Search

This paper provides an integrated social semiotic framework for analyzing intertextuality in multimodal advertising discourse. Following the distinction between manifest intertextuality and interdiscursivity, our model entails the three interrelated components of explicating what the intertextual sources are, how they are constructed with multimodal resources, and how they interact with the promotional discourse. Analysis of 30 popular video advertisements shows the fundamental role of character voices and different social semiotic activities in achieving the purpose of promoting products and services. Through intertextual devices, the advertisements construct multiple identities, including authoritative and peer ones, to evoke different reading positions. In particular, the identity of middle-class urbanites sharing their experiences and values with the audience is dominant. The intertextual devices achieve promotional, relational, and entertainment functions, and the promotional function is realized through sharing, recreating, expounding, and reporting activities, while the recommending activities only occupy a very small portion of the screen time of the advertisements. The framework of multimodal intertextuality provides a useful lens for explicating the complex meaning-making resources, their communicative functions, and hidden ideologies in advertising discourse, which can further provide new insight into the social reality.

Corneal neovascularization (CNV) is a sequela of anterior segment inflammation, which could lead to vision impairment and even blindness. In the present study, the dual delivery of anti-inflammatory agent (i.e., diclofenac; DIC) and anti-VEGF antibody (i.e., Avastin®; Ava) by the thermosensitive hydrogel (Poly(dl-lactide)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(dl-lactide); PDLLA-PEG-PDLLA) is expected to effectively inhibit CNV via their synergistic effects. The optimal DIC micelles were formulated and then mixed with Ava and PDLLA-PEG-PDLLA aqueous solution to generate various DIC@Ava-loaded hydrogels. The co-encapsulation of DIC micelles and Ava did not influence the gelling behavior of the system, and the resulting DIC@Ava-loaded hydrogel provided sustained drug release of both DIC and Ava without compromising their pharmacological activity over 19 days. As indicated by in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo ocular biocompatibility test, the proposed PDLLA-PEG-PDLLA hydrogel caused minimal cytotoxicity against all tested cell lines at a polymeric concentration ranging from 0.05 mg/mL to 0.8 mg/mL and demonstrated good ocular biocompatibility after a single subconjunctival injection. Using the rabbit CNV model, we documented the superior anti-angiogenic effects of the DIC@Ava-loaded hydrogel over Ava alone medication (treatment with Ava solution and Ava-loaded hydrogel) due to synergistic effects of anti-VEGF and anti-inflammatory action. Overall, the proposed DIC@Ava-loaded hydrogel might be a powerful strategy to reduce CNV.

Controllable regulations on the enzyme conformation to optimize catalytic performance are highly desired for the immobilized biocatalysts yet remain challenging. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) possess confined channels with finely tunable pore environment, offering a promising platform for enzyme encapsulation. Herein, we covalently immobilized the cytochrome c (Cyt c) in the size-matched channels of COFs with different contents of anchoring site, and significant enhancement of the stability and activity (≈600 % relative activity compared with free enzyme) can be realized by optimizing the covalent interactions. Structural analyses on the immobilized Cyt c suggest that covalent bonding could induce conformational perturbation resulting in more accessible active sites. The effectiveness of the covalent interaction modulation together with the tailorable confined channels of COFs offers promise to develop high-performance biocatalysts.

Background: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airway that requires long-term medication management. Objective: To describe the real-world prescribing patterns for asthma management in the Chinese population. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 8,732 patients from January 2011 to September 2019 in 10 hospitals was conducted. Prescribing patterns of short-acting beta-agonists (SABA), long-acting beta-agonists (LABA), inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), intravenous corticosteroids, antihistamines, leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA), theophylline, antibiotics, and Chinese patent medicines were included in the analysis. Chi-square and logistic regression were calculated. A P value of Results: ICS/LABA were prescribed for 2,940 (33.67%) patients with stable asthma and 141 (31.4%) patients with asthma exacerbations. LTRA was prescribed in 2,006 (22.97%) patients with stable asthma, and 86 (19.15%) patients with asthma exacerbations. Systemic antibiotics (46.1Z%), systemic corticosteroids (57.91%), and theophylline (51.45%) were frequently prescribed during exacerbations. A total of 5,766 patients (64.95%) were managed with traditional Chinese medication (TCM); 3237 patients (36.47%) received western medicine. Patients using ICS/LABA (P=0.019) and SABA (P=0.008) had a significantly lower rate of asthma exacerbations.Conclusions: This study provides valuable insight into clinical practices of asthma management in China. Poor adherence to clinical reports was identified. Efforts are required to improve the quality of asthma care.

Camrelizumab, a humanized immunoglobulin G4-κ monoclonal antibody against programmed cell death protein 1, has exhibited antitumor activity and tolerability across various tumors, including lung cancers. We conducted this double-blind, randomized phase 3 trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of camrelizumab or placebo plus chemotherapy as first-line treatment for patients with advanced squamous NSCLC. The predictive value of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) dynamics was also analyzed.CameL-sq, a double-blind, randomized phase 3 trial (NCT03668496), was conducted in 53 centers in the People's Republic of China. A total of 389 patients with stage IIIB-IV squamous NSCLC were randomized (1:1) to receive 4 to 6 cycles of carboplatin plus paclitaxel with camrelizumab or placebo (every 3 wk), followed by maintenance therapy with camrelizumab or placebo. Peripheral blood ctDNA samples were collected at baseline and the time after two cycles of treatment.Of 389 eligible patients, 193 patients allocated camrelizumab plus chemotherapy and 196 patients allocated placebo plus chemotherapy were included in the efficacy and safety analysis. The results revealed significantly prolonged progression-free survival (median, 8.5 vs. 4.9 mo; p0.0001) and overall survival (median, not reached vs. 14.5 mo; p0.0001) with camrelizumab-chemotherapy versus placebo-chemotherapy. No unexpected treatment immune-related adverse events were observed in both groups. Biomarker analysis revealed that ctDNA clearance after two cycles of treatment was independently associated with dramatically longer progression-free survival (p0.0001) and overall survival (p0.0001) in camrelizumab plus chemotherapy group.Our findings support camrelizumab plus chemotherapy as a first-line treatment option in advanced squamous NSCLC. On-treatment ctDNA dynamics exhibited the potency to predict the efficacy of camrelizumab plus chemotherapy.

Background: Previous studies suggested that plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level was often elevated in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) and was associated with increased mortality. However, most studies did not consider the fact that conditions such as coronary ischemic heart disease can also increase BNP level. Therefore, we aimed to explore the association between BNP level and in-hospital mortality in patients with AECOPD without a history of coronary ischemic heart disease.Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, patients who were diagnosed with AECOPD using International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Nineth Revision (ICD-9 codes) between January 2017 and December 2019. All data were obtained from electronic patient files and medical data intelligence platform of Jinan Central Hospital. BNP level was determined within 24 hours after admission, and the value was log2 transformed. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, and the secondary outcome was a composite outcome of in-hospital mortality or invasive mechanical ventilation.Results: A total of 300 patients were included in this study. Univariate cox regression analysis showed that the unadjusted HRs of the primary and secondary outcomes were 1.85 (95% CI, 1.39-2.47) and 1.45 (95% CI, 1.20-1.75), respectively. After adjustment for age, sex, past medical history, smoking status, drinking status, CURB65 (Confusion, Urea > 7mmol/L, Respiratory rate≥30/min, Blood pressure systolic < 90 mmHg or diastolic 65 years), arterial partial pressure of O2(PaO2), the adjusted HRs of the primary and secondary outcomes were 3.65 (95% CI, 2.54-5.26) and 1.43 (95% CI, 1.14-1.97), respectively. The results of subgroup analysis by age, sex, and lung function were robust. This study was retrospective, so there was no clinical trial registration.Conclusions: The plasma log2BNP level was significantly associated with in-hospital mortality and a composite outcome of in-hospital mortality or invasive mechanical ventilation.

BackgroundHemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), which is also known as hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS), can be caused by various factors leading to the reactive proliferation of lymphocytes as well as tissues and cells and the release of inflammatory cytokines, which then impair vital organs. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, especially malignancy-associated HLH, which is difficult to differentiate from other diseases in the early stage because of its nonspecific and overlapping manifestations, has a high mortality rate once it occurs. Cases of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis triggered by both solid tumors and lymphomas have rarely been reported before. There is still no consensus regarding the first-line treatment for HLH in adults. More attention should be paid to its early diagnosis and treatments.Case presentationA 55-year-old woman who had undergone thyroidectomy in 2014, left mastectomy for left breast cancer in 2013 and twelve rounds of chemotherapy had continuous fever approximately twenty days prior to admission. Tumor cells were found in her right axillary lymph node aspiration smear in the hospital on January 23. The patient was first diagnosed with pneumonia and treated with antibiotics, with little effectiveness. The etiology of fever remained unclear after a series of examinations, which excluded infection and rheumatic diseases and led us to consider noninfectious fever. Continuous hyperpyrexia, pancytopenia and continuous decreases in blood platelets and plasma albumin were suggestive of HLH. Then, bone marrow puncture confirmed this finding and indicated B-cell lymphoma invading the bone. Unexpectedly, during this time, the disease progressed rapidly, culminating in the patient’s death, and no examinations or treatments were performed in time.ConclusionsSecondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis can be caused by various factors. Malignancy-associated HLH (M-HLH), as a kind of secondary HLH, is difficult to distinguish from primary cancer due to its nonprominent clinical manifestation, thus leading to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.

BackgroundPrevious studies suggested that plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level was often elevated in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) and was associated with increased mortality. However, most studies did not consider the fact that conditions such as coronary ischemic heart disease can also increase BNP level. Therefore, we aimed to explore the association between BNP level and in-hospital mortality in patients with AECOPD without a history of coronary ischemic heart disease.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, data on patients with AECOPD but without a history of coronary ischemic heart disease who were admitted in a comprehensive hospital from January 2017 to December 2019 and were identified using International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Nineth Revision (ICD-9) codes were included. BNP level was determined within 24 hours after admission, and the value was log2 transformed. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, and the secondary outcome was a composite outcome of in-hospital mortality or invasive mechanical ventilation.ResultsA total of 300 patients were included in this study (mean ages, 76.88 years; SD, 9.87; men, 63.33%). Sixteen patients (5.33%) showed in-hospital mortality; 29(9.67%) and 22 (6.67%) patients were assisted with invasive mechanical ventilators and noninvasive positive pressure ventilators, respectively. Univariate cox regression analysis showed that the unadjusted HRs of the primary and secondary outcomes were 1.85 (95% CI, 1.39-2.47) and 1.42 (95% CI, 1.19-1.71), respectively. After adjustment for age, sex, past medical history, smoking status, drinking status, CURB65 (Confusion, Urea > 7mmol/L, Respiratory rate≥30/min, Blood pressure systolic < 90 mmHg or diastolic 65 years), arterial partial pressure of O2(PaO2), arterial partial pressure of CO2 (PaCO2), neutrophil count, and D-dimer level (only secondary outcome), the adjusted HRs of the primary and secondary outcomes were 2.44 (95% CI, 1.43-4.14) and 1.36 (95% CI, 1.07-1.74), respectively. The results of subgroup analysis by age, sex, and lung function were robust.ConclusionsThe plasma log2BNP level was significantly associated with in-hospital mortality and a composite outcome of in-hospital mortality or invasive mechanical ventilation

A dramatic N-substituent controlled tandem annulation of 2-(2-(2-bromoethyl)phenyl)-1-sulfonylaziridines with 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds has been developed. When the N-substituent was a 4-methylbenzenesulfonyl group (Ts), sequential ring opening of aziridines, nucleophilic substitution, and lactamization took place to provide a series of hexahydrobenz[e]isoindole compounds in good yields with good diastereoselectivities. By contrast, 3-benzazepine compounds were afforded in good yields via ring opening of aziridines and nucleophilic substitution when the N-substituent was the 4-nitrobenzenesulfonyl group (Ns).

Environmental process and compositions of the interior and exterior spaces period, outside the species is a continuation of mixing. Ability to Cities Climate Progress Street Development (CCPSD) under development and urban ecosystem is of great interest. Like the collaborative process, the chemical composition and natural finish edge has appeared on the stage. Urban development is inseparable from the appearance of human experience, a more complete overall climate. Gradually different base and current methods of life living material, natural integration plan needs a metropolitan area, then specific social nature and philosophy of environmental protection of the city, and more thoughts. In this article, method will focus on metropolitan areas the natural clear plan to complete the examination. Set best-effort edge within the metropolitan area to explicitly check liner Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). The purpose and work planning and layout of the system need to be considered.

A dramatic N-substituent controlled tandem annulation of 2-(2-(2-bromoethyl)phenyl)-1-sulfonylaziridines with 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds has been developed. When the N-substituent was a 4-methylbenzenesulfonyl group (Ts), sequential ring opening of aziridines, nucleophilic substitution, and lactamization took place to provide a series of hexahydrobenz[ e]isoindole compounds in good yields with good diastereoselectivities. By contrast, 3-benzazepine compounds were afforded in good yields via ring opening of aziridines and nucleophilic substitution when the N-substituent was the 4-nitrobenzenesulfonyl group (Ns).

Aims and background Lung cancer is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth in the lung tissue. A major challenge in cancer research is the biological interpretation of the complexity of cancer somatic mutation profiles. This study examines the role of pathway crosstalk in the metastatic process of lung cancer cells based on DNA microarray analysis. Methods We downloaded the gene expression profile GSE10096 from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and the gene functions of selected DEGs were further analyzed. After KEGG pathway analysis, dysfunctional pathways and dysfunctional crosstalk between pathways in two types of lung cancer cells (low metastasis, M1, and high metastasis, M5) were examined. Results A total of 13433 genes were filtered as DEGs, and after pathway analysis, 108 signaling pathways related to cancer signaling pathways were screened, including a host pathway hsa05223 and 79 neighbor pathways. Dysfunctional crosstalk analysis of pathways revealed that pathway crosstalk dysfunction of M1 and M5 cells mainly occurred between hsa05223 (non-small cell lung cancer) and hsa04310 (Wnt signaling pathway), and between non-small cell lung cancer and hsa04520 (adherens junction), respectively. Significant pathway crosstalk dysfunction also existed between adherens junction and other classical signaling pathways such as hsa04110 (cell cycle), hsa04310 (Wnt signaling pathway), hsa04350 (TGF-beta signaling pathway), and hsa04630 (Jak-STAT signaling pathway). Conclusions Our discovery will help to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of the high carcinogenic and metastatic potential of lung cancer cells. In addition, it will pave the way to developing effective therapies for lung cancer.

We present a new method for specific detection of oxytetracycline (OTC) at nanomolar concentrations based on a microfabricated cantilever array. The sensing cantilevers in the array are functionalized with self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of OTC-specific aptamer, which acts as a recognition molecule for OTC. While the reference cantilevers in the array are functionalized with 6-mercapto-1-hexanol SAMs to eliminate the influence of environmental disturbances. The cantilever sensor shows a good linear relationship between the deflection amplitude and the OTC concentration in the range of 1.0-100 nM. The detection limit of the cantilever array sensor is as low as 0.2 nM, which is comparable to some traditional methods. Other antibiotics such as doxycycline and tetracycline do not cause significant deflection of the cantilevers. It is demonstrated that the cantilever array sensors can be used as a powerful tool to detect drugs with high sensitivity and selectivity.

Molecular recognition force spectroscopy (MR-FS) was applied to investigate the dynamic interaction between aptamer GBI-10 and tenascin-C (TN-C) on human glioblastoma cell surface at single-molecule level. The unbinding force between aptamer GBI-10 and TN-C was 39?pN at the loading rate of 0.3?nN?sec-1. A series of kinetic parameters concerning interaction process such as the unbinding force fu, the association rate constant kon, dissociation rate constant at zero force koff, and dissociation constant KD for aptamer GBI-10/TN-C complexes were acquired. In addition, the interaction of aptamer GBI-10 with TN-C depended on the presence of Mg2+. This work demonstrates that MR-FS can be used as an attractive tool for exploring the interaction forces and dynamic process of aptamer and ligand at the single-molecule level. As a future perspective, MR-FS may be used as a potential diagnostic and therapeutic tool by combining with other techniques. Copyright (c) 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This Letter describes a novel approach in fabricating poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) concave microlens arrays (MLAs) by using a combination of microcontact printing (µCP), selective wetting/dewetting and replica moulding. µCP is used to generate a chemical pattern utilising hexadecanethiol (HDT) as an ink on gold substrate. When polyethylene glycol (PEG) is dip-coated on the chemical pattern, the PEG solution selectively dewets the HDT patterned regions and wets the remaining bare gold regions, resulting in the formation of a PEG dot array. Then, PDMS concave MLAs were fabricated by replica moulding of the PEG dot array. The fabricated microlenses have a diameter of 39.9 µm and a sag height of 2.9 µm as were revealed by a scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscopy. This method provides a simple and low-cost approach to prepare large-area PDMS concave MLAs, which has potential application in many optoelectronic devices.

Scatter me: A fast and cost-effective approach for the fabrication of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) arrays is developed. The method applied combines microcontact printing, electrodeposition, and galvanic replacement without the need for expensive instruments and intricate processing. The as-prepared arrays show excellent SERS activity and high reproducibility for Rhodamine 6G.

Atherosclerosis, a multifactorial chronic inflammatory response, is closely associated with oxidatively modified low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a DNA-binding protein, which upon release from cells exhibits potent inflammatory action. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) can elicit a repertoire of cellular responses including proliferation and anti-apoptosis. However, the role of IGF-1 in inflammation is still unclear. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the role of IGF-1 in inflammation and the underlying mechanism. Human aortic endothelial cells were stimulated by ox-LDL (50 μg/ml) to induce inflammation. The expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) was assessed by western blot analysis and immunofluorescence. The release of HMGB1 was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) expression was assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. IGF-1R phosphorylation was determined by western blot analysis. Ox-LDL stimulation reduced IGF-1R mRNA and protein expression but increased HMGB1 release. IGF-1 treatment decreased ox-LDL-induced ICAM-1 expression potentially through reducing HMGB1 release, while picropodophyllin, an IGF-1R specific inhibitor, increased the inflammatory response. In conclusion, IGF-1 can alleviate ox-LDL-induced inflammation by reducing HMGB1 release, suggesting an unexpected beneficial role of IGF-1 in inflammatory disease.

The evaluation of susceptibility loci is an important addition to the current predictive and screening models in type 1 diabetes of Chinese Han population. Therefore, the aim of this study is to provide evidence for the association between type 1 diabetes and two polymorphisms (rs3747517, rs1990760) from interferon induced with helicase C domain 1 (IFIH1). Here, 464 Type 1 diabetespatients and 465 control subjects were genotyped for these 2 polymorphisms. The results indicated that the allelic frequencies of rs3747517 revealed a strong association with type 1 diabetes risk (P < 0.001); yet, no significant association was observed on rs1990760(P = 0.76). Furthermore, IFIH1 rs3747517 polymorphism had no influence on the positive rates of pancreatic auto-antibodies, and both of the polymorphisms had no interaction with HLA class I-linked risk or phenotypes. In conclusion, IFIH1 rs3747517, but not rs1990760 polymorphism, plays an important role in type 1 diabetes risk in Chinese Han population.

Background To reveal the aetiology of diabetes, the relationships between the islet autoantibodies, human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A and DRB1 genotypes in the Chinese patients with type l diabetes (T1D) were investigated in our study. Methods In the cross-sectional and case-control study, peripheral blood samples were collected from 600 T1D patients and 102 healthy controls. The genetic polymorphisms of HLA-A and DRB1 are examined with polymerase chain reaction-sequence oligonucleotide probe method. The zinc transporter 8 antibody (ZnT8A), glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody (GADA) and protein-tyrosine-phosphatase-2 autoantibody (IA2A) were detected by radioligand assay. Results The A*2402, DRB1*0301, DRB1*0405 and DRB1*0901 alleles, and A*1101-DRB1*0901, A*2402-DRB1*0405 and A*2402-DRB1*0901 haplotypes were associated with T1D (all p < 0.05). The positive rates of ZnT8A in patients carried DRB1*0901, IA2A in patients carried DRB1*0405 and A*1101-DRB1*0901 and GADA in patients carried DRB1*0901 and A*2402-DRB1*0901 were significantly higher than those not carried (p < 0.05). HLA-DRB1*0901 was the independent risk factor of positive antibody in T1D patients. In addition, higher body mass index is also related with the loss of islet function besides high-risk HLA gene and islet autoantibody (p < 0.05). Conclusions The discordant association of autoantibodies with high-risk HLA gene may indicate the different immunology mechanisms of those autoantibodies. And metabolic burden resulting from overweight may accelerate apoptosis of beta cells. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A facile method is proposed for the synthesis of reduced graphene oxide nanosheets (RGONS) and Au nanoparticle-reduced graphene oxide nanosheet (Au-RGONS) hybrid materials, using graphene oxide (GO) as precursor and sodium citrate as reductant and stabilizer. The resulting RGONS and Au-RGONS hybrid materials were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. It was found that the RGONS and Au-RGONS hybrid materials formed stable colloidal dispersions through hydrogen bonds between the residual oxygen-containing functionalities on the surface of RGONS and the hydroxyl/carboxyl groups of sodium citrate. The electrochemical responses of RGONS and Au-RGONS hybrid material-modified glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) to three kinds of biomolecules were investigated, and all of them showed a remarkable increase in electrochemical performance relative to a bare GCE.

To investigate the complex appearance of vascularity of sacroiliac joint (SIJ) in ankylosing spondylitis. Sixty-eight patients and 35 controls were included in the study. Blood flow was examined at the SIJ by using color Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS). The location of color flow signs and flow pattern were observed. Arteries do not present reversed phase in diastolic phase on pulse Doppler sonography, and if they were found inside and around the SIJ, the resistive index (RI) was measured. In active AS patients, the region of SIJ presented increased vascularization greater than those in inactive AS (P = 0.001) and the controls (P = 0.001). There are three different spectral Doppler tracings: arterial flow (RI < 1), arterial flow representing reversed phase in diastolic phase on spectral Doppler sonography and venous flow. Besides arterial flow signs, most of color flow signs presented venous flow in active AS. Significant increases in a number of venous flow signs in active AS cases (P < 0.001) were observed. In most cases, two or more different flow patterns presented in a region very close to the location of SIJ. In addition, a different vascularization was observed. Abnormal vascularization at the sacroiliac joints can be detected by CDUS. The vascularization in SIJ presented complex appearance, which increases the difficulties of CDUS examination. Venous blood flow in the assessment of active AS merits further study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether aspiration affects patient outcome during ultrasound-guided needle puncture treatment for calcifying supraspinatus tendinitis.Eighty-one patients with calcifying supraspinatus tendinitis received needle puncture therapy under ultrasonography guidance. Group A received ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle punctures and aspiration of calcareous deposits, while Group B received ultrasound-guided punctures only. Patients were evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, shoulder function, and satisfaction 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 weeks after treatment. The different VAS parameters were combined and the differences between groups were analyzed.In both groups, VAS scores significantly decreased over the 36 weeks following treatment (P0.05). Overall, the majority (6/7) of the VAS scores were not statistically different between groups.The results of the study suggest that aspirating calcified deposits do not affect patient outcome. Puncturing the calcified deposits (without aspiration) appears to be an effective treatment method for calcifying supraspinatus tendinitis.

Background The dominant viral etiologies responsible for acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are poorly understood, particularly among hospitalized patients. Improved etiological insight is needed to improve clinical management and prevention of ARIs. Methods Clinical and demographic information and throat swabs were collected from 607 patients from 2011 to 2013 in Shandong Province, China. Multiplex RT-PCR (SeeplexTM RV detection, Seegene) was performed to detected 12 respiratory viral pathogens. Results A total of 607 hospitalized patients were enrolled from 2011 to 2013. Viruses were identified in 35.75 % (217/607) of cases, including 78 influenza virus A and B (IVA and IVB), 47 para-influenza viruses (PIVs), 41 respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and 38 adenovirus (ADV). For the children under 15 year old, the common detected viruses were influenza viruses, RSV, PIVS and ADV, while the principal respiratory viruses were human coronaviruses (HCoV), PIVs, influenza viruses for the old adults. Co-infections with multiple viruses were detected in 15.67 % of patients. Children under 5 years were more likely to have one or more detectable virus associated with their ARI. The peak of ARI caused by the respiratory viruses occurred in winter. Conclusion This study demonstrated respiratory viruses were the major cause of hospitalized ARI patients in Shandong Province, influenza virus was the most common detected, RSV was the highest incidence among the young children (≤5 years). These findings also gave a better understand of virus distribution among different age and seasons, which help to consider potential therapeutic approaches and develop effective prevention strategies for respiratory virus infection.

Hypoxia-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (HPAH) is a refractory disease characterized by increased proliferation of pulmonary vascular smooth cells and progressive pulmonary vascular remodeling. The level of nitric oxide (NO), a potential therapeutic vasodilator, is low in PAH patients. L-arginine can be converted to either beneficial NO by nitric oxide synthases or to harmful urea by arginase. In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether an arginase inhibitor, S-(2-boronoethyl)-L-cysteine ameliorates HPAH in vivo and vitro. In a HPAH mouse model, we assessed right ventricle systolic pressure (RVSP) by an invasive method, and found that RSVP was elevated under hypoxia, but was attenuated upon arginase inhibition. Human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (HPASMCs) were cultured under hypoxic conditions, and their proliferative capacity was determined by cell counting and flow cytometry. The levels of cyclin D1, p27, p-Akt, and p-ERK were detected by RT-PCR or Western blot analysis. Compared to hypoxia group, arginase inhibitor inhibited HPASMCs proliferation and reduced the levels of cyclin D1, p-Akt, p-ERK, while increasing p27 level. Moreover, in mouse models, compared to control group, hypoxia increased cyclin D1 expression but reduced p27 expression, while arginase inhibitor reversed the effects of hypoxia. Taken together, these results suggest that arginase plays an important role in increased proliferation of HPASMCs induced by hypoxia and it is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of pulmonary hypertensive disorders.

BACKGROUND: After the 2009 influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 pandemic, China established its first severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) sentinel surveillance system. METHODS: We analyzed data from SARI cases in 10 hospitals in 10 provinces in China from February 2011 to October 2013. RESULTS: Among 5,644 SARI cases, 330 (6%) were influenza-positive. Among these, 62% were influenza A and 38% were influenza B. Compared with influenza-negative cases, influenza-positive SARI cases had a higher median age (20.0 years vs.11.0, p=0.003) and were more likely to have at least one underlying chronic medical condition (age adjusted percent: 28% vs. 25%, p

Previous studies have demonstrated that interleukin-20 (IL-20) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine, and it has been implicated in psoriasis, lupus nephritis, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, and ulcerative colitis. Little is known about the effects of IL-20 in airway remodeling in asthma. The aim of our study was to demonstrate the function of IL-20 in airway remodeling in asthma. To identify the expression of IL-20 and its receptor, IL-20R1/IL-20R2, in the airway epithelium in bronchial tissues, bronchial biopsy specimens were collected from patients and mice with asthma and healthy subjects and stained with specific antibodies. To characterize the effects of IL-20 in asthmatic airway remodeling, we silenced and stimulated IL-20 in cell lines isolated from mice by shRNA and recombinant protein approaches, respectively, and detected the expression of α-SMA and FN-1 by Western blot analysis. First, overexpression of IL-20 and its receptor, IL-20R1/IL-20R2, was detected in the airway epithelium collected from patients and mice with asthma. Second, IL-20 increased the expression of fibronectin-1 and α-SMA, and silencing of IL-20 in mouse lung epithelial (MLE)-12 cells decreased the expression of fibronectin-1 and α-SMA. IL-20 may be a critical cytokine in airway remodeling in asthma. This study indicates that targeting IL-20 and/or its receptors may be a new therapeutic strategy for asthma.

OBJECTIVE To summarize a common pathogenetic condition, the pathologic characteristics shown in frozen section and our experience utilizing 2 different diagnostic methods in cases of common thyroid diseases (TD). METHODS Data from 638 cases with frozen sections from thyroid tissue were retrospectively analyzed. The intraoperative frozen sections of the patients and postoperative diagnostic results of routine paraffin sections were compared. RESULTS In the 683 patients, the gender ratio of females to males was 2.64 : 1, and the ratio between the patients with nodular goiter (NG) and the patients with thyroid adenoma was 1.5 : 1. The oldest age group of patients with thyroid cancer (TC) ranged from 40 to 49 years. Frozen section pathologic examination has been employed more and more in the diagnosis of thyroid diseases, and the detection rate of TC has increased year by year, i.e., the rate increased to 6.45%, 7.58%, 14.55% and 16.57%, respectively, in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. Thyroid papillary carcinoma (TPC) was the most commonly seen malignant tumor of the thyroid(MTT), which accounted for approximately 94.8% of MTTs and 11.44% of the total TDs. Micropapillary carcinoma accounted for 27.4% of TPC, and multifocal carcinomas accounted for 15.58% of TCs. Many of the TCs (19.48%) were complicated by benign diseases such as adenoma, NG and thyroiditis. The coincidence rate of diagnoses made by frozen section and paraffin embedding for thyroid disease was 98.59%. Calcification was rather common in NG and TPC, and there were signifi cant di ff erences in psammoma bodies (PMB) between the calcifications of TPC and NG (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION TPC ranks first in the incidence of MTTs and accounts for 94.8% of all MTTs. About 1/4 of TPCs are micropapillary carcinoma, while 1/5 are accompanied by benign disease, such as adenoma, NG and thyroiditis. PMB are of importance and of signi fi cance in the diagnosis of TPC.

Our study investigated the epidemiology of respiratory viruses in adult patients with upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) between August 2009 and September 2010 in Jinan, northern China. Nasal and throat swabs (n=596) were collected from adult patients with URTIs. Nine respiratory-related viruses, including IFV, PIV, HRV, HMPV, HBoV, HCoV, ADV, RSV, and EV, were detected in all samples by conventional and reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions. Positive detection rate for respiratory virus was 38.76% and codetection rate was 4.70% in adults with acute respiratory tract infections. IFV (20.81%) was the dominant agent detected and IFVB had a higher incidence (12.58%) than IFVA (7.72%). Detection rates of 8.22%, 5.03%, 3.69%, and 2.52% were observed for HBoV, HRV, EV, and RSV, respectively. HCoV had the lowest detection rate of 0.50%. HBoV, HRV, EV, and ADV infection rates were higher in the 14–25-year-old group than in the 26–65-year-old group. Codetection rates were higher (7.52%) in the 14–25-year-old group than in the older age group (2.64%). The spectrum of respiratory virus infection in adult patients with URTIs was different in Jinan compared with other cities in China.

We report a simple and sensitive method for label-free detection of single-stranded DNA-binding protein (SSBP) based on an array of microfabricated cantilevers. The single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) was immobilized on the surface of the sensing cantilevers to detect SSBP, while the reference cantilevers were modified with 6-mercapto-1-hexanol to detect any unwanted cantilever deflection. The differential deflection signals that reveal specific SSBP-ssDNA binding have been found to depend on the SSBP concentration. Using the cantilever array sensor we can detect SSBP in the concentration range from 0.01 to 7 mu g mL(-1). Other proteins, such as thrombin or bovine serum albumin induced no significant deflection of the cantilevers. Our results show the potential for the application of cantilever array sensor system as a powerful tool to detect proteins with high sensitivity and specificity. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The self-assembled structures possess superior stability, biocompatibility and mechanical strength, and their study can provide insight into the use of creating novel biomaterials. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) images of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) nanostructures show that well-ordered organization, high homogeneity, and molecular dimensions fractal-shaped fibers formed on a gold substrate covered with self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of 1-hexadecanethiol (HDT). The nanoscaled architectures of ssDNA on HDT/Au changed remarkably following the process of diffusion-limited cluster aggregation (DLA) over time. The ssDNA fibers prefer to form on hydrophobic SAMs instead of hydrophilic SAMs, and the ssDNA has to have complementary regions in their sequences. This method might not be used only for the construction of fractal patterns, but also for the design and fabrication of functional DNA-based, self-assembled materials that exhibit self-similarity at multiple length scales.

The capability of Bacillus subtilis spores to withstand extreme environmental conditions is thought to be conferred especially by their outermost proteinaceous protective layer, called the spore coat. Of the over 70 proteins that form the spore coat, only a small subset of them affect its morphogenesis, they are referred to as morphogenetic proteins. In this study we investigated the interaction between two spore coat morphogenetic proteins SpoVID and CotE. SpoVID is involved in the process of spore surface encirclement by individual coat proteins, these include CotE, which controls the assembly of the outer coat layer. Both proteins were proposed to be recruited to a common protein scaffold, but their direct association has not been previously shown. Here we studied the interactions between CotE and SpoVID in vitro for the first time by using molecule recognition force spectroscopy, which allows the detection of pico-newton forces between conjugated biological pairs and also facilitates the investigation of dynamic processes. The most probable CotE-CotE unbinding force was 49.4 +/- 0.1 pN at a loading rate of 3.16 x 10(3) pN/s while that of SpoVID-CotE was 26.5 +/- 0.6 pN at a loading rate of 7.8 x 10(2) pN/s. We further analyzed the interactions with the bacterial two hybrid system and pull-down experiments, which also indicate that SpoVID interacts directly with CotE. In combination with the previously identified direct contacts among SpoIVA, SpoVID and SafA, our data imply that the physical association of key morphogenetic proteins forms a basic skeleton where other coat proteins could be attached. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Molecular recognition force spectroscopy (MR-FS) was applied to investigate the dynamic interaction between aptamer GBI-10 and tenascin-C (TN-C) on human glioblastoma cell surface at single-molecule level. The unbinding force between aptamer GBI-10 and TN-C was 39 pN at the loading rate of 0.3 nN sec⁻¹. A series of kinetic parameters concerning interaction process such as the unbinding force f(u) , the association rate constant k(on) , dissociation rate constant at zero force k(off) , and dissociation constant K(D) for aptamer GBI-10/TN-C complexes were acquired. In addition, the interaction of aptamer GBI-10 with TN-C depended on the presence of Mg²⁺. This work demonstrates that MR-FS can be used as an attractive tool for exploring the interaction forces and dynamic process of aptamer and ligand at the single-molecule level. As a future perspective, MR-FS may be used as a potential diagnostic and therapeutic tool by combining with other techniques.

We report a case of iatrogenic common peroneal nerve (CPN) injury during a straight-leg raising test. Significant swelling in the CPN was observed on ultrasound, most likely due to the loss of the normal fascicular pattern. A postoperative pathological diagnosis indicated a sheath ganglion and high degree of mucinous degeneration of the CPN. A follow-up 3 months after the operation showed marked improvement in the patient's symptoms, corroborated by an electromyogram.

This report evaluates the efficacy of percutaneous needle puncture under sonographic guidance in treating lateral epicondylitis (tennis-elbow).Ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle puncture was performed on 76 patients who presented with persistent elbow pain. Under a local anesthetic and sonographic guidance, a needle was advanced into the calcification foci and the calcifications were mechanically fragmented. This was followed by a local injection of 25 mg prednisone acetate and 1% lidocaine. If no calcification was found then multiple punctures were performed followed by local injection of 25 mg prednisone acetate and 1% lidocaine. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the degree of pain pre-and posttreatment at 1 week to 24 weeks. Elbow function improvement and degree of self-satisfaction were also evaluated.Of the 76 patients, 55% were rated with excellent treatment outcome, 32% good, 11% average, and 3% poor. From 3 weeks posttreatment, VAS scores were significantly reduced compared with the pretreatment score (P0.05) and continued to gradually decline up to 24 weeks posttreatment. Sonography demonstrated that the calcified lesions disappeared completely in 13% of the patients, were reduced in 61% of the patients, and did not change in 26% of the patients. Color Doppler flow signal used to assess hemodynamic changes showed a significant improvement after treatment in most patients.Ultrasound-guided percutaneous needle puncture is an effective and minimally invasive treatment for tennis elbow. Sonography can be used to accurately identify the puncture location and monitor changes.

For the ability to carry drugs and release them at target areas, Ultrasound Contrast Agent (UCA) can be a new vector for drug delivery. Ultrasound makes UCA ruptured so that the drugs it carried can be released. The intensity of medical ultrasound varies wildly. Although low-intensity ultrasound is often used in vitro studies, we think in vivo, the application of high-intensity ultrasound will have better future prospects for drug delivery than low-intensity ultrasonic.

Nowadays, Ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) is not only a good contrast agent for ultrasonic imaging, but also an important tool for drug delivery. As a kind of UCA, lipofectamine has the shell with positive charge. It can encapsulate genes and also be adhered to cells because genes and cells are all with negative charge. With this feature, it plays an important role in transfection. Scavenger Receptor Class B Type I(SR-BI) is a HDL receptor thought to be the first step in the progress of cholesterol transport. In this way, SR-BI loaded UCA has great possibility to cure atherosclerosis plaque.