Terahertz radiation induced by shift currents in liquids.

Considerable progress has been made in the experimental studies on laser-induced terahertz (THz) radiation in liquids. Liquid THz demonstrates many unique features different from the gas and plasma THz. For example, the liquid THz can be efficiently produced by a monochromatic laser. Its yield is maximized with a longer driving-pulse duration. It is also linearly dependent on the excitation pulse energy. In two-color laser fields, an unexpected unmodulated THz field was measured, and its energy dependence of the driving laser is completely different from that of the modulated THz waves. However, the underlying microscopic mechanism is still unclear due to the difficulties in the description of ultrafast dynamics in complex disordered liquids. Here we propose a shift-current model. The experimental observations could be reproduced by our theory successfully. In addition, our theory could be further utilized to investigate the nuclear quantum effect in the THz radiation in H2O and D2O. This work provides fundamental insights into the origin of the THz radiation in bulk liquids.

A Dual Cluster-Head Energy-Efficient Routing Algorithm Based on Canopy Optimization and K-Means for WSN.

Wireless sensor networks (WSN) are widely used in various applications, such as environmental monitoring, healthcare, event detection, agriculture, disaster management, and so on. Due to their small size, sensors are limited power sources and are often deployed in special environments where frequent battery replacement is not feasible. Therefore, it is important to reduce the energy consumption of sensors and extend the network lifetime. An effective way to achieve this is clustering. This paper proposes a dual cluster-head energy-efficient algorithm (DCK-LEACH), which is based on K-means and Canopy optimization. Considering that the K-means algorithm is sensitive to the location of the initial clustering centers, this paper uses both the dynamic Canopy algorithm and K-means algorithm for clustering. For cluster-head election, this algorithm uses a hierarchy to minimize the cluster-head burden and balance the network load. The primary cluster-head is selected by two objectives: the node's residual energy and the distance from the node to the clustering center. The vice cluster-head is selected by the residual energy of the node, and the distance from the nodes to the base station. Simulator results show that DCK-LEACH significantly prolongs the energy-critical node lifetime and the network lifetime compared with existing protocols.

Hepatoprotective role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α in non-cancerous hepatic tissues following transcatheter arterial embolization.

Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) is a widely used technique in treating hepatic carcinoma but may cause liver injury in some cases. This study investigated the hepatoprotective effect of the preprocessed peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) agonist-WY-14643 following TAE. A total of 60 rabbit liver cancer models were developed and divided into a combined treatment (WY-14643 and TAE), TAE, and control groups. After TAE, we examined the histopathological picture and liver functions. Further, the expression of antioxidant enzymes, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nuclear factor of κ-light chain of enhancer-activated B cells (NF-κB), PPAR-α, and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) was analyzed. Liver function tests, pathology score, and apoptosis index significantly worsened in the TAE group but were normalized in the combined treatment group. In addition, ELISA results showed that antioxidant enzyme activity significantly increased, while the malondialdehyde content and level of inflammatory cytokines were significantly reduced in the combined treatment group. Furthermore, compared to the TAE group, the expressions of PPAR-α, antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase1 (SOD1) and SOD2, and Bcl-2 were significantly elevated, while NF-κB was significantly reduced in the combined treatment group. On the other hand, the expression of NF-κB in tumor tissues was significantly reduced by pretreatment with WY-14643. Therefore, PPAR-α can ameliorate liver injury by exerting its anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic functions.

Long-term oncologic outcomes of natural orifice specimen extraction surgery versus conventional laparoscopic-assisted resection in the treatment of rectal cancer: a propensity-score matching study.

BACKGROUND: Natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) has been increasingly applied in radical surgery of abdominal and pelvic organs, but it is still in the exploratory stage. There is insufficient evidence to prove its efficacy. METHODS: From January 2013 to June 2017, a total of 351 patients diagnosed with rectal cancer were eventually included in this study. Patients who underwent NOSES were assigned to the NOSES group, while patients undergoing conventional laparoscopic assisted resection were assigned as to the LAP group. Propensity score matching was used to align clinicopathological features between the two groups. RESULTS: From the perioperative data and postoperative follow-up results of both groups, patients in the NOSES group had less intraoperative bleeding (47.0 ± 60.4 ml vs 87.1 ± 101.2 ml, P = 0.011), shorter postoperative gastrointestinal recovery (50.7 ± 27.3 h vs 58.6 ± 28.5 h, P = 0.040), less postoperative analgesic use (36.8% vs 52.8%, P = 0.019), lower postoperative pain scores (P < 0.001), lower rate of postoperative complications (5.7% vs 15.5%, P = 0.020), more satisfaction with body image (P = 0.001) and cosmesis (P < 0.001) postoperatively. The NOSES group had a higher quality of life. Moreover, there was no significant difference in overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) between the two groups. CONCLUSION: NOSES could be a safe and reliable technique for radical resection of rectal cancer, with better short-term outcomes than conventional laparoscopy, while long-term survival is not significantly different from that of conventional laparoscopic surgery.

Large-Scale Preparation of Silver Nanowire-Based Flexible Transparent Film Heaters by Slot-Die Coating.

Highly flexible silver nanowire-based transparent conductive films (AgNWs TCFs) were large-scale fabricated by slot-die coating AgNWs inks on a flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate, and further fabricated into a transparent film heater. Appropriate flow rate, coating speed, and AgNWs concentration allow the construction of the 15 cm × 15 cm AgNW TCFs with a sheet resistance (Rs) of less than 20 Ω/sq, a transmittance (T) at 550 nm higher than 95%, and a haze less than 3.5%. The resultant AgNW TCFs heater possesses high uniformity and superior mechanical stability and can reach a Joule heating temperature of 104 °C with a voltage of 12 V. The slot-die coating method has great potential for large-scale production of AgNW based film heaters promisingly used in window defrost and deicer systems.

Application of Artificial Intelligence in Early Gastric Cancer Diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: With the development of new technologies such as magnifying endoscopy with narrow band imaging, endoscopists achieved better accuracy for diagnosis of gastric cancer (GC) in various aspects. However, to master such skill takes substantial effort and could be difficult for inexperienced doctors. Therefore, a novel diagnostic method based on artificial intelligence (AI) was developed and its effectiveness was confirmed in many studies. AI system using convolutional neural network has showed marvelous results in the ongoing trials of computer-aided detection of colorectal polyps. SUMMARY: With AI's efficient computational power and learning capacities, endoscopists could improve their diagnostic accuracy and avoid the overlooking or over-diagnosis of gastric neoplasm. Several systems have been reported to achieved decent accuracy. Thus, AI-assisted endoscopy showed great potential on more accurate and sensitive ways for early detection, differentiation, and invasion depth prediction of gastric lesions. However, the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety in daily practice remain to be tested. Key messages: This review summarizes the current status of different AI applications in early GC diagnosis. More randomized controlled trails will be needed before AI could be widely put into clinical practice.

Natural orifice specimen extraction surgery versus conventional laparoscopic-assisted resection for colorectal cancer in elderly patients: a propensity-score matching study.

Whether natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) could provide beneficial effects in treating elderly patients is still under debate. The aim of the study was to compare the clinical outcomes of transanal NOSES with conventional laparoscopic-assisted resection (LA) in elderly colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. A retrospective analysis from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University between 2013 and 2017 was performed. Outcomes related to surgery, body image, quality of life, anal function and long-term survival were compared between the two groups with the propensity-score matching (PSM) method. After PSM, 78 patients were successfully compared. Patients with NOSES had faster gastrointestinal function recovery (P = 0.028), less postoperative complications (P = 0.025), lower pain scores on days 1, 3 and 5 after surgery (P < 0.001). The body image score (P < 0.001) and cosmetic score (P < 0.001) were significantly higher in the NOSES group than the LA group at 1 month after surgery. Patients with NOSES posed better global health status (P < 0.001), role function (P = 0.009), emotional function (P = 0.011) and social function (P = 0.011) at 3 months after surgery. Moreover, NOSES showed non inferiority in anal function 6 months after surgery. No significant difference could be found regarding to overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), local recurrence (LR) and distant metastasis (DM). In elderly CRC patients, NOSES harbored favorable postoperative outcomes, excellent cosmetic properties and better quality of life. Besides, anal function and long-term outcomes of NOSES can be sure for elderly patients.

USP21 regulates Hippo signaling to promote radioresistance by deubiquitinating FOXM1 in cervical cancer.

The ectopic expression of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 21 (USP21) is common in different types of cancer. However, its relationship with radio-sensitivity in cervical cancer (CC) remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to uncover the effect of USP21 on CC radio-resistance and its underlying mechanism. Our results showed that the expression of USP21 was markedly increased in CC tissues of radio-resistant patients and CC cells treated with radiation. Besides, knockdown of USP21 restrained the survival fractions, and facilitated apoptosis of CC cells in the absence or presence of radiation. Additionally, USP21 in combination with FOXM1 regulated the stability and ubiquitination of FOXM1. However, FOXM1 reversed the effects of USP21 knockdown on the radio-resistance of CC cells. Furthermore, FOXM1 knockdown activated the Hippo pathway by inhibiting the nuclear translocation of Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), and FOXM1 knockdown attenuated the radio-resistance of CC cells via inhibiting the Hippo-YAP1 pathway. USP21 activated the Hippo pathway by mediating FOXM1. Knockdown of USP21 enhanced the radio-sensitivity of CC cells in vivo. In summary, USP21 contributed to the radio-resistance of CC cells via FOXM1/Hippo signaling, and may serve as a promising target for radio-sensitizers in the radiotherapy of CC.

Long non-coding RNA CERS6-AS1 plays a prognostic role in promoting the progression of gastric cancer.

This study aims to investigate the potential clinical function of long non-coding RNA CERS6-AS1 (lncRNA CERS6-AS1) integrated miR-567 in gastric cancer. The expression of CERS6-AS1 in gastric cancer tissues was detected through RT-qPCR in contrast to the normal tissues. The correlation between the expression of lncRNA CERS6-AS1 and the characteristics of clinical data was analyzed. Kaplan-Meier curve was used to assess the survival analysis, while Cox proportional hazards model multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate the prognostic risk factors of gastric cancer to verify the prognostic possibility of CERS6-AS1. The expression of CERS6-AS1 in different gastric cancer cells was detected, being the development of gastric cancer cells after knockdown CERS6-AS1 studied using CCK-8, Transwell migration, and invasion detection methods. The targeting effect and interaction between CERS6-AS1 and miR-567 through biological analysis and luciferase activity detection. The expression of lncRNA CERS6-AS1 was elevated in gastric cancer tissues and cells. The results of this study demonstrate that the condition of gastric cancer patients was related to the expression of CERS6-AS1, and therefore CERS6-AS1 might be a prognostic factor for the progression of gastric cancer. In addition, the ability of gastric cancer cells to proliferate, migrate and invade could be reduced by knockdown CERS6-AS1. After CERS6-AS1 knockdown, the expression level of miR-567 in gastric cancer tissues decreased, while the expression level of miR-567 increased. In conclusion, lncRNA CERS6-AS1 might promote the progression of gastric cancer and had the potential as a prognostic marker of gastric cancer.

Role of Phenotypes of Circulating Tumor Cells in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Colorectal Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and their subpopulations and colorectal cancer (CRC). To explore the application of CTCs' numbers and positive rates in the diagnosis and treatment of CRC, and to assess the effect of surgery on CTCs numbers and positivity. METHODS: We identified CTCs using the CanPatrol technique after enrollment. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 74 CRC patients before anti-tumor treatment. CTCs can be divided into the following three phenotypes: epithelial CTCs (E-CTCs) (EpCAM+, Vimentin-), mesenchymal CTCs (M-CTCs) (EpCAM-, Vimentin+), and mixed CTCs (E/M-CTCs) (EpCAM+, Vimentin+). CTCs and the proportion of subtypes were statistically compared with clinicopathological characteristics. RESULTS: The positive rate of M-CTCs was significantly higher in patients with tumor size ≥5 cm (85.7% vs 49.1%, P = 0.004) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) >5 ng/mL (83.3% vs 51.0% p = 0.024). Moreover, the T stage (T1 0, T2 33.3%, T3 59.4%, T4 100%, p < 0.0005) and TNM stage (stage I 11.8%, stage II 79.2%, stage III 64.3%, stage IV 100%, p < 0.0005) were correlated with the positive rate of M-CTCs. We also found that the proportion of M-CTCs was correlated with the T stage (p < 0.0005) and TNM stage (p=0.0200), but not with the N stage (p=0.6889). In survival analysis, M-CTCs >1 were found associated with worse disease-free survival (p=0.007). After treatment, the number and proportion of CTCs and M-CTCs were significantly reduced. CONCLUSION: The positive rate of M-CTCs was associated with tumor size, T stage, TNM stage, vascular invasion, and CEA. As the disease progressed, the proportion of M-CTCs gradually increased, and the survival performance was worse in patients with a high positive rate of M-CTCs.

lncRNA cytoskeleton regulator reduces non­small cell lung cancer radiosensitivity by downregulating miRNA­206 and activating prothymosin α.

The present study aimed to explore the role of the long noncoding RNA cytoskeleton regulator (CYTOR) in non­small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) radiosensitivity by manipulating the microRNA (miR)­206/prothymosin α (PTMA) axis. First, 58 pairs of NSCLC and paracancerous tissues, normal human lung epithelial cells and NSCLC cells were collected to analyze CYTOR expression and the relationship between CYTOR and NSCLC prognosis. Subsequently, CYTOR expression in radioresistant cells was assessed. Radioresistant cells with low CYTOR expression and parental cells with high CYTOR expression were established. Functional assays were then performed to assess changes in cell radiosensitivity after irradiation treatment. Subsequently, the downstream mechanism of CYTOR was explored. The binding interactions between CYTOR and miR­206 and between miR­206 and PTMA were predicted and certified. Xenograft transplantation was applied to confirm the role of CYTOR in the radiosensitivity of NSCLC. CYTOR was overexpressed in NSCLC and was associated with poor prognosis. CYTOR was further upregulated in NSCLC cells with radioresistance. CYTOR knockdown enhanced the radiosensitivity of NSCLC cells, while overexpression of CYTOR led to the opposite result. Mechanistically, CYTOR specifically bound to miR­206 and silencing CYTOR promoted miR­206 to enhance the radiosensitivity of NSCLC cells. PTMA is a target of miR­206 and silencing CYTOR inhibited PTMA expression via miR­206, thus promoting radiosensitivity of NSCLC cells. CYTOR knockdown also enhanced NSCLC cell radiosensitivity in vivo. CYTOR was highly expressed in NSCLC, while silencing CYTOR potentiated NSCLC cell radiosensitivity by upregulating miR­206 and suppressing PTMA. The present study preliminarily revealed the role of CYTOR in radiotherapy sensitivity of NSCLC and provided a novel potential target for the clinical treatment of NSCLC.

[Bushen Tiaodu Yizhi acupuncture combined with computer-assisted cognitive training for post stroke cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of Bushen Tiaodu Yizhi acupuncture combined with computer-assisted cognitive training on the recovery of cognitive function and activities of daily living in patients with post stroke cognitive impairment. METHODS: A total of 98 patients with post stroke cognitive impairment were randomized into an observation group (50 cases, 6 cases dropped off) and a control group (48 cases, 5 cases dropped off). Both groups were treated with conventional treatment, such as computer-assisted cognitive training. On the basis of the conventional treatment, Bushen Tiaodu Yizhi acupuncture at Taixi (KI 3), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Shuigou (GV 26), Baihui (GV 20), ect. was given in the observation group. In the control group, acupuncture at acupoints of limbs was given. The treatment was given once a day, 5 times a week for 8 weeks. Before and after treatment, the scores of Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) scale, modified Barthel index (MBI) and stroke syndrome of TCM scale were used to evaluate the cognitive function, activities of daily living and syndrome of TCM in the two groups. The latency and amplitude of P300 were detected by electromyographs and evoked response instrument. And the clinical efficacy was evaluated in the two groups. RESULTS: Compared before treatment, the MoCA and MBI scores were increased (P<0.01), and the scores of stroke syndrome of TCM scale were decreased (P<0.01) after treatment in the two groups. After treatment，the MoCA and MBI scores in the observation group were higher than the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05), and the score of stroke syndrome of TCM scale was lower than the control group (P<0.05). Compared before treatment, the latency of P300 was shortened and amplitude was prolonged after treatment in the two groups (P<0.01). After treatment, in the observation group, the latency of P300 was shorter, and amplitude was longer than the control group (P<0.01). The effective rate was 86.4% (38/44) in the observation group, which was higher than 67.4% (29/43) in the control group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Bushen Tiaodu Yizhi acupuncture combined with computer-assisted cognitive training could improve the cognitive function of patients with post stroke cognitive impairment.

Preoperative T2-weighted MR imaging texture analysis of gastric cancer: prediction of TNM stages.

PURPOSE: To explore the capability of algorithms to build multivariate models integrating morphological and texture features derived from preoperative T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images of gastric cancer (GC) to evaluate tumor- (T), node- (N), and metastasis- (M) stages. METHODS: A total of 80 patients at our hospital who underwent abdominal MR imaging and were diagnosed with GC from December 2011 to November 2016 were retrospectively included. Texture features were calculated using T2-weighted images with a manual region of interest. Morphological characteristics were also evaluated. Classifiers and regression analyses were used to build multivariate models. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess diagnostic efficacy. RESULTS: There were 8, 10, and 3 texture parameters that showed significant differences in GCs at different overall (I-II vs. III-IV), T (1-2 vs. 3-4), and N (- vs. +) stages (all p < 0.05), respectively. Mild thickening was more common in stages I-II, T1-2, and N- GCs (all p < 0.05). An irregular outer contour was more commonly observed in stages III-IV (p = 0.001) and T3-4 (p = 0.001) GCs. T3-4 and N+ GCs tended to be thickening type lesions (p = 0.005 and 0.032, respectively). The multivariate models using the naive bayes algorithm showed the highest diagnostic efficacy in predicting T and N stages (area under the ROC curves [AUC] = 0.900 and 0.863, respectively), and the model based on regression analysis had the best predictive performance in overall staging (AUC = 0.839). CONCLUSION: Multivariate models combining morphological characteristics with texture parameters based on machine learning algorithms were able to improve diagnostic efficacy in predicting the overall, T, and N stages of GCs.

Knockdown of lncRNA PCAT1 Enhances Radiosensitivity of Cervical Cancer by Regulating miR-128/GOLM1 Axis.

PURPOSE: Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth most common cancer with high death rate in females. The study aims to detect the mechanism of long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) PCAT1 on radiosensitivity of CC. METHODS: The expression of PCAT1, miR-128 and GOLM1 in CC tissues and cells was measured by qRT-PCR. Different doses of X-ray were used for radiation treatment of CC cells and 6 Gy was chosen to perform the following experiments. The proliferation, migration and invasion of CC cells were measured by MTT assay, wound healing assay and transwell assay, respectively. The target relationships among PCAT1, miR-128 and GOLM1 were predicted by StarBase and TargetScan and verified by luciferase reporter assay. The protein level of GOLM1 was determined by Western blot. The xenograft tumor model was constructed in nude mice to verify the effect of PCAT1 on radiosensitivity of CC in vivo. RESULTS: The PCAT1 expression was upregulated in CC tissues and cells. PCAT1 silencing enhances radiosensitivity of CC cells on proliferation, migration and invasion. MiR-128 was the target of PCAT1 and was negatively regulated by PCAT1. Upregulation of miR-128 enhances radiosensitivity of CC cells on proliferation, migration and invasion. GOLM1 was a target of miR-128 and was negatively regulated by miR-128. Upregulation of GOLM1 and downregulation of miR-128 both reversed the enhanced effect of PCAT1 knockdown on radiosensitivity of CC cells, which partly promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of CC cells. CONCLUSION: Silencing of PCAT1 enhanced radiosensitivity of CC via targeting miR-128/GOLM1, which provided a new idea for treating CC.

Rehabilitation needs of the first cohort of post-acute COVID-19 patients in Hubei, China.

BACKGROUND: Corona Virus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) is an acute respiratory infectious disease. Despite being clinically cured, some patients still find it difficult to return to their normal life and work due to the varying degree of dysfunctions that they have, as part of the disease's aftereffect. Through this study, we aim to learn more about the dysfunctions and rehabilitation needs of COVID-19 patients. METHODS: In this survey, the basic information, dysfunctions, and rehabilitation needs of the hospitalized COVID-19 patients, who were selected by convenience sampling in Hubei Provincial Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, were obtained using a self-designed questionnaire. The research was conducted from February 29, 2020 to March 2, 2020. RESULTS: A total of 280 patients were finally included, who were mainly over 51 years of age (64.2%). The main physical dysfunctions that the patients had were sleep disorders (63.6%), decreased activity endurance (61.4%), and respiratory dysfunction (57.9%), while the main psychological dysfunctions included anxiety (62.1%) and fear (50.0%). Rehabilitation that mainly requested by the patients included exercise guidance, dietary instruction, traditional Chinese medicine therapy, physical therapy, and Chinese traditional health exercises. CONCLUSIONS: The demand for rehabilitation is high among COVID-19 patients, which requires the quick establishment of a comprehensive and individualized rehabilitation program, to be fulfilled.

MiR-146a attenuates liver fibrosis by inhibiting transforming growth factor-ß1 mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition in hepatocytes.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has emerged as a vital process in embryogenesis, carcinogenesis, and tissue fibrosis. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-ß1)-mediated signaling pathways play important roles in the EMT process. MicroRNA-146a (miR-146a) has been suggested as a significant regulatory molecule in fibrogenesis. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of miR-146a on the EMT of hepatocytes and to investigate the role of overexpressing miR-146a on rat hepatic fibrosis. The results showed that the miR-146a level decreased during the EMT process of L02 hepatocytes induced by TGF-ß1 in vitro. Moreover, miR-146a overexpression led to significant reduction of EMT-related markers expression in hepatocytes. Subsequent experiments revealed that miR-146a attenuated the EMT process in hepatocytes by targeting small mothers against decapentaplegic (SMAD) 4. Meanwhile, restoration of SMAD4 expression rescued the inhibitory effect of miRNA-146a on EMT. Further in vivo studies revealed that intravenous injection of miR-146a-expressing adenovirus (Ad-miR-146a) successfully restored the miR-146a levels and mitigated fibrogenesis in the livers of CCl4-treated rats. More importantly, after Ad-miR-146a treatment, inhibition of both EMT traits and SMAD4 expression was observed. The results of the present study showed that miR-146a/SMAD4 is a key signaling cascade that inhibits hepatocyte EMT, and the introduction of miR-146a might present a promising therapeutic option for liver fibrosis.

Image quality evaluation for CARE kV technique combined with iterative reconstruction for chest computed tomography scanning.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the radiation dose and image quality for iterative reconstruction combined with the CARE kV technique in chest computed tomography (CT) scanning for physical examination. METHODS: A total of 130 patients who underwent chest CT scanning were randomly chosen and the quality reference value was set as 80 mAs. The scanning scheme was set and the patients were randomly divided into groups according to the scanning scheme. Sixty patients underwent a chest scan with 100 kV using the CARE kV technique and SAFIRE reconstruction (value=3) (experimental group) and the other 70 patients underwent chest scanning with 120 kV (control group). The mean CT value, image noise (SD), and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the apex of the lung, the level of the descending aorta bifurcation of the trachea, and the middle area of the left atrium were measured. The image quality was assessed on a 5-point scale by two radiologists and results of the two groups were compared. The CT dose index of the volume (CTDIvol), dose length product (DLP), and effective dose (ED) were compared. RESULTS: All the images for both groups satisfied the diagnosis requirement. There was no statistical difference in the image quality between the two methods (P > 0.05). The mean CT value of the apex of the lung, the level of the descending aorta bifurcation of the trachea, and the middle area of the left atrium were not significantly different for both groups (P > 0.05), while the image noise (SD) and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the apex of the lung, the level of the descending aorta bifurcation of the trachea, and the middle area of the left atrium were statistically different for both groups (P < 0.05). The CTDIvol was 3.29 ±â€Š1.17 mGy for the experimental group and 5.30 ±â€Š1.53 mGy for the control group. The DLP was 114.9 ±â€Š43.73 mGy cm for the low-dose group and 167.6 ±â€Š44.59 mGy cm for the control group. The ED was 1.61 ±â€Š0.61 mSv for the low-dose group and 2.35 ±â€Š0.62 mSv for the control group (P  < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The CARE kV technique combined with iterative reconstruction for chest CT scanning for physical examination could reduce the radiation dosage and improve CT image quality, which has a potential clinical value for imaging the thorax.

miRNA-124 modulates lung carcinoma cell migration and invasion.

OBJECTIVES: Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Recently, accumulating studies have evidenced that microRNAs (miRNAs) contribute to the carcinogenesis of lung cancer through acting as either oncogenes or tumor suppressors. The purpose of our study was to investigate the functional role of miR-124 in lung cancer. METHODS: The expression of miR-124 was assessed by real-time RT-PCR in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues in comparison to its adjacent normal tissues. After transfection with miR-124 Mimics or negative controls into A549 cells, migration and invasion assays, apoptosis, and cell viability were evaluated. Luciferase reporter assay and RT-PCR were performed to explore whether zinc finger e-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) was a target of miR-124. Further, the effects of miR-124 Mimic on migration and invasion were assessed after overexpression of ZEB1. RESULTS: MiR-124 expression was significantly down-regulated in NSCLC tissues compared to the normal tissue. In in-vitro study, overexpression of miR-124 in A549 cells suppressed cell migration and invasion activity, decreased expression of vimentin, but increased expression of E-cadherin and induced apoptosis. Luciferase reporter assay ensured that ZEB1 was a direct target of miR-124 and was negatively regulated by miR-124. Overexpression of ZEB1 could reverse the effect of miR-124 Mimic on the migration and invasion of the cells. CONCLUSION: The results suggests that miR-124 inhibits lung cancer cell migration and invasion through suppressing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and inducing apoptosis of the lung cancer cells.

Study of functional connectivity in patients with sensorineural hearing loss by using resting-state fMRI.

OBJECTIVE: To determine functional connectivity of the default mode network in patients with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in resting state. METHODS: The posterior cingulate cortex was selected as a seed for assessment of functional connectivity of the activated brain areas in resting state by using a seed-based correlation analysis of the resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. RESULTS: The fMRI results demonstrated that, the healthy volunteers and the patients with NSHL shared certain activated brain areas with positive functional connectivity with region of interest (ROI). However, the healthy volunteers also had positive functional connectivity with ROI in bilateral middle temporal gyrus, left anterior cingulate cortex, right inferior parietal lobule and left medial superior frontal gyrus. While the patients with SNHL did with bilateral inferior parietal lobule, left medial superior frontal gyrus, right supramarginal gyrus, and left middle temporal gyrus. Compared to controls, patients with SNHL showed increased functional connectivity in the right posterior frontal lobe, right precentral gyrus, right supramarginal gyrus and left posterior cingulate cortex, and had decreased functional connectivity in the left lingual gyrus, right cuneus lobe and right superior frontal gyrus. CONCLUSION: The posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus lobe, medial frontal gyrus, anterior cingulate cortex, temporal lobe, angular gyrus and inferior parietal lobule constitute a default mode of network in normal resting status. And patients with SNHL have abnormal functional connectivity of default mode network and cortical reorganisation in resting status.

Sensitive HIV-1 detection in a homogeneous solution based on an electrochemical molecular beacon coupled with a nafion-graphene composite film modified screen-printed carbon electrode.

A novel electrochemical sensing assay for sensitive determination of HIV-1 in a homogeneous solution has been developed using an electrochemical molecular beacon combined with a nafion-graphene composite film modified screen-printed carbon electrode (nafion-graphene/SPCE). The electrochemical molecular beacon (CAs-MB), comprising a special recognition sequence for the conserved region of the HIV-1 gag gene and a pair of carminic acid molecules as a marker, can indicate the presence of the HIV-1 target by its on/off electrochemical signal behavior. It is suitable for direct, electrochemical determination of HIV-1, thereby simplifying the detection procedure and improving the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio. To further improve the sensitivity, the nafion-graphene/SPCE was used to monitor changes in the CAs-MB, which has notable advantages, such as being ultrasensitive, inexpensive, and disposable. Under optimized conditions, the peak currents showed a linear relationship with the logarithm of target oligonucleotide concentrations ranging from 40 nM to 2.56 µM, with a detection limit of 5 nM (S/N=3). This sensing assay also displays a good stability, with a recovery of 88-106.8% and RSD<7% (n=5) in real serum samples. This work may lead to the development of an effective method for early point-of-care diagnosis of HIV-1 infection.