma, 1 case of metastatic hepatic carcinoma, 5 cases of hepatocellular adenoma; the pathological reports of all malignant tumor cases all showed negative incisal edge. The operative time was (333±30) minutes (range: 280 to 380 minutes) ; the intraoperative hepatic portal occlusion period was (58±13) minutes (range: 30 to 90 minutes) ; the intraoperative hemorrhage was (173±129) ml (range: 20 to 600 ml) ; the intraoperative blood transfusion rate was 2.5% (1/40) ; the postoperative incidence of bile leakage was 2.5% (1/40) , the hospital discharge of 1 patient with bile leakage was approved after conservative treatments like T pipe decompression and adequate drainage; there was 1 case of abdominal infection and 1 case of pulmonary infection, both of which were discharged from the hospital with conservative treatments; there were no other serious postoperative complications. The postoperative hospital stay was (10.7±2.7) days (range: 6 to 16 days) ; there were no perioperative mortality and reoperation cases. Conclusion: In the centers with abundant laparoscopic hepatectomy experiences, the laparoscopic resection is proved to be safe and feasible in the perioperative treatments of central liver tumors by the highly selective cases, the adequate preoperative assessment and reasonable surgical techniques and approach.

[Impact of different anticoagulation therapies on heparin dosage applied to atrial fibrillation patients undergoing atrial fibrillation catheter ablation].

Objective: Differences in the activated coagulation time (ACT) during ablation and adequate heparin dosing were observed among atrial fibrillation (AF) patients undergoing AF catheter ablation receiving different anticoagulation therapies and the suitable heparin dosing during ablation among patients treated with different anticoagulation therapies was explored. Methods: Patients who received warfarin (n=100), low-molecular-weight heparin (n=100), dabigatran etexilate (n=98, 110 mg, Bid) and rivaroxaban (n=48, 20 mg, Qd) were included. All of them underwent the first AF ablation during January 2016 to December 2017 and patients with hepatic and renal dysfunction were excluded. Initial bolus heparin (100 U/kg, intravenous) was applied to all patients. Additional heparin dosage was added according to the ACT, which was measured in 15-minute interval to maintain the ACT within 250-350 seconds until the end of ablation. Patient characteristics, ACT and complications were compared among various groups. Results: The baseline general characteristics among patients were similar. The baseline ACTs in the dabigatran groups were significantly longer than those in the rivaroxaban group ((133±36) seconds vs. (113±22) seconds, P<0.05). The 15 min ACT in the warfarin group was longer than in the dabigatran group ((259±56) seconds vs. (243±43) seconds, P<0.05). The 15-minute ACTs were significantly longer in the warfarin ((259±56) seconds) and dabigatran ((243±43) seconds) groups compare with low-molecular-weight heparin group ((224±40) seconds) and rivaroxaban group ((226±32) seconds) (all P<0.05). The same trend was also observed in the rate of reaching ACT goal after initial-standard-dosage of heparin (warfarin (53%, 53/100), dabigatran (45%,44/98), low-molecular-weight heparin (28%,28/100), rivaroxaban (23%,11/48), P<0.05). The 1 hour ACT in the warfarin group ((254±49) seconds) was significantly longer than the other three groups (dabigatran (233±33) seconds, low-molecular-weight heparin (226±34) seconds, rivaroxaban (231±30) seconds, all P<0.01). The rate of reaching ACT goal at 1 hour were significantly higher in the warfarin group (66%,35/53) than in the dabigatran group (41%,18/44), and rivaroxaban group (27%,3/11) (all P<0.05). The total heparin required was significantly higher in rivaroxaban group than in the dabigatran and warfarin groups (all P<0.05). During the perioperative period, no patient exhibited any thromboembolic complications, and only a few minor bleeding complications was observed among patients, which was similar between the four groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: Higher dosage of heparin is required during AF ablation to achieve the satisfactory anticoagulant intensity for AF patients under dabigatran etexilate (110 mg, Bid), low-molecular-weight heparin and rivaroxaban (20 mg, Qd) anticoagulation therapy before AF ablation.

Oxygen Electromigration and Energy Band Reconstruction Induced by Electrolyte Field Effect at Oxide Interfaces.

Electrolyte gating is a powerful means for tuning the carrier density and exploring the resultant modulation of novel properties on solid surfaces. However, the mechanism, especially its effect on the oxygen migration and electrostatic charging at the oxide heterostructures, is still unclear. Here we explore the electrolyte gating on oxygen-deficient interfaces between SrTiO_{3} (STO) crystals and LaAlO_{3} (LAO) overlayer through the measurements of electrical transport, x-ray absorption spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectra. We found that oxygen vacancies (O_{vac}) were filled selectively and irreversibly after gating due to oxygen electromigration at the amorphous LAO/STO interface, resulting in a reconstruction of its interfacial band structure. Because of the filling of O_{vac}, the amorphous interface also showed an enhanced electron mobility and quantum oscillation of the conductance. Further, the filling effect could be controlled by the degree of the crystallinity of the LAO overlayer by varying the growth temperatures. Our results reveal the different effects induced by electrolyte gating, providing further clues to understand the mechanism of electrolyte gating on buried interfaces and also opening a new avenue for constructing high-mobility oxide interfaces.

[Clinical characteristics and outcome comparison between atrial fibrillation patients underwent catheter ablation under general aesthesia or local anesthesia and sedation].

Objective: To compare the outcome of radiofrequency catheter ablation under local anesthesia/sedation (S) or general anesthesia(GA) in atrial fibrillation patients. Methods: Data of 498 patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation in our departmentfrom January 2014 to December 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Two hundred and twenty patients assigned to the GA group, the other 278 patients to the S group. Patients were followed clinically every 3 months within one year after procedure. Immediate electrocardiogram was performed in patients with palpitation or choking sensation in chest. The end point of the study was recurrence of any atrial tachyarrhythmia lasting >30 seconds in device interrogation, 24-hour Holter monitoring or 12-lead electrocardiogram after a single procedure. After the ablation procedure, a blanking period of 3 months was allowed according to the guidelines. Procedure time, radiofrequency time, fluoroscopy time, the detection of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, the success rate and the complications were compared between the two groups. Results: There was no difference in the baseline characteristics between the two groups, such as age, gender, BMI, complications, LVEF, LAD (all P>0.05). The duration of procedure ((117.8±51.7)minutes vs.(115.4±36.9)minutes, P=0.79), duration of fluoroscopy((12.5±11.2)minutes vs. (10.4±10.2)minutes, P=0.35), duration of radiofrequency((40.1±12.9)minutes vs. (48.6±44.3)minutes, P=0.48) were similar between the two groups (P>0.05). Compared with S group, discovery of the frequency of atrioventricular node reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) was significantly lower in GA group (0 vs. 3.6%(10/278), P<0.01), but the difference disappeared with repeat electrophysiological examination when patients become conscious from GA(3.2%(7/220) vs. 3.6%(10/278), P=0.311). The difference of atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT) was similar between the two groups(0.9%(2/220) vs. 0.7%(2/278), P=0.841). Compared with S group, reflection of vagus nerve was less in GA group (1.4%(3/220) vs. 8.6%(24/278), P=0.026). After following up of (356±92) days, freedom from atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter/atrial tachyarrhythmia was similar between the two groups(77.9%(162/208) vs. 79.9%(215/269), P=0.818). Conclusion: General anesthesia is a promising method to atrial fibrillation ablation, in view of stable patient status and safety for the procedure. There is no difference in complications, recurrence of arrhythmia between the two groups, but detection rate of AVNRT is lower in GA group.

Differential expression of porcine TAP1 gene in the populations of pigs.

Transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) transports peptides from the cytosol into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) for subsequent loading onto the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. TAP is consisted of two subunits: TAP and TAP2. Using Real-time PCR technology, this study detected tissue expression profile and analyzed the differential expression of TAP1 gene in Sutai Escherichia coli-resistant group, Yorkshire and Meishan pigs. Tissue expression profile revealed that TAP1 gene expressed in all tissues we detected, and the expression levels were high in lung, immune tissues and intestines. Through the comparation of gene expression differention in different populations, TAP1 expression level of Sutai E. coli-resistant group was significantly higher than that of Yorkshire and Meishan populations in liver, spleen, lung, kidney, thymus, lymph, duodenum and jejunum (P<0.05). Meanwhile TAP1 gene was more highly expressed in Sutai E. coli-resistant group than that of Meishan population in stomach (P<0.05). In conclusion, the upregulation of TAP1 expression level in E. coli-resistant group could be related to E. coli F18 infection. In addition, Chinese local pigs may have special immune response and genetic mechanism in resisting E. coli F18 infection which is differing from MHC I moleculars.

Evaluation of cellulolytic activity in insect digestive fluids.

Efficient and low-cost cellulolytic enzymes are urgently needed to degrade recalcitrant plant biomass during the industrial production of lignocellulosic biofuels. Here, the cellulolytic activities in the gut fluids of 54 insect species that belong to 7 different taxonomic orders were determined using 2 different substrates, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) (approximating endo-ß-1,4-glucanase) and filter paper (FP) (total cellulolytic activities). The use of CMC as the substrate in the zymogram analysis resulted in the detection of distinct cellulolytic protein bands. The cellulolytic activities in the digestive system of all the collected samples were detected using cellulolytic activity analysis. The highest CMC gut fluid activities were found in Coleoptera and Orthoptera, while FP analysis indicated that higher gut fluid activities were found in several species of Coleoptera and Lepidoptera. In most cases, gut fluid activities were higher with CMC than with FP substrate, except for individual Lepidoptera species. Our data indicate that the origin of cellulolytic enzymes probably reflects the phylogenetic relationship and feeding strategies of different insects.

Mesoporous SnO2@carbon core-shell nanostructures with superior electrochemical performance for lithium ion batteries.

SnO2@carbon nanostructure composites are prepared by a simple hydrothermal method. The composite exhibits unique structure, which consists of a mesoporous SnO2 core assembled of very small nanoparticles and a carbon shell with 10 nm thickness. The mesoporous SnO2@carbon core-shell nanostructures manifest superior electrochemical performance as an anode material for lithium ion batteries. The reversible specific capacity of the composite is about 908 mAh g(-1) for the first cycle and it can retain about 680 mAh g(-1) after 40 charge/discharge cycles at a current density of 0.3 C. Moreover, it shows excellent rate capability even at the high rate of 4.5 C. The enhanced performance was attributed to the mesoporous structure and a suitable carbon coating.

Observation of perfect diamagnetism and interfacial effect on the electronic structures in infinite layer Nd0.8Sr0.2NiO2 superconductors.

Nickel-based complex oxides have served as a playground for decades in the quest for a copper-oxide analog of the high-temperature superconductivity. They may provide clues towards understanding the mechanism and an alternative route for high-temperature superconductors. The recent discovery of superconductivity in the infinite-layer nickelate thin films has fulfilled this pursuit. However, material synthesis remains challenging, direct demonstration of perfect diamagnetism is still missing, and understanding of the role of the interface and bulk to the superconducting properties is still lacking. Here, we show high-quality Nd0.8Sr0.2NiO2 thin films with different thicknesses and demonstrate the interface and strain effects on the electrical, magnetic and optical properties. Perfect diamagnetism is achieved, confirming the occurrence of superconductivity in the films. Unlike the thick films in which the normal-state Hall-coefficient changes signs as the temperature decreases, the Hall-coefficient of films thinner than 5.5 nm remains negative, suggesting a thickness-driven band structure modification. Moreover, X-ray absorption spectroscopy reveals the Ni-O hybridization nature in doped infinite-layer nickelates, and the hybridization is enhanced as the thickness decreases. Consistent with band structure calculations on the nickelate/SrTiO3 heterostructure, the interface and strain effect induce a dominating electron-like band in the ultrathin film, thus causing the sign-change of the Hall-coefficient.

Coordination of autophagy and the proteasome in resolving endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Macroautophagy is a cellular degradation mechanism that involves the delivery of cytosolic components (macromolecules or organelles) by the autophagosome to the lysosome for degradation. In mammalian cells, macroautophagy and the ubiquitin proteasome system are 2 major mechanisms to eliminate abnormal proteins accumulated in pathological conditions. Here, the coordination of the 2 pathways to alleviate endoplasmic reticulum stress is reviewed. Also discussed is the regulatory role of macroautophagy and proteasome activity in cell survival and death, as well as the recent discoveries leading to novel strategies of simultaneous control of the proteasome and autophagy activity in anticancer treatment.

Patterns and forces of occlusal contacts during lateral excursions recorded by the T-Scan II system in young Chinese adults with normal occlusions.

The objective was to characterise the patterns and forces of occlusal contacts during lateral mandibular excursions in a young Chinese adult population. Angle Class I normal occlusions in 85 dental students aged 20-29 were evaluated using the T-Scan II occlusal imaging and analysis system. The frequency of occlusal contacts was recorded for right and left lateral excursions at the position of lateral disclusion, at the canine-to-canine position and at the lateral maximal position. At the canine-to-canine position, the occlusal contact patterns were classified, and the relative forces were compared by multiple regression analysis, with α = 0·05. At the position of lateral disclusion, a high percentage of canine contacts (58·5%) and individual posterior tooth contacts on the working side was observed. At the canine-to-canine position, the canines on the working side contacted most frequently (68·9%), and the occlusal contact patterns could be classified into six groups. At the lateral maximal position, incisors (39·0%) and canines (32·3%) contacted most frequently. At the canine-to-canine position, subjects with occlusal contacts only on canines or on first premolars on the working side had the lowest relative occlusal forces (P < 0·001). Canine protection and group function do not identify all descriptors for lateral occlusal contact patterns in the natural dentition. Six occlusal contact patterns were found at the lateral canine-to-canine position.

Resistance to granzyme B-mediated cytochrome c release in Bak-deficient cells.

Granzyme B (GrB), a serine protease with substrate specificity similar to the caspase family, is a major component of granule-mediated cytotoxicity of T lymphocytes. Although GrB can directly activate caspases, it induces apoptosis predominantly via Bid cleavage, mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization, and cytochrome c release. To study the molecular regulators for GrB-mediated mitochondrial apoptotic events, we used a CTL-free cytotoxicity system, wherein target cells are treated with purified GrB and replication-deficient adenovirus (Ad). We report here that the Bcl-2 proapoptotic family member, Bak, plays a dominant role in GrB-mediated mitochondrial apoptotic events. A variant of Jurkat cells, deficient in Bak expression, was resistant to GrB/Ad-mediated apoptosis, as determined by lack of membranous phosphatidylserine exposure, lack of DNA breaks, lack of mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization, and unchanged expression of inner mitochondrial membrane cardiolipin. The resistance of Bak-deficient cells to GrB/Ad cytotoxicity was reversed by transduction of the Bak gene into these cells. The requirement for both Bid and Bak, was further demonstrated in a cell-free system using purified mitochondria and S-100 cytosol. Purified mitochondria from Bid knockout mice, but not from Bax knockout mice, failed to release cytochrome c in response to autologous S-100 and GrB. Also, Bak-deficient mitochondria did not release cytochrome c in response to GrB-treated cytosol unless recombinant Bak protein was added. These results are the first to report a role for Bak in GrB-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis. This study demonstrates that GrB-cleaved Bid, which differs in size and site of cleavage from caspase-8-cleaved Bid, utilizes Bak for cytochrome c release, and therefore, suggests that deficiency in Bak may serve as a mechanism of immune evasion for tumor or viral infected cells.

[Expression and potential clinical significance of cytidine triphosphate: phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase-α in oral squamous cell carcinoma].

Objective: To examine the expression and potential clinical significance of CCT (cytidine triphosphate: phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase)-α in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methods: Fifty-eight OSCC and paired adjacent non-malignant epithelia samples (between May 2016 and July 2016) were obtained from dental center, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University. CCT-α expression was examined by immunohistochemistry. The relationship between CCT-α and clinicopathological features of OSCC patients was analyzed. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot were performed to measure the expression of CCT-α mRNA and protein level in several OSCC cell line and two normal oral epithelial cell line. Results: Immunohistochemistry showed that CCT-α positive staining was found in cell nuclear of OSCC cells and adjacent epithelial cells. CCT-α was positively expressed in OSCC, which was significantly higher than that adjacent to carcinoma tissues (P=0.000). The expression of CCT-α in oral squamous cell carcinoma was correlated with smoking, alcohol consumption, tumor size, differentiation degree and lymph node metastasis. The expression level of CCT-α protein was significantly increased in patients with a history of smoking and alcohol consumption (P=0.001, P=0.004). With the increase of tumor diameter, the expression of CCT-α protein was significantly increased (P=0.005). According to histopathological grade, the lower the degree of tumor differentiation, the higher the expression level of CCT-α protein (P=0.000). The expression of CCT-α protein was significantly higher in patients with lymph node metastasis compared with no lymph node metastasis (P=0.000). Quantitative real-time PCR results showed the CCT-α mRNA expression level was significantly higher in OSCC cells than that in normal oral epithelial cells (P=0.016). The protein expression level of CCT-α was significantly higher in OSCC cells than that in normal oral epithelial cells. Conclusions: CCT-α may play a critical role in the carcinogenesis and development of OSCC.

Association between excess bodyweight and intake of red meat and vegetables among urban and rural adult Chinese in Nanjing, China.

The objective of this study was to examine the association of red meat and vegetable consumption with excess bodyweight. This is a cross sectional study, conducted between October 2000 and March 2001. Participants included 23,316 local residents aged 35 and above from 45 administrative villages randomly selected from urban and rural areas of Nanjing, China, with a population of 5.6 million. The response rate was 90.1%. Logistic regression model was used for the analysis. The prevalence of excess body weight, overweight and obesity was 34.1%, 28.2% and 6.0%, respectively. After adjustment for age, educational attainment, family average income, occupational and leisure-time physical activity, smoking, drinking, consumption of white meat, consumption of rice and cooking oil as well as fruits, participants in the moderate or higher level of red meat consumption were more likely to have excess body weight (OR: 1.13 (95% CI =1.02, 1.26) and 1.15 (1.02, 12.9) for males; 1.11 (0.98, 1.25) and 1.25 (1.10, 1.42) for females respectively), compared with those in the lower level of red meat consumption. There was no statistically significant association for consumption of vegetables. Consumption of more red meat was suggested to be a factor contributing to body weight gain in China. For residents who want to have healthy body weight, it is important to consume less red meat in the process of socioeconomic transition.