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Objective:. To detect the expression of caspase-3, baculoviral inhibitor of apoptosis repeat containing 5 (BIRC-5), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), and the concentration of resistin protein in placental of patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and normal pregnant women, and to explore its correlation with the pathogenesis of GDM and its significance. Methods:. This study includes 30 pregnant women who chose cesarean section at Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College during May 2013 to February 2014: 15 GDM patients and 15 normal glucose tolerance patients. The expression of caspase-3, VEGF, HIF, and BIRC-5 in placenta of 15 patients with GDM (GDM group) and 15 normal late pregnancy (control group) was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The concentration of resistin protein in the placenta was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results:. Compared with the control group, the expression of caspase-3, HIF, VEGF, resistin in placenta of GDM group increased significantly (P

Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) is assumed to exert beneficial effects on functional brain activity and cognitive function in elders. Until now, empirical evidence of TCC induced intra-regional spontaneous neural activity and inhibitory control remains inconclusive. Whether the effect of TCC is better than that of other aerobic exercises is still unknown, and the role of TCC in younger adults is not yet fully understood. Here we used resting-state functional MRI (fMRI) to investigate the effects of 8-week TCC (n = 12) and brisk walking (BW, n = 12) on inhibitory control and fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF). The results found that TCC had significant effects on inhibitory control performance and spontaneous neural activity that were associated with significantly increased fALFF in the left medial superior frontal gyrus (Cohen’s d = 1.533) and the right fusiform gyrus (Cohen’s d = 1.436) and decreased fALFF in the right dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus (Cohen’s d = 1.405) and the right paracentral lobule (Cohen’s d = 1.132).TCC exhibited stronger effects on spontaneous neural activity than the BW condition, as reflected in significantly increased fALFF in the left medial superior frontal gyrus (Cohen’s d = 0.862). There was a significant positive correlation between the increase in fALFF in the left medial superior frontal gyrus and the enhancement in inhibitory control performance. The change in fALFF in the left medial superior frontal gyrus was able to explain the change in inhibitory control performance induced by TCC. In conclusion, our results indicated that 8 weeks of TCC intervention could improve processing efficiency related to inhibitory control and alter spontaneous neural activity in young adults, and TCC had potential advantages over BW intervention for optimizing spontaneous neural activity.

There is little information regarding the use of a combination of the albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade and the fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4) in predicting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patient outcomes after liver resection. In this study, we aimed to analyze the predictive ability of a combination of the ALBI grade and the FIB-4 score (ALBI-FIB-4) for HCC patients within the Milan criteria after liver resection. The data of HCC patients within the Milan criteria who underwent liver resection between 2011 and 2019 at our center were reviewed (n = 544). Patients with an FIB-4 index > 3.25 were considered to have a high FIB-4 index and were given a score of 1, whereas patients with an FIB-4 index ≤ 3.25 were considered to have a low FIB-4 index and were given a score of 0. The ALBI-FIB-4 score was a summary score that combined the ALBI grade and the score based on the FIB-4 index. During the follow-up period, 279 patients experienced recurrence, and 175 patients died. Multivariate analysis showed that tumor size, the presence of multiple tumors, the presence of microvascular invasion and the ALBI-FIB-4 score were four independent risk factors for both postoperative recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). The 5-year RFS of patients with high ALBI-FIB-4 scores of 1, 2, and 3 were 55.0%, 44.2% and 35.3%, respectively (p = 0.004). The 5-year OS rates of patients with high ALBI-FIB-4 scores of 1, 2, and 3 were 72.9%, 66.4% and 54.8%, respectively (p = 0.011). The ALBI-FIB-4 score may be a surrogate marker for predicting the prognosis of patients with HCC after liver resection. A high ALBI-FIB-4 score was associated with a high incidence of postoperative recurrence and mortality.

The purpose of this study was to provide basic data necessary for development of TaiChi exercise program and to provide basic data for the health maintenance of the elderly women by analyzing the effects of 18weeks TaiChi on physical fitness and immune functions of elderly women. 30 female subjects were randomly assigned to 2 groups, i.e., TaiChi exercise training group 15, control group 15. Informed consent was obtained from all subjects before enrollment into this study. All subjects participated in pre-test and post-test, that is., physical fitness test(muscle strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular endurance, range of motion and balance), and immune functions test(IL-2, IFN-γ, IgM, IgA and IgG). Exercise training was performed 5 times per week, for 60minutes each time, for 18 weeks. A paired-sample t-test and an independent-sample t-test were conducted with the SPSS Ver. 23.0 statistic program to test of physical fitness and immune functions and differences in changes between the groups before and after exercise. The results of this study were as follows. Firts, in the changes of physical fitness variables after 18 weeks exercise training, there improved significantly of cardiovascular endurance, range of motion and balance in elderly women. Exercise group revealed exhibited significant differences statistically, but control group showed few changes during the experiment. Second, in the changes of immune functions variables after 18 weeks exercise training, there increased significantly of IFN-γ, IgA, IgG. Exercise group revealed exhibited significant differences statistically, but control group showed few changes during the experiment. In conclusion, TaiChi exercise program for 18 weeks improved in physical fitness in elderly women and positively affected immune functions-related cytokine and immunoglobulin.

Glaucoma eventually leads to optic nerve damage and vision loss without medical intervention. More than 50% of glaucoma caused blindness are attributed to primary angle closure glaucoma, particularly in Asians. It is reported that immune inflammation is involved in the progress of glaucoma. Increased inflammation cytokines are detected in the aqueous humor of chronic primary angle closure glaucoma (CPACG). IL-36, IL-37 and IL-38, are novel cytokines and are involved in many inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases and acute anterior uveitis, but the possible contributing role in the pathogenesis of CPACG is unclear. In our current study, increased IL-36, IL-37 and IL-38 were detected in the aqueous humor of CPACG compared with age-related cataract (ARC). Furthermore, a significant correlation was detected between mean deviation of visual field (MDVF) of CPACG and IL-36, IL-37 or IL-38, respectively. Our data suggest IL-36, IL-37 and IL-38 might contribute to the immunological mediated pathogenesis of CPACG, despite the eye being an immune-privileged organ under normal conditions. The precise underlying mechanism of these cytokines during the development of CPACG remains to be explored. Our findings may be useful in therapeutic targeting of specific pathology.

The γ-secretase complex is a key hydrolase for many type 1 transmembrane proteins. It is very important for activation of the Notch receptor and regulation of target-gene transcription. Abnormal activation and expression of the Notch pathway are closely related to the occurrence and development of many tumor types, including breast cancer and liver cancer. In this review, we elaborated on the basic situation of γ-secretase complex and the biological function and role of γ-secretase in APP and Notch signal pathway are described in detail. Subsequently, all currently known γ-secretase inhibitors and γ-secretase modulators are listed and their mechanism of action, value of IC50, chemical structure and current research stage are summarized. Next, the selection presented the treatment progress of γ-secretase inhibitors in breast cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma in the past five years. Finally, the mechanism of action of γ-secretase-mediated breast cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma and the advantages and disadvantages of γ-secretase inhibitors are discussed, and the concept of further research is proposed.

This study aimed to compare the early outcome of proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) and bipolar hemiarthroplasty (BPH) in elderly intertrochanteric fractures (ITFs) patients aged 85 years or more. This is a prospective cohort study, and we analyzed 120 elderly patients aged 85 years or more presented with ITFs who underwent BPH and PFNA between January 2017 and July 2018. 84 patients treated with PFNA were set as Group A, and 36 patients treated with BPH were set as Group B. Data such as gender, age, period of follow-up, fracture classification (according to Evans-Jensen classification), preoperative ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) physical status, interval between injury and operation, method of anaesthesia, duration of operation time, blood loss during surgery, time of weight bearing after operation, incidence of complications 2 weeks after operation, mortality rates and Harris Hip Score 12 months after operation were recorded and compared. There are no statistically significant differences when compared general data in patients from group A and B (P > .05). Operation time in Group A is less than Group B (103.33, 40–230 min vs 122.64, 75–180 minute, P .05). Harris Hip Score 12 months after operation in Group A is similar with Group B (64.64,0–91 points vs 64.41, 0–90 points, P > .05). Although BPH and PFNA have similar functional outcome and mortality rates 12 months after operation, BPH has more postoperative complications in elderly patients aged 85 years or more with ITFs, Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty should not be selected as the primary option for ITFs in elderly patients aged 85 years or more.

Objective The present study, for the first time, was designed to examine the antifibrosis effects of Shenge Yangfei Capsules (SGYF) on bleomycin-induced pulmonary injury and fibrosis in rats. Methods Animals were divided into six groups randomly: saline control group, model group (bleomycin 5 mg/kg), and positive control group (Dexamethasone 5 mg/kg), and SGYF (70, 420, and 850 mg/kg/d, ig) group. Effects of SGYF on body weight and lung index were evaluated. For histological evaluation of lungs injury and fibrosis, lung specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson trichrome. Body weight and lung index from various groups were measured, and the concentrations of monoamine (MAO) and transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1) were also detected in lung homogenates. Results SGYF attenuated the bleomycin-induced weight loss and the lung index. Histologica levidence showed the ability of SGYF to decrease bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis and consolidation. SGYF reduced MAO and TGF-β1 activity in lung tissues. Conclusions These findings suggest that SGYF may be a promising candidate to prevent bleomycin-induced lung damage or other interstitial lesions.

For piles connected to superstructures, whose pile tops are inaccessible, a lateral horizontal impact on the side of the piles through the generation of a flexural wave of the pile shaft is a more feasible approach. This paper presents a parallel seismic (PS) method based on the flexural wave of the pile shaft that combines down-hole tests for the length and an integrity evaluation of existing piles in layered soil. It is suggested that two PS tests be conducted by horizontal striking on the side surface of the pile along and perpendicular to the pile-to-borehole direction, respectively. The first arrivals of the transmitted P-wave and S-wave at the pile-soil interface obtained in these two PS tests and the results of down-hole tests are combined to analyze the pile length and to distinguish the embedded defects for the pile integrity evaluation. A simplified theoretical model for PS tests in layered soil is established, and a correction formula is proposed to correct the initial estimated pile length accordingly. A three-dimensional finite element model is then established to verify the effectiveness and reliability of the proposed PS method in layered soil and the correction formula.

Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is a potent anticancer agent used to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia. However, its cardiotoxicity limits ATO's widespread clinical use. Previous studies demonstrated that ATO may aggravate Ca2+ overload and promote endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). Salvianolic acid B (Sal B) is cardioprotective against ATO and enhances ATO's anticancer activities. The present study assessed whether the Sal B protective effect was related to maintenance of Ca2+ homeostasis and inhibition of ER stress. Male BALB/c mice were injected with ATO or ATO+Sal B once a day via the tail vein for 2 weeks. We then detected the effects of Sal B in real time using adult rat ventricular cardiomyocytes in vitro using an IonOptix MyoCam system. Sal B treatment alleviated ATO-induced abnormal cardiac contractions and Ca2+ homeostasis imbalance. Sal B increased sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) activity, regulated Ca2+ handling protein expression, and decreased expression of ERS proteins. Our results demonstrate that the cardioprotective effect of Sal B correlates with SERCA modulation, maintenance of Ca2+ homeostasis, and inhibition of ER stress. These findings suggest Sal B may ameliorate ATO cardiotoxicity during clinical application.

// Chen Jin 1, * , Xiao-Yun Zhang 1, * , Jia-Wu Li 2, * , Chuan Li 1 , Wei Peng 1 , Tian-Fu Wen 1 , Yan Luo 2 , Qiang Lu 2 , Xiao-Fei Zhong 2 , Jing-Yi Zhang 2 , Lv-Nan Yan 1 and Jia-Yin Yang 1 1 Department of Liver Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China 2 Department of Sonography, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China * These authors have contributed equally to this work Correspondence to: Tian-Fu Wen, email: cdwentianfu@sina.com Yan Luo, email: luo_yan777@163.com Keywords: contrast-enhanced ultrasound, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, differential diagnosis, clinical application Received: April 02, 2017 Accepted: June 30, 2017 Published: July 27, 2017 ABSTRACT Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in differentiating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) vs. intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and primary liver cancer vs. benign liver lesions for surgical decision making. Methods : Data from 328 patients (296 primary liver cancer patients: 232 HCC and 64 ICC patients and 32 benign hepatic lesion patients) who underwent hepatectomy at our center were retrospectively collected from 2010 to 2015. Conventional ultrasound (US) and CEUS were performed for all patients before hepatectomy. Enhancement patterns in CEUS were classified and compared for HCC vs . ICC and for primary liver cancer vs . benign lesions. Results : Primary liver cancer and hepatic benign lesions could be distinguished by CEUS in different phases. The most obvious differences were in the portal and delayed phases, in which benign lesions could still show hyperenhancement (46.9% vs . 0.0% and p 5 cm showed significantly more frequent hypoenhancement (92.3% vs . 54.5% and p < 0.001) and less isoenhancement (7.7% vs . 45.5% and p < 0.001) than HCC; additionally, during the portal phase, there was no statistical difference in the enhancement patterns of ICC with different hepatic backgrounds. Conclusions : Tumor size and hepatic background should be taken into consideration when distinguishing HCC and ICC before surgery. However, CEUS is a helpful tool for differentiating malignant and benign hepatic lesions. For patients who require surgical treatment, CEUS may help with surgical decision making.

Background And Objectives To compare 3-year clinical outcomes of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) targeting 5- or 10-mm margins for small hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) in cirrhotic patients. Methods In total, 96 cirrhotic patients with a small solitary HCC (diameter ≤3 cm) were included in this prospective trial (ChiCTRTRC-10000954). Patients were stratified by Child-Pugh class and randomly allocated into groups targeting either wide margins (≥10 mm, WM) or narrow margins (≥5 mm but

This paper presents theoretical analysis of the parallel seismic (PS) method for evaluating existing piles using the flexural mode wave exited by a horizontal impact on the lateral surface of a pile. A simplified theoretical model of the flexural wave for PS method was established to elaborate the theoretical basis. A correction factor was then obtained and proposed to correct the pile depth obtained from the PS method, thus providing a more accurate estimation. A three dimension (3-D) finite element (FE) model was developed and the existence of the flexural waves on branch F(1, 1) in the pile shaft has been verified. Two time domain methods were used to calculate the flexural wave velocity in the pile. One was based on the pile tip reflection signal using a model where pile head reflection was minimized, and another method used the slope of the upper fitted line in the PS test. The flexural wave velocities from both methods match well with the predicted flexural wave group velocity determined from the dispersion curve of a 1-D rod embedded in the soil. The accuracy in estimation of pile tip depth is improved by applying the correction factor. A series of parametric studies were carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of using flexural wave for PS test and the correction factor proposed in this study.

Precision measurement tools are compulsory to reduce measurement errors or machining errors in the processes of calibration and manufacturing. The laser interferometer is one of the most important measurement tools invented in the 20th century. Today, it is commonly used in ultraprecision machining and manufacturing, ultraprecision positioning control, and many noncontact optical sensing technologies. So far, the state-of-the-art laser interferometers are the ground-based gravitational-wave detectors, e.g. the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO). The LIGO has reached the measurement quantum limit, and some quantum technologies with squeezed light are currently being tested in order to further decompress the noise level. In this paper, we focus on the laser interferometry developed for space-based gravitational-wave detection. The basic working principle and the current status of the key technologies of intersatellite laser interferometry are introduced and discussed in detail. The launch and operation of these large-scale, gravitational-wave detectors based on space-based laser interferometry is proposed for the 2030s.

Laser link acquisition is a key technology for inter-satellite laser ranging and laser communication. In this paper, we present an acquisition scheme based on the differential power sensing method with dual-way scanning, which will be used in the next-generation gravity measurement mission proposed in China, called Space Advanced Gravity Measurements (SAGM). In this scheme, the laser beams emitted from two satellites are power-modulated at different frequencies to enable the signals of the two beams to be measured distinguishably, and their corresponding pointing angles are determined by using the differential power sensing method. As the master laser beam and the slave laser beam are decoupled, the dual-way scanning method, in which the laser beams of both the master and the slave satellites scan uncertainty cones simultaneously and independently, can be used, instead of the commonly used single-way scanning method, in which the laser beam of one satellite scans and that of the other one stares. Therefore, the acquisition time is reduced significantly. Numerical simulation and experiments of the acquisition process are performed using the design parameters of the SAGM mission. The results show that the average acquisition time is less than 10 s for a scanning range of 1-mrad radius with a success rate of more than 99%.

Background We have previously shown that Elatoside C reduces cardiomyocyte apoptosis during ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R). Here, we investigated whether Elatoside C improves heart function in isolated rat hearts subjected to I/R and elucidated the potential mechanisms involved in Elatoside C-induced protection. Methods and results Isolated rat hearts were subjected to global ischaemia followed by reperfusion in the absence or presence of Elatoside C. We found that Elatoside C significantly attenuated cardiac dysfunction and depressed oxidative stress induced by I/R. Consistently, Elatoside C prevented I/R-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, which was evident by the inhibition of mitochondrial ROS production, mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening, cytochrome c release from the mitochondria and Bax translocation. Moreover, Elatoside C improved abnormal calcium handling during I/R, including increasing sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ ATPase (SERCA2) activity, alleviating [Ca 2+ ] ER depletion, and reducing the expression levels of ER stress protein markers. All of these protective effects of Elatoside C were partially abolished by the PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002, ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059, and JAK2/STAT3 inhibitor AG490. Further assessment in isolated cardiomyocytes showed that Elatoside C maintained the Ca 2+ transients and cell shortening against I/R. Conclusions Elatoside C protects against cardiac injury during I/R by attenuating oxidative stress and [Ca 2+ ] i overload through the activation of both the reperfusion injury salvage kinase (RISK) pathway (including PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2) and the survivor activating factor enhancement (SAFE) pathway (including JAK2/STAT3) and, subsequently, inhibiting the opening of mPTPs.

A compact 4-port asymmetric coplanar strip (ACS)-fed MIMO antenna working in the ultra-wideband (UWB) frequency band with two shared radiators is presented in this paper. The proposed antenna is composed of two radiators, and each radiator is shared by two antenna elements in order to achieve a very compact size of 36× 36mm2. By etching two I-shaped slots in the radiators and attaching a rectangular patch on the back, the operating band width is broadened, and the isolation between any two antenna elements is enhanced. The stub of the ground also has great effect on the return loss and isolation. The working frequency band of the MIMO antenna covers 3.1–10.6 GHz with isolation over 15 dB between any two antenna elements. Furthermore, the proposed antenna with a simple feeding structure and compact size makes it possible to be used in portable devices.

Background MicroRNA-506 (miR-506) has been reported to function in several tumors as a tumor suppressor gene or oncogene. However, the expression and role of miR-506 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the phenotype of miR-506 in PDAC. Methods Using miRNA in situ hybridization, we examined the expression of miR-506 in 113 PDACs and 87 paired normal pancreatic tissues. We evaluated miR-506 expression in PDAC cells, normal pancreatic ducts, and acinus/islands, and we analyzed the associations between miR-506 expression and the clinicopathologic characteristics of PDAC patients. Results miR-506 expression was higher in PDAC than in matched normal pancreatic ductal cells (P

A preliminary prototype of spaceborne laser frequency stabilization system for inter-satellite laser ranging missions has been constructed and demonstrated on ground. The system is based on hydroxide-catalysis bonding and fiber optics. The laser frequency control is driven by an in-house-designed digital controller featuring self-analysis and auto-locking functions. Laser frequency noise less than 30 Hz/Hz1/2 from 0.7 Hz to 10 Hz has been measured by beat note analysis. The laser stabilization system has been tested on a laser interferometer test bed. Preliminary experimental results are reported in this paper.

Background: Recent reports suggested the involvement of oxidative stress- and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-associated pathways in the progression of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1) is a novel saponin isolated from P. notoginseng, which has a history of prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Objective: We aimed to examine the cardioprotective effects of NGR1 on I/R-induced heart dysfunction ex vivo and in vitro. Methods: H9c2 cadiomyocytes were incubated with NGR1 for 24 h and exposed to hypoxia/reoxygenation. Isolated rat hearts were perfused by NGR1 for 15 min and then subjected to global ischemia/reperfusion. Hemodynamic parameters were monitored as left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP), heart rate, and maximal rate of increase and decrease of left ventricular pressure (±dP/dt max/min). Results: NGR1 pretreatment prevents cell apoptosis and delays the onset of ERS by decreasing the protein expression levels of ERS-responsive proteins GRP78, P-PERK, ATF6, IRE, and inhibiting the expression of pro-apoptosis proteins CHOP, Caspase-12, and P-JNK. Besides, NGR1 scavenges free radical, and increases the activity of antioxidase. NGR1 inhibits Tunicamycin-induced cell death and cardic dysfunction. Conclusion: We elucidated the significant cardioprotective effects of NGR1 against I/R injuries, and demonstrated the involvement of oxidative stress and ERS in the protective effects of NGR1.

Imatinib resistance remains the big hurdle for CML therapy. Previous study reveals that c-myc is important for bcr-abl CML cell proliferation, while its role in imatinib resistance is largely unknown. In this study, we first found that c-myc expression is upregulated in imatinib resistant K562R cells, which in turn enhances the expression of miR-144/451. Knockdown of c-myc or restoration of miR-144/451 in the K562R cells sensitizes K562R cells to imatinib therapy. Our study here reveals an regulatory pathway between myc and miR-144/451 and highlights that targeting either myc or miR-144/451 might be valuable for eliminating the imatinib resistant CML cells.

It is difficult to apply the common nondestructive method to the pile with an inaccessible head condition. The Parallel Seismic test, however, is a promising method that can be used to deal with such difficulties. On the basis of the physical mechanism of P-wave and S-wave, comparisons of the characteristics of the volumetric and shear strain signals, as well as vertical and horizontal vibration signals have been made, providing the theoretical basis for adoption of P-wave and PS-wave as a combination.

In living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), the hepatic hemodynamics plays important roles in graft regeneration, and the hepatic blood inflows are associated with graft size. However, the data of interplay between the hepatic arterial buffer response (HABR) and graft-to-recipient weight ratio (GRWR) in clinical LDLT are lacking.To identify the effect of the HABR on the hepatic hemodynamics and recovery of graft function and to evaluate the safe lower limit of the GRWR in carefully selected recipients.Portal venous and hepatic arterial blood flow was measured in recipients with ultrasonography, and the graft functional recovery, various complications, and survive states after LDLT were compared.In total, 246 consecutive patients underwent LDLT with right lobe grafts. In total, 26 had a GRWR0.7 % (A), 29 had a GRWR between 0.7 and 0.8 % (B), and 181 had a GRWR0.8 % (C). For small-for-size syndrome, there was no significant difference (P = 0.176). Graft survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 year were not different (P = 0.710). The portal vein flow and portal vein flow per 100 g graft weight peaks were significantly higher in the A. Hepatic arterial velocity and hepatic arterial flow decreased in all the three groups on postoperative day 1; however, the hepatic arterial flow per 100 g graft weight was close to healthy controls.HABR played important roles not only in the homeostasis of hepatic afferent blood supply but also in maintaining enough hepatic perfusion to the graft.

To investigate the clinical role of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) combined with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT) or magnetic resonance imaging to improve the preoperative staging of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and guide surgical decision-making.Sixty-nine patients who underwent liver resection for HCC in our center were enrolled prospectively in the study. CEUS and CE-CT/MRI were performed before surgery. Intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) was carried out after liver mobilization. Lesions depicted by each imaging modality were counted and mapped. To investigate the impact of tumor size on the study, we divided the patients into two groups, the "Smaller group"(S-group, ≤ 5 cm in diameter) and the "Larger-group" (L-group,5 cm in diameter). The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of CE-CT/MRI, CEUS, IOUS, CEUS+CE-CT/MRI and the tumor node metastasis staging of tumors were calculated and compared. Changes in the surgical strategy as a result of CEUS and IOUS were analyzed.One hundred and twenty-seven nodules, comprising 94 HCCs confirmed by histopathology and 33 benign lesions confirmed by histopathology and follow-up, were identified in 69 patients. The overall diagnostic sensitivity rates of CE-CT/MRI, CEUS, IOUS and CEUS+ CE-CT/MRI were 78.7%, 89.4%, 89.4% and 89.4%, respectively. There was a significant difference between CEUS + CE-CT/MRI and CE-CT/MRI (P = 0.046). Combining CEUS with CT or MRI increased, the diagnostic specificity compared with CT/MRI, CEUS and IOUS, and this difference was statistically significant (100%, 72.7%, 97.0%, and 69.7%, P = 0.004, P = 0.002, P = 0.002, respectively). The diagnostic accuracy was significantly higher for CEUS + CT/MRI compared with CT/MRI (92.1% vs 77.2%, P = 0.001). The TNM staging of tumors based on CEUS + CE-CT/MRI approximated to the final pathological TNM staging (P = 0.977). There was a significant difference in the accuracy of TNM staging when comparing CEUS + CE-CT/MRI with CE-CT/MRI (P = 0.002). Before surgery, strategies were changed in 15.9% (11/69) of patients as a result of CEUS. Finally, only 5.7% (4/69) of surgical strategies were changed because of IOUS findings. In the S-group, CEUS revealed 12 false positive lesions, including seven false positive lesions that were diagnosed by preoperative imaging examinations and five by IOUS. In contrast, in the L-group, IUOS revealed eight new malignant lesions; six of these lesions were true HCCs that were also identified by preoperative CEUS.CEUS combined with CT or MRI improves the accuracy of preoperative staging for hepatocellular carcinoma and may help to guide individualized treatment for patients with HCC. CEUS may better identify non-malignant lesions in patients with small tumors and discover new malignant lesions in patients with large tumors.

A novel asymmetric coplanar strip (ACS)-fed multiple-input–multiple-output (MIMO) antenna working in the ultra-wideband (UWB) frequency band with a shared radiator is discussed. The proposed antenna is composed of a radiator which is shared by two antenna elements in order to achieve a very compact size of 26 × 26 mm2. By etching an I-shaped slot in the radiator and attaching a rectangular patch on the back, the operating bandwidth is broadened and a high isolation between the two antenna elements is realised. The stub from the ground also has a great effect on the return loss and isolation. The measured results show that the working frequency band of the MIMO antenna covers 3.1–10.6 GHz with an isolation of more than 15 dB. Furthermore, the simple feeding structure and compact size could enable the proposed antenna to be used in portable devices.

This discussion is based on the paper by Lu et al. (2013) [1] . In this paper, the authors have presented a theoretical study on the PS testing based on the ray path theory and the elastodynamic finite integration technique. This discussion offers some comments on the proposed method for determining the pile length, the ray path of the first P wave arrival for PS testing and analysis results of that paper under discussion.

Background: Though accumulated evidence proved that laparoscopic major hepatectomy was technically feasible, it remains a challenging procedure and is limited to highly specialized centers. Paragonimiasis is one of the most important food-borne parasitic zoonoses caused by the trematode of the genus Paragonimus. Although hepatic paragonimiasis is rare, the previous studies had investigated hepatic paragonimiasis from different perspectives. However, the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic major hepatectomy for hepatic paragonimiasis have not yet been reported in the literature. Methods: We here present 2 cases of hepatic paragonimiasis at the deep parts of the liver with treatment by laparoscopic major hepatectomy. One case is a 32-year-old male patient who was admitted to the hospital due to upper abdominal discomfort without fever for 1 month. The clinical imaging revealed that there was a lesion about 5.9 × 3.7 cm in the boundary of right anterior lobe and right posterior lobe of the liver with rim enhancement and tract-like nonenhanced areas. The other one is a 62-year-old female patient who was referred to the hospital for 1 month of right upper abdominal pain and fever. The ultrasonography showed that there was a huge hypoechoic mass (about 10.8 × 6.3 cm) in middle lobe of the liver with tract-like nonenhanced areas. Both patients were from an endemic area of paragonimiasis and the proportion of eosinophil in the second case was increased. Results: The preoperative diagnosis of the first case was ambiguous and the hepatic paragonimiasis was considered for the second case. The first case underwent laparoscopic extended right posterior lobe hepatectomy and the other case underwent laparoscopic extended left hemihepatectomy. Both operations went very well and the operation times for the 2 cases were 275 minutes and 310 minutes, respectively. The 2 patients’ postoperative recovery was smooth without major postoperative complications (such as, bleeding, bile leakage, and liver failure). Moreover, the 2 patients were discharged on the 6th day and 7th day after surgery, respectively. The postoperative histopathological examination manifested hepatic paragonimiasis in both patients. Conclusion: This study suggests that the laparoscopic approach may be safe and technically feasible for hepatic paragonimiasis.

With the development of power systems and the extensive application of nonlinear elements in the electricity system, the problem of ferroresonance do harm to the network and electricity facilities has become more prominent. Wavelet analysis has good time-frequency localization characteristic, so it is suitable for fault analysis of power system. This paper is base on in the neutral point unearthed system, which is excited by single phase grounding fault, take analysis of the value of neutral point with the Daubechies wavelet analysis. Simulation results show that with wavelet transforms the occurrence of Ferro resonance time can be detected and the frequency resonance can also be determined.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of intra-articular sodium hyaluronate (SH) injections on the main components of plasminogen activator (PA) system in the synovial fluid of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis (OA).Forty patients diagnosed with TMJ OA and 20 healthy control subjects were included in this study. Synovial fluid was collected in the OA group and the healthy group at baseline. The OA patients were randomly divided into 2 groups (20 patients for each group): One group received 5 injections of SH, and the other received 5 injections of physiologic saline solution in the upper joint space at weekly intervals. Synovial fluid was collected before and after treatment. Urokinase-type PA (uPA), soluble uPA receptor (suPAR) and PA inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) levels in synovial fluid were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The OA patients had significantly higher uPA activity and levels of uPA (median 80.01 ng/L), suPAR (median 7.54 ng/L), and PAI-1 (median 54.9 ng/mL) than the healthy control subjects (median 20.47 ng/L uPA, 2.34 ng/L suPAR, and 19.9 ng/mL PAI-1; (P.05). The uPA activity and levels of uPA, suPAR, and PAI-1 were significantly decreased after SH injections in TMJs of OA patients (P.05), and there was no difference after saline injection. Visual analog pain score reduction correlated with changes in uPA and uPAR levels as well as uPA activity.The effects of SH on PA system provide new insight into a possible underlying mechanism by which SH alleviates pain of patients with TMJ OA.

This paper investigates a control strategy of active front wheel steering based on quantitative feedback theory (QFT). By incorporating feedback from yaw rate sensor into active steering system, the control system improves the dynamic responses of the vehicle. A multi degree-of-freedom nonlinear vehicle model is co-simulated with MATLAB Simulink and ADAMS/CAR. The performance of the control system is evaluated under various emergency manoeuvres and road conditions. The results show that the designed robust control algorithm has good control performance and can efficiently improve the handing qualities and stability characteristics.