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OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) combined with laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) to determine which one provides a better outcome for patients with gallbladder and common bile duct stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic literature search was undertaken using Embase, Medline, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases up to April 2022. For quality assessment of included studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were assessed by utilizing the Jadad scale. The primary outcome includes surgical success rate, retained stone rate, stone clearance rate, major morbidity, and mortality. The second outcome includes conversion to open surgery rate, postoperative pancreatitis, bile leakage, cholangitis, hemorrhage, pneumonia, and surgical-site infection. RESULTS: 14 randomized controlled trials with 2,181 patients were included. No significant difference was seen between the two groups in terms of surgical success, stone clearance, retained stones, operation time, and total morbidity. LC-LCBDE had higher rate of bile leakage [relative risk (RR): 4.52; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.19-9.31] and lower rate of postoperative pancreatitis (RR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.13-0.46), cholangitis (RR: 0.17; 95% CI: 0.05-0.67), and hemorrhage (RR: 0.18; 95% CI: 0.07-0.42). CONCLUSIONS: Both LC+LCBDE and LC+ERCP are safe, effective, and minimal-invasive treatments for concomitant gallbladder and CBD stones. LC-LCBDE was associated with comparable effects compared with LC+ERCP in terms of surgical success rate, stone clearance rate, retained stones rate, operation time, and total morbidity. At the same time, LC-LCBDE had a higher rate of bile leakage and a lower rate of postoperative pancreatitis, cholangitis, and hemorrhage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in land use types typically lead to changes in soil ecosystem functions, and soil microorganisms can sensitively reflect soil quality and the evolution of different ecosystem functions. To characterize the impact of land use changes on the microbial function of wetlands, our study assessed three typical land use types (wetland, farmland, and forest land) in the Sanjiang Plain, and Biolog microplate technology was used to study the changes in the use intensity and functional diversity of different soil microbial carbon sources, as well as their relationship with soil physicochemical properties. Our findings indicated that the physical and chemical properties of soil changed significantly in different land use types (P < 0.05). The functional diversity and carbon source metabolism of wetland soil were significantly higher than those of farmland and forest. Furthermore, the utilization intensity of compound carbon sources was significantly higher than that of forests and farmland, whereas amino acids, esters, alcohols, amines, and acid carbon sources did not change significantly. Soil water content, total phosphorus, organic carbon, available phosphorus, and other physical and chemical factors affected soil microbial function in different land use types. This study provides key insights into the mechanisms through which land use changes affect soil microbial functions in the Sanjiang Plain, and it also serves as a theoretical basis for the protection and sustainable utilization of wetlands in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer composites are gradually replacing traditional metal materials in the fields of aviation, aerospace, automotive and medicine due to their corrosion resistance, light weight and high strength. Moulding technology and organization morphology of polymer composite are key elements affecting the quality of products and their application, so a vacuum hot pressing process for graphenex/poly(ether ketone ketone) (PEKK) (x = 0%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%) composite powders is explored with particularly designed moulding parameters to achieve high conductive properties and good mechanical properties in graphene/PEKK composite sheet with thickness of 1.25 mm and diameter of 80 mm. The vacuum environment ensures that the graphene is not oxidized by air during hot pressing molding, which is essential for achieving conductive property in the graphene/PEKK composite; The hot pressing temperature of each graphene/PEKK composite powder is higher than glass transition temperature but lower than melting temperature, which ensures the graphene/PEKK composite powders is fully compacted and then graphene is fully lapped in the composite sheet. In addition, the graphene/PEKK composite sheet shows conductive property when the graphene content increases to 3wt%, and then the conductivity of the composites increases and then decreases with a peak value at 5wt% with increasing graphene content. By comparing the mechanical properties and microstructure morphology of the graphene/PEKK composite sheets, it was obtained that graphene content has an obvious effect on the mechanical properties of the composites, e.g., the mechanical properties will be increased as the graphene content increasing when graphene content is more than 3%. The graphene distribution law of the composite material with different graphene contents is analysed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of intermittent illumination around noontime on the F line of slow growing line of Yellow chickens. The chickens were randomly divided into three groups of 70 roosters and 100 hens kept under three different illumination patterns. Group I was the control group (16 h of illumination at 10 lux). After day 21, in group II the light was additionally turned off during noon from 12:00-13:00 and in group III from 12:00-14:00 based on the lighting schedule of group I. The results showed that there was no significant difference in body weight (BW) between the three groups during the first 21 days (p> 0.05). On day 42, BW of roosters and hens in group II was 35.2 g/21.7 g and 39.7 g/27.3 g higher than that of those in groups I and III (p< 0.05), but there were no significant differences between group I and III (p> 0.05). Oblique body length and shank length of group II were significantly higher than in groups I and III (p<0.05). After day 43, feed conversion ratio of group II was significantly higher than in groups I and III (p < 0.05). Comb perimeter, area and vertical area of group I were significantly higher than in groups II and III, and in group II these parameters were significantly higher than in group III (p<0.05). Slaughtering weight and breast muscle percentage of group II were significantly higher than in groups I and III, leg muscle percentage was significantly lower in group III (p< 0.05) compared with the other groups. On day 84, there were no significant differences in blood indices (IGF-1, growth hormone, testosterone) or meat quality indices (flesh colour, shear force, PH, and water-holding capacity) between the three groups (p> 0.05), but some indicators in group II showed an increasing trend. Based on these results, the intermittent light pattern of group II not only saved electrical energy and diet resources but also improved some indices of production performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to provide currently available information on the relationship between the gut microbiome and cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this mini-review, we explored the PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar electronic databases, with regards to the searching terms "gut microbiome, cancer, intestinal flora, immunotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitor". By reviewing and analyzing the literature, we analyzed how the bacterial microbiome influences the immune system and cancer, as well as how changes in symbiotic flora may be applied to improve the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. RESULTS: The microbiota is related to the development of tumors and may promote canceration. In recent years, a number of studies have confirmed the influence of intestinal flora on immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer patients, and studies have also shown the link between the intestinal microbiome and treatment-related immune toxicity. Antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors, and hormones affect the composition of the gut microbiota. CONCLUSIONS: Intestinal flora is closely related to cancer. Intestinal flora has a certain impact on cancer occurrence, cancer treatment, cancer immunotherapy efficacy, and side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The theory of the steel-plastic geogrid employed in supporting engineering is behind the practice, seriously affecting its popularization and application in engineering. Thus the tensile strength and deflection of steel-plastic geogrid and its control of surrounding rock deformations were studied and analyzed using laboratory and engineering field tests. We have contrasted the tensile strength of steel-plastic geogrid to that of metal mesh. We have also contrasted the deflection deformation of the steel-plastic geogrid concrete slabs to that of the mesh concrete slabs. In the tensile strength test, we have tested the tensile properties of three different types of steel-plastic geogrid. In the defection deformation test, two kinds of steel-plastic geogrid concrete slabs and the mesh concrete slabs are made to investigate the load and displacement they bear. By combining with the experimental application of the Wohu Mountain iron mine, we summarized the process of steel-plastic geogrid construction and monitored the surrounding rock deformation of test section. Thus, we drew the following conclusions: (1) the tensile strength of the steel-plastic geogrid was greater than metal mesh; (2) compared with metal mesh concrete slabs, steel plastic grille with concrete slab had a larger deflection and its stress tolerance ability was better; (3) the use of the steel-plastic geogrid supporting in roadway can control the deformation of its bottom and sidewalls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ti3MC2 ternary compounds (M=Al or Si) have been prepared by a self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS). The difference of synthesis mechanism between Ti3SiC2 and Ti3AlC2 using Ti/M/C(M=Al or Si) powder mixtures and some TiC or some intermetallic compounds as raw materials has been investigated. The phase composition and the relative content of Ti3MC2 materials in the final products were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results show that TiC and intermetallic compounds of TiAl have played an important role in synthesis of Ti3AlC2. The relative content of Ti3AlC2 in the products increases with increased addition of TiC or TiAl in the raw materials. In contrast, the relative content of Ti3SiC2 in the products changes less with increasing of TiSi2 content, even decreases with increasing of TiC content in the raw materials. The difference of synthesis mechanism between them has been explained thermodynamically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the common and fatal malignant tumors worldwide, and the burden of HCC is particularly severe in China. Physiologically, the blood supply to healthy liver is mainly from the portal vein, supplemented by the hepatic artery. While in the development of HCC, the main source of blood supply to HCC is changed from the portal vein to the hepatic artery. The characteristics of HCC vascularization are important for imaging, surgery, interventional therapy, targeted therapy, etc. Even in the future, with the development of radiation therapy technology, such as proton and heavy ion therapy and artificial intelligence technology, the dynamic changes in HCC blood perfusion can be used as a new biomarker of tumor activity to provide accurate information on the intensity modulation of radiotherapy, so that accurate measurements of HCC blood perfusion is of great significance in guiding the diagnosis and treatment of HCC. The technologies for measurement of HCC blood perfusion have developed from invasive techniques, such as inert gas scavenging, electromagnetic flowmeter, and radionuclide-labeled erythrocyte elution in the middle of the last century to the present non-invasive techniques of CT. With the development of CT imaging technology in the last 30 years, the CT-based imaging technology can assess the status of organ and tissue perfusion relatively easily and accurately. In this paper, the various CT measurement techniques of blood perfusion in HCC were categorized into three types: semi-quantitative technique, relative quantitative technique, and absolute quantitative technique. Their basic principle, scanning methods, and clinical applications were discussed to provide a reference for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.

Objective: To explore the characteristics of psychiatric symptoms and caregivers' distress in anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis. Methods: Seventy-two patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis were investigated in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 2011 to 2018. The Chinese version of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Questionnaire (NPI-Q) was used to assess the severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms and caregivers' distress around the treatment. Results: A highly positive correlation existed between severity scores of neuropsychiatric symptoms and caregiver distress, and pre- and post-treatment correlation coefficients was 0.872 and 0.947, respectively (all P <0.001). The frequency of 12 symptom domains was higher than 45% before treatment, however, it significantly reduced to below 45% after treatment. Irritability/lability, agitation/aggression were the most common neuropsychiatric symptoms. Irritability/lability, agitation/aggression, and nighttime behavioral disturbances occurred concurrently. Patients with severe symptoms tended to be administrated antipsychotics ( Z =-2.581, P =0.01). Neuropsychiatric symptoms significantly improved after immunotherapy ( Z =-6.611, P <0.001). There was no significant difference in the symptom severity and distress subscale scores between the first episode and relapse around the therapy ( P >0.05). Conclusion: Patients with anti NMDAR encephalitis often present severe neuropsychiatric symptoms, which aggravate the burden on caregivers. Immunotherapy significantly improves neuropsychiatric symptoms, and thus reduces the distress of caregivers.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical effects of functional neck dissection (FND) and supraomohyoid neck dissection (SOND) in patients with cN0/N1 oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methods: A total of 210 patients with stage cN0/N1 OSCC underwent FND and SOND between January 2012 and May 2015 were retrospectively reviewed, among which, 147 patients were male and 63 were female, with an age range of 23-82 years and mean age of (62.2±10.2) years. There were 112 and 98 patients in FND and SOND groups, respectively. The follow-up data included cervical lymph node metastasis, movement of shoulder joint, great auricular nerve function, recurrence rate of cervical lymph nodes. Results: There was no significant difference in gender, age, tumor location, T stage, N stage, histological grades between the two groups (all P> 0.05). Compared to patients in FND group, the activities of shoulder joint and earlobe numbness improved significantly in SOND group. Of the 210 patients, 17 patients (8.1%) had cervical recurrence, with 9 patients (8.0%) in FND group and 8 patients (8.2%) in SOND group. No significant difference was observed for neck recurrence between the two groups ( P= 0.973). Conclusion: SOND can be safely performed in cN0 or cN1 OSCC patients, which avoids major complications of FND, and improves postoperative quality of life in those patients.

Objective: To evaluate the use of virtual planning and 3D printing modeling in mandibular reconstruction and compare the operation time and surgical outcome of this technique with conventional method. Methods: Between June 2013 and June 2017, A total of 18 patients underwent the mandibular reconstruction with fibula free flap in the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University.Among 18 patients, there were 11 males and 7 females with an average age of 36.5 years (21-73 years). Nine patients underwent vascularized fibula flap mandibular reconstruction using virtual planning and 3D printing modeling.Titanium plates were pre-bent using the models and cutting guides which were used for osteotomies.Another 9 patients who underwent mandibular reconstruction using fibula flap without aid of virtual planning and 3D printing models were selected as control group. The operation time was recorded and compared in two groups. Accuracy of reconstruction was measured by superimposing the preoperative image onto the postoperative image of mandible. The selected bony landmark, distance and angle were measured. Results: The mean total operation time were 4.7-6.2(5.5±0.5) h in computer-assisted group and 5.6-7.5(6.6±0.7) h in conventional group, respectively. The operation time was shorter in computer-assisted group. The difference between the preoperative and postoperative intercondylar distances, intergonial angle distances, anteroposterior distances were(2.6±1.4)vs(4.4±1.6)mm, (2.9±1.2)vs(4.7±1.7)mm, (4.2±1.4) vs(5.9±1.8)mm in the computer-assisted and conventional group, respectively. The differences between the preoperative and postoperative mandible were smaller in the computer-assisted group. Conclusions: Virtual planning and 3D printing modeling have the potential to increase mandibular reconstruction accuracy and reduce operation time. We believe that this technology for mandibular reconstruction in selected patients can significantly improve the quality of reconstruction.

Sex-linked dwarf (SLD) chickens have been widely used in cross breeding of broilers and laying hens. To study the molecular mechanisms underlying growth hormone receptor (GHR) in SLD chickens, the expression profiles of GHR were measured in three growth related tissues (liver, breast, and thigh) in male and female S2 SLD chickens at seven growth stages (1 day, 3 weeks, 7 weeks, 9 weeks, 11 weeks, 13 weeks, and 15 weeks). Growth curves of body weight were fitted using logistic and Gompertz models. The results show that the inflexion week and inflexion weight in male chickens was earlier than in female chickens. Regarding the expression profiles of GHR, there was no significant difference between tissues at hatching. The expression peaked at 7 weeks and dropped by degrees in muscle tissue; hepatic expression increased with age and was positively correlated with body weight. Taken together, these results would provide a basis for further study on the molecular mechanisms underlying GHR regulation in SLD chickens.