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Mutant C/EBPα p30 (mp30), the product of C/EBPα double mutations (DM), lacks transactivation domain 1 and has C-terminal loss-of-function mutation. Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients harbouring C/EBPα DM could be classified as a distinct subgroup with favourable prognosis. However, the underlying mechanism remains elusive.Autophagy regulated by mp30 was detected by western blot and immunofluorescence. Immune infiltration analysis and GSEA were performed to investigate autophagic and inflammatory status of AML patients from the GSE14468 cohort. Flow cytometry was applied to analyse T cell activation.Mp30 inhibited autophagy by suppressing nucleus translocation of NF-κB. Autophagy-associated secretion of IL-1β was decreased in mp30-overexpressed AML cells. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that inflammatory status was attenuated, while CD8C/EBPα DM alleviates immunosuppression of CD8

The effect of particle morphology on denitrification performance in element sulfur-based denitrification (ESDeN) packed-bed process is a gap. In this study, three different types of commercial sulfur particles were selected to build the ESDeN reactors. The results showed the reactors filled with rougher sulfur particles took shorter time to reach stable denitrification performance in the start-up stage. The reactors filled with cap-shape sulfur particles received the maximum nitrate removal rate of 849.49 ± 79.29 g N m

This study was carried out to determine the inhibition of low temperature on the performance of S

Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) is one of the most damaging plant viruses from an economic and research point of view. Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG), a flavonoid type secondary metabolite can selectively improve plant defense against pathogens; however, the effect of EGCG on plant defense against TMV and the underlying mechanism(s) remain elusive. In this study, exogenous EGCG application increased plant resistance to TMV as revealed by significantly decreased transcript levels of TMV-coat protein (CP) in tomato leaves. A time-course of H2O2 concentrations in tomato leaves showed that TMV inoculation rapidly increased the H2O2 accumulation, reaching its peak at 3 days post-inoculation (dpi) which remained the highest until 6 dpi. However, the combined treatment of EGCG and TMV remarkably decreased the concentrations of H2O2 at 3 and 6 dpi. Meanwhile, the transcript levels of RESPIRATORY BURST OXIDASE HOMOLOG 1 (SlRBOH1) were significantly increased by either EGCG or TMV inoculation, but the EGCG treatment along with TMV caused a further upregulation in the SlRBOH1 transcripts compared with that in only TMV-inoculated plants. Chemical scavenging of H2O2 or silencing SlRBOH1 both compromised the EGCG-induced enhanced resistance to TMV. Furthermore, EGCG-induced elevation in the activity of antioxidant enzymes was abolished by SlRBOH1 silencing, suggesting that EGCG enhanced defense against TMV by increasing the antioxidant enzyme activity via RBOH1-dependent H2O2 signaling. Taken together, our results suggest that EGCG functioned to maintain a delicate balance between ROS signaling and ROS scavenging via RBOH1, which enhanced tomato resistance to TMV.

Purpose: To determine the presence and extent of preoperative biliary obstructions, using magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), and to determine the clinicopathological consequences of these obstructions in a group of 83 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC). Methods: Fifty-five HC patients with biliary obstruction and 28 HC patients without biliary obstruction were included in the study. The associations between biliary obstruction (assessed using MRCP) and clinicopathological characteristics were analysed. Results: Patients with biliary obstruction had a higher liver function and serum carbohydrate antigen than those without biliary obstruction. The Bismuth-Corlette classification, tumour stage and lymph node metastasis were identified as independent relative factors of biliary obstruction, while differentiation and biliary obstruction were identified as independent factors of overall survival. Furthermore, the size of the tumour, differentiation and biliary obstruction were independent prognostic indicators of disease-free survival for HC patients. Conclusions: The presence and extent of preoperative biliary obstruction, measured by MRCP, was associated with aggressive clinicopathological features and indicated poor prognosis in HC patients

This study was carried out to determine the effect of influent nitrate loading on nitrite accumulation during elemental-sulfur based denitrification process, and proposed to enhance the nitrogen removal efficiency by mitigating nitrite accumulation with thiosulfate as external electron donor. Along with increasing the nitrate influent loading (from 0.09 kg N/m

Background: In previous studies, the prognostic model of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) was constructed through all racial subjects, however, the intrinsic genomic differences between races may lead to disparity in survival outcomes, hence the accurate prognostic model of white patients in ccRCC was needed to be explored. This research aimed to identify and validate the potential long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and clinical factors model to predict overall survival of ccRCC in white patients. Methods:LncRNA expression data and clinical factors of 459 white racial ccRCC subjects were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. According to the exclusion criteria, 76 patients were excluded from the analytical dataset, hence 383 ccRCC participants were covered in present study. Then, 383 subjects were randomized into training series (n = 255) and test series (n = 128). The model was constructed using the training series, and validated in the test series. In the training series, the prognostic lncRNA model was constructed through univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis. Subsequently, the clinical variables were combined with lncRNA model to better predict the prognosis. The prognostic power of the models was verified by concordance index (95%CI) and area under time-dependent receiver operator characteristic curve (95%CI). Finally, the constructed models were validated in the test and entire series.Results:In the training series, 12 lncRNAs were confirmed as prognostic related biomarkers of ccRCC patients, among which AC012404.1, AC092296.1, AC099684.2, AC108752.1, AC131097.1, AL606519.1, and LINC02475 were seven novel candidate prognostic biomarkers. The performance evaluation of combined model incorporating 12-lncRNAs, age, and the tumor node metastasis stage showed that concordance index (95%CI) in the training, test and entire series were 0.863(0.830-0.896), 0.863(0.814-0.912) and 0.841(0.812-0.870), respectively, the 5-year area under time-dependent receiver operator characteristic curve (95%CI) in the training, test and entire series were 0.923(0.879-0.967), 0.861(0.777-0.945) and 0.879(0.834-0.924), respectively. Conclusion:This novel signature incorporating 12-lncRNAs, age, and the tumor node metastasis stage can be applied as an accurate tool for ccRCC prognostic evaluation in white patients.

BACKGROUND The conventional survival analysis model on HIV/AIDS prognosis is the Cox proportional hazard model, which deals with only one event type, death, regardless of the cause. Few studies have used a competing risk model to evaluate the predictors of AIDS-related mortality. OBJECTIVE To estimate the influence of antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation time and baseline CD4+ cell counts on acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related death among former plasma donors. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 11,905 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or AIDS patients in a high-risk area of Henan province in China between 1995 and 2016. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Sub-distribution hazard ratios (sHRs) for AIDS-related mortality with baseline CD4+ cell counts and ART initiation time were determined using a competing risk model. RESULTS Patients who initiated ART within 90 days of HIV/AIDS diagnosis (sHR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.22-0.27) or had baseline CD4+ counts of >500 cells/μL (sHR: 0.23, 95% CI: 0.19-0.28) were associated with lower AIDS-related mortality risk. Patients with ART initiation time >1 year but CD4+ counts >350 cells/μL (sHR: 4.42, 95% CI: 3.30-5.91) had a higher AIDS-related mortality risk than those with ART initiation time >90 days but CD4+ counts ≤350 cells/μL (sHR: 4.33, 95% CI: 3.58-5.23). CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that patients with high CD4+ cell counts and late ART had a 9% higher risk of AIDS-related death than those with low CD4+ cell counts and early ART. This study confirms the great significance of immediate ART initiation among former plasma donor HIV patients in China.

Additional flie 1. The MCCC2-associated proteins identified by IP-MASS spectrometry.

Background Implementing the current guidelines for leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) provides significant health benefits, especially for middle-aged adults, but it is unclear whether LTPA also translates into cardiovascular health benefits among elderly people. Therefore, we aimed to assess the association of LTPA with the risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke, and all-cause mortality in an elderly population. Methods In this prospective cohort study, 32, 942 participants aged 60 years or older who participated in a health check-up programme in China between 2010 and 2018 were included. We evaluated the morbidity and mortality risks through the Cox regression model, competing risk model and restricted cubic spline model. Results During a median of 6.84 years of follow-up, there were 6, 857 elderly people with incident CVD; a total of 6, 324 deaths occurred due to all causes and 2, 060 deaths occurred due to CVD. Compared with the inactive group, reductions in CVD morbidity and mortality were observed, with hazard ratios (HRs) of 0.89 (95% CI: 0.83-0.96) and 0.81 (95% CI: 0.71-0.92) in the insufficiently active group, 0.86 (95% CI: 0.80-0.92) and 0.79 (95% CI: 0.69-0.90) in the sufficiently active group, and 0.79 (95% CI: 0.70-0.89) and 0.58 (95% CI: 0.45-0.76) in the highly active group, respectively; but no significant reductions were observed in the very highly active group, with HRs of 0.87 (95% CI: 0.71-1.06) and 0.99 (95% CI: 0.70-1.40), respectively. Compared with the inactive group, reductions in all-cause mortality were also observed, with a HR of 0.90 (95% CI: 0.84-0.97) in the insufficiently active group, 0.82 (95% CI: 0.77-0.89) in the sufficiently active group, 0.77 (95% CI: 0.67- 0.87) in the highly active group, and 0.80 (95% CI: 0.64-0.98) in the very highly active group. A restricted cubic spline diagram showed that there was an L-shaped association between LTPA and the risk of all-cause mortality but a U-shaped or reverse J-shaped relationship between LTPA and the risk of CVD morbidity and mortality, especially stroke. In addition, a subgroup analysis showed that elderly population who consistently performed LTPA for ten years or more had a lower risk of morbidity and mortality. Conclusions In an elderly population, even insufficient activity is associated with a decreased risk of all-cause mortality and CVD, and moderate levels of LTPA may be optimal for CVD prevention. In addition, elderly people who consistently perform LTPA over several years may experience greater health benefits.

This study was carried out to determine the effect of influent nitrate loading on nitrite accumulation during elemental-sulfur based denitrification process, and proposed to enhance the nitrogen removal efficiency by mitigating nitrite accumulation with thiosulfate as external electron donor. Along with increasing the nitrate influent loading (from 0.09 kg N/m3/d to 1.73 kg N/m3/d) by shortening the empty bed contact time (EBCT) (from 5 h to 0.25 h), the nitrate removal loading increased from 0.08 to 0.83 kg N/m3/d. Meanwhile, the raise of the nitrate influent loading obviously aggravated the nitrite accumulation. Herein, nitrite began to accumulate since the nitrate influent loading was over 0.86 kg N/m3/d, and a maximum nitrite accumulation of 2.39 mg/L was observed under the 0.25 h of EBCT and 15 mg/L of nitrate influent concentration condition. Thiosulfate was used as the external electron donor to accelerate the nitrite reduction rate in order to mitigate the nitrite accumulation. As a result, the nitrite accumulation significantly decreased from 2.39 mg/L to 0.17 mg/L with the thiosulfate dosage of 13.36 mg/L. However, the nitrite accumulation bounced with the on-going increase of the thiosulfate dosage, indicating that the nitrate reduction rate and nitrite reduction rate were accelerated alternatively. After dosing thiosulfate, the relative abundances of sulfurimonas and ferritrophicum grew up significantly.

Current chemotherapy regimens on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) still have some drawbacks, such as intolerance and drug resistance, which calls need for the development of targeted therapy. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) is often overexpressed or abnormally activated in leukemia and involved in cell self-renewal, proliferation, and stress adaptation. Overexpressed Aurora A (AURKA) is associated with poor prognosis in tumors, and inhibitors against AURKA are already in clinical trials. However, it has rarely been reported whether AURKA inhibitors restrain STAT5-activated leukemia cells. In this study, we constructed STAT5 constitutively activated (cS5) cells and found that STAT5 promoted cell proliferation and colony formation. Moreover, cS5 cells showed elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, which indicated higher mitochondrial metabolism in cS5 cells. A novel AURKA inhibitor AKI604 was synthesized and showed significant inhibitory effects to the proliferation and colony formation in both STAT5 constitutively activated and nonactivated AML cells. AKI604 induced mitochondrial impairment, leading to the disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential and the elevation of ROS as well as cellular calcium (Ca2+ ) levels. AKI604 could also decline basal oxygen consumption rate and ATP biosynthesis, indicating the damage of oxidative phosphorylation. Furthermore, AKI604 exhibited significant antitumor effect in the HL-60 cS5 xenograft model of the BALB/c nude mice without an obvious influence on mice body weight and other healthy indicators. This study suggested that AKI604 was a potential strategy to overcome STAT5-induced leukemic proliferation in AML treatment by inducing mitochondrial impairment.

Objective To evaluate the correlation between features of knee joint rheumatoid arthritis (RA) identified on MRI and histological examination as a means of elucidating the pathogenesis of joint destruction in RA. Methods This is a prospective analysis of 26 knee joints of 22 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for the treatment of RA. Based on the degree of destruction of articular cartilage and the menisci, the occurrence of bone marrow edema and bone erosion, and synovial thickening, the stage of the knee joints were classified using MRI by two radiologists. Differences in the severity of destruction of the articular cartilage of the medial and lateral femoral condyles and medial and lateral tibial plateaus, the medial and lateral menisci, and bone were compared using analysis of variance with a post-hoc test, and the Mann-Whitney U-test. Samples of cartilage, subchondral bone, menisci, and synovium were obtained from the resected knee specimens during TKA and analyzed semiquantitatively using microscopy and immunohistochemistry. Histological differences between areas of bone erosion and bone marrow edema were evaluated using a Mann-Whitney U-test. Results The extent of articular destruction was classified as grade 4 for the medial and lateral femoral condyles and the medial and lateral tibial plateaus for most patients, with an average destruction grade of 3.6 (F = 5.455, P = 0.002), with the least amount of destruction identified on the lateral femoral condyle. The majority of knee joints in the RA patients were at stage 3 (21/26, 80.8%), followed by stage 4 (4/26, 15.4%). Fibrosis, thinning and destruction, and hyperplasia were the most severe pathological changes in cartilage. In a total of 26 specimens, 36 areas of bone marrow edema and 68 areas of bone erosion were identified, with fibrosis, a mosaic structure of bone, and lymphocyte infiltration being the most severe changes in these areas. The degree of meniscus destruction was classified as grade 4 in the majority patients for both the medial and lateral meniscus, with an average degree of meniscal destruction over all specimens of 3.85, and greater destruction of the medial meniscus than of the lateral meniscus (Z = 2.062, P = 0.039). Fibrosis and engulfing calcified debris were the most severe pathological manifestations. Synovitis was also identified in all 26 specimens, with hyperplasia of intima cells and lymphocyte and plasma cell infiltration being the most severe pathological manifestations. Conclusions Severe destruction of the articular cartilage and menisci is a characteristic feature of RA. Bone marrow edema and bone erosion can both also be found, but are less characteristic. Synovial infiltration may be the triggering mechanism of the destruction of the cartilage, menisci, and bone marrow. However, the origin of bone marrow edema requires further investigation.

Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) is one of the most damaging plant viruses from an economic and research point of view. Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG), a flavonoid type secondary metabolite can selectively improve plant defense against pathogens; however, the effect of EGCG on plant defense against TMV and the underlying mechanism(s) remain elusive. In this study, exogenous EGCG application increased plant resistance to TMV as revealed by significantly decreased transcript levels of TMV-coat protein (CP) in tomato leaves. A time-course of H

Background The objective of this meta-analysis was to illustrate the clinical outcomes and safety of two different managements for supracondylar humeral fractures in children. Methods In January 2018, a systematic computer-based search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Google database. Data on patients prepared for two different managements for supracondylar humeral fractures in children were retrieved. The primary endpoint was the cosmetic and clinical outcomes based on the criteria of Flynn, ulnar nerve injury, and the occurrence of infection. After testing for publication bias and heterogeneity between studies, data were aggregated for random-effects models when necessary. Results Six clinical studies with 581 patients were ultimately included in the meta-analysis. There was no significant difference between the closed reduction and percutaneous cross-pinning, and open reduction and internal fixation in terms of the cosmetic and clinical outcomes based on the criteria of Flynn, ulnar nerve injury, and the occurrence of infection (P > 0.05). Conclusions Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning, and open reduction and internal fixation of supracondylar humeral fractures in children result in similar construct stability and functional outcome. More high quality randomized controlled trials are needed to identify this conclusion.

Background Patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) may have decreased blood supply to the femoral heads. Finding a non-invasive method to evaluate whether the femoral heads in patients with DDH are ischemic is paramount for orthopedic surgeons. Purpose To identify whether parameters reflecting perfusion and diffusion in intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) sequences can be used to assess ischemia in femoral heads in patients with DDH after closed reduction. Material and Methods Twenty-eight patients with DDH who had undergone closed reduction were enrolled. IVIM data were acquired using a 3-T magnetic resonance scanner, regions of interest were placed on the epiphyses; ADCslow, ADCfast, f, and ADCfast×f were measured. A Mann–Whitney U test was performed to compare ADCslow, ADCfast, f, and ADCfast×f between the lesion and control sides. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated with respective cut-off values. The lesion sides were classified based on the International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) classification. ADCslow, ADCfast, f, and ADCfast×f were compared among the groups. Results ADCslow was higher and ADCfast, f, and ADCfast×f were lower on the lesion sides ( P = 0.000–0.002). The optimal cut-off value for ADCfast×f, ADCfast, ADCslow, and f were 0.030, 0.626, 0.000251, and 0.636, respectively. Higher IHDI classification scores on the lesion side were associated with lower ADCfast, f, and ADCfast×f, and higher ADCslow values. Conclusion IVIM is a promising method to investigate the perfusion and diffusion of epiphyses of femoral heads.

Heteroblasty refers to a phenomenon that a plant produces morphologically or functionally different lateral organs in an age‐dependent manner. In the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, the production of trichomes (epidermal leaf hairs) on the abaxial (lower) side of leaves is a heteroblastic mark for the juvenile‐to‐adult transition. Here, we show that the heteroblastic development of abaxial trichomes is regulated by a spatiotemporally regulated complex comprising the leaf abaxial fate determinant (KAN1) and the developmental timer (miR172‐targeted AP2‐like proteins). We provide evidence that a short‐distance chromatin loop brings the downstream enhancer element into close association with the promoter elements of GL1, which encodes a MYB transcription factor essential for trichome initiation. During juvenile phase, the KAN1‐AP2 repressive complex binds to the downstream sequence of GL1 and represses its expression through chromatin looping. As plants age, the gradual reduction in AP2‐like protein levels leads to decreased amount of the KAN1‐AP2 complex, thereby licensing GL1 expression and the abaxial trichome initiation. Our results thus reveal a novel molecular mechanism by which a heteroblastic trait is governed by integrating age and leaf polarity cue in plants.

The aim of the present study was to characterize the morphological parameters of giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) in the knee. The imaging data of 250 patients with GCTB in the knee were retrospectively reviewed, and the morphological parameters were analyzed. The study included 137 cases with GCTB in the distal femur and 113 cases with GCTB in the proximal tibia. The maximal longitudinal diameter of the tumor was 6.616±2.322 cm in the femur group and 5.738±2.278 cm in the tibia group (P=0.003). The maximal transverse diameter in the two groups was 4.865±1.525 and 4.313±1.309 cm, respectively (P=0.003). The shortest distance from the articular surface (SDAS) in the two groups was 0.381±0.404 and 0.280±0.328 cm, respectively (P=0.035), whereas the longest distance from the articular surface in the two groups was 6.924±2.135 and 5.878±1.825 cm, respectively (P=0.001). There were statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of the range of SDAS (P=0.043). Additionally, the incidence of pathological fractures in the femur was higher compared with that in the tibia (P=0.001), and the incidence of pathological fractures in the two groups gradually increased with the increase in lesion diameter. GCTB in the distal femur was larger compared with that in the proximal tibia, whereas GCTB in the tibia was closer to the articular surface compared with that in the femur. Furthermore, the incidence of pathological fractures in the femur was higher compared with that in the tibia.

Table S1. Flynn Criteria for Grading Supracondylar Humerus Fractures. (DOCX 15.4 kb)

Arsenic is a toxic metalloid for both animals and plants. The signaling molecule melatonin can enhance abiotic stress tolerance, but the effects of As and melatonin on tea plants and the mechanisms of resilience remain unclear. Here we report that excess As causes severe oxidative stress in tea leaves as revealed by significantly reduced maximal photochemical efficiency of photosystem-II, and increased reactive oxygen species accumulation and lipid peroxidation. However, exogenous melatonin application alleviated the As phytotoxicity and increased the anthocyanin content upto 69.4 % by selectively upregulating the expression of its biosynthetic genes such as CsCHS and CsANS. Comparison of As tolerance between two tea genotypes differing in basal levels of anthocyanin revealed that a tea cultivar with increased anthocyanin content, Zijuan (ZJ), showed enhanced tolerance to As stress compared with Longjing 43 (LJ43) that contained relatively low levels of anthocyanin. Interestingly, exogenous anthocyanin also enhanced As tolerance in LJ43, but exogenous melatonin did not improve As tolerance in ZJ genotype. Analysis of As content in tea leaves revealed that melatonin significantly reduced As content in LJ43 but not in ZJ, suggesting that melatonin-enhanced tolerance to As stress is largely dependent on the basal levels of anthocyanin in tea plants.

The present study aimed to examine the neurophysiological mechanisms of the 2,6-diisopropylphenol and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist against learning and memory impairment, induced by electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). A total of 48 adult depressed rats without olfactory bulbs were randomly divided into six experimental groups: i) saline; ii) 10 mg/kg MK‑801; iii) 10 mg/kg MK‑801 and a course of ECT; iv) 200 mg/kg 2,6‑diisopropylphenol; v) 200 mg/kg 2,6‑diisopropylphenol and a course of ECT; and vi) saline and a course of ECT. The learning and memory abilities of the rats were assessed using a Morris water maze 1 day after a course of ECT. The hippocampus was removed 1 day after assessment using the Morris water maze assessment. The content of glutamate in the hippocampus was detected using high‑performance liquid chromatography. The expression levels of p‑AT8Ser202 and GSK‑3β1H8 in the hippocampus were determined using immunohistochemical staining and western blot analysis. The results demonstrated that the 2,6‑diisopropylphenol NMDA receptor antagonist, MK‑801 and ECT induced learning and memory impairment in the depressed rats. The glutamate content was significantly upregulated by ECT, reduced by 2,6‑diisopropylphenol, and was unaffected by the NMDA receptor antagonist in the hippocampus of the depressed rats. Tau protein hyperphosphorylation in the hippocampus was upregulated by ECT, but was reduced by 2,6‑diisopropylphenol and the MK‑801 NMDA receptor antagonist. It was also demonstrated that 2,6‑diisopropylphenol prevented learning and memory impairment and reduced the hyperphosphorylation of the Tau protein, which was induced by eECT. GSK‑3β was found to be the key protein involved in this signaling pathway. The ECT reduced the learning and memory impairment, caused by hyperphosphorylation of the Tau protein, in the depressed rats by upregulating the glutamate content.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation between features of knee joint rheumatoid arthritis (RA) identified on MRI and histological examination as a means of elucidating the pathogenesis of joint destruction in RA. METHODS: This is a prospective analysis of 26 knee joints of 22 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for the treatment of RA. Based on the degree of destruction of articular cartilage and the menisci, the occurrence of bone marrow edema and bone erosion, and synovial thickening, the stage of the knee joints were classified using MRI by two radiologists. Differences in the severity of destruction of the articular cartilage of the medial and lateral femoral condyles and medial and lateral tibial plateaus, the medial and lateral menisci, and bone were compared using analysis of variance with a post‐hoc test, and the Mann–Whitney U‐test. Samples of cartilage, subchondral bone, menisci, and synovium were obtained from the resected knee specimens during TKA and analyzed semiquantitatively using microscopy and immunohistochemistry. Histological differences between areas of bone erosion and bone marrow edema were evaluated using a Mann–Whitney U‐test. RESULTS: The extent of articular destruction was classified as grade 4 for the medial and lateral femoral condyles and the medial and lateral tibial plateaus for most patients, with an average destruction grade of 3.6 (F = 5.455, P = 0.002), with the least amount of destruction identified on the lateral femoral condyle. The majority of knee joints in the RA patients were at stage 3 (21/26, 80.8%), followed by stage 4 (4/26, 15.4%). Fibrosis, thinning and destruction, and hyperplasia were the most severe pathological changes in cartilage. In a total of 26 specimens, 36 areas of bone marrow edema and 68 areas of bone erosion were identified, with fibrosis, a mosaic structure of bone, and lymphocyte infiltration being the most severe changes in these areas. The degree of meniscus destruction was classified as grade 4 in the majority patients for both the medial and lateral meniscus, with an average degree of meniscal destruction over all specimens of 3.85, and greater destruction of the medial meniscus than of the lateral meniscus (Z = 2.062, P = 0.039). Fibrosis and engulfing calcified debris were the most severe pathological manifestations. Synovitis was also identified in all 26 specimens, with hyperplasia of intima cells and lymphocyte and plasma cell infiltration being the most severe pathological manifestations. CONCLUSIONS: Severe destruction of the articular cartilage and menisci is a characteristic feature of RA. Bone marrow edema and bone erosion can both also be found, but are less characteristic. Synovial infiltration may be the triggering mechanism of the destruction of the cartilage, menisci, and bone marrow. However, the origin of bone marrow edema requires further investigation.

Background: A dense breast not only reduces the sensitivity of mammography but also is a moderate independent risk factor for breast cancer. The percentage of Western women with fat breast tissue is higher aged 40 years or older. To a certain extent, mammography as a first choice of screening imaging method for Western women of this group is reasonable. Hitherto, the frequency and age distribution of mammographic breast density patterns among Chinese women had not been characterized. The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency and age distribution of mammographic breast density patterns among a group of Chinese screening women and breast cancer patients in order to provide useful information for age-specific guidelines for breast cancer screening in Chinese women. Methods: A retrospective review of a total of 3,394 screening women between August and December 2009 and 2,527 breast cancer patients between July 2011 and June 2012 was conducted. Descriptive analyses were used to examine the association between age and breast density. The significance of differences of breast density between the screening women and the breast cancer patients was examined using nonparametric tests. Results: There was a significant inverse relationship between age and breast density overall (r=-0.37, p< 0.01). Breast density of the breast cancer patients in the subgroups of 40-49 years old was greater compared with that of the screening women, the same in those aged 50-54 years and in those 55 years old or older, less than in the screening group. Conclusions: With regard to the Chinese women younger than 55 years old, the diagnostic efficiency of breast cancer screening imaging examinations may be potentially improved by combining screening mammography with ultrasound.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the spontaneous brain activity alterations in liver transplantation (LT) recipients using resting-state functional MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty cirrhotic patients as transplant candidates and 25 healthy controls (HCs) were included in this study. All patients repeated the MRI study one month after LT. Amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) values were compared between cirrhotic patients (both pre- and post-LT) and HCs as well as between the pre- and post-LT groups. The relationship between ALFF changes and venous blood ammonia levels and neuropsychological tests were investigated using Pearson's correlation analysis. RESULTS In the cirrhotic patients, decreased ALFF in the vision-related regions (left lingual gyrus and calcarine), sensorimotor-related regions (left postcentral gyrus and middle cingulate cortex), and the default-mode network (bilateral precuneus and left inferior parietal lobule) were restored, and the increased ALFF in the temporal and frontal lobe improved in the early period after LT. The ALFF decreases persisted in the right supplementary motor area, inferior parietal lobule, and calcarine. The ALFF changes in the right precuneus were negatively correlated with changes in number connection test-A scores (r = 0.507, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION LT improved spontaneous brain activity and the results for associated cognition tests. However, decreased ALFF in some areas persisted, and new-onset abnormal ALFF were possible, indicating that complete cognitive function recovery may need more time.

To explore and compare the effects of propofol, ginsenoside Rg-1, protein phosphatae-2A, and lithium on the learning and memory and the concentration of glutamic acid in hippocampus after the electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in the model of depressed rats induced after the removal of olfactory bulb.The depressed rats were randomized into ECT intervention (two levels:no disposition and a course of electroconvulsive shock) and drug intervention (five levels:microinjection of saline injection, propofol, ginsenoside Rg-1, protein phosphatae-2A, and lithium, 20 g/L). Learning and memory were evaluated using the Morris water maze test within 24 h after the course of ECT. Glutamate contents in the hippocampus of rats were examined using high-performance liquid chromatography.Both propofol alone and ECT alone induced the impairment of learning and memory in depressed rats, but their combination alleviated the such impairment caused by ECT. Ginsenoside Rg-1, protein phosphatae-2A ,and lithium had no obvious effect on the leaning and improved the learning and memory when in combination with ECT. There was a synergic effect between ECT intervention and drug intervention. ECT remarkably increased the glutamate content in the hippocampus of depressed rats, which could be reduced by both propofol and ginsenoside Rg-1. Protein phosphatae-2A and lithium did not affect glutamate content in the hippocampus of depressed rats before and after ECT.ECT can increase the content of glutamate in hippocampus and thus cause the impairment of learning and memory in depressed rats. Propofol and ginsenoside Rg-1 can ameliorate the impairment by reducing the content of glutamate in hippocampus. Protein phosphatae-2A and lithium may also improve the learning and memory in depressed rats.

To explore the effects of different liquid therapies on the intracranial pressure, brain water content, and expressions of aquaporin-4 and N-methyl-D-aspartate-1 in the brain tissue.Two intervention factors including the colloids (two levels: 4% gelofusine; 6% hydroxyethyl starch and sodium chloride injection) and the crystal/gel ratios (two levels: 0:1; 1:1) were set based on the results of the analysis of variance of factorial design. Thirty-two patient who had undergone epilepsy surgery were equally and randomly divided into four groups: group A (4% gelofusine, crystal/gel ratio 0:1); group B (6% hydroxyethyl starch and sodium chloride injection, crystal/gel ratio 0:1); group C (4% gelofusine, crystal/gel ratio 1:1); and group D (6% hydroxyethyl starch and sodium chloride injection, crystal/gel ratio 1:1). The intracranial pressure during operation was recorded. After the operation, the intracranial pressure and brain water content were measured and the expressions of aquaporin-4 and N-methyl-D-aspartate-1 in the brain tissue were determined with Western blot. Glasgow coma scores were obtained 2 hours after operation.The intracranial pressure (F=55.714, P=0.000; F=142.432, P=0.000) and the brain water content (F=31.477, P=0.000; F=84.896, P=0.000) significantly increased after the application of the 6% hydroxyethyl starch and sodium chloride injection and crystal/gel ratio 1:1, and the expressions of aquaporin-4 (F=37.205, P=0.000; F=149.652, P=0.014) and N-methyl-D-aspartate-1(F=29.664, P=0.000; F=65.951, P=0.000) in the brain tissue significantly increased. There were additive effects between two of them (the intracranial pressure: F=11.056, P=0.002; the brain water content: F=8.007, P=0.008; the expression of aquaporin-4: F=9.845, P=0.004; and the expression of N-methyl-D-aspartate-1: F=5.020, P=0.033). However, the Glasgow coma score showed no significant difference after the administration (P0.05).The liquid therapy with 4% gelofusine and crystal/gel ratio 0:1 can result in better control on the intracranial pressure, brain water content and expressions of aquaporin-4 and N-methyl-D-aspartate-1 in the brain tissue better than the liquid therapy with 6% hydroxyethyl starch and crystal/gel ratio 1:1 during neurosurgery, although it may not improve the coma status.

Malus xiaojinensis is an important, iron-efficient rootstock germplasm. Iron uptake is an elaborately controlled process in plant roots, involving specialized transporters. MxIRT1, a Fe(II) transporter gene of M. xiaojinensis, is homologous to other iron transporters at the amino acid level. In the current study, the plasmid pYES2.0-MxIRT1, containing MxIRT1 cDNA, was constructed and transformed into yeast mutants. The results indicated that it could reverse the phenotype of yeast strain DEY1453, an iron uptake mutant. Complementation tests suggested that it might not be a specific transporter, as it was able to restore the phenotypes of other yeast mutant strains, including Mn, Cu and Zn uptake mutants. The functions of the critical histidine residues in the His-box of MxIRT1 were tested by transforming mutant yeast strain DEY1453 with different His residues altered by directed mutagenesis. The His-box of MxIRT1 was found to be necessary for iron transport, with different histidine residues (H(1-4)) playing different roles in the transport.

To investigate infections of syphilis, neisseria gonorrhoeae, chlamydia trachomatis and the related risk factors in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Jiangsu province.A total of 400 MSM were enrolled by Snowball Sampling Method from August to October in 2010 and then 328 cases were surveyed by a questionnaire and collected serum sample 5 ml per person as well as rectal swab on the spot; all of the serum samples were tested for syphilis by ELISA and TRUST, and all of the rectal swabs were tested for neisseria gonorrhoeae or chlamydia trachomatis. The influencing factors of syphilis, neisseria gonorrhoeae, chlamydia trachomatis were analyzed by logistic regression analysis.The 328 MSM were (32.46 ± 9.72) years old, 59.15% (194/328) were unmarried.75.00% (246/328) MSM had rectal sex with men in the past 3 months, and condom use rate for recent sex was 56.71% (186/328), while 53.05% (174/328) MSM didn't have sex with women in the last 3 months. The syphilis infection rate among MSM was 13.41% (44/328), the neisseria gonorrhoeae infection rate was 3.66% (12/328), and the chlamydia trachomatis rate was 11.59% (38/328). The number of sex partners was the key factor that influenced syphilis infections (OR = 4.213, 95%CI: 1.133 - 15.656).The prevalence of syphilis and chlamydia trachomatis was high in MSM in Jiangsu, while risk behavior rate were high in the MSM and then should be intervened.

To review the applications of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques in assessing treatment response to gamma knife radiosurgery for brain tumors.Published articles about assessing treatment response to gamma knife radiosurgery for brain tumors were selected using PubMed. The search terms were "MRI", "gamma knife" and "brain tumors".Articles regarding the MRI techniques using for early assessment of treatment response of gamma knife were selected.MRI techniques, especially diffusion weighted imaging, perfusion weighted imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, are useful for early assessment of treatment response of gamma knife by detecting the hemodynamic, metabolic, and cellular alterations. Moreover, they can also provide important information on prognosis.Diffusion weighted imaging, perfusion weighted imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy can provide early assessment of treatment response of gamma knife for brain tumors, and also information of tumor progression or recurrence earlier than conventional MRI. But there are still many questions to be answered which should be based on the development and advancement of MRI and related disciplines.