[New progress on diagnosis and treatment for indeterminate-phase chronic hepatitis B virus-infected patients].

Authoritative guidelines at home and abroad typically classify chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection into four stages. However, in clinical practice, a considerable number of patients do not meet the guidelines for staging and are called "indeterminate phase" chronic HBV- infected patients. Studies have shown that patients in the indeterminate phase account for about 30%-50% of chronic HBV infection, have significant liver histological changes or even cirrhosis in a large proportion, and are at a higher risk of HCC and death if they do not receive antiviral therapy. Preliminary research shows that patients in the indeterminate phase who receive antiviral treatment have a good virological response and a remarkable reduced HCC risk. To this end, the 2022 publication "Expert Opinions on Expanding Antiviral Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis B" recommends aggressive treatment for patients with an indeterminate phase who have undergone more than a year of follow-up. However, there is still a lack of unified standards to refine the classification, as well as a lack of effective and rapid non-invasive diagnostic methods to identify patients in the indeterminate phase who are at risk for disease progression. This article aims to review the researches on the proportion, clinical characteristics, disease progression, and treatment benefits to further explore how to better manage indeterminate-phase chronic HBV-infected patients.

[Effect of underdilated stent on the occurrence of hepatic encephalopathy after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creation].

Objective: To evaluate whether underdilated stent could reduce the occurrence of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation. Methods: A total of 197 patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis, who had underwent TIPS creation at Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, were analyzed retrospectively, including 110 males and 87 females with age 25-79 (54±11) years old. Uncovered and covered stents with 8 mm diameter were implanted in all subjects, and then dilated by balloon catheters with 6 mm or 8 mm diameter. The patients were divided into two groups, including underdilated group (6 mm, n=105) and control group (8 mm, n=92).Kaplan-Meier curves were used to illustrate cumulative rate of HE, and the differences were assessed with the log-rank test. Multivariate analyses with a Cox regression model were conducted to explore the risk factors for HE. Results: During a median follow-up period of 29 (12-54) months, 16 (15.2%) patients developed HE in the underdilated group and 27 (29.3%) patients in the control group. There was a significant difference in the cumulative rate of HE (P=0.014), but no statistical differences were found in terms of variceal rebleeding, shunt dysfunction and survival between the two groups (P=0.608, P=0.659, P=0.968). In multivariated analysis, group assignment (underdilated vs. control, HR=0.291, 95%CI 0.125-0.674, P=0.004) was identified as an independent risk factor for HE after TIPS creation. Conclusion: Underdilated TIPS could reduced the risk of HE compared with completely dilated TIPS, with comparable risk of variceal rebleeding, shunt dysfunction and mortality. And it is worthy of applying this technique to a large sample of patients in clinical practice.

[Comparison of hip offset and rotation center reconstruction between robot-assisted and manual total hip arthroplasty].

Objective: To compare the differences of hip offset and rotation center reconstruction between robot-assisted and manual total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods: Patients underwent robot-assisted and manual THA from May to September of 2020 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were enrolled in this study. The patients included 27 patients (28 hips) in robot-assisted THA (rTHA) group and 29 patients (31 hips) in manual THA (mTHA) group. In rTHA group, there were 16 males and 11 females, with a mean age of (59±13) years. In mTHA group, there were 18 males and 11 females, with a mean age of (63±14) years. Basic information, including gender, age, body mass index (BMI), diagnosis and functional scoring etc, were recorded. In rTHA group, Mako robot system was used for preoperative planning, intraoperative real-time location and navigation. In mTHA group, traditional preoperative template design and surgical procedure were carried out. Operation time and functional scoring were compared postoperatively. Femoral offset, acetabular offset, global offset, rotation center changes in vertical and horizontal directions were measured on pelvis X-ray and analyzed. The correlation between intraoperative feedback of global offset change in robot system and postoperative measured global offset were analyzed. Results: Operation time in rTHA group was (80±10) min, which was statistically longer than that in mTHA group ((58±18) min, P<0.001). With 6 months' follow-up, the Harris scoring in rTHA group was 94.9±2.8, which was statistically higher than that in mTHA group (93.1±2.8, P=0.017), however there was no statistic difference in WOMAC scoring between rTHA and mTHA group (7.0±3.8 vs 7.1±2.4, P=0.840). Absolute global offset change within 5 mm, 5-10 mm and lager than 10 mm were 71.4%(20/28), 28.6%(8/28) and 0 in rTHA group, which were 45.2%(14/31), 29.0%(9/31) and 25.8%(8/31) in mTHA group (all P<0.05). A positive relation was found between intraoperative feedback of global offset change in robot system and postoperative measured global offset in rTHA group (r=0.77, P<0.001). It was found that rotation center changes concentrated in outer upper quadrant in both groups, and rotation center change in rTHA group concentrated mainly in the area less than 10 mm, however, rotation center change in mTHA group was more dispersive compared with rTHA group. Conclusion: rTHA may accurately reconstruct hip offset and rotation center, intraoperation feedback of global offset change may be an effective reference.

Life during the pandemic: an international photo-elicitation study with medical students.

BACKGROUND: The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic is a global event with unprecedented impact on individuals and communities around the world. The purpose of this study is to use a modified photo-elicitation methodology to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lives of medical students and their communities around the world. METHODS: Participating medical students were asked to take photographs for 14 days. In lieu of an interview, which is customary for photo-elicitation projects, participants were asked to share a reflection (a paragraph or two) for each photograph they contributed to the study. RESULTS: Between April 27th, 2020 and May 11th, 2020 26 students from 19 medical schools across 13 countries shared photographs and reflections. Qualitative analysis of written reflections revealed that medical students felt the impact of the pandemic on several levels 1) individual, 2) interpersonal, 3) educational, and 4) societal. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the lives of medical students on multiple levels. As individuals, students felt emotional distress but found resilience through physical activity and the establishment of new routines. Many students felt isolated as their interpersonal relationships were confined due to social distancing measures. These feelings could be combated with new educational initiatives focused on group collaboration. Lastly, students reflecting on the larger societal implications were concerned with the economic ramifications of the virus and its impact on their future. This study brought together students from several different countries to engage in an applied learning program as a model for equitable global health research.

[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.

[Quality of life and related factors in patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality of life of patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), to compare the difference between IC/BPS and overactive bladder (OAB) pain syndrome, and to explore the related factors affecting the quality of life of IC/BPS patients. METHODS: The demographic data of female outpatients with IC/BPS in Beijing Hospital and other medical centers in China were collected. The quality of life of the patients was investigated by multi-angle questionnaires and compared with the data of OAB patients. According to the influence degree of quality of life, the patients with IC/BPS were divided into mild-moderate group and severe group. RESULTS: In this study, 109 patients with IC/BPS were included. The average age was (46.4±14.3) years and the average course of disease was (39.4±51.6) months. Compared with the OAB patients, the patients in IC/BPS group had a longer average course of disease (P=0.008), a lower proportion of the patients of first visit for the disease (P < 0.001), a higher score of the American Urological Association symptom index (AUA-SI) (P < 0.001), a lower body mass index (BMI) ratio (P=0.016), and a lower incidence of constipation (P=0.006). IC/BPS had the greatest impact on family life, followed by social activity. The score of IC/BPS related symptoms on family life was significantly higher than that of the OAB group (P=0.003). The top three symptoms of the IC/BPS patients were pain (45%), frequency (28%) and urgency (17%). The score of quality of life in the IC/BPS patients was significantly higher than that in the OAB patients (P < 0.001). Caffeine intake (P=0.034) and constipation (P=0.003) might be the factors influencing the quality of life of the patients with IC/BPS. CONCLUSION: IC/BPS has a great influence on the quality of life of patients. Caffeine intake and constipation may be related factors affecting the quality of life of patients with IC/BPS. Urologists should recommend changes in diet and lifestyle to reduce symptoms and improve the patients' quality of life.

Constraining the External Capture to the

The ^{12}C(α,γ)^{16}O reaction is one of the most crucial reactions in nuclear astrophysics. The E2 external capture to the ^{16}O ground state (GS) has not been emphasized in previous analyses but may make a significant contribution to the ^{12}C(α,γ)^{16}O cross section depending on the value of the GS asymptotic normalization coefficient (ANC). In the present work, we determine this ANC to be 337±45 fm^{-1/2} through the ^{12}C(^{11}B,^{7}Li)^{16}O reaction using a high-precision magnetic spectrograph. This sheds light on the existing large discrepancy of more than 2 orders of magnitude between the previously reported ANC values. Based on the new ANC, we experimentally constrain the GS external capture and show that through interference with the high energy tail of the 2^{+} subthreshold state, a substantial enhancement in the GS S_{E2}(300) factor can be obtained (70±7 keV b) compared to that of a recent review (45 keV b), resulting in an increase of the total S factor from 140 to 162 keV b, which is now in good agreement with the value obtained by reproducing supernova nucleosynthesis calculations with the solar-system abundances. This work emphasizes that the external capture contribution for the ground state transition cannot be neglected in future analyses of the ^{12}C(α,γ)^{16}O reaction.

miR-34a and miR-125a-5p inhibit proliferation and metastasis but induce apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells via repressing the MACC1-mediated PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

microRNA-34a (miR-34a) and microRNA-1251-5p (miR-125a-5p) were considered as tumor suppressors in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nevertheless, the modulatory mechanisms of miR-34a and miR-125a-5p in HCC haven't been completely understood. The levels of metastasis-associated with colon cancer 1 (MACC1) and miRNAs (miR-34a and miR-125a-5p) were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and the levels of associated proteins were detected by western blot assay. Cell proliferation and metastasis were examined via Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and transwell assays, respectively. Cell apoptosis was measured through flow cytometry. The effect of MACC1 on HCC in vivo was explored via xenograft assay. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA Immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay were implemented to explore the target correlation. The expression of MACC1 was upregulated in HCC tissues and cells. Knockdown of MACC1 inhibited proliferation and metastasis but expedited apoptosis of HCC cells and the repression of tumor growth in vivo was evoked by MACC1 downregulation. Both miR-34a and miR-125a-5p directly targeted MACC1 and repressed the expression of MACC1 in HCC cells. Overexpression of miR-34a or miR-125a-5p restrained cell proliferation and metastasis while induced apoptosis by downregulating MACC1 in HCC cells. miR-34a and miR-125a-5p repressed phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signal pathway via reducing MACC1 in HCC cells. miR-34a and miR-125a-5p refrained proliferation and metastasis while motivated apoptosis in HCC cells through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway by repressing MACC1. miR-34a and miR-125a-5p might be splendid biomarkers in the therapeutic strategies for HCC.

A case study approach to high-containment laboratory workflows promoting sustainability, networking and innovation.

Advances in information technologies (ITs) and operational technologies (OTs) offer high-containment laboratories opportunities to evolve scientific and operational approaches, while increasing efficiency. Emerging technologies steadily introduce changes in data generation and management practices. United States (US) government agencies and partners operate high-containment laboratories that rely on ITs/OTs to provide critical scientific functions that support prevention, detection, response and recovery for catastrophic events. These unique operating environments provide an opportunity for implementation of ITs/OTs that can facilitate both efficiency and deeper or parallel study of disease and associated biological phenomena. Operational study by subject matter experts can aid in identification of requirements and challenges pertaining to emerging ITs/OTs, examination of use cases, refinement of technical specifications and optimisation of workflows. The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in the United States of America (USA), slated to be fully operational by 2023, will be a state-of-the-art research and diagnostic facility with Biosafety Level 2, 3 and 4 laboratories for the study of high-consequence transboundary animal pathogens and zoonotic diseases impacting public health. The NBAF will support the diagnosis of emerging diseases, development of countermeasures and transboundary animal disease training. Given the rapid emergence of IT/OT solutions, the authors used a case study approach to analyse and assess real-world, high-containment laboratory functions to help maximise efficiency in mission delivery for the NBAF and the broader high-containment laboratory network. The case study approach described here could be widely adapted to diverse situations characterised by a high rate of change to provide accurate, relevant workflow analyses and optimised recommendations.

Les progrès enregistrés dans les domaines des technologies de l'information (IT) et des technologies opérationnelles (OT) offrent aux laboratoires de confinement à haute sécurité la possibilité de faire évoluer leurs approches scientifiques et opérationnelles tout en gagnant en efficacité. Grâce à ces technologies émergentes, les pratiques de production et de gestion des données sont régulièrement affinées. Les organismes gouvernementaux étatsuniens et leurs partenaires exploitent des laboratoires de confinement à haute sécurité qui font appel aux IT/OT pour mettre en oeuvre des fonctionnalités scientifiques cruciales en appui de la prévention, la détection, l'intervention et le rétablissement en cas de catastrophes. Ces environnements opérationnels uniques offrent la possibilité d'introduire des applications IT/OT afin de faciliter aussi bien l'efficacité des opérations que l'étude plus approfondie ou concomitante d'une maladie et des phénomènes biologiques qui lui sont associés. Des études opérationnelles menées par des spécialistes peuvent contribuer à identifier les exigences et les défis liés aux IT/OT émergentes, à vérifier leurs utilisations concrètes, à affiner les spécifications techniques et à optimiser l'ordonnancement des opérations. Le National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) des états-Unis d'Amérique, qui devrait être pleinement opérationnel d'ici 2023, sera une institution de recherche et de diagnostic de pointe dotée de laboratoires de niveaux de biosécurité 2, 3 et 4 pour l'étude des agents pathogènes responsables de maladies animales transfrontalières à haut risque et des agents zoonotiques à fort impact sur la santé publique. Le NBAF contribuera au diagnostic des maladies émergentes et à l'élaboration de mesures de lutte ; il dispensera également des formations sur les maladies animales transfrontalières. Compte tenu du développement rapide des nouvelles solutions IT/OT, les auteurs ont mis au point une méthode d'études de cas pour l'analyse et l'évaluation des fonctionnalités concrètes des laboratoires de confinement à haute sécurité, destinée à maximiser l'efficacité des prestations du NBAF et du réseau plus large de laboratoires de confinement à haute sécurité. La méthode par études de cas décrite ici pourrait être largement adaptée à diverses situations caractérisées par un niveau élevé de changement, afin de fournir des analyses précises et pertinentes de l'ordonnancement des opérations et d'élaborer des recommandations optimisées.

Los adelantos de las tecnologías de la información (TI) y las tecnologías operativas (TO) ofrecen a los laboratorios de alta contención la posibilidad de transformar sus lógicas y procedimientos de trabajo científico y al mismo tiempo ganar en eficiencia. Progresivamente, a la estela de las nuevas tecnologías, los métodos empleados para generar y gestionar datos van evolucionando. Ciertos organismos públicos estadounidenses administran, junto con entidades colaboradoras, laboratorios de alta contención que dependen de las TI/TO para cumplir una serie de cometidos científicos fundamentales en apoyo de la prevención y detección de sucesos catastróficos, de la respuesta a ellos y de los subsiguientes procesos de recuperación. Estos excepcionales entornos de trabajo ofrecen la posibilidad de implantar TI/TO que a la vez aporten más eficiencia y faciliten un estudio más a fondo o en paralelo de as enfermedades y los fenómenos biológicos asociados a ellas. La realización de estudios operativos a cargo de especialistas en el tema puede ayudar a determinar las necesidades y dificultades que plantean las nuevas TI/TO, a examinar ejemplos de utilización, a afinar las especificaciones técnicas y a optimizar los procesos de trabajo. El órgano nacional de defensa biológica y agrícola (National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, NBAF) de los Estados Unidos de América, que según las previsiones funcionará a pleno rendimiento en 2023, constituirá un avanzado dispositivo de investigación y diagnóstico al que estarán adscritos laboratorios de nivel 2, 3 y 4 de seguridad biológica para el estudio de agentes patógenos de los animales y enfermedades zoonóticas de carácter transfronterizo y de gran repercusión que afecten a la salud pública. El NBAF secundará el diagnóstico de enfermedades emergentes, la preparación de medidas de lucha y la formación sobre enfermedades animales transfronterizas. Teniendo en cuenta la velocidad a la que surgen soluciones de TI/TO, los autores recurrieron al estudio de ejemplos concretos para analizar y evaluar las funciones que cumplen en el mundo real los laboratorios de alta contención con el objetivo de ayudar al NBAF y a la red general de laboratorios de alta contención a ejercer su cometido con la máxima eficiencia. El método de trabajo aquí descrito, basado en el estudio de casos concretos, podría ser adaptado a diversas situaciones que se caractericen por un alto ritmo de transformaciones para efectuar análisis precisos y pertinentes de los procesos de trabajo y formular recomendaciones optimizadas.

[Safety evaluation of mass inoculation of 23 valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine among elderly people aged 60 and above in Shanghai from 2013 to 2017].

Objective: To evaluate the safety of 23 Valent Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPV23) among eldly people aged 60 and above in Shanghai. Methods: A total of 1 310 660 monitoring data of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) of PPV23 among people aged 60 and above were collected through the National AEFI Surveillance System from September 14, 2013 to December 31, 2017 in Shanghai. And the descriptive epidemiological methods were used for analysis. Results: 433 cases of AEFI were reported from September 14, 2013 to December 31, 2017, with the incidence rate of AEFI was 33.04/100 000 doses. The general reactions were reported as 392 cases (90.53%), with 17 cases of abnormal reactions (3.93%), 23 cases of coincidences (5.31%) and 1 case of psychogenic reactions (0.23%). The reported incidence rates of general reactions and abnormal reactions of free PPV23 inoculation among elderly people in urban areas were 41.31 per 100 000 doses and 1.91/100 000 doses, respectively, which were higher than those in suburban areas (24.18/100 000 doses, 1.32/100 000 doses) and exurban areas (27.84/100 000 doses, 0.59/100 000 doses). The reported incidence rate of general reaction in females (35.38/100 000 doses) was higher than that in males (24.06/100 000 doses), and the reported incidence rate of abnormal reaction in males (1.58/100 000 doses) was higher than that in females (1.03/100 000 doses). The reported incidence rates of general and abnormal reactions were the highest in 60-64 years old group (62.65/100 000 doses and 4.87/100 000 doses, respectively). In addition, all patients with general reactions or abnormal reactions were better or cured. Conclusion: PPV23 vaccination is safe among people aged 60 and above in Shanghai.

[The clinical efficacy of arthroscopic combined with dual-plane high tibial osteotomy in the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament injury combined with varus deformity of knee joint].

Objective: To explore the short-term effectiveness of arthroscopic combined with dual-plane high tibial osteotomy in the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament injury combined with varus deformity of knee joint. Methods: A retrospective study was performed on 17 patients with anterior cruciate ligament injury combined with varus deformity of knee joint who underwent arthroscopic combined with dual-plane high tibial osteotomy at Department of Bone and Joint, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University from January 2017 to June 2018.There were 11 males (11 knees) and 6 females (6 knees), aged 41.3 years (range: 32 to 49 years) .During the surgery, the weight bearing line of lower extremity was set to 62.5% position of the tibial plateau on coronal plane. The tibial slope was adjusted to the normal range on sagittal plane, and anterior cruciate ligament was reconstructed to improve the stability of knee joint.At final follow up, full length weight bearing X ray was used to evaluate the position of weight bearing line, femoral tibial angle and tibial slope pre- and post-operatively.The Lysholm scores, Hospital for Special Surgery score, Tegner knee activity scores and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores were used to estimate knee joint function, while the Lachman test, KT-1000 side-to-side difference and pivot-shift test were used to estimate the knee joint stability. Results: The patients were followed up for 1.8 years(range:1.2 to 2.5 years). No complication such as infection, deep vein thrombosis, graft failure, nonunion or delayed union was observed.The weight bearing line was corrected from (28.48±2.24)% preoperatively to (57.43±1.02)% postoperatively (t=46.80, P=0.00) .The femoral tibial angle was improved from (172.31±3.37) ° preoperatively to (178.91±1.34) ° postoperatively(t=10.46, P=0.00). The tibial slope was decreased from (14.29±1.26) ° preoperatively to (9.31±0.79) ° postoperatively (t=24.59, P=0.00) . The KT-1000 side-to-side difference decreased from (7.95±1.19) mm preoperatively to (1.79±0.49)mm postoperatively(t=18.34, P=0.00). At the last follow-up, Lysholm score, Hospital for Special Surgery score, Tegner score, and the IKDC knee evaluation score of patients showed significant improvement from preoperative(P<0.05). Conclusion: Arthroscopic combined with dual-plane high tibial osteotomy can get a good short term efficacy in the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament injury combined with varus deformity of knee joint which can significantly improve the alignment of lower extremity and knee joint stability.

Synthesis of high quality silver nanowires and their applications in ultrafast photonics.

Silver nanowires are widely used in catalysts, surface enhanced Raman scattering, microelectronic equipment, thin film solar cells, microelectrodes and biosensors for their excellent conductivity, heat transfer, low surface resistance, high transparency and good biocompatibility. However, the optical nonlinearity of silver nanowires has not been further explored yet. In this paper, three silver nanowire samples with different concentrations are produced via a typical hydrothermal method. Their applications to fiber lasers are implemented to prove the optical nonlinearity of silver nanowires for the first time. Based on three kinds of silver nanowires, the mode-locked operation of fiber lasers is successfully realized. Moreover, the fiber laser based on the silver nanowire with a concentration of 2 mg/L demonstrates the shortest pulse duration of 149.3 fs. The experiment not only proves the optical nonlinearity of silver nanowires, but also has some enlightenment on the selection of the optimum concentration of silver nanowires in the consideration of ultrashort pulse output.

[Functional and supraomohyoid neck dissection in stage cN0/N1 oral squamous cell carcinoma].

Objective: To evaluate the clinical effects of functional neck dissection (FND) and supraomohyoid neck dissection (SOND) in patients with cN0/N1 oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methods: A total of 210 patients with stage cN0/N1 OSCC underwent FND and SOND between January 2012 and May 2015 were retrospectively reviewed, among which, 147 patients were male and 63 were female, with an age range of 23-82 years and mean age of (62.2±10.2) years. There were 112 and 98 patients in FND and SOND groups, respectively. The follow-up data included cervical lymph node metastasis, movement of shoulder joint, great auricular nerve function, recurrence rate of cervical lymph nodes. Results: There was no significant difference in gender, age, tumor location, T stage, N stage, histological grades between the two groups (all P>0.05). Compared to patients in FND group, the activities of shoulder joint and earlobe numbness improved significantly in SOND group. Of the 210 patients, 17 patients (8.1%) had cervical recurrence, with 9 patients (8.0%) in FND group and 8 patients (8.2%) in SOND group. No significant difference was observed for neck recurrence between the two groups (P=0.973). Conclusion: SOND can be safely performed in cN0 or cN1 OSCC patients, which avoids major complications of FND, and improves postoperative quality of life in those patients.

[Immunogenicity analysis of sequential inoculation of different strains of poliomyelitis vaccines in Shanghai].

Objective: To evaluate the immunogenicity of different strains of inactivated poliomyelitis vaccines (IPV) by sequential program. Methods: This parallel-group controlled trial was conducted in immunization clinics in Shanghai from March 2016 to September 2017. Sabin strains inactivated poliomyelitis vaccines (sIPV), WPV strains inactivated poliomyelitis vaccines (wIPV) and live poliomyelitis Type Ⅰ Type Ⅲ vaccine (bOPV) as the investigational vaccine were used at 2, 3, 4 months old in 325 infants in Shanghai. Infants vaccinated by four sequential program were divided into 4 groups: sIPV+sIPV+bOPV, sIPV+wIPV+bOPV, wIPV+sIPV+bOPV and wIPV+wIPV+bOPV. A total of 230 investigators' blood samples were collected before primary immunization and 163 investigators' blood samples were collected after primary immunization. A total of 151 investigators (36, 44, 30 and 41 in each group) finished primary immunization and blood sampling before and after the primary immunization. The geometric mean titer (GMT) of poliovirus typesⅠ and Ⅲ neutralizing antibody was tested and calculated, and the positive results of antibody before and after primary immunization were analyzed. Results: Among the 151 investigators, the age were (2.27±0.61) months and birth weight were (3.27±0.43) kg, and 70 were male. The positive rates of typeⅠwas 98.68% (149 cases), and type Ⅲ was 97.35% (147 cases); the number of investigators tested in each group was 36, 44, 30 and 41, respectively; the positive rates of typeⅠwas 97.22% (35 cases), 100.00% (44 cases), 96.67% (29 cases) and 100.00% (41 cases) (P=0.345); the positive rates of type Ⅲ were 97.22% (35 cases), 95.45% (42 cases), 96.67% (29 cases) and 100.00% (41 cases) (P=0.614). Conclusion: Using sIPV and wIPV simultaneously or alternately for sequential immunization of poliomyelitis vaccines showed good immunogenicity for infants at appropriate age.

Effect of precursor type on the reduction of concentrated nitrate using zero-valent copper and sodium borohydride.

In this study, we demonstrated that the choice of precursor has a strong effect on the reduction of nitrate (NO3-) using zero-valent copper (Cu0) synthesized by sodium borohydride (NaBH4). Different precursors: CuSO4, CuO, Cu2O, Cu powder, and Cu mesh were used to reduce NO3- at 677 mg-N/L under the reducing conditions of NaBH4. Compared with the prehydrolyzed samples, those prepared without prehydrolysis exhibited lower reduction rates, longer times and higher concentrations of nitrite (NO2-) intermediate. It was found that one-time addition of NaBH4 resulted in higher reduction rate and less NO2- intermediate than two-step addition. Results showed that Cu0 from CuSO4 possessed the smallest particle size (890.9 nm), highest surface area (26.0 m2/g), and highest reaction rate (0.166 min-1). Values of pseudo-first-order constant (kobs) were in the order: CuSO4 > CuO > Cu2O > Cu powder >Cu mesh. However, values of surface area-normalized reaction rate (kSA) were approximately equal. It was proposed that NO3- was reduced to NO2- on Cu0, and then converted to NH4+ and N2, respectively; H2 generated from both NaBH4 hydration and Cu (II) reduction contributed to NO3- reduction as well.

[Relevant molecular characteristics analysis on malignant transformation of interstitial cells induced by tumor stem cells in glioma microenvironment].

Objective: A variety of interstitial cells in tumor microenvironment (TME) based on glioma stem cells(GSC) have the function to promote malignant progression of tumors, but whether these interstitial cells have already undergone malignant transformation and their related molecular characteristics are still poorly understood. Methods: Human SU3-RFP glioma stem cells (GSC) stably transfected with red fluorescent protein (RFP) and interstitial cells from enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) transgenic nude mice were co-cultured in vitro. SU3-RFP cells were also inoculated in different tissues of EGFP-Balb/c nude mice. Immortal EGFP(+) cells were monocloned either from co-culture cells in vitro, or from their xenografts in vivo. These immortal EGFP(+) cells were confirmed to bear characteristics of tumor cell via chromosomal analysis and tumorigenicity assay. Related molecular phenotypes of these cells were further detected through RT-PCR, flow cytometry and immunochemistry(IHC) techniques. Results: (1) Two EGFP(+) cell lines were obtained in vitro, and 5 EGFP(+) cell lines were obtained in vivo tumorigenic experiments. Seven EGFP(+) cell lines all have characteristics of self-renewal, heteroploid of chromosomes and 100% tumorigenicity. (2) Cell surface marker analysis showed cell origin of these cell lines were macrophages (tMΦ1 and tMΦ2 ), dendritic cells (tDC1 and tDC2), fibroblasts (tFB), oligodendrocytes (tOG) and BMSC cells (tBMSC), respectively. (3)All of these seven cell lines co-expressed Sca-1 and c-myc, and have Sox-2 or Nanog expression also, which suggest that they may bear molecular characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells or pluripotent stem cells. Conclusions: (1) Tumor stromal cells in TME have undergone malignant transformation, which is related to the tissue remodeling of TME by GSCs, and not limit to the specific type of their parasitic tissues. (2) Tumor cells originated from GSC and tumor interstitial cells, respectively, are two major types of tumor cells with different origins in glioma parenchyma, can not be simply regarded as tumor heterogeneity, transformed interstitial cells of TME may have the potential to serve as new targets for target diagnosis and therapy.

[Experimental studies on correlation between nucleolus spindle-related protein 1 and the malignant progression and prognosis of human glioblastoma multiforme].

Objective: To investigate the correlation between nucleolus spindle-related protein 1 (NUSAP1) and malignant progression and prognosis of human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Methods: RT-PCR and immunohistochemical technique were applied to analyze NUSAP1 expression level in GBM surgical specimens. Correlations between NUSAP1 expression and molecular classification and survival of patients with GBM were also investigated in TCGA database. The gene silencing technique was used to silence NUSAP1 expression in U87 cells, CCK-8 assay was used to detect cell proliferation, flow cytometry was used to detect cell cycle changes, and in vivo tumorigenicity was evaluated after NUSAP1 silencing in tumor-bearing mice. Results: NUSAP1 expression level in GBM was higher than that in non-tumor brain tissue. Survival curve analysis showed that the survival time of GBM patients with high NUSAP1 expression decreased significantly (P<0.01). NUSAP1 expression was relatively lower in mesenchymal and neural molecular subtypes of GBM, when compared with the other two molecular subtypes. And it was closely related with specific genetic aberrations (such as PTEN loss and IDH1 mutation). Silencing NUSAP1 inhibited G2/M cell cycle progression of GBM cells, and inhibited cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion: Expression of NUSAP1 is closely related to progress and prognosis of GBM, and can be a biomarker reflecting GBM prognosis and act as a therapeutic target with potential clinical application value.

Autophagy inhibition increased the anti-tumor effect of cisplatin on drug-resistant esophageal cancer cells.

The sensitivity of tumor cells to treatment can be affected by autophagy. The drug resistance of esophageal cancer cells against cisplatin occurs during the long period of chemotherapy drug treatment. This study was designed to observe the effect autophagy has on the occurrence of esophageal cancer cell drug resistance against cisplatin and investigate its molecular mechanism in order to provide new details and strategies for the clinical treatment of esophageal cancer, especially cisplatin treatment. The detection methods used in this study were 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazd-2-yl)-2,5-dipheny-ltetrazolium bromide (MTT) colorimetric assay, clone survival technique, small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection, and Western blot. Autophagy is a protection mechanism of drug-resistant cells processed by cisplatin, and maintains the cell clone survival ability. Autophagy activation requires the involvement of Atg5 and Atg7.

Mutational analysis of HOXA10 gene in Chinese patients with cryptorchidism.

Cryptorchidism is one of the most common congenital anomalies and affects 2-4% of full-term new born boys. Its aetiology is poorly understood at present. HOXA10 plays a pivotal role in regulation of testicular descent. Male mice mutant for Hoxa10 exhibit unilateral or bilateral cryptorchidism as a result of impaired development of the gubernaculums. In this study, we performed mutation analysis of HOXA10 gene in a cohort of 98 cryptorchid patients. And we found a mutation (N27K) in a boy with unilateral cryptorchidism. The mutation was not detected in 106 healthy controls. Both in silico analyses and functional studies showed that the mutation affected the function of HOXA10. The results demonstrated that mutation in HOXA10 gene contributes to the pathogenesis of cryptorchidism, but may not be a common cause.

Flotation separation of strontium via phosphate precipitation.

Flotation separation of strontium (Sr) from wastewater via phosphate precipitation was investigated. While 37.33% of Sr precipitated at highly alkaline pH in the absence of PO43-, it completely precipitated as Sr3(PO4)2 at a molar ratio ([PO43-]:[Sr2+]) of 0.62 at a lower pH value. The presence of Ca2+ hindered Sr precipitation, yet it could be overcome by increasing the PO43- dose. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was a better collector for dispersed air flotation of Sr3(PO4)2 than cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, or mixed collector systems of SDS and saponin. The highest separation efficiency of 97.5% was achieved at an SDS dose of 40 mg/L. The main mechanism in the precipitate flotation is adsorption of anionic SDS on the positively charged surface of colloidal Sr3(PO4)2 via electrostatic interaction. SDS enhanced the aggregation of Sr3(PO4)2 precipitates as the size increased from 1.65 to 28.0 µm, which was beneficial to separation as well.