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Yu-Chan Yang,1 Ke Zeng,2 Wei Wang,2 Zhi-Gang Gong,1 Yi-Lei Chen,1 Jian-Ming Cheng,1 Min Zhang,1 Yan-Wen Huang,1 Xin-Bo Men,2 Jian-Wei Wang,2 Songhua Zhan,1 Wen-Li Tan1 1Department of Radiology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Massage, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Songhua Zhan; Wen-Li TanDepartment of Radiology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201203, People’s Republic of China, Email zhansonghua@sina.com; 13764935974@163.comObjective: To investigate the changes of regional homogeneity (Reho) values before and after spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) through rest blood-oxygen-level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD fMRI).Methods: Patients with CLBP (Group 1, n = 20) and healthy control subjects (Group 2, n = 20) were recruited. The fMRI was performed three times in Group 1 before SMT (time point 1, TP1), after the first SMT (time point 2, TP2), after the sixth SMT (time point 3, TP3), and for one time in Group 2, which received no intervention. The clinical scales were finished in Group 1 every time before fMRI was performed. The Reho values were compared among Group 1 at different time points, and between Group 1 and Group 2. The correlation between Reho values with the statistical differences and the clinical scale scores were calculated.Results: The bilateral precuneus and right mid-frontal gyrus in Group 1 had different Reho values compared with Group 2 at TP1. The Reho values were increased in the left precuneus and decreased in the left superior frontal gyrus in Group 1 at TP2 compared with TP1. The Reho values were increased in the left postcentral gyrus and decreased in the left posterior cingulate cortex and the superior frontal gyrus in Group 1 at TP3 compared with TP1. The ReHo values of the left precuneus in Group 1 at TP1 were negatively correlated with the pain degree at TP1 and TP2 (r = − 0.549, − 0.453; p = 0.012, 0.045). The Reho values of the middle temporal gyrus in Group 1 at TP3 were negatively correlated with the changes of clinical scale scores between TP3 and TP1 (r = 0.454, 0.559; p = 0.044, 0.01).Conclusion: Patients with CLBP showed abnormal brain function activity, which was altered after SMT. The Reho values of the left precuneus could predict the immediate analgesic effect of SMT.Keywords: blood-oxygen-level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging, spinal manipulation therapy, chronic low back pain, regional homogeneity

Yi-Lung Chen,1,2 Vincent Chin-Hung Chen,3,4 Michael Gossop5 1Department of Healthcare Administration, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan; 2Department of Psychology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan; 3Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Medical Foundation, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan; 4School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; 5National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, London, UKCorrespondence: Vincent Chin-Hung ChenDepartment of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi Branch, Puzi, Chiayi, TaiwanEmail cch1966@gmail.comPurpose: This study aimed to establish the Chen ADHD Scale and to examine its reliability and validity.Patients and Methods: We recruited 114 individuals diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and 39 non-ADHD controls aged between 5 and 18 years. Their parents completed the Chen ADHD Scale, Chinese versions of the SNAP-IV, and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). We examined the psychometric properties of Chen ADHD Scale, including test–retest reliability, internal consistency, construct validity, convergent and divergent validity.Results: Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to calculate the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity of the Chen ADHD Scale for predicting ADHD. The Chen ADHD Scale demonstrated satisfactory test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation = 0.916), internal consistency (alpha = 0.966 to 0.978), a good model fit for a two-factor structure (inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity) and good convergent and divergent validity with SNAP-IV and SDQ. The AUC of Chen ADHD Scale for predicting ADHD was 0.944. The optimal cut-off value of Chen ADHD Scale with impairment requirement for predicting ADHD was 37 with a sensitivity of 0.87 and a specificity of 0.97.Conclusion: The Chen ADHD Scale is a reliable and valid instrument for screening ADHD symptoms in clinical settings in Taiwan.Keywords: ADHD, scale, reliability, validity, psychometric

Crystal geometry can greatly influence the emergent properties of quantum materials. As an example, the kagome lattice is an ideal platform to study the rich interplay between topology, magnetism, and electronic correlation. In this work, combining high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and ab initio calculation, we systematically investigate the electronic structure of XMn6Sn6 (X=Dy,Tb,Gd,Y) family compounds. We observe the Dirac fermion and the flat band arising from the magnetic kagome lattice of Mn atoms. Interestingly, the flat band locates in the same energy region in all compounds studied, regardless of their different magnetic ground states and 4f electronic configurations. These observations suggest a robust Mn magnetic kagome lattice across the XMn6Sn6 family, thus providing an ideal platform for the search for, and investigation of, new emergent phenomena in magnetic topological materials.

Rui Cheng,1,* Bi Wang,1,* Xin-ran Cai,1 Zhi-shan Chen,1 Qiang Du,1 Liang-yi Zhou,1 Jing-min Ye,1 Yan-ling Chen1,2 1Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, People’s Republic of China; 2Fujian Medical University Cancer Center, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Yan-ling ChenDepartment of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Xinquan Road 29#, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, People’s Republic of ChinaEmail chenyanling64@126.comPurpose: CD276 protein expression and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) formation are associated with the poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Although both the effects of CD276 and VM formation involve the activation of matrix metalloproteinases, and their relationship has not yet been explored. The following study investigated the effect of CD276 expression on VM formation and the potential mechanisms.Materials and Methods: CD276 expression and VM were examined in commercial tissue microarrays by immunohistochemistry and CD31/PAS double staining. Tumor cell proliferation, invasion, migration and, tube formation were detected in vitro after transfecting HCC cell lines with an shRNA lentiviral vector against CD276. The expression of MMP14, MMP2, VE-cadherin, E-cadherin, and vimentin and MMPs activation was detected by Western blot, immunofluorescence and gelatin zymography assay. In addition, an orthotopic xenograft model of HCC cells was established in vivo, after which VM was detected, along with its marker molecules.Results: CD276 expression was associated with VM and poor prognosis in HCC patients. RNA interference of CD276 reduced tumor cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and VM formation in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, CD276 knockdown up-regulated the expression of E-cadherin but inhibited the phosphorylation of AKT, the expression of MMP14, MMP2, VE-cadherin, vimentin and the activation of MMP2 and MMP9 in HCC cell lines.Conclusion: CD276 may promote VM formation by activating the PI3K/AKT/MMPs pathway and inducing the EMT process in HCC. CD276 may serve as a promising candidate for the anti-VM treatment of HCC.Keywords: hepatocellular carcinoma, vasculogenic mimicry, CD276, matrix metalloproteinases

Yi-Ju Tsai,1,2 Yueh-Chu Huang,3 Yi-Ling Chen,1 Ya-Wen Hsu,4 Yi-Liang Kuo1 1Department of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; 2Institute of Allied Health Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; 3Department of Acupressure Technology, Chung Hwa University of Medical Technology, Tainan, Taiwan; 4School of Community Health Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USACorrespondence: Yi-Liang KuoDepartment of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1 Ta-Hsueh Road, Tainan 701, TaiwanTel +886-6-2757575 Ext. 6251Fax +886-6-2370411Email yiliangkuo@mail.ncku.edu.twPurpose: This pilot study aimed to determine the feasibility of hip corrective taping to improve self-reported knee pain and lower extremity joint kinematics in basketball players with patellofemoral pain.Patients and Methods: A single group pre-test and post-test design. Collegiate basketball players with patellofemoral pain were recruited. Three-dimensional hip and knee joint kinematics were measured during two tasks, single-leg squat (SLS) and lay-up jump (LUJ), and each task was conducted under no-taping and taping conditions. Subjective report of pain was compared between no-taping and taping conditions only during SLS.Results: Twelve collegiate basketball players with patellofemoral pain (median age, 22.7 [2.5] years; mean height, 173.8 ± 7.4 cm; mean weight, 72.5 ± 12.8 kg) participated in this study. Compared with no-taping, the use of hip corrective taping significantly increased the hip abduction angle at the instant of the maximal vertical ground reaction force during LUJ (no-taping vs taping: 0.6° ± 6.3° vs 3.3° ± 5.1°, p = 0.029), and also caused a trend of decreased maximal hip internal rotation angle during SLS (no-taping vs taping: 8.0° ± 6.6° vs 4.7° ± 6.9°, p = 0.050). Hip corrective taping also improved self-reported knee pain during SLS (no-taping vs taping: 3.4 ± 1.7 vs 2.6 ± 1.0, p = 0.046).Conclusion: Hip corrective taping may be used as an effective intervention for athletes with patellofemoral pain during basketball-related tasks.Keywords: anterior knee pain, kinesio taping, biomechanics, hip joint

Jia-Yin Yeh,1 Tsai-Yu Hou,1 Wei-Ting Tseng,1 Vincent Chin-Hung Chen,2,3 Yao-Hsu Yang,4,5 Ting-Yu Kuo,4 Jun-Cheng Weng,6,7 Charles Tzu-Chi Lee,8 Yi-Lung Chen,9,10 Min-Jing Lee2,3 1Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung Branch, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; 2Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi Branch, Chiayi, Taiwan; 3School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; 4Health Information and Epidemiology Laboratory, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi Branch, Chiayi, Taiwan; 5Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi Branch, Chiayi, Taiwan; 6Department of Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; 7Medical Imaging Research Center, Institute for Radiological Research, Chang Gung University and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan; 8Department of Health Promotion and Health Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan; 9Department of Healthcare Administration, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan; 10Department of Psychology, Asia University, Taichung, TaiwanCorrespondence: Min-Jing LeeDepartment of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan, No. 6, W. Sec., Jiapu Road, Puzi City, Chiayi County 613, TaiwanTel +886-5-3621000 ext2303Fax +886-5-3622188Email 8035c@cgmh.org.twPurpose: Literature suggests that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with a high risk of unintentional injury. However, few studies have focused on whether risk of burn injury is relatively high among patients with ADHD. The aim of this study was to investigate whether ADHD affects the risk of burn injury.Materials and Methods: Individuals aged < 18 years with a current diagnosis of ADHD (N = 52,705) and age-, sex-, and other comorbidity-matched controls were selected from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database for the period of January 1996 to December 2013. Burn injury was identified in both groups, and risk was evaluated using Cox proportional hazards models. We also explored the effects of age and sex on the association.Results: We determined that patients with ADHD had an increased probability of burn injury compared with the control group (ADHD vs controls, 4.6% vs 2.6%; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.78; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.66– 1.90). The effect of ADHD on burn injury was more prominent among those aged < 6 years (aHR = 1.96; 95% CI = 1.75– 2.20) relative to those aged ≥ 6 years (aHR = 1.69; 95% CI = 1.56– 1.83). Both sexes had similar risk profiles.Conclusion: The study findings contribute to the increasing body of evidence that ADHD is associated with proneness to burn injury, particularly in children aged < 6 years.Keywords: ADHD, burn injury, propensity-matched, cohort

Background: Adaptation of existing guidelines can be an efficient way to develop contextualized recommendations. Transparent reporting of the adaptation approach can support the transparency and usability of the adapted guidelines. Objective: To develop an extension of the RIGHT (Reporting Items for practice Guidelines in HealThcare) statement for the reporting of adapted guidelines (including recommendations that have been adopted, adapted, or developed de novo), the RIGHT-Ad@pt checklist. Design: A multistep process was followed to develop the check-list: establishing a working group, generating an initial checklist, optimizing the checklist (through an initial assessment of adapted guidelines, semistructured interviews, a Delphi consensus survey, an external review, and a final assessment of adapted guidelines), and approval of the final checklist by the working group. Setting: International collaboration. Participants: A total of 119 professionals participated in the development process. Measurements: Participants' consensus on items in the checklist. Results: The RIGHT-Ad@pt checklist contains 34 items grouped in 7 sections: basic information (7 items); scope (6 items); rigor of development (10 items); recommendations (4 items); external review and quality assurance (2 items); funding, declaration, and management of interest (2 items); and other information (3 items). A user guide with explanations and real-world examples for each item was developed to provide a better user experience. Limitation: The RIGHT-Ad@pt checklist requires further vali-dation in real-life use. Conclusion: The RIGHT-Ad@pt checklist has been developed to improve the reporting of adapted guidelines, focusing on the standardization, rigor, and transparency of the process and the clarity and explicitness of adapted recommendations. Primary Funding Source: None.

Hong-Ming Chen,1,2,* Vincent Chin-Hung Chen,1,2,* Han-Pin Hsiao,1 Yi-Ping Weng,1 Ya-Ting Hsu,1 Jun-Cheng Weng,1,3 Jian-An Su,1,2,4Yi-Lung Chen5,6 1Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Medical Foundation, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan; 2School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; 3Department of Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; 4Department of Nursing, Chang Gung Institute of Technology, Taoyuan, Taiwan; 5Department of Healthcare Administration, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan; 6Department of Psychology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Yi-Lung ChenDepartment of Healthcare Administration, Asia University, 500, Lioufeng Road, Wufeng, Taichung 413, TaiwanTel +886 4 2332 3456 Ext 20106Fax +886 4 2331 6699Email elong@asia.edu.twJian-An SuDepartment of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Medical Foundation, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, No. 6 West Sec., Chia-Pu Road, Puzi City, Chiayi 613, TaiwanTel +886 5 362 1000 Ext 2855Fax +886 5 362 3002Email jian.7715@gmail.comPurpose: Although post-traumatic growth (PTG) and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) might develop and coexist after a major trauma, few studies have simultaneously examined them in patients with breast cancer. This study investigated the correlation between PTG and PTSS and their differential correlates in patients with breast cancer.Patients and methods: Overall, 145 patients with breast cancer were recruited. PTG and PTSS were assessed using the PTG inventory and the Chinese version of startle, physiological arousal, anger, and numbness, respectively. We investigated the effects of demographics, chemotherapy, depression, family support, alexithymia, and anxiety symptoms on PTG and PTSS. Multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to select the independent correlates of PTSS and PTG.Result: An association was observed between PTG and PTSS (r = 0.21). Based on multiple regression models, the common correlate of PTG (β = 0.271) and PTSS (β = 0.212) was anxiety symptoms. Differential independent correlates were years of education (β = 0.272), receiving chemotherapy (β = 0.248), and family support (β = 0.259) for PTG, and chronic pain (β = 0.316) and poor cognition (β = −0.350) for PTSS.Conclusion: Differential correlates were observed for PTG and PTSS in patients with breast cancer. Possible mechanisms and relationships between PTG and PTSS were discussed.Keywords: post-traumatic stress symptoms, post-traumatic growth, breast cancer, chemotherapy, family support

Yu-Min Yeh,1,2 Chun-Hui Lee,2 Shang-Hung Chen,2,3 Chung-Ta Lee,4 Yi-Lin Chen,4 Bo-Wen Lin,5 Shao-Chieh Lin,5 Ren-Hao Chan,5 Jenq-Chang Lee,5 Meng-Ru Shen,6,7 Peng-Chan Lin21Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City, Taiwan; 2Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City, Taiwan; 3National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Hsinchu, Taiwan; 4Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City, Taiwan; 5Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City, Taiwan; 6Department of Pharmacology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City, Taiwan; 7Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City, TaiwanCorrespondence: Peng-Chan LinDepartment of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, No. 138, Sheng-Li Road, Tainan 704, TaiwanTel +886 6 235 3535, ext. 4620Email pengchanlin@gmail.comPurpose: Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is an emerging therapeutic target in colorectal cancer (CRC). Currently, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) have been used to determine HER2-positive CRCs; however, the clinical utility of next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based techniques for determining HER2 status in CRC has been limited. Here, we detail our experience regarding the assessment of HER2 alterations in a CRC cohort.Materials and methods: We prospectively enrolled 73 CRC patients who underwent surgery and received adjuvant oxaliplatin treatment. We then examined HER2 alterations using the Oncomine Comprehensive Assay version 1, as well as clinical outcomes, in this cohort.Results: Using the NGS-based assay, HER2 copy number gains in 12 of 73 CRCs were determined to range from 2.74 to 92.62. Of these 12 tumors, 6 had HER2 high-level copy number gain (92.6, 57.9, 57.0, 52.0, 35.2, and 8.42) and were all defined as HER2-positive CRC using HERACLES Diagnostic Criteria. Nevertheless, other 6 patients with low-level copy number gain (ranging from 2.74 to 3.04) and the remaining 61 patients without increase in HER2 copy number were all HER2-negative. Among the 6 HER2-positive CRCs, KRAS and PIK3CA mutations were detected in 1 (17%; G13D) and 2 (33.3%; 1 Q546R and 1 H1047R) patients, respectively. Moreover, 2 of the 6 (33.3%) HER2-positive patients had recurrent disease, while one patient had a partial response after anti-HER2 therapy.Conclusion: NGS-based tools could assist in the simultaneous detection of HER2 and other genomic alterations in patients with CRC. Only CRCs with HER2 high-level copy number gain were HER2-postive by current diagnostic criteria.Keywords: HER2, colorectal cancer, next generation sequencing, PIK3CA

Dong-Ping Li,1,* Ying-Ling Chen,1,* Hong-Yue Jiang,1,* Yun Chen,1 Xiao-Qing Zeng,1 Li-Li Xu,1 Yang Ye,2 Chang-Qiang Ke,2 Ge Lin,3 Ji-Yao Wang,1,4 Hong Gao1,41Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China; 2State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Natural Products Chemistry Department, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Pudong, People’s Republic of China; 3School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR; 4Evidance-based Medicine Center of Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this work Purpose: To investigate the mitochondria-related mechanism of Gynura segetum (GS)-induced apoptosis and the protective effect of phosphocreatine (PCr), a mitochondrial respiration regulator.Methods: First, the mechanism was explored in human hepatocyte cell line. The mitochondrial oxidative stress was determined by fluorescence assay. The level of sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), acetylated superoxide dismutase 2 (Ac-SOD2), SOD2, and apoptosis were detected by Western blotting. Mito-TEMPO and cell lines of viral vector-mediated overexpression of SIRT3 and SIRT3H248Y, were used to further verify the mechanism of GS-induced apoptosis. GS-induced liver injury mice models were built by GS through intragastric administration and interfered by PCr through intraperitoneal injection. A total of 30 C57BL/6J mice were assigned to 5 groups and treated with either saline, PCr (100 mg/kg), GS (30 g/kg), or PCr (50 or 100 mg/kg)+GS (30 g/kg). Liver hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemical analysis, and blood biochemical evaluation were performed.Results: GS induced hepatocyte apoptosis and elevated levels of mitochondrial ROS in L-02 cells. The expression of SIRT3 was decreased. Downregulation of SIRT3 was associated with increased levels of Ac-SOD2, which is the inactivated enzymatic form of SOD2. Conversely, when overexpressing SIRT3 in GS-treated cells, SOD2 activity was restored, and mitochondrial ROS levels and hepatocyte apoptosis declined. Upon administration of PCr to GS-treated cells, they exhibited a significant upregulation of SIRT3 and were protected against apoptosis. In animal experiments, serum ALT level and mitochondrial ROS of the mice treated with GS and 50 mg/kg PCr were significantly attenuated compared with only GS treated. The changes in SIRT3 expression were also consistent with the in vitro results. In addition, immunohistochemical analysis of the mouse liver showed that Ac-SOD2 was decreased in the PCr and GS co-treated group compared with GS treated group.Conclusion: GS caused liver injury by dysregulating mitochondrial ROS generation via a SIRT3-SOD2 pathway. PCr is a potential agent to treat GS-induced liver injury by mitochondrial protection.Keywords: Gynura segetum, apoptosis, mitochondrial, ROS, SIRT3, phosphocreatine

Yan Lei Chen,1 Weirong Joshua Sng,2 De Yun Wang,2 Xue Yan Wang11Department of Allergy, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Otolaryngology, National University Health System, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, SingaporeBackground: Several studies have shown that the use of antibiotics early in life significantly increases the risk of asthma in children. It is unclear whether antibiotics are more commonly used in patients with allergy-related diseases.Methods: A multistage, clustered and random sampling with a field-interviewer-administrated survey study was performed to investigate if there was multiple use of antibiotics (MUA) in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR), conjunctivitis, chronic urticaria (CU), and asthma in the grasslands of northern China. MUA was defined as antibiotic usage for at least 3 days and for more than 3 times a year in the past 2 years.Results: A total of 5,787 subjects completed the study, with 1,079 subjects (18.6%) identified as MUA. MUA was more common in patients with AR (23.7% vs 16.2%, P

The interplay between topological electronic structure and superconductivity has attracted tremendous research interests recently as they could induce topological superconductivity (TSCs) which may be used to realize topological qubits for quantum computation. Among various TSC candidates, superconducting BaSn3 (Tc∼4.4K) has been predicted to be a topological Dirac semimetal (TDS) hosting two pairs of Dirac points along the Γ-A direction. Here, by combining the use of angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and ab initio calculations, we identified the predicted topological Dirac fermions and confirmed the TDS nature of the compound. In addition, we observed surface states connecting the Dirac points. Our observations demonstrate BaSn3 as a superconductor with nontrivial topological electronic structures.

Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) and torque magnetometry (TM) measurements have been carried out to study the electronic structures of a correlated topological insulator (TI) candidate YbB6. We observed clear surface states on the [001] surface centered at the Γ and M points of the surface Brillouin zone. Interestingly, the fermiology revealed by the quantum oscillation of TM measurements agrees excellently with ARPES measurements. Moreover, the band structures we observed suggest that the band inversion in YbB6 happens between the Yb5d and B2p bands, instead of the Yb5d and Yb4f bands as suggested by previous theoretical investigation, which will help settle the heavy debate regarding the topological nature of samarium/ytterbium hexaborides.

Jianwei Duan,1,* Chao Liu,1,* Xiaoyu Liang,1 Xuanling Li,1 Youlu Chen,1 Zuoguan Chen,2 Xiaoli Wang,1 Deling Kong,1,3 Yongjun Li,2 Jing Yang1 1Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomaterial Research, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China; 2Department of Vascular Surgery, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; 3Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin, China *These authors contributed equally to this work Background: To address the issue of delivery of proteins, a six-arm copolymer, six-arm poly(ε-caprolactone)–poly(ethylene glycol) (6S-PCL-PEG), was synthesized by a simple two-step reaction. Thereafter, the application of 6S-PCL-PEG as a protein carrier was evaluated. Materials and methods: A six-arm copolymer, six-arm poly(ε-caprolactone) (6S-PCL), was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization, with stannous octoate as a catalyst and inositol as an initiator. Then, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) was linked with 6S-PCL by oxalyl chloride to obtain 6S-PCL-PEG. Hydrogen-1 nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and gel-permeation chromatography were conducted to identify the structure of 6S-PCL-PEG. The biocompatibility of the 6S-PCL-PEG was evaluated by a cell counting kit-8 assay. Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by a water-in-oil-in-water double emulsion (W1/O/W2) solvent evaporation method. The size distribution and zeta potential of NPs were determined by dynamic light scattering. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the morphology of NPs. Drug-loading capacity, encapsulation efficiency, and the release behavior of ovalbumin (OVA)-loading NPs were tested by the bicinchoninic acid assay kit. The stability and activity of OVA released from NPs were detected and the uptake of NPs was evaluated by NIH-3T3 cells. Results: All results indicated the successful synthesis of amphiphilic copolymer 6S-PCL-PEG, which possessed excellent biocompatibility and could formulate NPs easily. High drug-loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency of protein NPs were observed. In vitro, OVA was released slowly and the bioactivity of OVA was maintained for over 28 days. Conclusion: 6S-PCL-PEG NPs prepared in this study show promising potential for use as a protein carrier. Keywords: six-arm PCL-PEG, copolymer synthesis, protein carrier, sustained release

Yu-Ling Chen,1,2 Yu-Cheng Pei3–6 1Department of Music, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford, OK, USA; 2Division of Music Education and Music Therapy, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA; 3Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; 4Center of Vascularized Tissue Allograft, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan; 5School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; 6Healthy Aging Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan Background/aims: Dual-task training may improve dual-task gait performance, balance, and cognition in older adults with and without cognitive impairment. Although music has been widely utilized in dementia management, there are no existing protocols for music-based dual-task training. This randomized controlled study developed a Musical Dual-Task Training (MDTT) protocol that patients with dementia can use to practice walking and making music simultaneously, to enhance attention control in patients during dual-tasking.Methods: Twenty-eight adults diagnosed with mild-to-moderate dementia were assigned to the MDTT (n=15) or control groups (n=13). The MDTT group received MDTT, while the control group participated in non-musical cognitive and walking activities. The effects of MDTT were evaluated through the primary outcome of attention control, and secondary outcomes of dual-task performance, balance, falls efficacy, and agitation.Results: The MDTT group showed a significant improvement in attention control, while the control group did not (P

Zhongxue Yuan,1 Rui Xu,1 Jinquan Li,1 Yueli Chen,1 Binghui Wu,2 Jianghua Feng,1 Zhong Chen1 1Department of Electronic Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China; 2State Key Laboratory for Physical Chemistry of Solid Surface, Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China Background: Core–shell-structured nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted much scientific attention due to their promising potential in biomedical fields in recent years. However, their underlying mechanisms of action and potential adverse effects following administration remain unknown. Methods: In the present study, a 1H nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabonomic strategy was applied to investigate the metabolic consequences in rats following the intravenous administration of parent NPs of core–shell-structured nanoparticles, Fe3O4@SiO2-NH2 (Fe@Si) NPs. Results: Alterations reflected in plasma and urinary metabonomes indicated that Fe@Si NPs induced metabolic perturbation in choline, ketone-body, and amino-acid metabolism besides the common metabolic disorders in tricarboxylic acid cycle, lipids, and glycogen metabolism often induced by the exogenous agents. Additionally, intestinal flora metabolism and the urea cycle were also influenced by Fe@Si NP exposure. Time-dependent biological effects revealed obvious metabolic regression, dose-dependent biological effects implied different biochemical mechanisms between low- and high-dose Fe@Si NPs, and size-dependent biological effects provided potential windows for size optimization. Conclusion: Nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabonomic analysis helps in understanding the biological mechanisms of Fe@Si NPs, provides an identifiable ground for the selection of view windows, and further serves the clinical translation of Fe@Si NP-derived and -modified bioprobes or bioagents. Keywords: core–shell structure, biomedical nanoparticles, metabonomics, NMR, biological effects

Using high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), we have mapped out the reconstructed electronic structure in the commensurate charge-density-wave (CDW) state of quasi-two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenide 2H-TaSe2. The observation of the fine structure near Brillouin zone (BZ) center supplements the picture of Fermi surface folding in the 3×3 CDW state. In addition to the anisotropic CDW band gaps that energetically stabilize the system at the Fermi level in the first-order lock-in transition, we found band reconstruction at high binding energy, which can be well explained by the hybridization between main bands (MBs) and folded bands (FBs). Furthermore, in contrast to the perfectly nested quasi-one-dimensional system, triple-nesting-vector-induced CDW FBs increase the degeneracy of the band crossing and thus further enlarge the magnitude of band gap at certain momentum-energy positions. The visualization and modeling of CDW gaps in momentum-energy space reconciles the long-lasting controversy on the gap magnitude and suggests a weak-coupling Peierls physics in this system.

© 2019 American Physical Society. Using high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and ab initio calculation, we have studied the bulk and surface electronic structure of metallic rutile 5d transition metal oxide IrO2 that harbors both edge and corner sharing Ir-O octahedrons. We observe strong modulation of the band structure by spin-orbit coupling (SOC). The measured band structure is well reproduced by our ab initio calculation without band renormalization, suggesting the absence of the SOC-enhanced correlation effect in IrO2. In accordance with the calculation, we visualize two types of Dirac nodal lines (DNLs) protected by mirror symmetry and nonsymmorphic crystal symmetry, respectively. SOC gaps the first type of DNLs, which may contribute largely to the strong spin Hall effect. The second type of DNLs at the edges of Brillouin zone, however, remain intact against SOC. Our results not only provide important insights into the exotic transport properties of IrO2, but also shed light on the understanding of the role of SOC in the iridate family.

Geng Dou,1 Yu Zhang,1 Chunlin Zong,2 Yuanli Chen,2 Yuxuan Guo,2 Lei Tian2 1The First Brigade of Students, 2State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Cranio-facial Trauma and Orthognathic Surgery, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, People’s Republic of China Purpose: The present study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, accuracy, and clinical effect of intraoperative navigation for resection of elongated styloid process (ESP) in Eagle’s syndrome.Patients and methods: Twelve patients with Eagle’s syndrome with clinically and radiologically established diagnoses of ESP were included in this study. Preoperatively, all patients accepted three-dimensional computed tomography scan, and their skulls’ digital imaging and communications in medicine data were inputed into the navigation system workstation to make a virtual surgical plan in advance. During surgery, the intraoperative navigation was performed to excise the ESP accurately for both intraoral (without tonsillectomy) and extraoral approaches following the virtual plan. Postoperatively, the amount of bleeding, duration of operation and hospitalization, and the length of resected styloid process (SP) were measured and compared with those cases that had traditional styloidectomy without the help of surgical navigation (SN). A simple visual analog scale questionnaire was also used to assess patients’ satisfaction and the surgery effect after 3months.Results: In total, 17 SPs from 12 patients were precisely resected by intraoral parapharyngeal approach and small cervical approach with the aid of SN. No severe complications occurred in any patients. The length of resected SPs was 21.93±14.26mm. The average amount of bleeding and duration of operation were 22.50±8.54mL and 40.35±11.81minutes, respectively, which were all less than with traditional styloidectomy. The visual analog scale analysis showed that the discomfort in all patients was relieved, while ten patients’ symptoms were improved greatly, and two patients had some improvement.Conclusion: The higher accuracy of surgery, lesser amount of bleeding, decreased duration of surgery and hospitalization, absence of complications, and improved subjective symptoms indicated that SN is an effective and minimally invasive surgical procedure suitable for resection of ESP for treating Eagle’s syndrome. Keywords: elongation of styloid process, intraoperative navigation, oral and maxillofacial surgery, computer-aided surgery

Yi-Ping Fang,1 Chih-Hung Chuang,2 Pao-Chu Wu,1 Yaw-Bin Huang,1 Cherng-Chyi Tzeng,3 Yeh-Long Chen,3 Ya-Ting Liu,1 Yi-Hung Tsai,1 Ming-Jun Tsai4–6 1School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, 2Department of Biomedical and Environment Biology, College of Life Science, 3School of Medicinal and Applied Chemistry, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 4Department of Neurology, China Medical University Hospital, 5School of Medicine, Medical College, China Medical University, Taichung, 6Department of Neurology, China Medical University An-Nan Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan Abstract: Amsacrine analog is a novel chemotherapeutic agent that provides potentially broad antitumor activity when compared to traditional amsacrine. However, the major limitation of amsacrine analog is that it is highly lipophilic, making it nonconductive to intravenous administration. The aim of this study was to utilize solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) to resolve the delivery problem and to investigate the biodistribution of amsacrine analog-loaded SLN. Physicochemical characterizations of SLN, including particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and stability, were evaluated. In vitro release behavior was also measured by the dialysis method. In vivo pharmacokinetics and biodistribution behavior of amsacrine analog were investigated and incorporated with a non invasion in vivo imaging system to confirm the localization of SLN. The results showed that amsacrine analog-loaded SLN was 36.7 nm in particle size, 0.37 in polydispersity index, and 34.5±0.047 mV in zeta potential. More than 99% of amsacrine analog was successfully entrapped in the SLN. There were no significant differences in the physicochemical properties after storage at room temperature (25°C) for 1 month. Amsacrine analog-loaded SLN maintained good stability. An in vitro release study showed that amsacrine analog-loaded SLN sustained a release pattern and followed the zero equation. An in vivo pharmacokinetics study showed that amsacrine analog was rapidly distributed from the central compartment to the tissue compartments after intravenous delivery of amsacrine analog-loaded SLN. The biodistribution behavior demonstrated that amsacrine analog mainly accumulated in the lungs. Noninvasion in vivo imaging system images also confirmed that the drug distribution was predominantly localized in the lungs when IR-780-loaded SLN was used. Keywords: amsacrine analog, solid lipid nanoparticle, pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, water insolubility

The recent discovery of the extreme magnetoresistance (XMR) in the nonmagnetic rare-earth monopnictides LaX (X = P, As, Sb, Bi,), a recently proposed new topological semimetal family, has inspired intensive research effort in the exploration of the correlation between the XMR and their electronic structures. In this work, using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy to investigate the three-dimensional band structure of LaBi, we unraveled its topologically nontrivial nature with the observation of multiple topological surface Dirac fermions, as supported by our ab initio calculations. Furthermore, we observed substantial imbalance between the volume of electron and hole pockets, which rules out the electron-hole compensation as the primary cause of the XMR in LaBi.

We report on the electronic structure of the elemental topological semimetal $\alpha$-Sn on InSb(001). High-resolution angle-resolved photoemission data allow to observe the topological surface state (TSS) that is degenerate with the bulk band structure and show that the former is unaffected by different surface reconstructions. An unintentional $p$-type doping of the as-grown films was compensated by deposition of potassium or tellurium after the growth, thereby shifting the Dirac point of the surface state below the Fermi level. We show that, while having the potential to break time-reversal symmetry, iron impurities with a coverage of up to 0.25 monolayers do not have any further impact on the surface state beyond that of K or Te. Furthermore, we have measured the spin-momentum locking of electrons from the TSS by means of spin-resolved photoemission. Our results show that the spin vector lies fully in-plane, but it also has a finite radial component. Finally, we analyze the decay of photoholes introduced in the photoemission process, and by this gain insight into the many-body interactions in the system. Surprisingly, we extract quasiparticle lifetimes comparable to other topological materials where the TSS is located within a bulk band gap. We argue that the main decay of photoholes is caused by intraband scattering, while scattering into bulk states is suppressed due to different orbital symmetries of bulk and surface states.

© 2017 American Physical Society. Topological insulators represent unusual topological quantum states, typically with gapped bulk band structure but gapless surface Dirac fermions protected by time-reversal symmetry. Recently, a distinct kind of topological insulator resulting from nonsymmorphic crystalline symmetry was proposed in the KHgX (X=As, Sb, Bi) compounds. Unlike regular topological crystalline insulators, the nonsymmorphic glide-reflection symmetry in KHgX guarantees the appearance of an exotic surface fermion with hourglass shape dispersion (where two pairs of branches switch their partners) residing on its (010) side surface, contrasting to the usual two-dimensional Dirac fermion form. Here, by using high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we systematically investigate the electronic structures of KHgSb on both (001) and (010) surfaces and reveal the unique in-gap surface states on the (010) surface with delicate dispersion consistent with the "hourglass Fermion" recently proposed. Our experiment strongly supports that KHgSb is a nonsymmorphic topological crystalline insulator with hourglass fermions, which serves as an important step to the discovery of unique topological quantum materials and exotic fermions protected by nonsymmorphic crystalline symmetry.

© The Author(s) 2017. Topological Weyl semimetal (TWS), a new state of quantum matter, has sparked enormous research interest recently. Possessing unique Weyl fermions in the bulk and Fermi arcs on the surface, TWSs offer a rare platform for realizing many exotic physical phenomena. TWSs can be classified into type-I that respect Lorentz symmetry and type-II that do not. Here, we directly visualize the electronic structure of MoTe 2, a recently proposed type-II TWS. Using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), we unravel the unique surface Fermi arcs, in good agreement with our ab initio calculations that have nontrivial topological nature. Our work not only leads to new understandings of the unusual properties discovered in this family of compounds, but also allows for the further exploration of exotic properties and practical applications of type-II TWSs, as well as the interplay between superconductivity (MoTe 2 was discovered to be superconducting recently) and their topological order.

Topological insulator (TI) thin films of Biinline imageSeinline image and Biinline imageTeinline image have been successfully grown on amorphous fused silica (vitreous SiOinline image) substrates by molecular beam epitaxy. We find that such growth is possible and investigations by X-ray diffraction reveal good crystalline quality with a high degree of order along the c-axis. Atomic force microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction and X-ray reflectivity are used to study the surface morphology and structural film parameters. Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy studies confirm the existence of a topological surface state. This work shows that TI films can be grown on amorphous substrates, while maintaining the topological surface state despite the lack of in-plane rotational order of the domains. The growth on fused silica presents a promising route to detailed thermoelectric measurements of TI films, free from unwanted thermal, electrical, and piezoelectric influences from the substrate.

Large-scale cyclic triaxial tests are conducted on remoulded kaolin specimens with 300 mm diameter and 600 mm height. To achieve radial drainage during and after the cyclic tests, a single prefabricated vertical drain (PVD) is installed in the centre of the soil cylinder. The test results verify that radial drainage can effectively dissipate the pore water pressure induced by cyclic loads. A radial consolidation model under cyclic loading is proposed to capture the behavior of soft clays subjected to cyclic loading when radial drainage is allowed during the loading and rest periods. It is achieved by combining radial consolidation theory with an undrained cyclic loading model. The effects of the stress history and dissipation of pore water pressure on the generation of pore water pressure are considered in the proposed model, which is verified by large-scale cyclic triaxial tests. It is found that for a high cyclic stress load, the radial drainage decreases the cumulative rate of pore water pressure up to the critical value, so the soil could undergo more loading cycles prior to failure. With a moderate cyclic stress load, the radial drainage prevents the pore water pressure from accumulating to the critical value. Furthermore, the effect of rest period on the generation of pore water pressure is investigated. It is indicated that the cumulative pore water pressure begins to decrease after three sets of cyclic loading, showing that no substantial pore water pressure will be observed if more sets of cyclic loading are applied.

Qi Wan,1 Ai Zheng,1 Xiaojing Liu,2 Yali Chen,1 Ling Han11Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, 2Laboratory of Cardiovascular Diseases, Regenerative Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, ChinaBackground: Recent studies have reported that aberrant expression of transient receptor potential channel C6 (TRPC6) in a variety of human cancers is associated with aggressive behavior. However, the functional significance of TRPC6 in human cervical cancer is not known. This study was planned to detect whether TRPC6 is expressed in cervical cancer tissue and to evaluate the association between TPRC6 expression and clinicopathologic features.Methods: Tissue samples were collected from the West China Second UNIV Hospital of Sichuan University. TRPC6 expression was detected by quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. TRPC6 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry analysis of 40 cervical cancer specimens, and correlations were sought between elevated expression of TRPC6 and clinicopathologic features.Results: Increased expression of TRPC6 was detected in 25 of the 40 cervical cancer samples. Positive cells found in cervical carcinomas were significantly increased in numbers compared with specimens without lymphovascular space invasion. Elevated expression of TRPC6 was neither related to International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage nor pelvic lymph metastases. Indeed, the clinicopathologic analysis indicated that overexpression of TRPC6 was significantly associated with lymphovascular space invasion.Conclusion: These results indicate that elevated expression of TRPC6 might be associated with an aggressive cervical cancer phenotype.Keywords: cervical cancer, transient receptor potential channel C6, overexpression, invasion

Yi-Ping Fang,1 Pao-Chu Wu,2 Yaw-Bin Huang,3 Cherng-Chyi Tzeng,4 Yeh-Long Chen,4 Yu-Han Hung,2 Ming-Jun Tsai,5,6 Yi-Hung Tsai31Department of Biotechnology, Yuanpei University, Hsinchu, Taiwan; 2School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; 3Graduate Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; 4School of Medicinal and Applied Chemistry, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; 5Department of Neurology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; 6School of Medicine, Medical College, China Medical University, Taichung, TaiwanBackground: The synthetic potential chemotherapeutic agent 3-Chloro-4-[(4-methoxyphenyl)amino]furo[2,3-b]quinoline (PK-L4) is an analog of amsacrine. The half-life of PK-L4 is longer than that of amsacrine; however, PK-L4 is difficult to dissolve in aqueous media, which is problematic for administration by intravenous injection.Aims: To utilize solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) to improve the delivery of PK-L4 and investigate its biodistribution behavior after intravenous administration.Results: The particle size of the PK-L4-loaded SLNs was 47.3 nm and the size of the PEGylated form was smaller, at 28 nm. The entrapment efficiency (EE%) of PK-L4 in SLNs with and without PEG showed a high capacity of approximately 100% encapsulation. Results also showed that the amount of PK-L4 released over a prolonged period from SLNs both with and without PEG was comparable to the non-formulated group, with 16.48% and 30.04%, respectively, of the drug being released, which fit a zero-order equation. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration values of PK-L4-loaded SLNs with and those without PEG were significantly reduced by 45%–64% in the human lung carcinoma cell line (A549), 99% in the human breast adenocarcinoma cell line with estrogen receptor (MCF7), and 95% in the human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MDA-MB-231). The amount of PK-L4 released by SLNs with PEG was significantly higher than that from the PK-L4 solution (P < 0.05). After intravenous bolus of the PK-L4-loaded SLNs with PEG, there was a marked significant difference in half-life alpha (0.136 ± 0.046 hours) when compared with the PK-L4 solution (0.078 ± 0.023 hours); also the area under the curve from zero to infinity did not change in plasma when compared to the PK-L4 solution. This demonstrated that PK-L4-loaded SLNs were rapidly distributed from central areas to tissues and exhibited higher accumulation in specific organs. The highest deposition of PK-L4-loaded SLNs with PEG was found in the lung and spine.Conclusion: Sufficient amounts of PK-L4 were entrapped in the SLNs, and the pharmacokinetic behavior of PK-L4-loaded SLNs was established. This formulation successfully resolved the delivery problem, and the drug was localized in particular organs.Keywords: 3-chloro-4-[(4-methoxyphenyl)amino]furo[2,3-b]quinoline, SLNs, solubility, cytotoxicity, biodistribution

The aim of this study was to diagnose microvascular invasion in patients with solitary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from pre-operative CT imaging.102 patients with solitary HCC who underwent curative hepatectomy were retrospectively included in our study. The pre-operative 3-phase CT imaging and laboratory data for the 102 patients were reviewed. Tumour size, tumour margin, peritumoral enhancement and α-fetoprotein level were assessed. Surgical pathology was reviewed; tumour differentiation, liver fibrosis score and microvascular invasion were recorded.The histopathological results revealed that 50 HCCs were positive and the other 52 were negative for microvascular invasion. Univariate analysis revealed that tumour size (p = 0.036), higher Edmondson-Steiner grade (p = 0.047) and non-smooth tumour margin (p0.001) showed statistically significant associations with microvascular invasion. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that non-smooth tumour margin had a statistically significant association with microvascular invasion only (p0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the non-smooth tumour margin in the prediction of microvascular invasion were 66%, 86.5%, 82.5% and 72.6%, respectively.Non-smooth tumour margin in pre-operative CT had a statistically significant association with microvascular invasion. More aggressive treatment should be considered in HCC patients with suspected positive microvascular invasion.

Wan-Ju Hsieh,1 Chan-Jung Liang,1 Jen-Jie Chieh,4 Shu-Huei Wang,1 I-Rue Lai,1 Jyh-Horng Chen,2 Fu-Hsiung Chang,3 Wei-Kung Tseng,4–6 Shieh-Yueh Yang,4 Chau-Chung Wu,7 Yuh-Lien Chen11Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, 2Department of Electrical Engineering, 3Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; 4Institute of Electro-Optical Science and Technology, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan; 5Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, E-Da Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; 6Department of Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, I-Shou University, Taipei, Taiwan; 7Department of Internal Medicine and Primary Care Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, TaiwanBackground: Active targeting by specific antibodies combined with nanoparticles is a promising technology for cancer imaging and detection by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The aim of the present study is to investigate whether the systemic delivery of antivascular endothelial growth factor antibodies conjugating to the surface of functionalized supermagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (anti-VEGF-NPs) led to target-specific accumulation in the tumor.Methods: The VEGF expression in human colon cancer and in Balb/c mice bearing colon cancers was examined by immunohistochemistry. The distribution of these anti-VEGF-NPs particles or NPs particles were evaluated by MRI at days 1, 2, or 9 after the injection into the jugular vein of Balb/c mice bearing colon cancers. Tumor and normal tissues (liver, spleen, lung, and kidney) were collected and were examined by Prussian blue staining to determine the presence and distribution of NPs in the tissue sections.Results: VEGF is highly expressed in human and mouse colon cancer tissues. MRI showed significant changes in the T*2 signal and T2 relaxation in the anti-VEGF-NP- injected-mice, but not in mice injected with NP alone. Examination of paraffin sections of tumor tissues stained for the iron constituent of the NPs with Prussian blue revealed a strong blue reaction in the tumors of anti-VEGF-NP-treated mice, but only a weak reaction in mice injected with NPs. In both groups, at all time points, Prussian blue-stained liver and spleen sections showed only light staining, while stained cells were rarely detected in kidney and lung sections. Transmission electron microscopy showed that many more electron-dense particles were present in endothelial cells, tumor cells, and extracellular matrix in tumor tissues in mice injected with anti-VEGF-NPs than in NP-injected mice.Conclusion: These results demonstrated in vivo tumor targeting and efficient accumulation of anti-VEGF-NPs in tumor tissues after systemic delivery in a colon cancer model, showing that anti-VEGF-NPs have potential for use as a molecular-targeted tumor imaging agent in vivo.Keywords: nanoparticles, vascular endothelial growth factor, colon tumor, magnetic resonance imaging, transmission electron microscopy

Meimei Hao, Yan Zhang, Shuangxing Hou, Yanling Chen, Ming Shi, Gang Zhao, Yanchun Deng Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, People’s Republic ofChina Abstract: Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) has been recognized as an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic vascular disease. Here we report a patient who suffered from spinal cord demyelination combined with HHcy. The patient was admitted to our hospital with a diagnosis of acute myelitis. However, hormone therapy was ineffective. Further investigations revealed that he had HHcy and a homozygous mutation of the gene encoding methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) c.677C>T, which is a key enzyme involved in homocysteine metabolism. In view of these findings, we treated the patient with B vitamins and his symptoms gradually improved. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging performed 3 months after onset showed near recovery of the lesion. To our knowledge, similar reports are rare. Keywords: demyelination, hyperhomocysteinemia, homocysteine, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, methylation

© 2015 American Physical Society. The level of electronic correlation has been one of the key questions in understanding the nature of superconductivity. Among the iron-based superconductors, the iron chalcogenide family exhibits the strongest electron correlations. To gauge the correlation strength, we performed a systematic angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy study on the iron chalcogenide series Fe1+ySexTe1-x (0

Three different routes of Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) infection of piglets, namely intranasal (i.n.) through drops, intradermal (i.d.) into the foot, and intramuscular (i.m.) were compared regarding the onset and severity of the disease. The results showed that the i.d. injection of the virus resulted in the fastest onset of the disease. The i.m. injection led to a delayed onset, but the final effect was identical with i.d. injection. Moreover, the i.m. injection was simpler to perform and easier to evaluate. Therefore, the i.m. injection of piglets is recommended as the optimal infection route for evaluation of the FMDV vaccine potency.

Despite the use of antivirals to treat patients with severe influenza, questions remain with respect to effects and safety. Although a recent systematic review has provided some indication of benefit, the analysis is limited by the quality of the available evidence from randomized controlled trials. To supplement the existing information, the authors conducted a systematic review of observational studies of antiviral treatment for influenza. This report summarises the findings of that review. Similar to the randomised trials, the confidence in the estimates of the effects for decision-making is low to very low primarily due to the risk of selection and publication bias in the observational studies. From these observational studies, the summary estimates suggest that oseltamivir may reduce mortality, hospitalisation and duration of symptoms compared with no treatment. Inhaled zanamivir may also reduce symptom duration and hospitalisations, but patients may experience more complications compared with no treatment. Earlier treatment with antivirals is generally associated with better outcomes than later treatment. Further high-quality evidence is needed to inform treatment guidelines because of the overall low to very low quality of evidence.

We present ultrahigh resolution angle-resolved photoemission data of the prototypical Kondo lattice system YbRh 2Si 2, using a 7 eV laser photon source. Detailed temperature dependent measurements reveal the development of coherent states, in the form of sharp, weakly dispersing peaks at the lowest energy of single-electron spectra, below a characteristic temperature. The characteristic temperature, obtained from angle-resolved photoemission, is intriguingly of exactly the same scale as the energy and the lifetime of the coherent state. © 2012 American Physical Society.

Intraventricular arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a rare congenital vascular disorder that is often associated with primary intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and a rapid clinical course. Acute imaging diagnosis requires depiction of both the location of hemorrhage and vascular nidus for emergent management. In this report, a 17-year-old teenager developed primary IVH with presentation of consciousness change during a video game. Multidetector-row computed tomographic angiography (CTA) demonstrated an AVM in the right lateral ventricle and its angioarchitectural relationship to the surrounding intracranial structures. Although selective angiography is essential both in planning treatment for cerebral AVMs and in establishing the final diagnosis, CTA can be an important first-line imaging modality to quickly confirm the diagnosis and hence initiate prompt management.

Objectives: Complete resection +/- adjuvant radiotherapy is the primary treatment for chordomas. However, resection of lumbar or high sacral chordomas may require sacrifice of nerve roots and result in significant loss of neurological function, while some other patients may be medically inoperable[for full text, please go to the a.m. URL], PTCOG 48; Meeting of the Particle Therapy Co-Operative Group

Mechanical gastritis is confirmed as one of the causes of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage, which is created directly by retching and vomiting in a patient with an esophageal hiatal hernia. Five cases of mechanical gastritis are reported in this paper. The clinical presentation of mechanical gastritis and the Mallory-Weiss syndrome may mimic each other. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed the gastric mucosa to be propelled into the esophagus during nausea. This mucosa showed erosions and superficial ulcerations. The mucosa appeared 'congested' at and just below the cardia. It is suggested that the friction and compression of the gastric mucosa prolapsing through a constriction ring of the diaphragm into the hiatal hernia during retching and vomiting may cause mechanical trauma to the gastric mucosa, resulting in gastritis, erosions, and hemorrhage.

A 59-year-old woman presented to the emergency department because of lower abdominal discomfort and fever for 3 days. She had a history of end-stage renal disease for which she had received haemodialysis for 10 years. …

In two patients, frequent retching and vomiting preceded acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Congestion and edema were limited to the prolapsed portion of the stomach, the cardia, where discrete erosions and small shallow ulcers were seen. At endoscopy, prolapse of the gastric mucosa into the esophageal lumen was quite evident whenever the patients retched. The endoscopic features and pathogenesis of Mallory-Weiss syndrome were readily differentiated. It seemed probable that repeated retching causing intussusception of the cardia of the stomach can mechanically produce gastritis and should be a recognizable cause of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding. I take this entity to be an independent superficial mucosal disease of the stomach.