Deep Underground Laboratory Measurement of

The ^{13}C(α,n)^{16}O reaction is the main neutron source for the slow-neutron-capture process in asymptotic giant branch stars and for the intermediate process. Direct measurements at astrophysical energies in above-ground laboratories are hindered by the extremely small cross sections and vast cosmic-ray-induced background. We performed the first consistent direct measurement in the range of E_{c.m.}=0.24 to 1.9 MeV using the accelerators at the China Jinping Underground Laboratory and Sichuan University. Our measurement covers almost the entire intermediate process Gamow window in which the large uncertainty of the previous experiments has been reduced from 60% down to 15%, eliminates the large systematic uncertainty in the extrapolation arising from the inconsistency of existing datasets, and provides a more reliable reaction rate for the studies of the slow-neutron-capture and intermediate processes along with the first direct determination of the alpha strength for the near-threshold state.

[Testosterone levels in patients with varicocele and azoospermia].

OBJECTIVE: Androgen deficiency is common in aging males and may have unfavourable health consequences. Large-scale studies suggested low testosterone level might increse mortality and morbidity in ageing males. However, young men with low testosterone level might be neglected. Recent studies reported young men with infertility may have reduced testosterone level. To investigate the incidence of androgen deficiency in males with infertility and possible factors affecting the low testosterone level. METHODS: Between January 2011 and December 2012, 407 men with infertility caused by varicocele (VC), obstructive azoospermia (OA) and nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) in our center were included. The number of men in each group of OA, NOA and VC was 141, 97 and 169, respectively. All the eligible patients underwent a serum testosterone assessment by a single morning blood draw (between 8:00 to noon) to test for concentration of the total testosterone. All serum samples were determined by radioimmunoassay in our andrology laboratory. Androgen deficiency was defined as having a total testosterone level less than 300 ng/dL. RESULTS: The mean age was (30.4±5.8) years. The mean testosterone level was (4.18±1.64) ng/dL (range 0.30 to 11.32 ng/dL). The overall incidence of androgen deficiency was 26.5% (108/407). The incidences of androgen deficiency in NOA, OA and VC groups were 40.2% (39/97), 19.1% (27/141) and 24.9% (42/169), respectively, which were significantly higher in the NOA than in the VC and OA groups (P < 0.001). The incidences had no difference between the VC and OA groups (P=0.229). Univariate analysis revealed the cause of infertility, FSH and the mean testis volume as possible affecting factors for androgen deficiency. However, on multivariate analysis the only cause of infertility was an independent predictor. The incidence of androgen deficiency was the highest in the NOA group [OR 0.492 (95% confidence interval 0.288-0.840)]. CONCLUSION: NOA and varicocele might be risk factors of androgen deficiency. Young men with NOA may have a higher possibility of low testosterone level. Testosterone level should be followed up after NOA and varicocele treatment. Androgen deficiency should be assessed in males with infertility in clinical practice.

Direct Measurement of the Astrophysical

Fluorine is one of the most interesting elements in nuclear astrophysics, where the ^{19}F(p,α)^{16}O reaction is of crucial importance for Galactic ^{19}F abundances and CNO cycle loss in first generation Population III stars. As a day-one campaign at the Jinping Underground Nuclear Astrophysics experimental facility, we report direct measurements of the essential ^{19}F(p,αγ)^{16}O reaction channel. The γ-ray yields were measured over E_{c.m.}=72.4-344 keV, covering the Gamow window; our energy of 72.4 keV is unprecedentedly low, reported here for the first time. The experiment was performed under the extremely low cosmic-ray-induced background environment of the China JinPing Underground Laboratory, one of the deepest underground laboratories in the world. The present low-energy S factors deviate significantly from previous theoretical predictions, and the uncertainties are significantly reduced. The thermonuclear ^{19}F(p,αγ)^{16}O reaction rate has been determined directly at the relevant astrophysical energies.

[Treatment outcome of 100 patients with hepatoblastoma based on a new risk stratification].

Objective: To provide the risk stratification method of hepatoblastoma (HB) suitable for implementation in China and explore the new treatment method for high-risk HB patients. Methods: A total of 100 cases of children and adolescents under 18 years old with newly diagnosed HB in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center and Sun Yat-sen University First Affiliated Hospital from September 2014 to September 2018 were included. According to the clinical stage, AFP level, pathological subtype and other factors, patients were stratified into four groups: extremely low-, low-, intermediate- and high-risk. The patients at very low risk were treated with surgery only and followed-up. The patients at very low risk were treated with C5V(Cisplatin+ 5-Fluroracil+ Vincristine) regimen for 4 courses. The patients at intermediate risk were treated with C5VD(Cisplatin+ 5-Fluroracil+ Vincristine+ Doxorubicin)regimen before and after surgery for 6-8 courses. The patients at high risk were treated with C5VD and IIV (ifoshamide+ irinotecan+ vincristine) alternately before and after surgery for 8 courses. Results: One hundred patients were stratified into extremely low-risk, low-risk, medium-risk and high-risk groups for 2, 10, 51 and 37 cases, respectively. Eighty three cases had evaluable lesions before chemotherapy. Among them, 65 patients achieved partial remission, stable disease and progressive disease were observed in 10, and 8 cases, respectively, with a response rate of 78.3%. During a median follow-up of 20 months, 30 patients experienced tumor relapse or progression, and 27 of them died. The 2-years progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 69.2% and 72.0%, respectively. The 2-years PFS rates of patients with extremely low risk, low risk, medium risk and high risk were 100%, 88.9%, 75.3% and 43.2%, respectively. The 2-years OS rates were 100%, 100%, 81.0% and 44.8%, respectively. Conclusions: The novel HB risk classification is simple and feasible. With active comprehensive treatment, patients at extremely low-, low- and medium-risk have excellent outcomes. The survival rate of high-risk HB patients remains to be improved, and new treatment strategies need to be explored.

[Application of immunohistochemical staining of bcl-2, Ber-EP4, CD10, CK20, and Ki-67 in differential diagnosis between trichoblastoma and basal cell carcinoma].

Objective: To study the utility of immunohistochemistry (IHC) in differential diagnosis between trichoblastoma (TB) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Methods: Fifty-eight cases of TB and 40 cases of BCC were collected at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center from January 2009 to December 2019 and retrospectively analyzed by IHC for bcl-2, Ber-EP4, CD10, CK20 and Ki-67. Fisher exact test was performed for statistical analysis. Results: Twenty-five (43.1%) TBs and 5 (12.5%) BCCs showed bcl-2 staining in the outermost layer of the epithelial nests, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). The proportion of cases with bcl-2 staining>75% of epithelial cells in BCC group was much higher than that in TB group (40% vs. 12.1%; P<0.01). BCC group showed larger proportions with Ber-EP4 staining>75%, 51%-75% of epithelial cells than TB group (12.5% vs. 1.7%, 37.5% vs. 8.6%;P<0.05). Fifty-five (94.8%) TBs demonstrated CD10 expression in the follicular stroma, while only 16 (40.0%) BCCs showed focal or scattered CD10 expression in reactive fibrous stroma (P<0.01). CK20 expression was present in 37 (63.8%) TBs with scattered pattern, but BCCs exhibited no CK20 staining except for only one case (2.5%) showing focal staining (P<0.01). Compared with TB group, the BCC group included more cases with Ki-67 labeling index ≥15% on average and ≥25% in hotspot areas (P<0.05). Conclusion: IHC is helpful in differential diagnosis between TB and BCC. Scattered CK20 staining pattern and stromal CD10 expression support the diagnosis of TB. Bcl-2 staining limited to the outermost layer of the proliferation is more likely to be found in TB. In contrast, Ber-EP4 positivity and higher Ki-67 labeling index tend to be present in BCC.

[Investigation and analysis of a mass ammonia gas poisoning accident].

Objective: To investigation and analysis of ammonia gas leakage in a meat factory. Methods: In April 2013, Enterprise managers and workers were investigated, and clinical data of 24 patients were analyzed. Results: The company caused a leak in the ammonia pipeline maintenance operation, Among the patients, 20 had stimulus response and 4 had mild poisoning. Conclusion: To prevent group occupational ammonia poisoning, it is necessary to strengthen the awareness of occupational disease prevention of enterprise owners and the awareness of self-protection of workers.

Notch signaling is involved in regulation of LPS-induced macrophage apoptosis through JNK/NF-kB signaling pathway.

Notch signaling plays a critical role in the development and function of macrophages. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between Notch signaling pathway and macrophage apoptosis after LPS stimulation. In RAW 264.7 cells, the mRNA expression of Jagged1, Hes1, Hes 5 and GM-CSF, and protein expression of NICD1 and GM-CSF were increased after LPS stimulation. Inhibition of Notch signaling by γ-secretase inhibitor DAPT and the suppression of Notch1 expression using siRNA both significantly prevented LPS induced activation of JNK and NF-kB, and simultaneously the expression of GM-CSF was also down regulated significantly. JNK inhibitor SP600125 was used to block the phosphorylation of JNK signaling, Western blot results showed that the activation of NF-kB was blocked and expression of GM-CSF was down-regulated. Finally, flow cytometry analyses showed that the Notch signaling was involved in the regulation of macrophage apoptosis after LPS stimulation. Our study showed that the Notch signaling pathway was activated and involved in the regulation of macrophage apoptosis after LPS stimulation through JNK/ NF-kB signaling regulated GM-CSF expression.

[Relationship of BMI and wrist joint index with carpal tunnel syndrome in manual laborers].

Objective: To evaluate the severity of median nerve damage in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) , and to analyze its relationship with body mass index (BMI) and wrist joint index. Methods: From May 2016 to January 2017, 23 patients with mild CTS (mild group) and 35 patients with moderate to severe CTS (moderate to severe group) were enrolled in this study. And 22 healthy volunteers matched for sex and age were selected as control group. The neuroelectrophysiological monitor was used to measure the median nerve movement and sensory nerve conduction in the subjects. The BMI and wrist joint index were calculated. The relationship of neuroelectrophysiological parameters with BMI and wrist joint index was analyzed in the CTS patients. Results: Compared with the control group, the mild group and the moderate to severe group had significantly higher wrist joint index, significantly longer distal motor latency (DML) of the median nerve, and significantly lower sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) and sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitude of the finger 1-wrist and finger 3-wrist (P<0.01) ; the moderate to severe group had significantly higher BMI and significantly lower composite muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude (P<0.01) . The wrist joint index and BMI were positively correlated with DML of the median nerve and negatively correlated with SCV and SNAP amplitude of the finger 1-wrist and finger 3-wrist (all P<0.05) . The patients with a wrist joint index of >0.73 had a significantly higher risk of CTS than those with a wrist joint index of <0.73 (odd ratio=30.67, 95% confidence interval: 3.79-248.36) . Conclusion: A wrist joint index of >0.73 is an independent risk factor for CTS in manual laborers. CTS should be prevented in the manual laborers with high wrist joint index and BMI.

[Investigation on an incident of groups mushroom poisoning].

Objective: To investigate an incident of mushroom poisoning and related clinical data. Methods: A descriptive analysis was performed to investigate an incident of poisonous mushroom poisoning in Jinan, Shandong Province, China in July 2016. The clinical data of four patients were analyzed and summarized, and the causes of this incident and prevention and control measures were summarized. Results: This incident of acute poisonous mushroom poisoning was caused by Lepiota brunneoincarnata. The patients mainly had digestive system symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain, and later developed liver damage. After comprehensive rescue treatment, one patient died and three survived. The main clinical manifestation of the patient who died was multiple organ failure, especially liver failure. Conclusion: This incident of poisoning was caused by Lepiota brunneoincarnata the residents ate by mistake.

[Clinical analysis of lower limb thrombosis caused by paraquat poisoning].

Objective: To investigate the causes of peripheral vascular thrombosis in patients with paraquat poisoning. Methods: The patients with paraquat poisoning who were admitted to our department in recent two years were observed to screen out the patients with large vessel thrombosis. The data on toxic exposure history, clinical features, and treatment were collected to analyze the causes of thrombosis in the patients with paraquat poisoning. Results: Three patients had typical lower limb thrombosis. There was one case of right common femoral vein thrombosis, one case of bilateral calf muscle vein thrombosis, and one case of right calf superficial vein thrombosis and right calf muscle vein thrombosis. Conclusions: After paraquat poisoning, the blood is in a hypercoagulable state and prolonged bed rest may increase the risk of thrombosis.

[The experimental study of diquat on the half-Lethal dose and pothological injuny of related organs in wistor rats].

Objective: To explore the acute toxicity of Diquat in mice and to calculate the median lethal dose (LD(50)) of Diquat to rats and observe the pathological changes of tissues and organs in rats with different concentrations of Diquat. Methods: Diquat solution of 50 mg/kg was prepared freshly with 1 000 mg of Diquat and dilute the solution with water to a total of 20 ml. A total of 99 healthy adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into part one, part two and control groups. In the first part, 36 rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: 100 mg/kg group, 200 mg/kg group, 300 mg/kg group and 400 mg/kg group, which were treated with 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of Diquat solution by gavage, respectively. The death and symptoms of poisoning after intragastric administration were recorded, and the maximum tolerated dose and absolute lethal dose were measured. In the second part, 54 rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: 200 mg/kg group, 220 mg/kg group, 240 mg/kg group, 260 mg/kg、280 mg/kg group and 300 mg/kg group, whichwere treated with 200 mg/kg, 220 mg/kg, 240 mg/kg, 260 mg/kg, 280 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg of Diquat solution by gavage, respectively. The survival of rats in different concentration of Diquat was observed and the LD(50) was calculated by Excel processing the formula of Koch's method. The control group were given equal volume water under the same experimental conditions. And moreover, the lungs, kidneys, hearts, livers, and brain tissues were collected and fixed by formaldehyde, embedded by paraffin, and sectioned for histopathological light microscopy. Results: The maximum tolerated dose was 240 mg/kg and the absolute lethal dose was 300 mg/kg. The LD(50) of Diquat for Rats was 280.58 mg/kg. The high-dose group had significantly more organ damage than the low-dose group after diquat poisoning. Conclusion: The determination of the half-lethal dose of diquat, at the same time observed multiple organs damaged in rats after the diquat quickly poisoned. Kidneys, lungs and heart might be the main organ which was heavily damaged. With the extension of observation time, the organ damage of rats exposed to small doses gradually stabilized.

miR-367 promotes uveal melanoma cell proliferation and migration by regulating PTEN.

We aimed to investigate the biological role of miR-367 in uveal melanoma cell growth and migration, and the underlying mechanism responsible. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to evaluate miR-367 expression in uveal melanoma tissue samples and cell lines. A miR-367 mimic, miR-367 inhibitor, and negative control oligonucleotide were transfected into these cells to investigate the function of this microRNA. In addition, the role of PTEN in miR-367-mediated uveal melanoma cell growth and migration was evaluated. miR-367 was significantly upregulated in uveal melanoma cells and tissue samples (both P < 0.01). Its inhibition suppressed the proliferation, cell cycle transition, and migration of such cells, and increased levels had the opposite effect. PTEN was confirmed to be a target gene of miR-367. More importantly, co-transfection with a PTEN construct lacking the 3'-untranslated region mitigated miR-367 mimic-induced promotion of uveal melanoma cell proliferation and migration. In summary, miR-367 was found to be upregulated in this malignancy, and may promote uveal melanoma cell proliferation and migration, at least in part by regulating PTEN.

Characterizing and marker-assisting a novel chili pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) yellow bud mutant with cytoplasmic male sterility.

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) in pepper is a better way to produce hybrid seeds compared to manual production. We used the two sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers (CRF-SCAR and CMS-SCAR130) in CMS pepper, to identify the genotype. We assembled two CMS yellow bud mutants (YBM; YBM12-A and YBM12-B). This mutation in leaf color is controlled by a single dominant nuclear gene. The aim was to create a new hybrid seed production method that reduces the costs and increases F1 hybrid seed purity. The results suggest that the CRF-SCAR and CMS-SCAR130 markers can be used together in multiple generations to screen for restorer or maintainer genes. We found the marker linked to the restorer gene (Rf) in the C-line and F1 hybrids, as well as partially in the F2 generation, whereas it was not found in the sterile YBM12-A or the maintainer line YBM12-B. In the F2 population, sterility and fertility segregated at a 3:1 ratio based on the CRF-SCAR marker. A 130 bp fragment was produced in the YBM12-A, F1, and F2 populations, suggesting that these lines contained sterile cytoplasm. A 140 bp fragment present in the YBM12-B and C-line indicated that these lines contained normal cytoplasm. In addition, we identified some morphological characters distinguishing sterile and fertile buds and flowers that may be linked to the sterility gene. If more restorer lines are identified, CMS expressing the YBM trait can be used in hybrid seed production.

[An investigation of an accident of occupational acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning].

Objective: To investigate an accident of occupational acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning, and to analyze related clinical data. Methods: An investigation was performed for an accident of occupational acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning in a place in Shandong, China, in July 2016, and related clinical data were summarized. Results: This was a typical accident of occupational acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning, and a lack of occupational protection and illegal operation were the major causes of this accident. Of all five patients, four experienced coma, toxic encephalopathy, and respiratory failure and were cured at last, and one had cortical syndrome after long-term treatment and died of pulmonary infection seven months later. Conclusions: In case of occupational acute hydrogen sulfide poisoning, rescuers should help the persons who are poisoned reasonably and meanwhile ensure their own safety.

[The study of using salvianolate treat acute lung injury in rats induced by paraquat].

Objective: To establish to paraquat poisoning acute lung injury animal model to study the therapeutic effect of Salvia polyphenols acid salt of paraquat-induced acute lung injury. Methods: Adult male Wister rats 120, were randomly divided into three groups: the paraquat exposure group, the start of the experiment to give a one-time 20% paraquat dope orally 50 mg/kg body weight of rats; salvianolate treatment group, the start of the experiment paraquat to give a one-time 20% the stock solution orally 50 mg/kg body weight of rats, and then given daily intraperitoneal injection of 200 mg/kg body weight of rats salvianolate; blank control group was given the same amount normal saline. The exposure group, the treatment group and control group rats were sacrificed after anesthesia in the 3rd, 7th, 14th, 21st day from the beginning of the experiment respectively, and taken out and preserved venous blood specimens and lung tissue to be tested. Venous detection heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) , the lung tissue detection heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) , hydroxyproline (HYP) . And do biopsy specimens from some of the lung tissue, HE and Masson staining observed by optical microscope. Results: Compared with control group, model group 7, 14, 21 days had elevated levels of serum and lung tissue HO-1 (all P<0.05) ; Treatment group 3, 7, 14, 21 days increased (all P<0.05) , and 3, 7, 14 days is higher than the model group (compared with model group, P<0.05) . Compared with control group, treatment group 3 days and model group, 14, 21 days HYP content in lung tissue increased significantly (all P<0.05) ; 21 days, compared with model group, HYP content of treatment group reduce obviously, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) . Optical microscope observation, lung tissue damage and aggravated with the experimental increase in the number of days, inflammatory cell infiltration, alveolar septal fibrosis gradually formed. The treatment group experimental animal lung tissue to reduce inflammation, lung fibrosis relief. Conclusion: Paraquat (50 mg/kg body weight) to fill the stomach can be induced model of acute lung injury in the rats. The serum HO-1 expression and HO-1, HYP content in lung tissue increased obviously in model rats. Salvia miltiorrhiza polyphenols acid salt to a certain degree and stage influenced the expression of HO-1 and HYP, relieve acute lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis, has certain curative effect in the treatment of paraquat poisoning.

[An investigation on a family tetramine poisoning accident].

Objective: To investigate and analyze the clinical data of tetramine poisoning in a family and prevent similar incidents from happening again. Methods: The study was conducted in July 2016 in a fami-ly with thiamine poisoning in shandong province, and the clinical data were analyzed. Results: In this case, there are six cases of poisoning caused by the tetramine poisoning, and the convulsions are the main clinical manifestations, and the blood perfusion can have a good effect on the severe patients. After positive treatment, all 6 patients were cured. Conclusions: The tetramine poisoning can cause severe convulsion, although the country has banned the production and use of it, the tetramine poisoning case still exist and cannot be ignored.

[The study of using cordyceps-astragalus-salvia miltiorrhiza to treat acute lung injury induced by paraquat poisoning in rats].

Objective: To study the therapy of cordyceps-astragalus-salvia miltiorrhiza in treating acute lung injury and pulmonary interstitial fibrosis induced by paraquat poisoning. Methods: All 120 adult Wister male rats were randomly assigned to three groups, the paraquat poisoning group (rats were intragastric administration paraquat 50 mg/kg body weight once at the beginning) , the cordyceps-astragalus-salvia miltiorrhiza therapy group (rats were given cordyceps-astragalus-salvia miltiorrhiza 90 mg/kg body weight intragastric administration half an hour after paraquat was given, then the same dose was given once a day) ; control group (rats were intragastric administration with physiological saline) . At 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th day rats were sacrificed postanesthetic respectively after paraquat exposure, sample of lung tissue, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) , and venous blood were collected. GSH, SOD, TNF-α, TGF-ß1, and HYP in plasma, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) , and the lung homogenates were determined. Optical microscope was performed to examine pathological changes in lung. Results: Each experimental time point paraquat group and the treatment group rats serum SOD content significantly lower than the control group (P<0.05) . Each experimental time point the treatment group rats serum SOD levels increased significantly than that of paraquat group (P<0.05) . Each experimental time point paraquat group rats serum GSH content significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.05) . Treatment group rats 7 days time GSH content significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.05) . Treatment group 21 days, 28 days GSH content was increased significantly than that of the paraquat group (P<0.05) . Each experimental time point paraquat group rats alveolar lavage SOD content was significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.05) . Treatment group 7 days, 14 days time SOD content was significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.05) , Treatment group 21 days, 28 days SOD content was increased significantly than that of the paraquat group (P<0.05) . Each experimental time point paraquat group and the treatment group rats alveolar lavage GSH content significantly were lower than that of the control group (P<0.05) . Treatment group days 14 and 21 days, 28 days GSH content was increased significantly than that of the paraquat group (P<0.05) . Each experimental time point paraquat group rats alveolar lavage TNF α levels was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05) . Treatment group 7 days, 14 days the rat alveolar lavage TNF α levels was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05) . Treatment group 21 days, 28 days TNF α content significantly was decreased than that of paraquat group (P<0.05) . Paraquat group days 14 and 21 days, 28 days HYP content was significantly higher than that of control group (P<0.05) . Treatment group 21 days HYP content was significantly higher than that of control group (P<0.05) . Treatment group 28 days time HYP content in lung tissue of rats was significantly decreased than that of the paraquat group (P<0.05) . Each experimental time point paraquat group rat lung tissue (tissue homogenate) TGF-ß1 content was higher than that of the control group, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05) . Under optical microscope, the tissue damage of lung was aggravated, and reduced after cordyceps-astragalus-salvia miltiorrhiza was administrated. Conclusion: Cordyceps-astragalus-salvia miltiorrhiza can reduce inflammation factor releasing, and relieve lung injury. It has therapeutic effect on lung injury induced by paraquat poisoning.