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Abstract Lime is widely used for soft ground treatment, rendering the compressibility of lime-treated soil a crucial factor in deformation analysis in engineering applications. This study investigated the compressibility of three remoulded lime-treated slurries with high water content in Southeast China. Sixty groups of oedometer tests were conducted on lime-treated soils with an initial water content of 1 to 3 times the liquid limit and lime contents between 1 and 3%. The oedometer test results were discussed to examine the remoulded yield stress $${\upsigma }_{y}^{\prime}$$ σ y ′ of lime-treated slurry. Considering the relationships between $${\upsigma }_{y}^{\prime}$$ σ y ′ , the void ratio, lime content, and initial water content were preliminarily discussed and quantitatively established. Research on the normalised compression curve of lime-treated soil revealed that for soil samples containing a lime content of 0–%, the normalised compression curve at $${\upsigma }_{p}^{\prime}$$ σ p ′ > $${\upsigma }_{y}^{\prime}$$ σ y ′ can be represented by a unique line. Furthermore, the log(1 + e) − log $${\sigma }_{\text{v}}^{\prime}$$ σ v ′ compression curve of lime-treated slurry at pre-yield state is analysed, and a prediction method for the modified compression index is proposed.

Abstract Organic-inorganic molecular assembly has led to numerous nano/mesostructured materials with fantastic properties, but it is dependent on and limited to the direct interaction between host organic structure-directing molecules and guest inorganic species. Here, we report a “solvent-pair surfactants” enabled assembly (SPEA) method to achieve a general synthesis of mesostructured materials requiring no direct host-guest interaction. Taking the synthesis of mesoporous metal oxides as an example, the dimethylformamide/water solvent pairs behave as surfactants and induce the formation of mesostructured polyoxometalates/copolymers nanocomposites, which can be converted into metal oxides. This SPEA method enables the synthesis of functional ordered mesoporous metal oxides with different pore sizes, structures, compositions and tailored pore-wall microenvironments that are difficult to access via conventional direct organic-inorganic assembly. Typically, nitrogen-doped mesoporous ε-WO3 with high specific surface area, uniform mesopores and stable framework is obtained and exhibits great application potentials such as gas sensing.

In higher plants, the shoot apical meristem produces lateral organs in a regular spacing (phyllotaxy) and timing (plastochron). The molecular analysis of mutants associated with phyllotaxy and plastochron would increase our understanding of the mechanism of shoot architecture formation. In this study, we identified mutant mnd8ynp5 that shows an increased rate of leaf emergence and a larger number of nodes in combination with a dwarfed growth habit from an EMS-treated population of the elite barley cultivar Yangnongpi 5. Using a map-based cloning strategy, the mnd8 gene was narrowed down to a 6.7-kb genomic interval on the long arm of chromosome 5H. Sequence analysis revealed that a C to T single-nucleotide mutation occurred at the first exon (position 953) of HORVU5Hr1G118820, leading to an alanine (Ala) to valine (Val) substitution at the 318th amino acid site. Next, HORVU5Hr1G118820 was defined as the candidate gene of MND8 encoding 514 amino acids and containing two multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) domains. It is highly homologous to maize Bige1 and has a conserved function in the regulation of plant development by controlling the leaf initiation rate. Examination of modern barely varieties showed that Hap-1 was the dominant haplotype and was selected in barley breeding around the world. Collectively, our results indicated that mnd8ynp5 is a novel allele of the HORVU5Hr1G118820 gene that is possibly responsible for the shortened plastochron and many noded dwarf phenotype in barley.

Rail corrugation is a serious problem in a railway transportation system, aggravating the operational risk and shortening the lifetime of train–track system. In order to ensure the safety and reliability of the railway system, the detection of rail corrugation is very important. Thus, this study systematically summarizes the recent research progress of rail corrugation. First, this study introduces the definition of rail corrugation and the classification criteria. Then, the formation mechanism of rail corrugation is analyzed in detail, and its adverse consequences are investigated. Further, this study summarizes several main detection methods, which are corrugation-detection methods based on acceleration measurements, wavelet transform methods for corrugation evaluation, computer-vision-based methods for corrugation automatic detection, digital filtering algorithms for rail corrugation detection, and others. In this study, the formation mechanism and detection methods of rail corrugation are systematically described, and various corrugation-detection methods are also introduced in detail. This study not only provides a scientific basis for railway maintenance, but also lays a solid foundation for future experimental design and data analysis. This study can also guide engineering practice to improve the reliability and safety of railway systems. It also provides useful experience for future railway-engineering design and planning, as well as safer and more reliable operation. In general, this study can provide technical support for the detection of rail corrugation to ensure the safety of the rail–track system.

BackgroundPortal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a serious complication of liver cirrhosis (LC) and is closely related to gut homeostasis. The study aimed to investigate the composition of gut microbiota and its putative role in PVT development in LC.Methods33 patients with LC admitted between January 2022 and December 2022 were enrolled in this study. Based on imaging findings, they were categorized into LC without PVT (n = 21) and LC with PVT (n = 12) groups. Fecal samples were collected from each participant and underwent 16S rDNA sequencing.ResultsD-Dimer and platelet elevations were the main clinical features of LC with PVT. The alpha and beta diversity of the gut microbiota in LC with PVT group was found to be significantly higher compared to the control group. The structure of the gut microbiota was significantly different between the two groups. Based on LEfSe data, the genera Akkermansia, Eubacterium hallii group, Fusicatenibacter, and Anaerostipes were enriched in the LC with PVT, while Enterococcus, Weissella, Bacteroides, and Subdoligranulum were enriched in those of the LC subjects. Changes in microbiota structure result in significant differences in gut microbiota metabolism between the two groups. Altered levels of the microbiota genera were shown to be correlated with coagulation factor parameters. In animal experiments, the addition of Bacteroides reversed the CCl4-induced PVT.ConclusionLiver cirrhosis with PVT led to a disorder in the gut microbiota, which was characterized by an increase in pathogenic bacteria and a decrease in beneficial bacteria. Furthermore, modulating the gut microbiota, especially Bacteroides, may be a promising therapeutic approach to reduce the progression of PVT in LC.

During an investigation of the culturable microbial diversity of sediments with salinity from tidal flats and saline lake, seven strains of the genus Demequina were harvested. The genomic analysis and physiological characteristics of strains of this genus have unveiled their significant potential in degrading complex carbon source such as lignin, hemicellulose, chitin, and oligosaccharides. In addition, these strains show potential abilities in nitrite ammonification and sulfide oxidation. These findings not only improved our understanding of their metabolic model, but also provided valuable insights into their ecological roles. Four new species of the genus Demequina are described: Demequina litoralis sp. nov., with SYSU T00192T designated as the type species; Demequina zhanjiangensis sp. nov., with SYSU T00b26T as the type species; Demequina lignilytica sp. nov., with SYSU T00068T as the type species; and Demequina muriae sp. nov., with EGI L300058T as the type species. Additionally, strains SYSU T0a273, SYSU T00039-1, and SYSU T00039 are identified as different strains of Demequina lignilytica. Our study thus sheds light on the diversity, biological significance, and ecological contribution of the Demequina genus in different habitats.

Abstract Background Hematogenous metastasis is essential for the progression of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and can occur even after patients receive multidisciplinary therapies, including immunotherapy and hepatectomy; circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are one of the dominant components of the metastatic cascade. However, the CTC capture efficiency for HCC is low due to the low sensitivity of the detection method. In this study, epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)/vimentin/Glypican-3 (GPC3) antibody-modified lipid magnetic spheres (LMS) were used to capture tumor cells with epithelial phenotype, mesenchymal phenotype and GPC3 phenotype, respectively, in order to capture more CTCs with a more comprehensive phenotype for monitoring tumor metastasis. Results The novel CTC detection system of Ep-LMS/Vi-LMS/GPC3-LMS was characterized by low toxicity, strong specificity (96.94%), high sensitivity (98.12%) and high capture efficiency (98.64%) in vitro. A sudden increase in CTC counts accompanied by the occurrence of lung metastasis was found in vivo, which was further validated by a clinical study. During follow-up, the rapid increase in CTCs predicted tumor progression in HCC patients. Additionally, genetic testing results showed common genetic alterations in primary tumors, CTCs and metastatic tissues. The proportion of patients predicted to benefit from immunotherapy with the CTC detection method was higher than that for the tissue detection method (76.47% vs. 41.18%, P = 0.037), guiding the application of clinical individualized therapy. Conclusions The Ep-LMS/Vi-LMS/GPC3-LMS sequential CTC capture system is convenient and feasible for the clinical prediction of HCC progression. CTCs captured by this system could be used as a suitable alternative to HCC tissue detection in guiding immunotherapy, supporting the clinical application of CTC liquid biopsy.

Background:. Exosomal proteins from cancer cells are becoming new biomarkers for cancer monitoring and efficacy evaluation. However, their biological function and molecular mechanism underlying tumor metastasis are largely unknown. Methods:. Bioinformatic methods such as bulk gene expression analysis, single-cell RNA sequencing data analysis, and gene set enrichment analysis were employed to identify metastasis-associated proteins. The in vitro and in vivo experiments were used to investigate the function of RAB13 in HCC metastasis. Results:. We identified RAB13 as one of the critical regulators of metastasis in HCC-derived exosomes for the first time. In vitro, the invasiveness of HCC cell lines could be attenuated by RAB13 silence. In vivo, tumor size and proportion of high-grade lung metastatic nodule could be reduced in the mice with orthotopic transplantation of tumors and intravenously injected with exosomes derived from MHCC97H cell with RAB13 silence (si-RAB13-Exo), as compared with those without RAB13 silence (si-NC-Exo). Moreover, in si-RAB13-Exo group, circulating tumor cell counts were decreased at the third, fourth, and fifth weeks after orthotopic transplantation of tumors, and MMP2 (matrix metalloproteinase 2)/TIMP2 (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 2) ratio was also significantly decreased. In addition, RAB13 expression was also associated with VEGF levels, microvessel density, and tube formation of vascular endothelial cells by both in vitro and in vivo models, indicating that RAB13 was associated with angiogenesis in HCC. Conclusions:. We have demonstrated exosomal RAB13 as a potential regulator of metastasis for HCC by in silico, in vitro, and in vivo methods, which greatly improve our understanding of the functional impact of exosomal proteins on HCC metastasis.

Objectives To propose an updated definition of proximal tibia and fibula fracture (PTFF) and establish a three‐dimensional (3D) structure‐based classification of PTFF. Methods In total, 1358 adult patients (837 males and 521 females; 43.61 ± 15.13 years， 1364 affected knees) who were diagnosed with PTFF at the departments of orthopaedic surgery of four hospitals from January 2010 to December 2019 were enrolled. The new classification of PTFF, termed Wu classification, included three parts: classification of columns in the horizontal plane, regions in the frontal plane, and segments in the sagittal plane. All PTFFs were classified according to Schatzker, Luo, and Wu classification systems. Additionally, the incidence and characteristics of PTFFs were analyzed. Results The major internal structural fractures of PTFF were tibial plateau fracture (TPF) only (725, 53.15%), TPF and proximal fibular fracture (274, 20.09%), and isolated avulsion fracture of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) (189, 13.86%). Approximately a quarter of PTFF cases could not be classified using Schatzker or Luo classifications, but all PTFF cases could be classified using Wu classification. The most frequent PTFFs included all four columns in region IV, segment 2 (235, 17.23%); the posterolateral and posteromedial columns in region II, segment 2 (191, 14.00%); and the lateral and posterolateral columns in region IV, segment 2 (136, 9.97%). Isolated avulsion fracture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) was categorized as three injury types, most of which involved the lateral and medial columns in region II, segment 1 (40/63, 64%). More than 97% of cases of isolated fractures of the PCL involved the posterolateral and posteromedial columns in region II, segment 2. The most frequent combined avulsion fracture of the ACL and PCL included all four columns in region II, segment 2 (18/24, 75%). All of the isolated avulsion fractures of the ACL were located in segment 1, and all those of the PCL in segment 2. The most common type of isolated proximal fibular fracture involved the posterolateral column in region III, segment 2 (23/26, 88%). The most frequent combined TPF and proximal fibular fracture involved all four columns in region IV, segment 2 (107/274, 39.05%). Conclusions All cases of PTFF could be classified by the new 3D Wu classification which should be beneficial for clinical diagnosis, guidance of treatment, statistical analysis, academic communication, and prognosis, and the most frequent PTFF involved all four columns in region IV, segment 2.

BackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, but effective early detection and prognostication methods are lacking. MethodsThe Cox regression model was built to stratify the HCC patients. The single-cell RNA sequencing data analysis and gene set enrichment analysis were employed to investigate the biological function of identified markers. PLCB1 gain- or loss-of-function experiments were performed, and obtained HCC samples were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry assay to validate the biological function of identified markers.ResultsIn this study, we developed a model using optimized markers for HCC recurrence prediction. Specifically, we screened out 8 genes through a series of data analyses, and built a multivariable Cox model based on their expression. The risk stratifications using the Eight-Gene Cox (EGC) model were closely associated with the recurrence-free survivals (RFS) in both training and three validation cohorts. We further demonstrated that this risk stratification could serve as an independent predictor in predicting HCC recurrence, and that the EGC model could outperform other models. Moreover, we also investigated the cell-type-specific expression patterns of the eight recurrence-related genes in tumor microenvironment using single-cell RNA sequencing data, and interpreted their functional roles from correlation and gene set enrichment analyses, in vitro and in vivo experiments. Particularly, PLCB1 and SLC22A7 were predominantly expressed in malignant cells, and they were predicted to promote angiogenesis and to help maintain normal metabolism in liver, respectively. In contrast, both FASLG and IL2RB were specifically expressed in T cells, and were highly correlated with T cell marker genes, suggesting that these two genes might assist in maintaining normal function of T cell-mediated immune response in tumor tissues.ConclusionIn conclusion, the EGC model and eight identified marker genes could not only facilitate the accurate prediction of HCC recurrence, but also improve our understanding of the mechanisms behind HCC recurrence.

Abstract Two‐dimensional (2D) materials are highly sensitive to substrates, interfaces, and the surrounding environments. Suspended 2D materials are free from substrate‐induced effects, thus an ideal approach to study their intrinsic properties. However, it is very challenging to prepare large‐area suspended 2D materials with high efficiency. Here we report a universal method, based on pretreatments of densely patterned hole array substrates with either oxygen‐plasma or gold film deposition, to prepare large‐area suspended mono‐ and few‐layer 2D materials. Multiple structural, optical, and electrical characterization tools were used to fully evaluate the improved performance of various suspended 2D layers. Some of these observations reported in this study are: (1) Observation of a new Raman low frequency mode for the suspended MoS2; (2) Significantly stronger photoluminescence (PL) and second harmonic generation (SHG) signals of suspended WSe2, which enables the study of new optical transition processes; (3) The low energy electron diffraction pattern on suspended MoS2 also exhibits much sharper spots than that on the supported area; and (4) The mobility of suspended graphene device approaches 300 000 cm2 V−1 s−1, which is desirable to explore the intrinsic properties of graphene. This work provides an innovative and efficient route for fabricating suspended 2D materials, and we expect that it can be broadly used for studying intrinsic properties of 2D materials and in applications of hybrid active nanophotonic and electronic devices.

Abstract Background Exosomes play crucial roles in regulating the crosstalk between normal and cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment, and in regulating cancer proliferation, migration and invasion through their cargo molecules. Methods We analyzed the pro-invasiveness of exosomal circRNA-100,338 in HCC using the transwell invasion assay. The co-culture of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and exosomes derived from HCC cell lines were used to evaluate the impact of HCC derived exosomes on HUVEC. Nude mice models were used to validate the findings in vitro. Clinically, quantitative RT-PCR was used to quantify the expression of serum exosomal circRNA-100,338 in HCC patients at both pre-surgery within one week and post-surgery within three weeks. Results We aim to investigate the pro-invasive role of exosomal circRNA-100,338 in HCC metastasis. We for the first time demonstrated that circRNA-100,338 was highly expressed in both highly metastatic HCC cells and their secreted exosomes. The transwell invasion assay showed that the overexpression or knockdown of exosomal circRNA-100,338 significantly enhanced or reduced the invasive abilities of HCC cells. Subsequently, in vitro and in vivo assays showed that exosomal circRNA-100,338 affected the cell proliferation, angiogenesis, permeability, and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) formation ability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), and tumor metastasis. Furthermore, we also observed that the persistent high expression of exosomal circRNA-100,338 in serum of HCC patients who underwent curative hepatectomy may be a risk indicator of pulmonary metastasis and poor survival. Conclusions Our findings indicated that metastatic ability of HCC cells could be enhanced by transferring exosomal circRNA-100,338 to recipient HUVECs, which could affect proangiogenic activity by regulating angiogenesis.

Abstract Background Muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is originated in the muscle wall of the bladder, and is the ninth most common malignancy worldwide. However, there are no reliable, accurate and robust gene signatures for MIBC prognosis prediction, which is of the importance in assisting oncologists to make a more accurate evaluation in clinical practice. Methods This study used univariable and multivariable Cox regression models to select gene signatures and build risk prediction model, respectively. The t-test and fold change methods were used to perform the differential expression analysis. The hypergeometric test was used to test the enrichment of the differentially expressed genes in GO terms or KEGG pathways. Results In the present study, we identified three prognostic genes, KLK6, TNS1, and TRIM56, as the best subset of genes for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) risk prediction. The validation of this stratification method on two datasets demonstrated that the stratified patients exhibited significant difference in overall survival, and our stratification was superior to three other stratifications. Consistently, the high-risk group exhibited worse prognosis than low-risk group in samples with and without lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and radiation treatment. Moreover, the upregulated genes in high-risk MIBC were significantly enriched in several cancer-related pathways. Notably, PDGFRB, a receptor for platelet-derived growth factor of PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and TUBA1A were identified as two targets of multiple drugs. In addition, the angiogenesis-related genes, as well as two marker genes of M2 macrophage, CD163 and MRC1, were highly upregulated in high-risk MIBC. Conclusions In summary, this study investigated the underlying molecular mechanism and potential therapeutic targets associated with worse prognosis of high-risk MIBC, which could improve our understanding of progression of MIBC and provide new therapeutic strategies for the MIBC patients.

BackgroundHCC is one of the most common malignancies with an increasing incidence worldwide, especially in Asian countries. However, even though targeted cancer therapy drugs such as sorafenib and regorafenib are available, the overall outcome of HCC remains unsatisfactory. Thus, it is urgent to investigate the molecular mechanisms of HCC progression, so as to provide accurate diagnostic criteria and therapeutic targets.MethodsRNA-seq data was used to identify and quantify circular RNAs (circRNAs). DESeq2 was used to identify the differentially expressed circRNAs. miRNA binding sites within circRNAs were identified by miRanda. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted to predict the biological function of circRNAs.ResultsThe differential expression analysis identified 107 upregulated and 95 downregulated circRNAs in HCC tissues. We observed that a differentially expressed circRNA (DE-circRNA), hsa_circ_0141900 was highly negatively correlated with its parental gene RAB1A (PCC < -0.6), which was also closely associated with mTOR signaling pathway. Moreover, we also constructed competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network to identify key circRNAs involved in HCC. Notably, hsa_circ_0002130 and hsa_circ_0008774 were highly correlated with the genes involved in gluconeogenesis and HNF3A pathway via the target genes, GOT2 and AR, suggesting that the two circRNAs might regulate these pathways, respectively. Survival analysis revealed that GOT2 was associated with favorable prognosis. Furthermore, high expression of hsa_circ_0002130 was found to inhibit tumor cell growth and promotes GOT2 expression.ConclusionIn summary, the circRNAs highlighted by the integrative analysis greatly improved our understanding of the underlying mechanism of circRNAs in HCC.

To evaluate the maneuverability and efficacy of phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in eyes with corneal opacities after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK), twelve eyes of 12 patients with mild to moderate corneal opacities after DALK and coexisting cataracts were analyzed retrospectively. Phacoemulsification and IOL implantation assisted with anterior capsule staining, as well as non-invasive optical fiber illumination, were performed on all eyes. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were noted. Mean corrected distance visual acuity (logMAR) improved from 1.24±0.17 to 0.73±0.22. Post-phaco intraocular pressure was maintained between 13 to 20 mm Hg in all cases throughout the follow-up period. Mean endothelial cell density decreased from 2258.42±205.94 to 1906.25±174.23 cells/mm2. Phacoemulsification and IOL implantation are safe and valid in eyes with mild to moderate corneal opacities after DALK and coexisting cataracts when assisted with anterior capsule staining and non-invasive optical fiber illumination.

AIM:To develop a feasible method to correct congenital ptosis in children.METHODS: Sixty-four patients(102 eyelids)were divided into three groups based on the degree of ptosis: mild(4 mm). All patients underwent the same levator resection surgery in which the suspensory system of the LPS is retained. After capturing a standard photograph of primary position, the height of the superior palpebral margin was measured preoperatively by using Image J software to calculate its ideal height required during surgery. Postoperative outcome measures included upper eyelid margin height, degree of scleral exposure and exposure keratitis. The patients were followed-up at 1wk, 1mo and 6mo postoperatively.RESULTS: In the early postoperative period, except two cases with overcorrection, the positions of the eyelid upper margins were normal in all cases in the mild and moderate groups. Six months postoperatively, the eye with overcorrection in the moderate group showed improvement, while the eye in the mild group did not. Seven eyes in the severe group exhibited residual ptosis to varying degrees. The eyelids exhibited appropriate closing functionality; exposure keratitis was absent.CONCLUSION:Using this preoperative quantification technique to guide surgery not only provided a gauge for LPS shortening under general anesthesia, but also increased the success rate of surgery.

Abstract Circular RNAs (circRNAs) represent a class of endogenous noncoding RNAs that have recently been recognized as important regulators of gene expression and pathological networks. However, their transcriptional activities and functional mechanisms in cancer remain largely unknown. Here, we present results from a global circRNA expression and functional analysis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Using a circRNA microarray, we identified 226 differentially expressed circRNAs, of which 189 were significantly upregulated and 37 were downregulated. High expression of circRNA_100338, one of the upregulated circRNAs in HCC, is closely correlated with a low cumulative survival rate and metastatic progression in HCC patients with hepatitis B. Furthermore, our in silico and experimental analyses identified miR-141-3p as a direct target of circRNA_100338. Thus, circRNA_100338 functions as an endogenous sponge for miR-141-3p in HCC. In addition, we identified the crucial antagonistic roles of circRNA_100338 and miR-141-3p in the regulation of invasive potential in liver cancer cells. Overall, the differential expression of multiple circRNAs in HCC tissues and their clinical significance in hepatitis B-related HCC patients as revealed by our study suggests that circRNA_100338 is a potentially valuable biomarker for HCC diagnosis and target for HCC therapeutics.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite advances in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC, incidence, and mortality continue to rise. For accurate diagnosis and treatment of HCC, there is an urgent need to precisely understand the molecular mechanisms underlying HCC tumorigenesis and progression. Accumulating evidence showed that circRNAs, which are normally produced by scrambling of exons at the splicing process, are recognized as a novel class of endogenous noncoding RNA, which have microRNA sponging properties. In this study, we aim to investigate the circRNA-100338 mediated downstream pathway, and evaluate its association with clinicopathological parameters. Integrated analysis of circRNA-100338, miR-141-3p, and target genes revealed that RHEB, a key regulator in mTOR signaling pathway, was the target of miR-141-3p in hepatitis B-related HCC. CircRNA-100338 regulates the activity of mTOR signaling pathway in vitro. IHC analysis revealed that mTOR signaling pathway was more active in HCC tissues with elevated circRNA-100338 expression. These results indicated that circRNA-100338 could regulate mTOR signaling pathway through circRNA-100338/miR-141-3p/RHEB axis. Finally, correlation analysis of RHEB and EIF5 expression with clinicopathological parameters of HCC patients revealed that the circRNA-100338, RHEB, and EIF5 were indicators of poor prognosis in hepatitis B-related HCC. In conclusion, elevated circRNA-100338 activates mTOR signaling pathway in HCC via circRNA-100338/miR-141-3p/RHEB axis and associates with poor prognosis of hepatitis B-related HCC patients.

AIM: To reconstruct the extensive full-thickness defects of eyelids is a challenge for the plastic surgeon because of their complex anatomy and special functions. This article presents and discusses an improved surgical technique in which the orbicularis oculi myocutaneous flap is rotated through a “subcutaneous tunnel” in conjunction with a palatal mucosal graft employed for lining.METHODS: Data from 22 eyes with extensive full-thickness eyelid defects from various causes between 2009 and 2013 were analyzed in this study. After the different layers of eyelid were separated completely, a temporally based orbicularis oculi myocutaneous flap was designed following fishtail lines and was mobilized, leaving the base of the pedicle intact with a submuscular tissue attachment. The flap was then rotated through a “subcutaneous tunnel” to the defect, and the donor site was closed primarily. Posterior lamellar reconstruction was performed with a mucosal graft harvested from the hard palate.RESULTS:All the flaps were survived without any healing problems. There was no corneal irritation, flap contraction, or significant donor-site morbidity in the follow-up period. The incision scars were almost invisible. The defects were repaired completely, and the evaluations showed satisfactory function and appearance.CONCLUSION: This technique is an improved single-stage operation and can be applied to repair large, full-thickness eyelid defects from various causes. With our method, the functional and aesthetic results can be obtained in either the upper or lower eyelids.