[Bioinformatics-based analysis of the effect of general Transcription Factor IIH on prognosis of Prostate cancer].

Objective: To investigate the genetic and expression characteristics of transcription factor IIH (TFIIH) in pre-initiationcomplex in prostate cancer (PCa) and its relationship with prostate cancer progression. Methods: Analyzing the expression characteristics and clinical signification of TFIIH subunits about 495 cases of PCa and 52 cases of adjacent cancer in The Cancer Genome Atlas-Prostate adenocarcinoma (TCGA-PRAD) database. PCa microarray chip was used to verify the correlation between the key factor General Transcription Factor IIH Subunit 4 (GTF2H4) in TFIIH and clinical features. Results: The 495 patients with PCa were (61.01±6.82) years old.The mRNA expression of ERCC3、GTF2H4 and MNAT1 were high in PCa tissues with GS≥8(P<0.05). The expression of GTF2H4 and MNAT1 were relevant to the pathological stages(P<0.05). High expression of GTF2H4 has higher biochemical recurrence (BCR) rate in PCa patients(HR=2.47, 95%CI:1.62-3.77, P<0.001), which has better predictive effect of BCR in PCa patients(The 3rd, 5th, and 7th year AUC all>0.7) than other subunits, and it has been verified in four additional databases. Single-factor Cox regression analysis showed that GTF2H4 were risk factors for BCR (HR=2.470, 95%CI:1.620-3.767, P<0.001) and GTF2H5 were protective factors(HR=0.506,95%CI: 0.336-0.762, P=0.001). The results of immunohistochemical staining showed that the protein expression of GTF2H4 was correlated with the clinical features of PCa patients.The differences of the above results were statistically significant. Conclusion: GTF2H4, the key factor of TFIIH, is highly expressed in PCa and indicates a poor prognosis.

[Erdheim-Chester disease initially discovered at extraskeletal locations: a clinicopathological analysis of four cases].

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features of Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) initially diagnosed at extraskeletal locations. Methods: Clinical and pathological data of four cases of ECD diagnosed initially in extraskeletal locations were collected at Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, from January 2013 to June 2023. BRAF V600E gene was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Pertinent literatures were reviewed. Results: Four ECD patients included two males and two females ranging in ages from 2 years 11 months to 69 years. The lesions located in the lung (two cases), central nervous system (one case), and the testicle (one case) were collected in the study. One patient had occasional fever at night, one had nausea and vomiting, and two were asymptomatic. Radiologically, the two pulmonary ECD showed diffuse ground-glass nodules in both lungs, and the lesions in central nervous system and testicle both showed solid masses. Microscopically, there were infiltration of foamy histiocyte-like cells and multinucleated giant cells in a fibrotic background, accompanied by varying amounts of lymphocytes and plasma cells. The infiltration of tumor cells in pulmonary ECD was mainly seen in the subpleural area, interlobular septa, and perivascular and peribronchiolar areas. The fibrosis was more pronounced in the pleura and interlobular septa, and less pronounced in the alveolar septa. Immunohistochemical staining showed that all tumor cells expressed CD68, CD163 and Fô€ƒ¼a; one case showed S-100 expression; three cases were positive for BRAF V600E; all were negative for CD1α and Langerin. RT-PCR in all four cases showed BRAF V600E gene mutation. Conclusions: Extraskeletal ECD is often rare and occult, and could be easily misdiagnosed, requiring biopsy confirmation. The radiologic findings of pulmonary ECD is significantly different from other types of ECD, and the histopathological features of pronounced infiltration in the subpleura area, interlobular septa, perivascular and peribronchiolar areas can be helpful in the differential diagnosis from other pulmonary diseases. Detection of BRAF V600E gene mutation by RT-PCR and its expression by immunohistochemical staining are also helpful in the diagnosis.

[Diagnosis and differential diagnosis of large B-cell lymphoma with IRF4 rearrangement].

Objective: To analyze the clinicopathological features and differential diagnosis of large B-cell lymphoma with IRF4 rearrangement, aiming enhance its recognition and prevent misdiagnosis. Methods: The clinicopathological features, immunophenotype, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) results of six cases diagnosed with IRF4 rearrangement-positive B-cell lymphoma at the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from 2015 to 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Additionally, a comprehensive review of the literature was conducted. Results: Six patients with IRF4 rearrangement-positive large B-cell lymphoma were included. Patients 1 to 5 included three males and two females with a median age of 19 years ranging from 11 to 34 years. Four patients presented with head and neck lesions, while the other one had a breast nodule; all were in clinical Ann Arbor stages I to Ⅱ. Morphologically, entirely diffuse pattern was present in two cases, purely follicular pattern in one case, and diffuse and follicular patterns in other two cases. The tumor cells, predominantly centroblasts mixed with some irregular centrocytes, were of medium to large size, with a starry sky appearance observed in two cases. Immunophenotyping revealed all cases were positive for bcl-6 and MUM1, with a Ki-67 index ranging from 70% to 90%, and CD10 was positive in two cases. IRF4 rearrangement was confirmed in all cases by FISH analysis, with dual IRF4/bcl-6 rearrangements identified in two cases, leading to a diagnosis of LBCL-IRF4. Case 6, a 39-year-old female with a tonsillar mass and classified as clinical Ann Arbor stage Ⅳ, displayed predominantly diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) morphology with 20% high-grade follicular lymphoma characteristics. Immunohistochemistry showed negative CD10 and positive bcl-6/MUM1, with a Ki-67 index of approximately 80%. Triple rearrangements of IRF4/bcl-2/bcl-6 were identified by FISH, leading to a diagnosis of DLBCL with 20% follicular lymphoma (FL). All six patients achieved complete remission after treatment, with no progression or relapse during a follow-up period of 31-100 months. Conclusions: Large B-cell lymphoma with IRF4 rearrangement is a rare entity with pathological features that overlap with those of FL and DLBCL. While IRF4 rearrangement is necessary for diagnosing LBCL-IRF4, it is not specific and requires differentiation from other aggressive B-cell lymphomas with IRF4 rearrangement.

[Value of radiomics models based on MRI diffusion weighted imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient in differentiating benign and malignant thyroid nodules].

Objective: To investigate the value of radiomics models based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps in distinguishing benign and malignant thyroid nodules. Methods: A cross-sectional study. Clinical data of 148 thyroid nodules (50 benign, 98 malignant) from 140 patients who underwent thyroid MRI examination in Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between January 2019 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The nodules were used as the study units, and a leave-one-out method was used to randomly divide the nodules into a training set and a test set at a 7∶3 ratio. Region of interest was segmented and radiomics features were extracted from the DWI and ADC images. In the training set, feature selection was performed using inter-observer agreement analysis, U-test, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm, and correlation analysis. Four classifiers, including support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), k-nearest neighbors (KNN) and logistic regression (LR) were used to build models with the selected features, including the DWI models, ADC models, and combined models. The models were independently tested in the test set. The performance of the radiomics models in distinguishing benign and malignant thyroid nodules was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, with pathological results as the gold standard. Results: Of the 140 patients, there were 40 males and 100 females, with a mean age of (38.4±12.2) years. After feature selection, 11 DWI features and 11 ADC features were used to build the models. In the training set, the AUC values of the combined models were higher than those of the corresponding DWI and ADC models. In the test set, the SVM combined model showed the best predictive performance, with an AUC of 0.873 (95%CI:0.740-0.954), accuracy of 75.6%, sensitivity of 46.7%, specificity of 90.0%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 70.0% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 77.1%, while the RF combined model had an AUC of 0.836 (95%CI:0.695-0.929), accuracy of 77.8%, sensitivity of 40.0%, specificity of 96.7%, PPV of 85.7% and NPV of 76.3%, the KNN combined model had an AUC of 0.832 (95%CI:0.691-0.927), accuracy of 77.8%, sensitivity of 33.3%, specificity of 100%, PPV of 100% and NPV of 75.0%, the LR combined model had an AUC of 0.813 (95%CI:0.669-0.914), accuracy of 77.8%, sensitivity of 60.0%, specificity of 86.7%, PPV of 69.2% and NPV of 81.3%. Conclusions: Radiomics models based on DWI and ADC image features can effectively distinguish benign and malignant thyroid nodules. The SVM combined model had the best prediction performance.

[Early results of modified Bikini approach periacetabular osteotomy for the treatment of developmental hip dysplasia under 50 years of age].

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of modified Bikini approach periacetabular osteotomy in the treatment of developmental hip dysplasia under 50 years of age. Methods: The clinical data of 39 patients with developmental hip dysplasia who underwent periacetabular osteotomy in the Department of Orthopedics, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital from June 2016 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.Among them, 20 patients (21 hips) underwent the improved Bikini approach (study group) and 19 patients (20 hips) underwent the improved Smith-Petersen approach (control group).In the study group, there were 3 males and 17 females, aged(M(IQR))27.5 (14.3) years (range:11 to 44 years).In the control group, there were 2 males and 17 females, aged 27.5 (19.3) years (range:17 to 47 years).Both groups were sutured in the same manner by the same physician.Incision length, operation time, intraoperative blood loss and complications were recorded.X-ray images, anterior central marginal angle (ACE), lateral central marginal Angle (LCE) and acetabulum tilt angle (Tonnis AI) were measured before and after the operation.The coverage rate of acetabulum to femoral head (AHI) was measured and calculated, and the healing time was observed.Harris Hip score, International Hip score (IHOT)-12 and visual analogue scale (VAS) were recorded before and after surgery.Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) score and patient and observer scar assessment scale (POSAS) score were recorded 12 months after surgery.The independent sample t test,Wilcoxon rank sum test, χ2 test or Fisher exact test were used to compare the clinical efficacy between the two groups. Results: All patients successfully completed the operation.There was no significant difference in operation time and intraoperative blood loss between the two groups (all P>0.05).The incision length of the study group was smaller than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (10.5(5.0)cm vs.15.0(3.0),W=309.000,P=0.007).Patients were followed up for (19.1±11.1) months (range:12 to 60 months).Femoral nerve stretching injury occurred in 2 cases and sciatic branch fracture occurred in 1 case in the study group, all of which recovered to normal at 3 months follow-up, while no corresponding injury occurred in the control group.Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury occurred in 3 cases in the study group and 2 cases in the control group.Delayed wound healing occurred in 1 case in each of the two groups, and both healed after re-operation debridement and suture.Pubic branch nonunion occurred in 4 patients in the study group and 5 patients in the control group.There were no serious complications such as sciatic nerve and femoral blood vessel injury between the 2 groups, and there was no statistical significance in the incidence of complications between the 2 groups (52.4%(11/21)vs.40.0%(8/20),χ2=0.631,P=0.427).The clinical healing time of the patient was (4.5±1.3) months after surgery (range:3.0 to 8.0 months).There were no significant differences in ACE, LCE, Tonnis AI and AHI between the 2 groups (all P>0.05).At the last follow-up, there were no significant differences in VAS,Harris hip score and IHOT-12 score between the two groups (all P>0.05).The incision scars in the study group were smaller than those in the control group, and the differences in VSS and POSAS were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Compared with the improved Smith-Petersen approach, the improved Bikini approach has the same early clinical efficacy in the treatment of patients with developmental hip dysplasia under the age of 50, and has the advantages of smaller postoperative incision scars, more hidden and beautiful incision, and no serious complications, which is worthy of further study and promotion.

Observation of a Strongly Isospin-Mixed Doublet in

ß decay of proton-rich nuclei plays an important role in exploring isospin mixing. The ß decay of ^{26}P at the proton drip line is studied using double-sided silicon strip detectors operating in conjunction with high-purity germanium detectors. The T=2 isobaric analog state (IAS) at 13 055 keV and two new high-lying states at 13 380 and 11 912 keV in ^{26}Si are unambiguously identified through ß-delayed two-proton emission (ß2p). Angular correlations of two protons emitted from ^{26}Si excited states populated by ^{26}P ß decay are measured, which suggests that the two protons are emitted mainly sequentially. We report the first observation of a strongly isospin-mixed doublet that deexcites mainly via two-proton decay. The isospin mixing matrix element between the ^{26}Si IAS and the nearby 13 380-keV state is determined to be 130(21) keV, and this result represents the strongest mixing, highest excitation energy, and largest level spacing of a doublet ever observed in ß-decay experiments.

Optimising diffusion-weighted imaging of the thyroid gland using dedicated surface coil.

AIM: To assess the feasibility of applying field-of-view (FOV) optimised and constrained undistorted single-shot (FOCUS) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the thyroid gland by comparing its image quality with conventional DWI (C-DWI) qualitatively and quantitatively using a dedicated surface coil exclusively designed for the thyroid gland at 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, 32 healthy volunteers who had undergone 3 T the thyroid gland MRI with FOCUS-DWI and C-DWI were enrolled. Two independent reviewers assessed the overall image quality, artefacts, sharpness, and geometric distortion based on a five-point Likert scale. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were quantified for both sequences. Interobserver agreement, qualitative scores, and quantitative parameters were compared between two sequences. RESULTS: Agreement between the two readers was good for FOCUS-DWI (κ = 0.714-0.778) and moderate to good for C-DWI (κ = 0.525-0.672) in qualitative image quality assessment. Qualitatively, image quality (overall image quality, artefacts, sharpness, and geometric distortion) was significantly better in FOCUS-DWI than that in the C-DWI (all p<0.05); however, quantitatively, FOCUS-DWI had significantly lower SNRs (p<0.001) and CNRs (p=0.012) compared with C-DWI. The ADC value on FOCUS-DWI was significantly higher than that on C-DWI (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: FOCUS-DWI depicted the thyroid gland with significantly better image quality qualitatively and less ghost artefacts, but had significantly lower SNR and CNR quantitatively, compared with C-DWI, suggesting that both DWI sequences have advantages and could be chosen for different purposes.

Promoting effect of the recombinant resuscitation promoting factors-2 of Rhodococcus erythropolis on petroleum degradation and cultivable bacterial diversities of the oil-contaminated soils.

Resuscitation-promoting factors (Rpfs) belong to peptidoglycan hydrolases, which participate in recovery of dormant cells and promoting bacteria growth. In this study, the resuscitation promoting factor rpf2 gene of Rhodococcus erythropolis KB1 was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by Ni2+ affinity chromatography. The purified recombinant fusion protein Rpf2 showed a closely 50 kDa band on sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The protein showed muralytic activity, with a specific activity of 1503 ± 123 U mg-1 when determined with 4-methylumbelliferyl-ß-d-N, N',N″-triacetotri-ylchitoside as substrate. It also showed protease activity when measured with azocasein as substrate, with a specific activity of 1528 ± 411 U mg-1 . The addition of the recombinant Rpf2 protein significantly increased petroleum degradation efficiency of the indigenous micro-organisms and the petroleum degradation rates increased from 30·86 to 43·45%, 45·20 and 49·23% in the treatment groups. The recombinant protein also increased the petroleum-degrading bacterial diversities enriched from the contaminated soils. The cultivable bacterial flora of the treatment groups supplemented with different concentrations of Rpf2 increased from 82 genera in 9 phyla to 116 genera in 16 phyla and 138 genera in 16 phyla respectively. Thirteen extra petroleum-degrading bacteria strains were isolated from the petroleum-contaminated soils in the groups containing the recombinant Rpf2.

Effect of feeding fresh forage plantain (Plantago lanceolata) or ryegrass-based pasture on methane emissions, total-tract digestibility, and rumen fermentation of nonlactating dairy cows.

Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) is an herb used to reduce the forage deficit of ryegrass-based pastures during the summer. This herb is being promoted for its reduced environmental impact in terms of nitrogen emissions, particularly reducing urinary nitrogen. However, the effect of plantain on emissions of enteric CH4, the main greenhouse gas produced from ruminant-based production systems, is not known. The aim of the present trial was to determine CH4 emissions and rumen fermentation characteristics of nonlactating dairy cows fed 100% plantain (PLT) or 100% perennial ryegrass (RG; Lolium perenne) in 2 experiments (E1 and E2). The forages were in a vegetative growth stage in E1 and were in a reproductive growth stage in E2. Methane emissions from 16 cows in each experiment were measured in respiration chambers for 2 d. Methane emissions per unit of dry matter intake (CH4 yield) were 15 and 28% less for cows fed PLT than those fed RG in E1 and E2, respectively. Dry matter digestibility of PLT was 7 and 27% less than that of RG in E1 and E2, respectively, and CH4 per unit of dry matter digested was similar for PLT and RG in both experiments. There were only minor (but some significant) differences in rumen fermentation characteristics between cows fed PLT and RG in both experiments. In conclusion, CH4 yield was lower for cows fed PLT compared with those fed RG in both experiments and this reduction was largely explained by the lesser dry matter digestibility of PLT.

Factors influencing utilisation of assistive devices by the elderly in China: a community-based cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to gain an insight into the utilisation, self-perceived needs, and attitudes towards and influencing factors of assistive device (AD) usage among community-dwelling older adults in China. STUDY DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional study. METHODS: A total of 5790 elderly people from eight communities within three provinces in China were recruited by convenience sampling. Utilisation, needs and attitudes towards ADs were assessed by a questionnaire designed by the authors. Barthel activities of daily living scale was used to determine disability, whereas cognitive function was assessed with the Mini-Mental State Examination. The impact of participant characteristics, enabling factors and demand factors on the utilisation of ADs were assessed by univariate and multifactor analyses. RESULTS: The prevalence of AD ownership among participants was 10.9% (n = 634), whereas the self-perceived need for ADs was 46.1% (n = 2670). Most participants had negative attitudes towards ADs, with only 37.6% (n = 2175) of participants believing that ADs were of significant help. Factors influencing the usage of ADs included participant characteristics (age, occupation, living area, education), enabling factors (economic situation, number of children) and demand factors (activities of daily living score, attitudes, self-perceived needs). CONCLUSIONS: Although ADs for the elderly in China have become more affordable and accessible after a series of reforms, there remains a gap in AD services resulting in low AD utilisation, high self-perceived needs and misconceptions of ADs. Certain factors influencing the use of ADs are more significant than others. The findings from this study will be informative for healthcare providers and decision-makers when designing strategies to achieve universal elderly AD usage.

[Clinicopathological features and HER2 expression of metaplastic squamous cell carcinoma of the breast].

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features and HER2 expression of metaplastic squamous cell carcinoma (MSCC) of the breast. Methods: A total of 47 MSCC cases diagnosed in the Wuhan Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China from January 2010 to December 2021 were reviewed. The clinical information (including the follow-up data of HER2 positive patients) and pathological features were collected and analyzed. Results: All of the patients were female. Among the 47 cases, 25 were pure squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) and 22 were mixed metaplastic carcinoma with squamous cell component (MMSC). The median age of the patients was 54 years (range, 29-84 years). The maximum diameter of the mass ranged from 0.8 to 10.0 cm, with a mean value of 3.3 cm, 85.7% (24/28) of the cases were smaller than 5 cm, and only 4 cases were larger than or equal to 5 cm. 89.5% of the MMSC presented with a solid mass. Cystic changes were more commonly found in the PSCC group (50%, P<0.05) than the MMSC group. 36.7% (11/30) of the patients had lymph node metastasis at the time of diagnosis. The squamous cell carcinoma component in all cases showed diffuse or patchy expression of p63, p40 and CK5/6. 55.3% (26/47) of the cases showed triple-negative phenotype. Among the 7 HER2-positive patients, 6 were MMSC group, which had a significantly higher rate of HER2-positivity than that in the PSCC group (1 case). In 1 MMSC case, immunohistochemistry showed HER2 2+in the invasive ductal carcinoma component and HER2 negativity (0) in the squamous cell carcinoma component, but HER2 FISH was negative in invasive ductal carcinoma and positive in squamous cell carcinoma component. Six HER2-positive MSCC patients received anti-HER2-targeted therapy, including two patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with anti-HER2-targeted therapy before surgery. One patient achieved pathological complete remission, while the other achieved partial remission (the residual tumors were squamous cell carcinoma components). After 9-26 months of follow-up, four patients had no disease progression, two patients developed pulmonary metastases, and one patient showed local recurrence. Conclusions: MSCC is a group of heterogeneous diseases. PSCC and MMSC may be two different entities. Most of the MSCC are triple-negative and HER2 positivity is more commonly seen in MMSC with invasive ductal carcinoma component. Some HER2-positive MSCC patients can achieve complete remission or long-term progression-free survival after receiving anti-HER2 targeted therapy, but the squamous cell carcinoma component may be less sensitive to targeted therapy than the invasive ductal carcinoma component.

Effects of astragalus polysaccharide on intestinal inflammatory damage in goslings infected with gosling plague.

1. This study explored the effects of Astragalus membranaceus polysaccharide (APS) on intestinal inflammatory damage of goslings infected with parvovirus ('gosling plague').2. A total of 90 healthy goslings were randomly divided into three groups; control, infected or APS treated, respectively. Goslings in the infection and APS treatment groups were inoculated with 0.3 ml allantoic fluid containing goose parvovirus (ELD50 = 1 × 103/0.3 ml) by intramuscular injection and the control group were injected with saline (0.3 ml) twice a day for 15 days.3. Blood serum and the jejunum were collected at 5, 10 and 15 days after the start of the experiment to detect the activities of SOD and GSH-Px, levels of MDA, sIgA, IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α, the mRNA expression of IL-1ß, IL-6, LITAF, NF-κB, COX-2 and PGE2, pathological damage in the jejunum and serum IgG, IgM, C3, C4, IFN-γ levels.4. After APS treatment, SOD and GSH-Px activities increased, MDA content decreased; sIgA, IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α protein content, and IL-1ß, IL-6, LITAF, NF-κB, COX-2 and PGE2 mRNA expression decreased in the jejunal tissue, serum IgG, IgM, C3, C4, IFN-γ significantly increased and pathological damage of jejunum significantly improved.5. In conclusion, APS reduced intestinal inflammatory damage in goslings infected with parvovirus by improving the immune and antioxidant functions of goslings.

[The value of MRI plain scan and DWI in the diagnosis of brain metastases].

Objective: To investigate the clinical value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plain scan and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) in the diagnosis of brain metastases. Methods: The MRI plain imaging findings of 105 cases with brain metastases and 103 cases without brain metastases confirmed by enhanced MRI examination and clinical diagnosis were retrospectively analyzed. The comparisons of plain MRI findings including T1 weighted image (T1WI), T2WI, T2/fluid attenuated inversion recovery (T2/FLAIR), DWI and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were made between brain metastases and non-brain metastases. Results: The numbers of hypo-intensity, iso-intensity, hyper-intensity and heterogeneous signal intensity of T1WI in the brain metastatic group were 54, 23, 9 and 19, respectively, while the numbers of hypo-intensity and iso-intensity in the non-brain metastatic group were 52 and 51, respectively, with statistically significant difference (P<0.001). The numbers of hypo-intensity, iso-intensity, hyper-intensity and heterogeneous signal intensity of T2WI in the brain metastatic group were 1, 9, 72 and 23, respectively, while the numbers of iso-intensity and hyper-intensity in the non-brain metastatic group were 11 and 92, respectively, with statistically significant difference (P<0.001). The numbers of hypo-intensity, hyper-intensity and heterogeneous signal intensity of DWI in the brain metastatic group were 4, 31 and 65, respectively, while the number of hyper-intensity in the non-brain metastatic group was 4 and others were iso-intensity, respectively, with statistically significant difference (P<0.001). The numbers of hypo-intensity, iso-intensity, hyper-intensity and heterogeneous signal intensity of T2WI/FLAIR in the brain metastatic group were 4, 5, 60 and 36, respectively, while all cases in the non-brain metastatic group were hyper-intensity, with statistically significant difference (P<0.001). The number of lesion accompanied with peripheral edema in the brain metastatic group were 69 cases, significantly higher than 0 cases in the non-brain metastatic group (P<0.001). The mean ADC value in the brain metastatic group were (0.919±0.019)×10(-3) mm(2)/s, significantly lower than (1.098±0.012)×10(-3) mm(2)/s of non-brain metastatic group (P<0.05). Conclusions: For patients with a history of primary malignancy, the MRI plain scan signals of T1WI, T2WI, T2WI/FLAIR and DWI are significantly different between brain metastatic tumor and non-metastatic tumor. The mixed signal, peripheral edema and the restriction of DWI diffusion indicate brain metastases. The combined application of the above parameters can improve the diagnostic efficacy of predicting brain metastases, and contrast enhancement MRI examination should be performed for the confirmation of diagnosis.

[Protective effect of vitamin D in mice with acute liver failure].

Objective: To explore the protective effect of vitamin D in acute liver failure through a mouse model. Methods: Acute liver failure was induced by combining D-galactosamine (D-GalN) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to observe the effect of long-term vitamin D deficiency on liver injury and inflammatory signals in a mouse model. Acute liver failure was induced by thioacetamide (TAA) to observe the effect of vitamin D deficiency on the survival rate, and further high-dose of vitamin D supplementation protective effect was determined in a mouse model. Liver function was evaluated by measuring serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and liver inflammation by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The expressions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin (IL) -1ß, NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP-3), chemokines (CCL2, CXCL1 and CXCL2), etc. in liver tissues were detected by RT-qPCR. The quantitation of macrophages in liver tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry. The comparison between groups were performed by t-test. The survival curve was analyzed by log-rank (Mantel-Cox) test. Results: Long-term vitamin D deficiency had increased acute liver failure sensitivity in mice, which was manifested by increased blood cell extravasation, massive necrosis of parenchymal cells, up-regulation of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and NLRP-3 mRNA expression (P < 0.05), and increased macrophages quantitation (P < 0.05) in liver tissues. At the same time, vitamin D deficiency had increased the mice mortality rate because of liver injury (P < 0.01). On the contrary, pre-administration of high dose of vitamin D (100 IU/g) had significantly reduced liver injury, inhibited ALT and AST rise (P < 0.01), alleviated liver necrosis, and down-regulated the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors in liver tissues (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Mouse model shows that long-term vitamin D deficiency can aggravate drug-induced acute liver failure and reduce survival rates. Furthermore, high-dose of vitamin D has a certain hepatoprotective effect, which can significantly improve liver necrosis condition and inhibit inflammation. Therefore, adequate vitamin D can retain liver physiological balance to resist liver injury.

Creation and Characterization of Matter-Wave Breathers.

We report the creation of quasi-1D excited matter-wave solitons, "breathers," by quenching the strength of the interactions in a Bose-Einstein condensate with attractive interactions. We characterize the resulting breathing dynamics and quantify the effects of the aspect ratio of the confining potential, the strength of the quench, and the proximity of the 1D-3D crossover for the two-soliton breather. Furthermore, we demonstrate the complex dynamics of a three-soliton breather created by a stronger interaction quench. Our experimental results, which compare well with numerical simulations, provide a pathway for utilizing matter-wave breathers to explore quantum effects in large many-body systems.

Large Isospin Asymmetry in

ß-delayed one-proton emissions of ^{22}Si, the lightest nucleus with an isospin projection T_{z}=-3, are studied with a silicon array surrounded by high-purity germanium detectors. Properties of ß-decay branches and the reduced transition probabilities for the transitions to the low-lying states of ^{22}Al are determined. Compared to the mirror ß decay of ^{22}O, the largest value of mirror asymmetry in low-lying states by far, with δ=209(96), is found in the transition to the first 1^{+} excited state. Shell-model calculation with isospin-nonconserving forces, including the T=1, J=2, 3 interaction related to the s_{1/2} orbit that introduces explicitly the isospin-symmetry breaking force and describes the loosely bound nature of the wave functions of the s_{1/2} orbit, can reproduce the observed data well and consistently explain the observation that a large δ value occurs for the first but not for the second 1^{+} excited state of ^{22}Al. Our results, while supporting the proton-halo structure in ^{22}Al, might provide another means to identify halo nuclei.

Multi-drug resistant spinal tuberculosis-epidemiological characteristics of in-patients: a multicentre retrospective study.

Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death among infectious diseases. China has a high burden of TB and accounted for almost 13% of the world's cases of multi-drug resistant (MDR) TB. Spinal TB is one reason for the resurgence of TB in China. Few large case studies of MDR spinal TB in China have been conducted. The aim of this research was to observe the epidemiological characteristics of inpatients with MDR spinal TB in six provinces and cities of China from 1999-2015. This is a multicentre retrospective observational study. Patients' information was collected from the control disease centre and infectious disease database of hospitals in six provinces and cities in China. A total of 3137 patients with spinal TB and 272 patients with MDR spinal TB were analysed. The result showed that MDR spinal TB remains a public health concern and commonly affects patients 15-30 years of age (34.19%). The most common lesions involved the thoracolumbar spine (35.66%). Local pain was the most common symptom (98.53%). Logistic analysis showed that for spinal TB patients, reside in rural district (OR 1.79), advanced in years (OR 1.92) and high education degree (OR 2.22) were independent risk factors for the development of MDR spinal TB. Women were associated with a lower risk of MDR spinal TB (OR 0.48). The most common first-line and second-line resistant drug was isoniazid (68.75%) and levofloxacin (29.04%), respectively. The use of molecular diagnosis resulted in noteworthy clinical advances, including earlier initiation of MDR spinal TB treatment, improved infection control and better clinical outcome. Chemotherapy and surgery can yield satisfactory outcomes with timely diagnosis and long-term treatment. These results enable a better understanding of the MDR spinal TB in China among the general public.

Systematic analysis of copy-number variations associated with early pregnancy loss.

OBJECTIVES: Embryonic numerical and structural chromosomal abnormalities are the most common cause of early pregnancy loss. However, the role of submicroscopic copy-number variations (CNVs) in early pregnancy loss is unclear, and little is known about the critical regions and candidate genes for miscarriage, because of the large size of structural chromosomal abnormalities. The aim of this study was to identify potential miscarriage-associated submicroscopic CNVs and critical regions of large CNVs as well as candidate genes for miscarriage. METHODS: Over a 5-year period, 5180 fresh miscarriage specimens were investigated using quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction/CNV sequencing or chromosomal microarray analysis. Statistically significant submicroscopic CNVs were identified by comparing the frequency of recurrent submicroscopic CNVs between cases and a published control cohort. Furthermore, genes within critical regions of miscarriage-associated CNVs were prioritized by integrating the Residual Variation Intolerance Score and the human gene expression dataset for identification of potential miscarriage candidate genes. RESULTS: Results without significant maternal-cell contamination were obtained in 5003 of the 5180 (96.6%) cases. Clinically significant chromosomal abnormalities were identified in 59.1% (2955/5003) of these cases. Three recurrent submicroscopic CNVs (microdeletions in 22q11.21, 2q37.3 and 9p24.3p24.2) were significantly more frequent in miscarriage cases, and were considered to be associated with miscarriage. Moreover, 44 critical regions of large CNVs were observed, including 14 deletions and 30 duplications. There were 309 genes identified as potential miscarriage candidate genes through gene-prioritization analysis. CONCLUSIONS: We identified potential miscarriage candidate CNVs and genes. These data demonstrate the importance of CNVs in the etiology of miscarriage and highlight the importance of ongoing analysis of CNVs in the study of miscarriage. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

[Subnational inequalities of early marriage and fertility among Chinese females from 1990 to 2010].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the inequality of early marriage and adolescent fertility with respect to local economic development among Chinese females aged 15-19 years from 1990 to 2010. METHODS: Aggregated data were extracted from the Chinese National Census from 1990 to 2010. We calculated the ever-married rate and fertility rate of female adolescents aged 15-19 years. Using gross domestic product (GDP) per capita as an indicator for socio-economic status of a province, we calculated the slope index of inequality (SII) and the concentration index (CI) to analyze the subnational inequalities of early marriage and adolescent fertility. Weighted linear regression models were also established to assess the associations between GDP per capita and the ever-married rate/fertility rate. RESULTS: The ever-married rate for Chinese female adolescents aged 15-19 years decreased from 4.7% in 1990 to 1.2% in 2000, and rebounded to 2.1% in 2010. From 1990 to 2000, the fertility rate decreased from 22.0 per 1 000 to 6.0 per 1 000, and further decreased to 5.9 per 1 000 in 2010. In 1990, the socio-economic inequalities of the ever-married rate and fertility rate for female adolescents aged 15-19 years were not statistically significant (P for SII or CI>0.05). The values of SII revealed that, in 2000 and 2010, female adolescents with the lowest GDP per capita had an ever-married rate 2.4% (95%CI: 0.4-4.4) and 2.3% (95%CI: 0.3-4.2) higher than those with the highest GDP per capita, respectively. In the meantime, in 2000 and 2010, female adolescents with the lowest GDP per capita had a fertility rate 12.9 per 1 000 (95%CI: 5.4-20.5) and 9.3 per 1 000 (95%CI: 4.6-14.0) higher than those with the highest, respectively. In 2000 and 2010, the CIs for marriage were -0.32 (P=0.02) and -0.17 (P=0.03), respectively, and the CIs for childbirth were -0.37 (P<0.01) and -0.26 (P<0.01), respectively. In 2000, the ever-married rate and the fertility rate were estimated to increase by 1.4% (95%CI: 0.1-2.7) and 7.9 per 1 000 (95%CI: 2.9-12.8) with 100% increase in GDP per capita, respectively; in 2010, the numbers were 1.5% (95%CI: 0.1-2.9) and 6.7 per 1 000 (95%CI: 3.2-10.1), respectively. CONCLUSION: Subnational socio-economic inequality of early marriage and adolescent fertility existed in 2000 and 2010. Female adolescents residing in less-developed areas were more likely to engage in early marriage and childbirth. Reducing income inequality and increasing education investment for poverty-stricken areas seem to be effective measures to reduce this inequality.

[Trends of prevalence of excellent health status and physical fitness among Chinese Han students aged 13 to 18 years from 1985 to 2014].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the trends of prevalence of excellent health status and physical fitness among Chinese Han students aged 13 to 18 years from 1985 to 2014. METHODS: In the study, 738 523 students aged 13 to 18 years were extracted from the 1985 to 2014 Chinese National Survey on Students' Constitution and Health. Height, weight, vital capacity and indicators of physical fitness were measured for each student. According to National Standards for Students' Physical Health (2014 Revision), students meeting an overall score ≥ 90.0 were considered to be of excellent health status and physical fitness. We used the Chi-square test to compare the differences in prevalence of excellent health status and physical fitness among different subgroups and draw maps of regional distribution of prevalence by using ArcGIS. RESULTS: From 1985 to 2014, the average height, weight, and BMI for Chinese Han students aged 13 to 18 years increased consistently, while the average vital capacity and indicators of physical fitness fluctuated largely. The overall prevalence of excellent health status and physical fitness increased from 2.7% in 1985 to 4.4% in 1995, dropped consistently to 1.1% in 2005, rebounded 0.6 percentage points in 2010, and increased to 2.2% in 2014. In each survey year, the prevalence for the boys was always higher than for the girls (P<0.001), the prevalence for middle school students aged 13 to 15 years was always higher than for high school students aged 16-18 years (P<0.001), and the prevalence for students in eastern region was higher than in western and central regions (P<0.001). In 1985 and 1995, the prevalence in certain provinces in eastern and central regions was <1%. In 2005, almost half provinces (14/30) had a prevalence <1%. In 2014, provinces in eastern coastal areas had relatively high prevalence of excellent health status and physical fitness in students aged 13 to 18 years, while provinces in central and western regions had relatively low prevalence. CONCLUSION: A fluctuating trend of the prevalence of excellent health status and physical fitness has been observed among Chinese Han students aged 13 to 18 years during the past three decades. There is great difference between the current prevalence of excellent health status and physical fitness and the goal of Outline of the Healthy China 2030 Plan, thus, the effective interventions and strategies for promoting students' physical activity and physical fitness are urgently needed in China.