Comprehensive analyses of intraoral spindle cell carcinoma: A rare disease entity revisited.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was aimed to comprehensively characterize the epidemiological, clinicopathological characteristics, treatments, and prognosis of intraoral spindle cell carcinoma (SpCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients diagnosed with intraoral SpCC at our institution in the past 15 years (2005-2019) were screened from inpatient disease registry. All relevant data concerning patients with intraoral SpCC were retrieved. Previous reports about intraoral SpCC with adequate clinicopathological data in both English literature and Chinese literature were collected. Eligible cases were further reviewed and pooled for statistical analyses. RESULTS: Six patients (5 females and 1 male; average age: 59 years) with intraoral SpCC were histopathologically diagnosed and surgically treated at our institution. The literature review identified another 63 published cases from 34 articles. Most cases were presented in the fifth to seventh decade of life with a male preponderance. Gingiva (23/69, 33.3%) was the most common site followed by the tongue (19/69, 27.5%) and buccal mucosa (8/69, 11.6%). Complete surgical ablation remains the primary treatment option. Tumor size, pathological grades, cervical node metastasis, and distant metastasis were significantly associated with reduced survival. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoral SpCC is an uncommon and aggressive malignancy with dismal prognosis. Much attention and effort are needed to characterize this rare entity and improve its clinical outcomes.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Santalum album.

The first complete chloroplast genome (cpDNA) sequence of Santalum album was determined from Illumina HiSeq pair-end sequencing data in this study. The cpDNA is 144,101 bp in length, contains a large single copy region (LSC) of 83,796 bp and a small single copy region (SSC) of 11,277 bp, which were separated by a pair of inverted repeats (IR) regions of 24,514 bp. The genome contains 123 genes, including 80 protein-coding genes, 8 ribosomal RNA genes, and 35 transfer RNA genes. The overall GC content of the whole genome is 38.0%, and the corresponding values of the LSC, SSC, and IR regions are 35.9%, 31.4%, and 43.1%, respectively. Further phylogenomic analysis showed that S. album and Osyris alba clustered in a clade in Santalales order.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Altingia excelsa.

The first complete chloroplast genome (cpDNA) sequence of Altingia excelsa was determined from Illumina HiSeq pair-end sequencing data in this study. The cpDNA is 160,861 bp in length, contains a large single copy region (LSC) of 89,126 bp and a small single copy region (SSC) of 19,011 bp, which were separated by a pair of inverted repeats (IR) regions of 26,362 bp each. The genome contains 127 genes, including 82 protein-coding genes, 8 ribosomal RNA genes, and 37 transfer RNA genes. Phylogenomic analysis showed that A. excelsa and Liquidambar formosana clustered in a clade in Saxifragales order.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Altingia yunnanensis.

The first complete chloroplast genome (cpDNA) sequence of Altingia yunnanensis was determined from Illumina HiSeq pair-end sequencing data in this study. The cpDNA is 160,860 bp in length, contains a large single-copy region (LSC) of 89,162 bp and a small single-copy region (SSC) of 19,008 bp, which were separated by a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions of 26,325 bp each. The genome contains 130 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes, 8 ribosomal RNA genes, and 37 transfer RNA genes. Further, the phylogenomic analysis showed that A. yunnanensis and Altingia excelsa clustered in a clade in Saxifragales order.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Litsea garrettii.

The first complete chloroplast genome (cpDNA) sequence of Litsea garrettii was determined from Illumina HiSeq pair-end sequencing data in this study. The cpDNA is 154,011 bp in length, contains a large single-copy region (LSC) of 93,697 bp and a small single-copy region (SSC) of 18,826 bp, which were separated by a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions of 20,744 bp. The genome contains 127 genes, including 82 protein-coding genes, 8 ribosomal RNA genes, and 36 transfer RNA genes. Further phylogenomic analysis showed that L. garrettii and Parasassafras confertiflorum clustered in a clade in Lauraceae family.

Preparation and Properties of Graphene/Nickel Composite Coating Based on Textured Surface of Aluminum Alloy.

This study carried out a novel duplex surface treatment on aluminum alloy base to explore the potential improvement of wear and corrosion resistance. Regular arrayed dimple surface texture (DST) and groove surface texture (GST) were fabricated by using laser processing on 6065 aluminum alloy matrix (6065Al). Electrochemical deposition of Ni and Graphene/Ni coatings on textured surface was then performed in electrolytes with concentrations of 0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 mg graphene. Surface morphology such as diameter of dimple and width of groove measured by C-PSCN stereo microscope presents addition of graphene helps to refine and homogenize the coating. Corrosion resistant properties of the duplex surface treatment were examined by electrochemical corrosion tests and wear resistant properties were tested by UMT-Tribo Lab friction and wear tester in a dry sliding condition at room temperature. Electrochemical corrosion tests results show that the corrosion resistance of samples is related to the specific surface texture and the dimple texture can improve the electrical corrosion parameters, such as the electrode potential, greatly. Friction and wear tests show that the textured Gr/Ni electroplating coating with the 1.5 mg graphene content has best wear properties under vertical friction and each index, such as the coefficient of friction and wear trace width, are superior to other conditions of samples.

The complete chloroplast genome of Streblus indicus.

The first complete chloroplast genome sequences of Streblus indicus were reported in this study. The cpDNA of S. indicus is 159,853 bp in length, contains a large single copy region (LSC) of 88,950 bp and a small single copy region (SSC) of 19,313 bp, which were separated by a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions of 25,795 bp. The genome contains 129 genes, including 84 protein-coding genes, eight ribosomal RNA genes, and 37 transfer RNA genes. The overall GC content of the whole genome is 36.1%. Phylogenetic analysis of 14 chloroplast genomes within the family Moraceae shows that S. indicus clustered in a unique clade.

The complete chloroplast genome of Pouteria caimito.

The first complete chloroplast genome sequences of Pouteria caimito were reported in this study. The cpDNA of P. caimito is 158,937 bp in length, contains a large single-copy region (LSC) of 88,100 bp and a small single-copy region (SSC) of 18,631 bp, which were separated by a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions of 26,103 bp. The genome contains 130 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes, 8 ribosomal RNA genes, and 37 transfer RNA genes. The overall GC content of the whole genome is 36.8%. Phylogenetic analysis of 15 chloroplast genomes within the order Ericales suggests that P. caimito is closely related to Pouteria campechiana.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Casimiroa edulis.

The first complete chloroplast genome (cpDNA) sequence of Casimiroa edulis was determined from Illumina HiSeq pair-end sequencing data in this study. The cpDNA is 160,176 bp in length, contains a large single-copy region (LSC) of 87,536 bp and a small single-copy region (SSC) of 18,576 bp, which were separated by a pair of inverted repeats (IR) regions of 27,032 bp. The genome contains 131 genes, including 86 protein-coding genes, 8 ribosomal RNA genes, and 37 transfer RNA genes. The overall GC content of the whole genome is 38.2%, and the corresponding values of the LSC, SSC, and IR regions are 36.5, 33.0, and 42.9%, respectively. Further, phylogenomic analysis showed that C. edulis, Phellodendron amurense, and Zanthoxylum bungeanum clustered in a clade in family Rutaceae.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Garcinia pedunculata.

The first complete chloroplast genome (cpDNA) sequence of Garcinia pedunculata was determined from Illumina HiSeq pair-end sequencing data in this study. The cpDNA is 157,688 bp in length, contains a large single copy region (LSC) of 85,994 bp and a small single copy region (SSC) of 17,656 bp, which were separated by a pair of inverted repeats (IR) regions of 27,017 bp. The genome contains 130 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes, 8 ribosomal RNA genes, and 37 transfer RNA genes. The overall GC content of the whole genome is 36.2%, and the corresponding values of the LSC, SSC, and IR regions are 33.6%, 30.2%, and 42.2%, respectively. Further phylogenomic analysis showed that G. pedunculata and Garcinia mangostana clustered in a clade in order Malpighiales.

Ultrasonic Vibration Facilitates the Micro-Formability of a Zr-Based Metallic Glass.

Thermoplastic microforming not only breaks through the bottleneck in the manufacture of metallic glasses, but also offers alluring prospects in microengineering applications. The microformability of metallic glasses decreases with a reduction in the mold size owing to the interfacial size effect, which seriously hinders their large-scale applications. Here, ultrasonic vibration was introduced as an effective method to improve the microformability of metallic glasses, owing to its capabilities of improving the material flow and reducing the interfacial friction. The results reveal that the microformability of supercooled Zr35Ti30Cu8.25Be26.75 metallic glasses is conspicuously enhanced by comparison with those under quasi-static loading. The more intriguing finding is that the microformability of the Zr-based metallic glasses can be further improved by tuning the amplitude of the ultrasonic vibration. The physical origin of the above scenario is understood, in depth, on the basis of ultrasonic vibration-assisted material flow, as demonstrated by the finite element method.

Poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate)-based composite cryogel with embedded macroporous cellulose beads for the separation of human serum immunoglobulin and albumin.

A novel super-macroporous monolithic composite cryogel was prepared by embedding macroporous cellulose beads into poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) cryogel. The cellulose beads were fabricated by using a microchannel liquid-flow focusing and cryopolymerization method, while the composite cryogel was prepared by cryogenic radical polymerization of the hydroxyethyl methacrylate monomer with poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate as cross-linker together with the cellulose beads. After graft polymerization with (vinylbenzyl)trimethylammonium chloride, the composite cryogel was applied to separate immunoglobulin-G and albumin from human serum. Immunoglobulin-G with a mean purity of 83.2% and albumin with a purity of 98% were obtained, indicating the composite cryogel as a promising chromatographic medium in bioseparation for the isolation of important bioactive proteins like immunoglobulins and albumins.

Rapid freezing cryo-polymerization and microchannel liquid-flow focusing for cryogel beads: adsorbent preparation and characterization of supermacroporous bead-packed bed.

Cryogel beads, fabricated by the microchannel liquid-flow focusing and cryo-polymerization method, have micron-scale supermacropores allowing the passage of crude feedstocks, and could be of interest as chromatographic adsorbents in bioseparation applications. In this work, we provide a rapid freezing and continuous formation method for cryogel beads by cryo-polymerization using dry ice particles as the freezing source and microchannel liquid-flow focusing using peristaltic pumps for the fluid supply. Polyacrylamide (pAAm)-based supermacroporous cryogel beads were prepared and grafted with N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA), which provided the anion-exchange cryogel beads with tertiary amine functional groups suitable for binding proteins. Properties of the supermacroporous cryogel-bead packed bed, i.e., permeability, bed voidage, protein breakthrough as well as protein adsorption performance by using bovine γ-globulin as model protein, were experimentally investigated. A capillary-based model was employed to characterize the supermacroporous bed performance, and gave a reasonable description of the microstructure and thus an insight into the flow, dispersion and mass transfer behaviors within the cryogel bead-packed bed. The results also showed that by using dry ice as the freezing source, it is easy to reduce the temperature below -55 to -61°C in the bulk solution, causing the rapid formation of ice crystals within the monomer drops, and finally effective cryo-polymerization to form supermacropores within the cryogel beads. By using peristaltic pumps, continuous preparation was achieved and the obtained cryogel beads had favorable properties similar to those prepared using syringe pumps in the microchannel liquid-flow focusing process. This method is thus expected to be interesting in the liter- or even larger-scale preparation of cryogel adsorbents.

Microchannel liquid-flow focusing and cryo-polymerization preparation of supermacroporous cryogel beads for bioseparation.

Polymeric cryogels are sponge-like materials with supermacroporous structure, allowing them to be of interest as new chromatographic supports, cell scaffolds and drug carriers in biological and biomedical areas. The matrices of cryogels are always prepared in the form of monoliths by cryo-polymerization under frozen conditions. However, there are limited investigations on the production of cryogels in the form of adsorbent beads suitable for bioseparation. In this work, we provide a new approach by combining the microchannel liquid-flow focusing with cryo-polymerization for the preparation of polyacrylamide-based supermacroporous cryogel beads with a narrow particle size distribution. The present method was achieved by introducing the aqueous phase solution containing monomer, cross-linker and redox initiators, and the water-immiscible organic oil phase containing surfactant simultaneously into a microchannel with a cross-shaped junction, where the aqueous drops with uniform sizes were generated by the liquid shearing and the segmentation due to the steady flow focusing of the immiscible phase streams. These liquid drops were in situ suspended into the freezing bulk oil phase for cryo-polymerization and the cryogel matrix beads were obtained by thawing after the achievement of polymerization. By grafting the polymer chains containing sulfo binding groups onto these matrix beads, the cation-exchange cryogel beads for protein separation were produced. The results showed that at the aqueous phase velocities from 0.5 to 2.0 cm/s and the total velocities of the water-immiscible phase from 2.0 to 6.0 cm/s, the obtained cryogel beads by the present method have narrow size distributions with most of the bead diameters in the range from 800 to 1500 µm with supermacropores in sizes of about 3-50 µm. These beads also have high porosities with the averaged maximum porosity of 96.9% and the mean effective porosity of 86.2%, which are close to those of the polyacrylamide-based cryogel monoliths. The packed bed using the cryogel beads with mean diameter of 1248 µm, as an example, has reasonable and acceptable liquid dispersion, but high water permeability (4.29 × 10⁻¹° m²) and high bed voidage (90.2%) owing to the supermacropores within the beads, enhanced the rapid binding and separation of protein from the feedstock even at high flow velocities. The purity of the obtained lysozyme from chicken egg white by one-step chromatography using the packed bed was in the range of about 78-92% at the flow velocities of 0.5-15 cm/min, indicating that the present cryogel beads could be an effective chromatographic adsorbent for primary bioseparation.