Radiomics model and clinical scale for the preoperative diagnosis of silent corticotroph adenomas.

OBJECTIVE: Silent corticotroph adenomas (SCAs) are a subtype of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas that exhibit more aggressive behavior. However, rapid and accurate preoperative diagnostic methods are currently lacking. DESIGN: The purpose of this study was to examine the differences between SCA and non-SCA features and to establish radiomics models and a clinical scale for rapid and accurate prediction. METHODS: A total of 260 patients (72 SCAs vs. 188 NSCAs) with nonfunctioning adenomas from Peking Union Medical College Hospital were enrolled in the study as the internal dataset. Thirty-five patients (6 SCAs vs. 29 NSCAs) from Fuzhou General Hospital were enrolled as the external dataset. Radiomics models and an SCA scale to preoperatively diagnose SCAs were established based on MR images and clinical features. RESULTS: There were more female patients (internal dataset: p < 0.001; external dataset: p = 0.028) and more multiple microcystic changes (internal dataset: p < 0.001; external dataset: p = 0.012) in the SCA group. MRI showed more invasiveness (higher Knosp grades, p ≤ 0.001). The radiomics model achieved AUCs of 0.931 and 0.937 in the internal and external datasets, respectively. The clinical scale achieved an AUC of 0.877 and a sensitivity of 0.952 in the internal dataset and an AUC of 0.899 and a sensitivity of 1.0 in the external dataset. CONCLUSIONS: Based on clinical information and imaging characteristics, the constructed radiomics model achieved high preoperative diagnostic ability. The SCA scale achieved the purpose of rapidity and practicality while ensuring sensitivity, which is conducive to simplifying clinical work.

fs laser-induced filament study of aliphatic nitroalkanes: correlation between molecular structure and spectroscopic evolution of the filament.

Three aliphatic nitroalkanes, nitromethane, nitroethane, and 1-nitropropane, are investigated with fs laser-induced filament and breakdown spectroscopy (LIFBS). Filament emission spectra, C I, the CN violet system (B2Σ+ - X2Σ+, Δν = 0 sequence), and the C2 swan system (d3Πg - a3Πu, Δν = 0 sequence), are obtained. The time integrated intensities of CN and C2 can be used for identifying the three nitroalkanes. The filament features (length, diameter, and temperature) of the CN and C2 emissions are analyzed; C2 converts to CN through a single-atom substitution reaction between C2 and N atoms at the early stage, which mainly occurs at the head and tail parts of the filament with a lower temperature rather than at the hotter middle part.

A study on serum pro-neurotensin (PNT), furin, and zinc alpha-2-glycoprotein (ZAG) levels in patients with acromegaly.

PURPOSE: Acromegaly caused by growth hormone cell adenoma is commonly associated with abnormal glucolipid metabolism, which may result from changes in adipocytokine secretion. This study aims to investigate serum adipokine levels, including pro-neurotensin (PNT), furin, and zinc alpha-2-glycoprotein (ZAG), in acromegalic patients and the correlation between the levels of these three adipokines and GH levels and glucolipid metabolism indices. METHODS: Sixty-eight acromegalic patients and 121 controls were included, and their clinical data were recorded from electronic medical record system. Serum PNT, furin and ZAG levels were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: Serum PNT levels in acromegalic patients were significantly higher than controls (66.60 ± 12.36 vs. 46.68 ± 20.54 pg/ml, P < 0.001), and acromegaly was an independent influencing factor of PNT levels (P < 0.001). Moreover, subjects with the highest tertile of PNT levels had a close correlation with acromegaly (OR = 22.200, 95% CI 7.156 ~ 68.875, P < 0.001), even in Model 1 adjusted for gender and age and Model 2 adjusted for gender, age and BMI. Additionally, serum PNT levels were positively correlated with BMI (r = 0.220, P = 0.002) and triglycerides (TGs, r = 0.295, P < 0.001), and TGs were an independent influencing factor of serum PNT levels in acromegalic subjects (P < 0.001). Furthermore, serum PNT levels in obese acromegalic patients were significantly higher than those with normal BMI (P < 0.05). However, serum furin levels were lower in acromegalic patients than controls (0.184 ± 0.036 vs. 0.204 ± 0.061 ng/ml, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study is the first to demonstrate that acromegalic patients have increased serum PNT levels. Moreover, serum PNT plays a potential role in abnormal lipid metabolism of acromegalic patients.

[Independent innovation research, development and transformation of precise bionic repair technology for oral prosthesis].

According to the fourth national oral health epidemiological survey report (2018), billions of teeth are lost or missing in China, inducing chewing dysfunction, which is necessary to build physiological function using restorations. Digital technology improves the efficiency and accuracy of oral restoration, with the application of three-dimensional scans, computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), bionic material design and so on. However, the basic research and product development of digital technology in China lack international competitiveness, with related products basically relying on imports, including denture 3D design software, 3D oral printers, and digitally processed materials. To overcome these difficulties, from 2001, Yuchun Sun's team, from Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, developed a series of studies in artificial intelligence design and precision bionics manufacturing of complex oral prostheses. The research included artificial intelligence design technology for complex oral prostheses, 3D printing systems for oral medicine, biomimetic laminated zirconia materials and innovative application of digital prosthetics in clinical practice. The research from 2001 to 2007 was completed under the guidance of Prof. Peijun Lv and Prof. Yong Wang. Under the support of the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the National Science and Technology Support Program, National High-Tech R & D Program (863 Program) and Beijing Training Project for the Leading Talents in S & T, Yuchun Sun's team published over 200 papers in the relevant field, authorized 49 national invention patents and 1 U.S. invention patent and issued 2 national standards. It also developed 8 kinds of core technology products in digital oral prostheses and 3 kinds of clinical diagnosis and treatment programs, which significantly improved the design efficiency of complex oral prostheses, the fabrication accuracy of metal prostheses and the bionic performance of ceramic materials. Compared with similar international technologies, the program doubled the efficiency of bionic design and manufacturing accuracy and reduced the difficulty of diagnosis and cost of treatment and application by 50%, with the key indicators of those products reaching the international leading level. This program not only helped to realize precision, intelligence and efficiency during prostheses but also provided functional and aesthetic matches for patients after prostheses. The program was rewarded with the First Technical Innovation Prize of the Beijing Science and Technology Awards (2020), Gold Medal of Medical Research Group in the First Medical Science and Technology Innovation Competition of National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (2020) and Best Creative Award in the First Translational Medical Innovation Competition of Capital (2017). This paper is a review of the current situation of artificial intelligence design and precision bionics manufacturing of complex oral prosthesis.

[Effect of macrophage-derived exosomes on promoting hepatic stellate cell activation and platelet-derived growth factor expression].

Objective: To explore the effect of macrophage-derived exosomes on the activation of hepatic stellate cells and its possible mechanism. Methods: Differential ultracentrifugation was used to extract macrophage exosomes. The exosomes were co-cultured with the mouse hepatic stellate cell line JS1, and a control group was established with phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Cell immunofluorescence was used to observe the expressional conditions of F-actin. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) was used to detect the survival rate of JS1 cells in the two groups. The activation indices of JS1 cells [collagen type Ⅰ (Col Ⅰ) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)] and its key signal pathway activation index expression level [transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1/Smads, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)] in the two groups were determined using Western blot and RT-PCR. Data comparison between two groups was performed using an independent sample t-test. Results: The membrane structure of exosomes was clearly observed by transmission electron microscopy. The expression of exosome marker proteins CD63 and CD81 was positive, suggesting that exosomes were successfully extracted. Exosomes were co-cultured with JS1 cells. Compared with the PBS control group, there was no statistically significant difference in the proliferation rate of JS1 cells in the exosomes group (P＞0.05). The expression of F-actin was significantly increased in the exosome group. The mRNA and protein expression levels of α-SMA and ColⅠwere significantly increased in exosome group JS1 cells (all P＜0.05). The mRNA relative expression levels of α-SMA in PBS and exosome group were 0.25±0.07 and 1.43±0.19, respectively, while that of ColⅠ was 1.03±0.04 and 1.57±0.06, respectively. The mRNA and protein expressions of PDGF were significantly increased in exosome group JS1 cells (P＜0.05). The mRNA relative expression levels of PDGF in the PBS group and exosome group were 0.27±0.04 and 1.65±0.12, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in the mRNA and protein expressions of TGF-ß1, Smad2 and Smad3 between the two groups (P＞0.05). Conclusion: Macrophage-derived exosomes significantly promote the activation of hepatic stellate cells. JS1 cells may be the underlying mechanism for the up-regulation of PDGF expression.

[A case of 2q37 deletion syndrome related ophthalmo facial malformation].

A child complained of bilateral congenital non-progressive ptosis for 18 months. According to the clinical characteristics, systemic development and chromosome microarray analysis, the child was diagnosed as 2q37 deletion syndrome related ophthalmo facial malformation. The patient underwent the frontalis aponeurosis flap suspension. After operation, the appearance of eyelids was significantly improved.

The damping properties of the foam-filled shaft of primary feathers of the pigeon Columba livia.

The avian feather combines mechanical properties of robustness and flexibility while maintaining a low weight. Under periodic and random dynamic loading, the feathers sustain bending forces and vibrations during flight. Excessive vibrations can increase noise, energy consumption, and negatively impact flight stability. However, damping can alter the system response, and result in increased stability and reduced noise. Although the structure of feathers has already been studied, little is known about their damping properties. In particular, the link between the structure of shafts and their damping is unknown. This study aims at understanding the structure-damping relationship of the shafts. For this purpose, laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV) was used to measure the damping properties of the feather shaft in three segments selected from the base, middle, and tip. A combination of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and micro-computed tomography (µCT) was used to investigate the gradient microstructure of the shaft. The results showed the presence of two fundamental vibration modes, when mechanically excited in the horizontal and vertical directions. It was also found that the base and middle parts of the shaft have higher damping ratios than the tip, which could be attributed to their larger foam cells, higher foam/cortex ratio, and higher percentage of foam. This study provides the first indication of graded damping properties in feathers.

[Accuracy of three intraoral scans for primary impressions of edentulous jaws].

OBJECTIVE: To provide a reference for using intraoral scanners for making clinical diagnostic dentures of edentulous jaws by comparing the accuracy of three intraoral scanners for primary impression and jaw relation record of edentulous jaws. METHODS: This study contained 6 primary impressions of the edentulous patients. Each of the impressions consisted of the maxillary primary impression, the mandibular primary impression and the jaw relation record. For each of them, a dental cast scanner (Dentscan Y500) was used to obtain stereolithography (STL) data as reference scan, and then three intraoral scanners including i500, Trios 3 and CEREC Primescan were used for three times to obtain STL data as experiment groups. In Geomagic Studio 2013 software, trueness was obtained by comparing experiment groups with the reference scan, and the precision was obtained from intragroup comparisons. Registered maxillary data of the intraoral scan with reference scan, the morphological error of jaw relation record was obtained by comparing jaw relation record of the intraoral scan with the reference scan. Registered mandibular data with jaw relation record of intraoral scan and the displacement of the jaw position were evaluated. Independent samples t test and Mann-Whitney U test in the SPSS 20.0 statistical software were used to statistically analyze the trueness, precision and morphological error of jaw relation record of three intraoral scanners. The Bland-Altman diagram was used to evaluate the consistency of the jaw relationship measured by the three intraoral scanners. RESULTS: The trueness of i500, Trios 3 and CEREC Primescan scanners was (182.34±101.21) µm, (145.21±71.73) µm, and (78.34±34.79) µm for maxilla; (106.42±21.63) µm, and 95.08 (63.08) µm, (78.45±42.77) µm for mandible. There was no significant difference in trueness of the three scanners when scanning the maxilla and mandible(P>0.05). The precision of the three scanners was 147.65 (156.30) µm, (147.54±83.33) µm, and 40.30 (32.80) µm for maxilla; (90.96±30.77) µm, (53.73±23.56) µm, and 37.60 (93.93) µm for mandible. The precision of CEREC Primescan scanner was significantly better than that of the other two scanners for maxilla (P<0.05). Trios 3 and CEREC Primescan scanners were significantly better than i500 scanner for mandible (P<0.05). The precision of the i500 and Trios 3 scanners for mandible was superior to maxilla (P<0.05). The upper limit of 95% confidence intervals of trueness and precision of three scanners for both maxilla and mandible were within ±300 µm which was clinically accepted. The morphological error of jaw relation record of the three scanners was (337.68±128.54) µm, (342.89±195.41) µm, and (168.62±88.35) µm. The 95% confidence intervals of i500 and Trios 3 scanners were over 300 µm. CEREC Primescan scanner was significantly superior to i500 scanner(P<0.05).The displacement of the jaw position of the three scanners was (0.83±0.56) mm, (0.80±0.45) mm, and (0.91±0.75) mm for vertical dimension; (0.79±0.58) mm, (0.62±0.18) mm, and (0.53±0.53) mm for anterior and posterior directions; (0.95±0.59) mm, (0.69±0.45) mm, and (0.60±0.22) mm for left and right directions. The displacement of the jaw position of the three scanners in vertical dimension, anterior and posterior directions and the left and right directions were within the 95% consistency limit. CONCLUSION: Three intraoral scanners showed good trueness and precision. The i500 and Trios 3 scanners had more errors in jaw relation record, but they were used as primary jaw relation record. It is suggested that three intraoral scanners can be used for obtaining digital data to make diagnostic dentures and individual trays, reducing possible deforming or crack when sending impressions from clinic to laboratory.

[Visual sensitivity threshold of lateral view of nasolabial Angle changes in edentulous jaw patients].

OBJECTIVE: To study the visual sensitivity threshold of physician's naked eye to the difference of nasolabial angle in edentulous jaw patients, and to provide a reference value for the study of aesthetic evaluation of soft tissue profile for the difference of nasolabial angle that can be recognized by human eyes. METHODS: Three-dimensional facial images of three edentulous patients with different diagnostic dentures introoral were obtained. Lateral screenshots of each patient's three-dimensional facial image with the same scale were obtained by using reverse engineering software (Geomagic studio 2014).The screenshot of the patient's three-dimensional facial image with suitable lip support (The suitable lip support was confirmed by both patients and prosthodontists who had clinical experience for more than 20 years) was taken as the reference picture, and the remaining pictures were grouped with it respectively. All the pictures were observed in random order by the subjects. Fifteen dentists were asked to judge the difference of nasolabial angle between the two pictures of each group on the computer screen. The difference of nasolabial angle between the two pictures in each group was measured and calculated. The ROC curve was drawn, and the best cut-off value was calculated as the visual sensitivity threshold. RESULTS: The data of the 15 subjects were used to draw ROC curves separately. The maximum and minimum best cut-off values were 5.55 degrees and 3.12 degrees respectively. The ROC curve of the whole 15 subjects was drawn after data aggregation, and the best cut-off value was 5.36 degrees (AUC=0.84>0.5, P=0.000<0.05). When the difference of nasolabial angle was above 5.36 degrees, the subjects could recognize it effectively. CONCLUSION: There is a visual limit in the observation of the nasolabial angle with the naked eye. In this study, a visual sensitivity threshold of 5.36 degrees for the difference of the nasolabial angle was obtained. The difference of nasolabial angle below this value can be regarded as no clinical significance. This result provides a reference value for human eyes to recognize the difference of nasolabial angle in soft tissue profile aesthetic evaluation. It can be applied to the aesthetic evaluation of soft tissue profile and can be used as the error level of related research with nasolabial angle as an index for accuracy evaluation.

[Independent innovation research of functionally suitable denture digital system].

Fabrication of conventional complete dentures involves a complex restoration method, requiring significant time and typically involving primary impressions, definitive impressions, jaw relation records, clinic try-in, and complete denture placement, which has been used for nearly a century without change. A novel digital system named Functionally Suitable Denture (FSD) was researched and developed so as to reduce clinical steps, operation difficulties and errors of complete denture restoration. It pioneered a unique diagnostic complete denture aided by computer aided design (CAD) & 3D printing, by which, the functional impression, jaw relation, and try-in (3 steps) were simplified to 1 step, thus the number of visits to the dentist was reduced by 2 times. Moreover, for the first time, it put forward a CAD software of template matching based on the expert design, which was an efficient and intelligent design scheme, and the excellent denture experts' experience and skills could be inherited and iterated. The system included the 3D scanner with appropriate accuracy and high efficiency, the CAD software, the special 3D printer and process software, and the innovative clinical operation process. The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) patent international search report showed that all the 15 claims of the technology were of novelty, creativity and industrial utility. All the digital products were independently developed and made by Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, China. The design and manufacture process of denture prosthesis was fast, simple and accurate. At the same time, personalized functional and aesthetic matching of the patients after wearing prosthesis was realized. It effectively solved the global problems of "slow, difficult and inaccurate" of the traditional manual technology of complete denture, and brought good news to edentulous patients. Compared with the traditional complete denture treatment, FSD system has a wide range of applications for different types of edentulous patients, including those with severe resorption of the alveolar ridge or a high occlusal force. Furthermore, the low-cost of 3D printers, compared with expensive milling machines, may make the approach more accessible. This review describes that our research is related to the development of the FSD system, including multi-source data acquisition technology, three generations of complete denture design software, 3D printing systems of individual tray and complete denture pattern, the clinical and laboratory operation process of the FSD system.

Determination of Electrocution Using Fourier Transform Infrared Microspectroscopy and Machine Learning Algorithm.

ABSTRACT: Objective To analyze the differences among electrical damage, burns and abrasions in pig skin using Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy （FTIR-MSP） combined with machine learning algorithm, to construct three kinds of skin injury determination models and select characteristic markers of electric injuries, in order to provide a new method for skin electric mark identification. Methods Models of electrical damage, burns and abrasions in pig skin were established. Morphological changes of different injuries were examined using traditional HE staining. The FTIR-MSP was used to detect the epidermal cell spectrum. Principal component method and partial least squares method were used to analyze the injury classification. Linear discriminant and support vector machine were used to construct the classification model, and factor loading was used to select the characteristic markers. Results Compared with the control group, the epidermal cells of the electrical damage group, burn group and abrasion group showed polarization, which was more obvious in the electrical damage group and burn group. Different types of damage was distinguished by principal component and partial least squares method. Linear discriminant and support vector machine models could effectively diagnose different damages. The absorption peaks at 2 923 cm-1, 2 854 cm-1, 1 623 cm-1, and 1 535 cm-1 showed significant differences in different injury groups. The peak intensity of electrical injury's 2 923 cm-1 absorption peak was the highest. Conclusion FTIR-MSP combined with machine learning algorithm provides a new technique to diagnose skin electrical damage and identification electrocution.

Relationship between Postmortem Interval and FTIR Spectroscopy Changes of the Rat Skin.

ABSTRACT: Objective To infer postmortem interval （PMI） based on spectral changes of the dorsal skin of rats within 15 days postmortem using Fourier transform infrared （FTIR） spectroscopy. Methods The rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation after anesthesia, and then placed at 25 ℃ and relative humidity of 50%. The FTIR spectral data collected from the dorsal skin at PMI points were modeled with machine learning technique. Results There was no significant difference of absorption peak location among all the PMI groups but their peak intensities changed as a function of PMIs. The model for PMI estimation was constructed using partial least squares （PLS） regression, reaching a R2 of 0.92 and a root mean square error （RMSE） of 1.30 d. As shown in variable importance for projection （VIP）, four spectral bands including 1 760-1 700 cm-1, 1 660-1 640 cm-1, 1 580-1 540 cm-1 and 1 460-1 420 cm-1 were determined as important contributions to model prediction. Conclusion Application of the FTIR technique to detect postmortem spectral changes of the rat skin provides a novel proposal for PMI estimation.

Application of Artificial Intelligence Automatic Diatom Identification System in Practical Cases.

ABSTRACT: Objective To discuss the application of artificial intelligence automatic diatom identification system in practical cases, to provide reference for quantitative diatom analysis using the system and to validate the deep learning model incorporated into the system. Methods Organs from 10 corpses in water were collected and digested with diatom nitric acid; then the smears were digitally scanned using a digital slide scanner and the diatoms were tested qualitatively and quantitatively by artificial intelligence automatic diatom identification system. Results The area under the curve （AUC） of the receiver operator characteristic （ROC） curve of the deep learning model incorporated into the artificial intelligence automatic diatom identification system, reached 98.22% and the precision of diatom identification reached 92.45%. Conclusion The artificial intelligence automatic diatom identification system is able to automatically identify diatoms, and can be used as an auxiliary tool in diatom testing in practical cases, to provide reference to drowning diagnosis.

The Gap Rock Lighthouse: construction and typhoon damage.

This paper focuses on the Gap Rock lighthouse, a legendary maritime infrastructure built 130 years ago in the Chinese territory and an early example of joint venture among the Qing Dynasty, the British Empire and the Hong Kong Colonial Government over a course of two decades. Based on 4 years of cross-territorial archival and field research as well as in-depth interviews with descendants of two key stakeholders, the origin of this lasting legacy on the sea is traced, followed by a detailed account of its challenging processes of planning, design and construction, and of the considerable damage to the compound by a severe typhoon in 1893. A qualitative analysis of the key contributing factors of the damage was conducted by taking into consideration the Island's unique topography and the historical records of territorial weather reports. A re-construction of the typhoon impact on the Lighthouse is presented to explain the possible mistakes in its siting and design that eventually caused the severe damage. This serves as a reminder of the significance of a thorough geographical investigation for any infrastructure for all construction professionals in the face of climatic change. This article is part of the theme issue 'Environmental loading of heritage structures'.

[Influencing factors of protein energy wasting in maintenance hemodialysis patients].

Objective: To analyze the influencing factors of protein energy wasting (PEW) in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Methods: A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in eleven hemodialysis centers of Guizhou province between June and August 2018. Clinical data, physical parameters, body composition data and laboratory values of MHD patients were collected. Analysis of variance was used to assess the impact of the indicators on the prevalence of PEW. Factor analysis was carried out after further classifing the factors into several common factors, and logistic regression was used to analyze the impact of common factors on PEW. Results: The results of univariate analysis showed that somatic cell mass, lean weight, fat content, body mass index (BMI), grip strength, leg circumference, hip circumference, waist circumference, midpoint circumference of upper arm, triceps skin fold thickness, hemoglobin, albumin, prealbumin, serum calcium, phosphorus, serum magnesium, creatinine, parathyroid hormone were the influential factors of PEW (all P<0.05). Factor analysis indicated that the above indicators can be classified into five common factors. Logistic regression model showed that with the increase of the prevalence of PEW, the scores of common factors decreased, the absolute value of regression coefficient beta in sequence, was common factor 2 (ß=-2.258, P<0.001), common factor 4 (ß=-1.589, P<0.001), common factor 1 (ß=-1.144, P=0.001) and common factor 3 (ß=-0.740, P=0.016). Conclusion: The reduction of fat content, anemia, hypoproteinemia, disorder of calcium and phosphorus metabolism were important factors influencing PEW.

[Histocompatibility of an original Chinese-made mid-urethral sling in a rabbit model].

Objective: To evaluate the histocompatibility of an original Chinese-made mid-urethral sling (Repelvica mid-urethral sling). Methods: In total 10 female New Zealand white rabbits were implanted with Repelvica mid-urethral sling or tension-free vaginal tape-obturator tape (TVT-O; Gynecare). Both brands of sling were implanted under deep fascia of the abdominal wall and in the space between vagina and bladder. All animal groups were sacrificed at set time intervals (4 weeks and 12 weeks), and the abdominal and vaginal slings were harvested for histological evaluation. Results: All slings appeared to be well incorporated into the abdominal wall and anterior vaginal wall. All specimens showed a thin, loose, fibrous interface between the synthetic graft and abdominal wall or vaginal wall, along with mild inflammatory reaction from 4 weeks to 12 weeks. Abdominal grafts of Repelvica mid-urethral sling and TVT-O induced comparable tissue reaction (histological score 10.5 versus 10.5 at 4 weeks, 10.0 versus 9.5 at 12 weeks; both P>0.05). Vaginal grafts of Repelvica mid-urethral sling had lower histological score than TVT-O (histological score 6.0 versus 12.0 at 4 weeks, 8.5 versus 12.5 at 12 weeks), however the differences were not statistically significant (both P>0.05). Conclusions: Chinese-made Repelvica mid-urethral sling exhibits good histocompatibility. Vaginal graft of Repelvica mid-urethral sling evoks minor tissue reaction, which could be attributed to its lightweighted property and favored its clinical application.

[Promoting migration and apoptosis of glioma cells by macrophage migration inhibitory factor].

Objective: To investigate the effect of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) on the biology of glioma U87MG and U251 cells. Methods: Silencing MIF gene expression in U87MG cells by RNA interference was monitored by Western blot. MIF low expressing U251 cells were treated at different concentrations of recombinant human MIF (rhMIF) and scratching test and flow cytometry were used to detect cell migration and apoptosis. The protein expression of bcl-2, bax, AKT, p-AKT was detected by Western blot. Results: The ability of migration and anti-apoptosis of U87MG cells silenced by siRNA decreased significantly, and the expression levels of p-AKT and anti-apoptotic protein bcl-2 also decreased; in contrast, the expression level of apoptosis protein bax increased. With increase of rhMIF treatment concentration, the expression levels of MIF protein, p-AKT and bcl-2 in U251 cells were gradually enhanced, whereas the level of apoptosis protein bax was inhibited. Conclusion: MIF promotes cell migration and inhibits apoptosis of both U87MG and U251 cells, likely through the regulation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Acute nutrient treatment causes alterations in intra-follicular antioxidation and AKT signaling.

This study aimed to determine if short-term nutrient alteration affects (1) ovarian morphology, (2) plasma and ovarian antioxidant capability and (3) cell apoptosis and AKT signaling within the ovary. After estrus synchronization, 24 Hu sheep were assigned to three groups based on the nutrient requirement recommended for maintenance (M): 1 × M (Control), 1.5 × M (S) and 0.5 × M (R) during days 7-14 of their estrous cycle. The results indicated that undernourishment significantly increased the counts and volume of follicles <2.5 mm and decreased the counts and volume of follicles ≥2.5 mm (P < 0.05). Feed restriction altered the plasma and follicular redox balance within follicles ≥2.5 mm by inhibiting total antioxidant capacity, increasing malondialdehyde concentration (P < 0.05) and reducing the mRNA expression levels of superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), as well as the activities of total SOD and GSH-PX. Feed restriction also attenuated B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL2) but enhanced Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX) and BAX/BCL2 transcription and translation levels in granulosa cells (P < 0.05). Uniform staining intensities of AKT and P-AKT-Ser473 were observed in each follicle stage, whereas weaker P-AKT-Thr308 staining in the antral follicle than in the pre-antral follicle suggested possible involvement of P-AKT-Thr308 during the beginning of follicle development. P-AKT-Ser473 levels in follicles ≥2.5 mm was significantly reduced in the R group (P < 0.05). The results presented in this study demonstrate that suppressed folliculogenesis caused by feed restriction might be associated with attenuated AKT signaling, reduced follicular antioxidant capacity and enhanced granulosa cells apoptosis.

Thermal-noise-limited higher-order mode locking of a reference cavity.

Higher-order mode locking has been proposed to reduce the thermal noise limit of reference cavities. By locking a laser to the HG02 mode of a 10-cm long all ultra-low expansion (ULE) cavity and measuring its performance with the three-cornered-hat method among three independently stabilized lasers, we demonstrate a thermal-noise-limited performance of a fractional frequency instability of 4.9×10-16. The results match the theoretical models with higher-order optical modes. The achieved laser instability improves the all ULE short cavity results to a new low level.

Carcass traits, meat quality, antioxidant status and antioxidant gene expression in muscle and liver of Hu lambs fed perilla seed.

The effects of perilla (Perilla frutescens L.) seed on carcass traits, meat quality, antioxidant status and antioxidant gene expression in the liver and muscle of Hu lambs were investigated in this study. Sixty Hu lambs (23.02 ± 1.36 kg) were randomly divided into four experimental groups receiving diets containing 0%, 5%, 10% or 15% perilla seed (CD, 5%PFSD, 10%PFSD and 15%PFSD, respectively). The addition of perilla seed had no significant impacts on carcass traits (p > .05). There were no differences in pH, meat colour, drip loss, cooking loss or shear force among the four treatments (p > .05). Addition of perilla seed increased (p < .05) deposition of intramuscular lipids but had no effect on other chemical components in the longissimus dorsi (LD) (p > .05). The 15%PFSD diet decreased the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the liver (p < .05 for both) but increased the activity of these antioxidant enzymes in LD (p < .05 for both). Compared to CD, addition of perilla seed increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) expression in the liver and LD (p < .05 for all). These results indicate that perilla seed supplementation in lambs' diets can increase deposition of intramuscular lipids and improve muscular oxidative status and meat quality.