[The effect of platelet infusion on the repair of bone marrow hematopoietic niche damage in mice induced by (60)Co radiation and hematopoietic reconstruction after bone marrow transplantation].

Objective: To observe the effect of platelets on hematopoietic stem cell (HSCs) implantation in mice with radiation-induced bone marrow injury and bone marrow transplantation models. Methods: ①Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into a single irradiation group and a radiation infusion group after receiving (60)Co semimyeloablative irradiation for 18-10 weeks. The irradiation infusion group received 1×10(8) platelets expressing GFP fluorescent protein. ② The allogeneic bone marrow transplantation model was established. The experimental groups included the simple transplantation group (BMT) and the transplantation infusion group (BMT+PLT). The BMT group was infused through the tail vein only 5 × 10(6) bone marrow cells, the BMT+PLT group needs to be infused with bone marrow cells at the same time 1× 10(8) platelets. ③ Test indicators included peripheral blood cell and bone marrow cell counts, flow cytometry to detect the proportion of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) and hematopoietic progenitor cells, bone marrow cell proliferation and apoptosis, and pathological observation of vascular niche damage and repair. Results: ①On the 3rd, 7th, 14(th), and 21st days after irradiation, the bone marrow cell count of the infusion group was higher than that in the single irradiation group (P<0.05), and the peripheral blood cell count was also higher. A statistically significant difference was found between the white blood cell count on the 21st day and the platelet count on the 7th day (P<0.05). In the observation cycle, the percentage of bone marrow cell proliferation in the infusion group was higher, while the percentage of apoptosis was lower. ② The results of bone tissue immunofluorescence after irradiation showed that the continuity of hematopoietic niche with red fluorescence was better in the irradiation infusion group. ③The chimerism percentage in the BMT+PLT group was always higher than that in the BMT group after transplantation.④ The BMT+PLT group had higher bone marrow cell count and percentage of bone marrow cell proliferation on the 7th and 28th day after transplantation than that in the BMT group, and the percentage of bone marrow cell apoptosis on the 14th day was lower than that in the BMT group (P<0.05). After the 14th day, the percentage of stem progenitor cells in the bone marrow cells of mice was higher than that in the BMT group (P<0.05). ⑤The immunohistochemical results of bone marrow tissue showed that the continuity of vascular endothelium in the BMT+PLT group was better than that in the BMT group. Conclusion: Platelet transfusion can alleviate the injury of vascular niche, promotes HSC homing, and is beneficial to hematopoietic reconstruction.

Phenotype and genetic characteristics in 20 Chinese patients with 46,XY disorders of sex development.

PURPOSE: 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD) is the most complicated and common type of DSD. To date, more than 30 genes have been identified associated with 46,XY DSD. However, the mutation spectrum of 46,XY DSD is incomplete owing to the high genetic and clinical heterogeneity. This study aims to provide clinical and mutational characteristics of 18 Chinese patients with 46,XY DSD. METHODS: A total of 20 unrelated individuals with 46,XY DSD were recruited. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) or custom-panel sequencing combined Sanger sequencing were performed to detect the pathogenic mutations. The pathogenicity of the variant was assessed according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidance and technical standards recommended by the ACMG and the Clinical Genome Resource (ClinGen). RESULTS: Six patients harbored NR5A1 mutations; two patients harbored NR0B1 mutations; six patients harbored SRD5A2 mutations; six patients harbored AR mutations. Six novel genetic variants were identified involved in three genes (NR5A1, NR0B1, and AR). CONCLUSION: We determined the genetic etiology for all enrolled patients. Our study expanded the mutation spectrum of 46,XY DSD and provided diagnostic evidence for patients with the same mutation in the future.

[Hepatic metastases after cervical cancer surgery: clinical analysis of 13 cases].

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics of patients with hepatic metastasis after cervical cancer operation, and analyze the risk factors and prognostic factors of hepatic metastasis. Methods: A total of 1 312 patients with stage Ⅰa2-Ⅱb2 cervical cancer received radical surgery from January 2013 to January 2016 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were collected, of which 13 cases (0.99%, 13/1 312) had hepatic metastasis after operation. A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical features of patients with hepatic metastasis after cervical cancer operation. T-test, chi-square test, rank sum test and logistic regression were used to analyze the risk factors of hepatic metastasis after surgery of cervical cancer operation. Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. Log-rank test was used for screening of prognostic factors in patients with postoperative hepatic metastasis. Results: (1) Clinical features: there were 3 cases of simple hepatic metastasis without obvious clinical symptoms, 2 patients with perihepatic lymph node metastasis showed only low back pain, 8 patients with multiple extrahepatic metastases, and their clinical symptoms were related to the site of metastasis. Five cases out of 9 (5/9) with liver metastasis had abnormal tumor marker results. The abnormal kinds of tumor markers were mainly carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CA(125), CA(199), and CA(72-4). The interval time of hepatic metastasis after operation was 2-22 months. (2) Analysis of risk factors for hepatic metastasis: univariate analysis showed that lymph node metastasis, histological type, infiltration depth, and lymph-vascular space invasionwere associated with hepatic metastasis after cervical cancer surgery (P<0.05).Multivariate analysis showed that lymph node metastasis and small cell carcinoma were independent risk factors for postoperative hepatic metastasis (P<0.05). (3) Prognostic factors in patients with hepatic metastasis:among 13 patients with postoperative hepatic metastases from cervical cancer, 9 died during the follow-up period and 4 survived. The median total survival time after hepatic metastases was 7 months (range 3-32 months). Univariate analysis showed that multiple extrahepatic metastases and treatment after hepatic metastasis had significant effects on the prognosis of patients with hepatic metastasis after cervical cancer operation (P<0.05). Conclusions: The interval of hepatic metastasis after surgery for cervical cancer operation is within 2 years. Patients with lymph node metastasis and small cell carcinoma are more prone to postoperative hepatic metastasis. The prognosis of patients with extrahepatic multiple metastases is poor, and individualized treatment should be carried out after comprehensive analysis for patients with hepatic metastasis after cervical cancer operation.

Effects of Senior Simulation Suit Programme on nursing students' attitudes towards older adults: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: As populations age worldwide, nursing educational institutions need to train nurses not only to provide health care services specific to the elderly, but also to have a positive attitude as they work. The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a Senior Simulation Suit Programme (SSSP). The SSSP, which focused on mimicking the physiological experiences of an 80 year-old person, was hypothesized to increase the wearer's positive attitude towards older adult care. METHODS: A single-blinded, randomized controlled trial was used to evaluate the efficacies of SSSP. One hundred and thirty-nine (139) nursing students were randomly assigned to either SSSP group (n = 69) or to a control group (n = 70) with "placebo clothing", i.e. clothing that mimicked old age but did not actually impair faculties. Two instruments-Kogan Attitudes Towards Old People Scale (KAOP) and a 1-item scale on Willingness To Care for Older People Scale (WCOP)-were used for data collection at baseline and at completion of SSSP. A Chinese version of Palmore's Facts Aging Quiz (C-FAQ) was used to assess nursing students' knowledge about adult care, and a questionnaire was developed to collect demographic information at baseline. RESULTS: No significant difference between the two groups was found. A significant increase of positive attitudes and of willingness to serve older adults was found in both the control group and the group wearing SSSP. CONCLUSION: Both the SSSP and control intervention could improve the attitudes of nursing students towards older adult care. This study suggests that wearing whatever the nursing students associate with being old, will improve their attitude towards older adult care.

[Color stability of computer aided design and computer aided manufacture composite ceramic/resin cements after accelerated ageing].

Objective: To investigate the color stability of computer aided design and computer aided manufacture (CAD/CAM) composite ceramic/resin cements after accelerated ageing. Methods: Twelve groups (ten samples each group) were used as experimental groups, which were composed of CAD/CAM composite ceramic of three kinds of thickness (0.50, 0.75, 1.00 mm) (Lava Ultimate) associated with resin cements (Variolink N) of four colors (A1, A3, T, BL1). Another three groups of CAD/CAM composite ceramic/resin cements of three different kinds of thickness (0.50, 0.75, 1.00 mm) were used as control groups (ten samples each group). All samples were put into the xenon lamp ageing instrument to implement accelerated ageing. Spectrophotometers were used to measure the lightness (L(*)), red green color value (a(*)) and blue yellow color value (b(*)) of all samples before and after accelerated ageing process, and the changes of color variation (ΔE) was calculated. The effect of composite ceramic thickness and resin cement color on the changes of color variation (ΔE) before and after the ageing of CAD/CAM composite ceramic/resin cement and whether there was an interaction between them were tested by two-way ANOVA. Results: Before and after accelerated ageing, the ΔE of CAD/CAM composite ceramic/resin cements were <3.3. Two-way ANOVA showed that the thickness of CAD/CAM composite ceramics had an effect on ΔE (F=27.025, P<0.001), and the color of resin cement also had an effect on ΔE (F=15.606, P<0.001), but there was no interaction between them (F=0.534, P=0.829). Conclusions: The thickness of CAD/CAM composite ceramics and the color of resin cements could both affect the color stability of composite ceramic/resin cements combination. However, the resulted color change is within the clinically acceptable range.

[Comparative study of three-dimensional versus two-dimensional laparoscopic C1 radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer].

Objective: To compare the clinical effects and the subjective perception of surgeons with three-dimensional (3D) and two-dimensional (2D) laparoscopic C1 radical hysterectomy surgeries for cervical cancer. Methods: The retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 101 patients with cervical cancer who received C1 laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (C1-LRH) surgery from June 2015 to August 2017 were collected. Of all patients, 42 cases undergoing 3D laparoscopic surgery and 59 cases undergoing 2D laparoscopic surgery were respectively allocated into the C1-3DLRH group or C1-2DLRH group. The clinical effect and the subjective perception of surgeons were compared between the two groups. Results: (1) There was no significant difference between the C1-3DLRH group and C1-2DLRH group in terms of age, body mass index (BMI), International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, pathologic type, etc. (all P>0.05). Compared with C1-2DLRH group, the operation time was significantly shortened [(192±54) vs (221±54) minutes, P<0.01], blood loss was significantly less [(102±88) vs (167±117) ml, P<0.01], and the success rate of inferior hypogastric plexus (IHP) bladder branch preservation was significantly increased [86% (36/42) vs 66% (39/59), P<0.05] in C1-3DLRH group. There were no significant difference in the number of lymph nodes, the incidence of operative complications, the infection rate, the time of catheterization and the length of hospitalization between the two groups (all P>0.05). The long-term bladder function was evaluated at the twelfth month after operation, 39 patients in the C1-3DLRH group and 53 patients in the C1-2DLRH group were completed the survey. The results showed that 13% (5/39) of the patients in the C1-3DLRH group had long-term bladder dysfunction, which was lower than that 21% (11/53) of the C1-2DLRH group, but there was no significant difference between the two groups (χ(2)=0.980, P=0.322). (2) A total of 251 laparoscopic surgeons questionnaires were eligible. The incidence of side effects in the first and second generation of 3D and 2D laparoscopic surgeons was 20.4% (10/49), 6.9% (6/87) and 3.5% (4/115), respectively. The incidence of side effects in the first generation of 3D laparoscopic surgeons was higher than that in the second generation of 3D (χ(2)=5.463, P=0.019) and 2D laparoscopic surgeons (χ(2)=12.475, P<0.01). There was no difference between the second generation of 3D and 2D laparoscopic surgeons (χ(2)=1.208, P=0.272). Conclusions: 3D laparoscopy is advantageous to the preservation of autonomic nerve in C1-LRH operation and may improve the quality of operation compared with 2D laparoscopy. The second generation of 3D laparoscopic device might overcome the side effects of the surgeons.

Effect of different time of ultrasound treatment on physicochemical, thermal, and antioxidant properties of chicken plasma protein.

The aim of present study was to investigate the effect of different times (5 min (UCPP-5), 10 min (UCPP-10), 20 min (UCPP-20), and 30 min (UCPP-30)) of ultrasound treatment on physicochemical, thermal, and antioxidant properties of chicken plasma protein (CPP). UCPP-20 had the highest fluorescence intensity and the lowest particle size. However, no major changes in the subunit compositions and the secondary structure of UCPPs were presented in SDS-PAGE and circular dichroism. The surface hydrophobicity and sulfhydryl content of UCPPs increased significantly (P < 0.05) as compared to those of CPP. With the increasing time of ultrasound treatment, there were more and deeper holes on the protein surfaces. Furthermore, protein modification by ultrasound could improve the thermal properties of UCPPs. Additionally, UCPPs showed a significant increase in antioxidant properties over CPP, especially UCPP-20. These observations indicated that ultrasound treatment was necessary for modification of CPP to meet the requirements for food processing.

Bioaugmented soil aquifer treatment for P-nitrophenol removal in wastewater unique for cold regions.

P-nitrophenol (PNP) is a toxic and recalcitrant organic pollutant and a usual intermediate in the production of fine chemicals, which has posed a significant threat to subsurface environment safety. Soil aquifer treatment (SAT) is a promising method to remove and remediate contamination in vadose zone with low cost and high efficiency. However, there are still research gaps for the treatment of recalcitrant contaminants by SAT in cold regions, such as un-robust indigenous microbes and low temperature constraint in vadose zone. The bioaugmentation technology was first introduced into SAT in order to enhance the removal ability of PNP by SAT operated in cold regions in this study. A high-efficiency PNP-degrading bacterium was successfully isolated, which can efficiently degrade PNP below 200 mg L-1 with a degradation rate above 99% at 15 °C close to the real subsurface temperature in cold regions, and added into SAT for bioaugmentation. The feasibility of bioaugmented SAT and associated PNP removal process were investigated by laboratory sand columns, along with effects of the SAT operative parameters (namely PNP loading concentration, flow rate and soil saturation level of SAT). Within the range of PNP loading stresses tested (1-200 mg L-1), PNP removal efficiency was optimal at constant flow rate of 219 mL d-1 in unsaturated operating condition of SAT under 15 °C among all the investigated experimental conditions. Longer hydraulic residence time increased the PNP removal rate, although the accumulated mass removed reduced and the removal efficiencies remained constant in unsaturated operating condition of SAT. It is found from the comparison between the PNP removals via both unsaturated and saturated columns that slight difference only in the removal rate of PNP was observed and the highly efficient bioaugmented SAT can completely degrade PNP of 10 mg L-1 within 5 wetting/drying cycles under both scenarios.

MiR-381-3p inhibits proliferation, migration and invasion by targeting LRP6 in papillary thyroid carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: MiR-381-3p plays an essential role in the progression of a variety of cancers, but its expression and role in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) progression have not been investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of miR-381-3p and its function in PTC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The expression levels of miR-381-3p and low-density lipoprotein receptor­related protein 6 (LRP6) mRNA in PTC tissues and cell lines were measured using RT-PCR. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion were assessed by cell viability assay and transwell assay. Luciferase assays and Western blotting were performed to demonstrate miR-381-3p target gene. RESULTS: We found that miR-381-3p was significantly down-regulated in PTC tissues and cell lines. In vitro assay indicated that up-regulation of miR-381-3p significantly suppressed PTC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Moreover, luciferase reporter gene assay demonstrated that miR-381-3p could target LRP6 by binding to the 3' UTR. Western blot and Reverse transcription­quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT­qPCR) showed that miR-381-3p overexpression suppressed the expression of LRP6 at both mRNA and proteins levels. In addition, functional experiment confirmed that LRP6 was involved in the suppressive effect of miR-381-3p-mediated PTC on cell proliferation, migration and invasion. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested, for the first time, that miR-381-3p was lowly expressed in PTC tissues, and its up-regulation inhibited tumorigenesis of PTC by targeting LRP6.

[Prognostic analysis of stage â b2 andâ ¡a2 cervical squamous cancer without high risk factors treated with neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and radical hysterectomy].

Objective: To analyze the prognosis of Ⅰb2 and Ⅱa2 cervical squamous cancer without high risk factors treated with neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and radical hysterectomy. Methods: This retrospective study included patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage Ⅰ b2 and Ⅱ a2 cervical squamous cancer without high risk factors who underwent platinum-based NACT followed by radical surgery from January 2008 to January 2015. The responses of NACT were observed and compared in their effect on postoperative pathologic risk factors. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis were performed to analyze survival status. Results: This study was recruited 282 patients with the average age of (44.4±6.7) years old. After NACT, 42 patients achieved complete response [CR, 14.9% (42/282) ], while 138 patients achieved partial response [PR, 48.9% (138/282) ] and 102 stable disease [SD, 36.2% (102/282) ]. The rate of pathologic diameter ≥4 cm, deep stromal invasion (DSI) positive and lymph-vascular space invasion (LVSI) positive rate decreased significantly in CR and PR group compared with SD group (P<0.05) . The number of postoperative risk factors in CR, PR and SD groups varied significantly (χ(2)=64.869, P=0.000) . Besides, the rate of multiple intermediate risk factors was respectively 0 vs 13.8% vs 45.1% (χ(2)=7.107, P=0.008) . The disease relapsed in 23 patients, and 12 died. On the whole series, 5-year overall survival rate was 91.7%, and 5-year recurrence-free survival rate was 88.9%. The rate of recurrence (P=0.002) and mortality (P=0.036) were higher in LVSI positive patients compared with LVSI negative. And the rate of recurrence was higher in patients with multiple intermediate risk factors, compared with no or one intermediate risk factors (P=0.002) . Univariate analysis revealed that LVSI positive and multiple intermediate risk factors were the factors predicted recurrence and mortality (P<0.05) , and no significance in age, stage, tumor grade, tumor diameter before or after NACT, response to NACT, or DSI positive factors (all P>0.05) . The multivariate analysis showed that, the factor of primary tumor diameter ≥6 cm (P=0.022) and multiple intermediate risk factors (P=0.001) were independent prognostic variables for recurrent-free survival. Besides, multiple intermediate risk factors was independent prognostic variable for overall survival (P=0.034) . After surgery, 107 patients did not receive adjuvant therapy, while 175 patients received adjuvant therapy with 26 radiotherapy, 46 chemotherapy and 103 concurrent radiochemotherapy. On survival analysis of postoperative adjuvant treatment, 5-year recurrence-free survival rate of radiotherapy group was significantly lower in patients with the factor of SD response to NACT (P=0.011) and multiple intermediate risk factors (P=0.008) , while overall no significance in overall survival rate (P>0.05) . Conclusions: NACT may be play beneficial role in relieving the status of intermediate risk factors for stage Ⅰ b2 and Ⅱ a2 cervical squamous cancer without high risk factors. The status of multiple intermediate risk factors is independent prognostic factors for recurrence and mortality. For patients with multiple intermediate risk factors, postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy or concurrent radiochemotherapy might be the better choice to prevent relapse.

Solvent-free nanofluid with three structure models based on the composition of a MWCNT/SiO2 core and its adsorption capacity of CO2.

A series of core/shell nanoparticle organic/inorganic hybrid materials (NOHMs) with different weight ratios of two components, consisting of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and silicon dioxide (SiO2) as the core were synthesized. The NOHMs display a liquid-like state in the absence of solvent at room temperature. Five NOHMs were categorized into three kinds of structure states based on different weight ratio of two components in the core, named the power strip model, the critical model and the collapse model. The capture capacities of these NOHMs for CO2 were investigated at 298 K and CO2 pressures ranging from 0 to 5 MPa. Compared with NOHMs having a neat MWCNT core, it was revealed that NOHMs with the power strip model show better adsorption capacity toward CO2 due to its lower viscosity and more reactive groups that can react with CO2. In addition, the capture capacities of NOHMs with the critical model were relatively worse than the neat MWCNT-based NOHM. The result is attributed to the aggregation of SiO2 in these samples, which may cause the consumption and hindrance of reactive groups. However, the capture capacity of NOHMs with the collapse model was the worst of all the NOHMs, owing to its lowest content of reactive groups and hollow structure in MWCNTs. In addition, they presented non-interference of MWCNTs and SiO2 without aggregation state.

Very high external quantum efficiency and wall-plug efficiency 527 nm InGaN green LEDs by MOCVD.

We demonstrate very high luminous efficacy InGaN-based green light-emitting diodes (LEDs) grown on c-plane patterned sapphire substrates (PSS) using metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). The 527 nm green LEDs show a peak external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 53.3%, a peak wall-plug efficiency (WPE) of 54.1% and a peak luminous efficacy of 329 lm/W, respectively. A high EQE of 38.4%, a WPE of 32.1% and a very low forward voltage of 2.86 V were obtained at a typical working current density of 20 A/cm2. By operating low cost green LEDs at a low current density, our devices (0.5 mm2) demonstrating an EQE and a WPE higher than 50% and an efficacy of 259 lm/W at 4 A/cm2 with an output power of 24 mW. High crystal quality of the InGaN/GaN MQWs was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the advantage of the epitaxy design was investigated by APSYS software simulation. These results provide a simple way to achieve very high efficiency InGaN green LEDs.

[Application of liver three-dimensional visualization technologies in the treatment planning of hepatic malignant tumor].

Objective: To discuss the application of three dimentional(3D)visualization technologies in treatment plan of hepatic malignant tumor. Methods: The clinical data of 300 patients with liver malignant tumor who received treatment from January 2016 to January 2017 in the Third Department of Hepatic Surgery of Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital was retrospectively analyzed in this study, including 221 male and 79 female patients aged from 7 to 76 years with median age of 54 years. The median height was 168 cm (115-183 cm), the median weight was 65 kg (20-105 kg) and the median tumor volume was 142 ml (23-2 493 ml). Three-dimensional visualization technology was used in all patients to reconstruct liver three-dimensional graphics. Also, two and three-dimensional methods were taken respectively to evaluate patients and develop treatment strategy. The change of treatment strategy caused by 3D evaluation, actual surgical plan, operation time, time of hepatic vascular occlusion, intraoperative blood loss, volumes of blood transfusion and postoperative complications was observed. Results: After three-dimensional visualization technology was applied, 75(25%) of 300 patients' treatment strategies had been changed. The range of hepatectomy was extended in 25 patients. And 7 of them were due to hepatic venous variation, which resulted in increasing drainage area. In other 4 patients, liver resections were extended due to lack of perfusion of the liver parenchyma after the removal of portal vein. And hepatectomy was expanded in 14 patients in order to increase the surgical margin. The range of hepatectomy was reduced in 8 patients, 4 of which were due to hepatic venous variation, such as hepatic vein of segment 4 or lower right posterior hepatic vein. The remaining 4 cases were because of insufficient residual liver volume.The surgical resection was performed in 278 cases, 257 of which received operation directly. Left hepatectomy was performed in 24 patients and right hepatectomy was performed in 33 patients. Left trisectionectomy was carried out in 12 patients and right trisectionectomy was carried out in 11 patients. Caudate lobectomy was applied in 10 patients. There were 18 cases of left lateral sectionectomy, 7 cases of right anterior sectionectomy, 25 cases of right posterior sectionectomy and 18 cases of mesohepatectomy. Single or multi segment resection was performed in 99 patients. The treatment strategy of thirty-six patients was converted to staged hepatectomy (ALPPS 11 cases and portal vein embolization 25 cases). The median operation time was 130 minutes (90-360 minutes) and the median inflow blood occlusion time was 20 minutes (0-75 minutes). Median blood loss volume was 200 ml (20-1 600 ml). Thirty-seven of 278 patients received transfusions, and the average red blood transfusion volume was (4.4±1.7)units (0-8 units). Median hepatic resection volume was 530 ml(30-2 600 ml). There were 117 cases of pleural effusion after operation, including 3 patients needing invasive therapy. Ascites occurred in 23 patients, 6 of whom needed invasive therapy. Biliary leakage was observed in 30 patients. Eight patients occurred hepatic cutting surface hemorrhage, 6 of whom received blood transfusion, and 4 of whom underwent laparotomy to stop bleeding. Three patients had pulmonary infection after surgery and 3 patients appeared biliary obstruction. Deep vein thrombosis took place in 2 patients and portal vein thrombosis was observed in 4 patients. No postoperative liver failure and death ever happened in our study group. Conclusion: Three-dimensional visualization technique can optimize the treatment strategy of patients with liver malignant tumor, improve surgical safety.

Effects of ultrasound-assisted alkaline extraction on the physiochemical and functional characteristics of chicken liver protein isolate.

This research investigated the physiochemical and functional characteristics of chicken liver protein isolate, which was extracted by alkali (CLPI) and ultrasound-assisted alkali (UCLPI), respectively. Protein yield of UCLPI was increased by 55.4% over that of CLPI (P < 0.05). Several amino acids were significantly higher and methionine was lower in UCLPI (P < 0.05). Ultrasound treatment reduced the particle size and prolonged the stability of the protein isolate during 7 d storage. Lower pH and a higher amount of total solubilized proteins (68.5%) were found in UCLPI by comparison with CLPI (61.8%). Surface hydrophobicity increased greatly by 63.0% compared with CLPI, but the total/reactive sulfhydryl groups and the primary structure molecular weight profile between them were not significantly different (P > 0.05). However, the enthalpy of denaturation in UCLPI decreased by 41.7%, which was related to the changes in its second structure. This resulted in better water/oil holding capacity and emulsifying properties for UCLPI. The changed physiochemical characteristics and improved functional properties of UCLPI demonstrated the potential utilization of ultrasound-assisted alkaline extraction in the food industries.

[Application of liver visualization technologies in hilar tumor resection at the second hepatic portal area].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the application of liver visualization technology in complex liver tumor resection at the second hepatic portal area. METHODS: Clinical data of 80 cases who received surgery at the second hepatic portal area from August 2014 to September 2015 in the Third Department of Hepatic Surgery of Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. There were 58 male and 22 female patients aged from 21 to 70 years with median age of 52 years. Median maximum diameter of tumor was 7.6 cm (3.0 to 17.0 cm). Before surgery, liver dimensional graphics produced by liver visualization technology were taken on all patients to observe the relationship between intrahepatic vasculars and the liver tumor, and to calculate the intended resection range and the remaining liver volume in order to make a proper surgery plan. Suitable hepatic vascular occlusion was applied in the tumor resection. Intrahepatic vessel shape and variation, surgical operation, surgical operation time, manner and time of hepatic vascular occlusion, blood loss, liver resection volume, postoperative complications were observed. RESULTS: There were 23 patients who changed surgery plan after liver visualization technology.There were 44 cases with single main hepatic vein compressed by tumors, 32 cases with 2 main hepatic veins, 4 cases with 3 main hepatic veins compressed by tumors.And there were 58 cases with both hepatic vein and inferior vena cava compressed by tumor. Hepatic segments 6 and 7 was removed in 12 cases, 14 cases, hepatic segments 4, 5 and 8 were removed in 8 cases.Right hepatectomy was carried out in 9 patients and left hepatectomy was carried out in 8 patients. Right trisectionectomy was carried out in 3 patients and left trisectionectomy was applied in 5 patients.Local hepatectomy was performed in 12 patients. Nine patients received associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy. Four patients underwent total hepatic vascular exclusion, while 16 patients underwent selective hepatic vascular exclusion. The median surgical time was 132 minutes(80 to 240 minutes). Median blood loss volume was 580 ml(100-5 000 ml). Median volume of hepatic resection was 750 ml(30 to 2 000 ml). One patient needed secondary surgery to stop bleeding as a result of postoperative abdominal bleeding.Complication of postoperative bile leakage occurred in 14 cases.Five patients had pleural effusion requiring invasive therapy.Four patients had ascites requiring invasive therapy. Besides, 5 patients had incisive infection while 2 patients were found with pulmonary infection after surgery and two patients occurred biliary obstruction. There was no death case occurred a result of surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Using liver visualization technology to make surgical operation plan can improve surgical safety of the second hepatic portal area and optimize the operation plan. It can also reduce the risk of blood loss and postoperative complications such as liver failure.

[Expression and clinical significance of ELOVL6 gene in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of elongation of very long-chain fatty acids family member 6 (ELOVL6) in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HSOC), and explore the correlation between its expression and clinical prognosis in these patients. METHODS: The expression of ELOVL6 at mRNA and protein levels were respectively detected by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and immune histochemistry method in 12 cases with normal ovarian tissues and 172 cases with HSOC from primary tumor site, forty of which had paired peritoneal metastatic tissues. RESULTS: (1) The results tested by RT-PCR showed that ELOVL6 expression in normal ovarian tissue was 4.8±1.1, while 1.2±0.7 in primary tumors and 1.8±0.9 peritoneal metastatic sites in HSOC. Compared with normal ovarian tissue, the level of ELOVL6 mRNA was significantly lower in HSOC (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between primary and peritoneal metastatic sites in HSOC (P=0.610). It was shown that ELOVL6 protein localized in cytoplasm of ovarian cancer cell by immunostaining assay. (2) ELOVL6 expression was observed in all normal ovarian tissue, 70.2% of G1-G2 and 48.8% of G3 HSOC (P<0.05). ELOVL6 expression in drug-resistant group were significantly lower than that in non-resistant group (39.1% vs 65.0%, P<0.01). The median disease-free survival was 41 months in the ELOVL6-positive group and 39 months in ELOVL6-negative group (P>0.05). The total median survival was 52 months in ELOVL6-positive group and 44 months in ELOVL6-negative group (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Low expression of ELOVL6 may correlate with the poor differentiation and drug resistance in HSOC.

[The experience of abundant amount of pectoralis major myocutaneous flap tissue in restoring parenchyma defect of head and neck].

Objective:Explore the skills to flap the defects of the head and neck with myocutaneous of pectoralis major which has rich amount of organization to minimize complications.Method:Various of neck defects will be repaired when the myocutaneous flap of pectoralis major from obese male or/and female has been prepared with improved methods. First of all, the muscle must be fixed. Then we have to suture the skin and the defect of skin or mucous membrane;the potential closed cavities around the myocutaneous flap must be drainaged with the negative pressure after repaired. Clinical data of 23 (24 sides) patients undergoing the repair in our hospital between January 2008 and December 2014 were collected and reviewed retrospectively.Result:One of 23 cases was injured the thoracoacromial artery in the preparation process of myocutaneous flap by the operator, then we operated on the other side. All of the pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps has been survived except 1 case which was necrosis in distal partial of pectoralis major muscle flap, but healed after changing dressing.Three cases with pharyngeal leakage because of the infection were also healed after changing dressing; skin and skin flap partial dehiscence happend in 1 cases, but also healed after dressing; 1 cases with subcutaneous hemorrhage was healed after cleaning up hematocele.Conclusion:The pectoralis major myocutaneous flap is still a good material for the repair of head and neck defects as long as the management skill in perioperative has been mastered properly, even though the one with rich amount of organization is bloated and the preparation and repair is difficult.

Protective Effects of Total Glucosides of Paeony on N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Rats via Down-regulation of Regulatory B Cells.

Total glucoside of paeony (TGP), extracted from the root of Paeonia Lactiflora, has been known to show anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, hepato-protective and immuno-regulatory activities. The aim of this present study was to determine the anti-tumor effect of TGP against N-nitrosodiethylamine (DEN)-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in rats, and to find the related mechanisms. Rat HCC model was established by intragastrically administrating with DEN (8 mg/kg). We found the number of tumor nodules and the index of liver and spleen were increased in the model group compared with the normal group, and was significantly decreased by TGP. Additionally, TGP obviously improved the hepatic pathological lesions induced by DEN, and decreased the elevated levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alpha fetoprotein (AFP) by DEN. Moreover, TGP decreased the level of B cell-activating factor (BAFF) and the proportion of IL-10-producing regulatory B cells (Bregs), and the decrease of BAFF by TGP is positively correlated to the decrease of IL-10-producing Bregs by TGP. These results suggest that TGP had a good therapeutic action on DEN-induced HCC rats, which might be due to its down-regulation of Bregs through reducing the level of BAFF.

Induction of long-term oscillations in the γ frequency band by nAChR activation in rat hippocampal CA3 area.

The hippocampal neuronal network oscillation at γ frequency band (γ oscillation) is generated by the precise interaction between interneurons and principle cells. γ oscillation is associated with attention, learning and memory and is impaired in the diseased conditions such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and schizophrenia. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) plays an important role in the regulation of hippocampal neurotransmission and network activity. It is not known whether nicotine modulates plasticity of network activity at γ oscillations in the hippocampus. In this study we investigated the effects of nicotine on the long-term changes of KA-induced γ oscillations. We found that hippocampal γ oscillations can be enhanced by a low concentration of nicotine (1µM), such an enhancement lasts for hours after washing out of nicotine, suggesting a form of synaptic plasticity, named as long-term oscillation at γ frequency band (LTOγ). Nicotine-induced LTOγ was mimicked by the selective α4ß2 but not by α7 nAChR agonist and was involved in N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor activation as well as depended on excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission. Our results indicate that nAChR activation induced plasticity in γ oscillation, which may be beneficial for the improvement of cognitive deficiency in AD and schizophrenia.

First Report of Fusarium equiseti Causing a Sheath Rot of Corn in China.

Corn is the most important cereal crop in China. Over 34.94 million ha of corn is cultivated in the country annually. However, fungal diseases are a major limiting factor in corn production. In August 2008, 50 ha in several corn fields in Liaoning, Jilin, and Heilongjiang provinces were observed to be severely affected by a disease causing a yield loss of 30%. Results from field surveys suggested an epidemic during late corn growth stages that affected corn sheaths, causing irregularly circular spots with grayish brown to dark brown lesions. Lesions ranged from 2.5 to 3 × 3 to 5 cm. To isolate the causal agent, tissue was removed from the border of lesions and surface sterilized in 75% ethanol for 30 sec and 0.1% HgCl2 for 1 min. The sample was then triple rinsed in sterile distilled water. The isolate was purified and subcultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA) at 25 ± 2°C. The initial color of the mycelium was white, turning brown after being cultured for 7 days. A pale brown to dark brown pigment developed in the agar beneath the colony. Chlamydospores, solitary but also in short chains, measuring 7.2 to 15.3 µm, were produced on carnation leaf agar (CLA) after 10 days and became verrucose 20 days later. Macroconidia were produced on CLA in orange sporodochia from monophialides on branched conidiophores, usually 5- to 7-septate, and apical cells were tapered and elongate. Basal cells were prominent, foot-shaped, and elongated in appearance. Microconidia were not observed (1). These morphological characteristics matched the description of Fusarium equiseti reported by Leslie and Summerell (1). A pathogenicity test was conducted with an isolate from each of the 36 corn plants by spraying 2 ml of spore suspension (106 conidia/ml) on 45-day-old corn sheaths (cv. Huang Zao). For the control treatment, 36 corn plants were sprayed with an equal volume of sterilized water. Inoculated plants were placed in a greenhouse at 32 to 34°C and 95% relative humidity. Typical irregularly circular lesions were observed 7 days after inoculation, except in the control samples. Each treatment was replicated three times. The suspected pathogen was consistently re-isolated from diseased tissue according to Koch's postulates, and was found to be morphologically similar to F. equiseti. Preliminary morphological identification of the fungus was confirmed by a PCR assay using genomic DNA extracted from the mycelia of a 7-day-old culture on PDA at 25 ± 2°C. A 750-bp amplified region of the transcription elongation factor (TEF) of rDNA was generated using TEF1 (5'-ATGGGTAAGGAGGACAAGAC-3') and TEF2 (5'-GGAAGTACCAGTGATCATGTT-3') primers. The TEF region (GenBank Accession No. KF754798) was sequenced by Sangon Biotech Co., Ltd. (Shanghai, China) and displayed 99% nucleotide similarity with the rDNA-TEF of F. equiseti (JN127347.1) separately after a BLASTn search in GenBank. Based on the symptoms, fungal morphology, TEF sequence, and pathogenicity testing, this fungus was identified as F. equiseti. To our knowledge, this is the first report of F. equiseti on corn sheaths in China. This report will establish a foundation for further study of F. equiseti to address the disease effectively and to determine the severity of damage caused by F. equiseti. Reference: (1) J. F. Leslie and B. A. Summerell. The Fusarium Laboratory Manual. Blackwell, Ames, IA, 2006.