Search

Background & Aims: Despite remarkable advances in treatment, most patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) respond poorly to anti-programmed cell death 1 (anti-PD1) therapy. A deeper insight into the tolerance mechanism of HCC against this therapy is urgently needed., Methods: We performed next-generation sequencing, multiplex immunofluorescence, and dual-color immunohistochemistry and constructed an orthotopic HCC xenograft tumor model to identify the key gene associated with anti-PD1 tolerance. A spontaneously tumorigenic transgenic mouse model, an in vitro coculture system, mass cytometry, and multiplex immunofluorescence were used to explore the biological function of zinc finger protein 64 (ZFP64) on tumor progression and immune escape. Molecular and biochemical strategies like RNA-sequencing, chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing and mass spectrometry were used to gain insight into the underlying mechanisms of ZFP64., Results: We showed that ZFP64 is frequently upregulated in tumor tissues from patients with anti-PD1-resistant HCC. Elevated ZFP64 drives anti-PD1 resistance by shifting macrophage polarization toward an alternative activation phenotype (M2) and fostering an inhibitory tumor microenvironment. Mechanistically, we primarily demonstrated that protein kinase C alpha (PKCα) directly phosphorylates ZFP64 at S226, leading to its nuclear translocation and the transcriptional activation of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (CSF1). HCC-derived CSF1 transforms macrophages to the M2 phenotype to drive immune escape and anti-PD1 tolerance. Notably, Gö6976, a protein kinase inhibitor, and lenvatinib, a multi-kinase inhibitor, reset the tumor microenvironment and restore sensitivity to anti-PD1 by blocking the PKCα/ZFP64/CSF1 axis., Conclusions: We propose that the PKCα/ZFP64/CSF1 axis is critical for triggering immune evasion and anti-PD1 tolerance. Inhibiting this axis with Gö6976 or lenvatinib overcomes anti-PD1 resistance in HCC., Lay Summary: Despite remarkable treatment progress, most patients with hepatocellular carcinoma respond poorly to anti-PD1 therapy (a type of immunotherapy). A deeper insight into the tolerance mechanisms to this therapy is urgently needed. Herein, we unravel a previously unexplored mechanism linking tumor progression, macrophage polarization, and anti-PD1 resistance, and offer an attractive novel target for anti-PD1 combination therapy, which may benefit patients with hepatocellular carcinoma., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest The authors have declared no conflict of interest. Please refer to the accompanying ICMJE disclosure forms for further details., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To evaluate the role of pancreas multidisciplinary team(MDT) clinic in the diagnosis of pancreatic diseases,patient compliance with MDT advice,and the impact of MDT on the postoperative survival of patients with pancreatic cancer. Methods: The study included 927 patients(554 males,373 females,aged (58.1±13.3)years (range: 15 to 89 years)) that had visited the pancreas MDT clinic of Zhongshan Hospital from May 2015 to December 2021,and 677 patients(396 males, 281 females, aged (63.6±8.9)years(range: 32 to 95 years)) who underwent radical surgery and with pathologically confirmed pancreatic adenocarcinoma from January 2012 to December 2020,of whom 79 patients had attended the pancreas MDT. The clinical and pathological data were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Diseases were classified in accordance with 2010 WHO classification of tumors of the digestive system and usual clinical practices. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for drawing the survival curve and calculating the survival rate. The univariate analysis was done by Log-rank test and the multivariate analysis was done by COX proportional hazards model. Survival rates were compared using χ 2 test. Results: Among the 927 patients that had visited the MDT clinic,233 patients(25.1%) were referred due to undetermined diagnosis. A direct diagnosis was made in 109 cases (46.8%,109/233) by the MDT clinic, of which 98 were consistent with the final diagnosis,resulting in an accuracy of 89.9%(98/109). The direct diagnosis rate in the recent years(36.6%(41/112),from June 2019 to December 2021) decreased compared to that in the previous years(56.2%(68/121),from May 2015 to May 2019),yet the accuracy in the recent years(90.2%,37/41) was basically the same as before (89.7%,61/68). The rate of compliance of the entire cohort was 71.5%(663/927), with the compliance rate in the recent two and a half years(81.4%,338/415) remarkably higher than that in the previous four years(63.4%,325/512). Patients with pancreatic cancer that attended the MDT exhibited a trend toward longer median postoperative survival than patients that did not attend the MDT,but the difference was not statistically significant(35.2 months vs. 30.2 months, P >0.05). The 1-year and 3-year survival rates of patients that attended the MDT were significanly higher than patients that did not attend the MDT(88.6% vs. 78.4%, P <0.05;32.9% vs. 21.9%, P <0.05,respectively),but the 5-year survival rate was not statistically different(7.6% vs. 4.8%, P >0.05). Conclusions: The pancreas MDT clinic is an accurate and convenient way to diagnose intractable pancreatic diseases,and in the recent years the patients' compliance rate with MDT advice has increased. Pancreatic cancer patients that have attended the MDT have higher 1-year and 3-year postoperative survival rates,but the long-term survival benefits of MDT still needs to be proved by clinical studies on a larger scale.

Temperature-sensitive genic male sterility (TGMS) lines are widely used in the breeding of hybrid crops 1,2 , but by what means temperature as a general environmental factor reverses the fertility of different TGMS lines remains unknown. Here, we identified an Arabidopsis TGMS line named reversible male sterile (rvms) that is fertile at low temperature (17 °C) and encodes a GDSL lipase. Cytological observations and statistical analysis showed that low temperature slows pollen development. Further screening of restorers of rvms, as well as crossing with a slow-growth line at normal temperature (24 °C), demonstrate that slowing of development overcomes the defects of rvms microspores and allows them to develop into functional pollen. Several other Arabidopsis TGMS lines were identified, and their fertility was also restored by slowing of development. Given that male reproductive development is conserved 3 , we propose that slowing of development is a general mechanism applicable to the sterility-fertility conversion of TGMS lines from different plant species.

Objective: To evaluate the role of multidisciplinary team (MDT) clinic in the diagnosis of pancreatic diseases and patient compliance with MDT advice in the current medical system. Methods: The study included 512 patients that had visited the pancreas-oriented MDT clinic of Zhongshan Hospital between May 2015 and May 2019.The clinical and pathological data were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Diseases were classified in accordance with 2010 WHO classification of tumors of the digestive system and usual clinical practices. Compliance was determined according to whether a patient received corresponding therapies or undergoing further checks or follow-ups. Results: Among the 512 patients that had visited the MDT clinic, 121 patients were referred due to undetermined diagnosis. Classified according to the final diagnosis, the rate of undetermined diagnosis in different disease categories from high to low in order was inflammatory diseases of the pancreas (75.0%, 24/32), other lesions of the pancreas (56.1%,23/41), pancreatic cystic lesions (19.1%,17/89), pancreatic carcinomas (18.3%,48/262) and pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (pNEN)(10.2%,9/88). The MDT clinic made diagnosis to 68 patients directly with an accuracy of 89.7%. The rate of compliance in the entire cohort was 63.4%. The rate of compliance of patients from June 2017 to May 2019 (68.4%) was higher than that of patients from May 2015 to May 2017(59.6%). The compliance rate of patients in different disease categories from high to low in order was inflammatory diseases of the pancreas(84.4%, 27/32), pancreatic carcinomas (67.9%, 178/262), pNEN(60.2%,53/88), other lesions of the pancreas (56.1%,23/41), and pancreatic cystic lesions(49.4%, 44/89). The compliance rate of patients with different MDT advice from high to low in order was best supportive care(78.6%,22/28), antitumor approaches beyond surgery(71.6%,159/222), further tests(62.6%, 77/123), surgery(53.7%, 65/121) and follow-up(49.2%, 31/63). In patients suggested for surgery, the compliance rate of patients with carcinomas(67.4%, 33/49) was higher than patients with other kinds of neoplasms. Conclusions: MDT clinic could facilitate the diagnosis of pancreatic diseases conveniently and inexpensively. The overall compliance rate of MDT clinic patients is rather low, and patients with carcinomas have a relative high rate of compliance with the suggestion of surgery.

Gaseous emissions from municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal plants pose serious odor pollution and health risks. In this study, the emission of volatile organic compounds and carbon disulfide was compared in the main processing units of three disposal methods, i.e., landfilling, eco-mechanical biological treatment (EMBT) and anaerobic fermentation in a MSW disposal plant. Among the detected volatile compounds (VCs), the top ten odor compounds were methanethiol, dimethyl sulfide, dimethyl disulfide, carbon disulfide, styrene, m-xylene, 4-ethyltoluene, ethylbenzene, 2-hexyl ketone and n-hexane in the MSW disposal plant. Sulfur compounds were the main source of odor at the majority of sampling sites, and aromatic compounds were the dominant odor substrates at the tipping unit and sorting system of EMBT, while 2-hexanone was the major odor substrate at the tipping unit (AT) and sorting system (AS) of anaerobic fermentation and the landfill working surface. At AS and AT, the lifetime cancer risk values for 1,2-dichloroethane and trichloroethylene exceeded the carcinogenic risk value (>1.0E-04), and the hazard index values of naphthalene, trichloroethylene and acrolein all exceeded the acceptable level (>1). Therefore, special attention should be paid to VC emissions from MSW disposal facilities, and protection measures should be adopted for on-site workers to minimize health risks., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Sporopollenin is the major component of the outer pollen wall (sexine). It is synthesized using a pathway of approximately eight genes in Arabidopsis ( Arabidopsis thaliana ). MALE STERILITY188 (MS188) and its direct upstream regulator ABORTED MICROSPORES (AMS) are two transcription factors essential for tapetum development. Here, we show that all the sporopollenin biosynthesis proteins are specifically expressed in the tapetum and are secreted into anther locules. MS188, a MYB transcription factor expressed in the tapetum, directly regulates the expression of POLYKETIDE SYNTHASE A ( PKSA ), PKSB , MALE STERILE2 ( MS2 ), and a CYTOCHROME P450 gene ( CYP703A2 ). By contrast, the expression of CYP704B1 , ACYL-COA SYNTHETASE5 ( ACOS5 ), TETRAKETIDE a-PYRONE REDUCTASE1 ( TKPR1 ) and TKPR2 are significantly reduced in ams mutants but not affected in ms188 mutants. However, MS188 but not AMS can activate the expression of CYP704B1 , ACOS5 , and TKPR1 In ms188 , dominant suppression of MS188 homologs reduced the expression of these genes, suggesting that MS188 and other MYB family members play redundant roles in activating their expression. The expression of some sporopollenin synthesis genes ( PKSA , PKSB , TKPR2 , CYP704B1 , and ACOS5 ) was rescued when MS188 was expressed in ams Therefore, MS188 is a key regulator for activation of sporopollenin synthesis, and AMS and MS188 may form a feed-forward loop that activates the expression of the sporopollenin biosynthesis pathway for rapid pollen wall formation., (© 2018 American Society of Plant Biologists. All rights reserved.)

Volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) are not only the main source of malodor in anaerobic treatment of organic waste, but also pose a threat to human health. In this study, VSCs production and microbial community was investigated during the anaerobic degradation of fish and pork waste. The results showed that after the operation of 245 days, 94.5% and 76.2% of sulfur compounds in the fish and pork waste was converted into VSCs. Among the detected VSCs including H 2 S, carbon disulfide, methanethiol, ethanethiol, dimethyl sulfide, dimethyl disulfide and dimethyl trisulfide, methanethiol was the major component with the maximum concentration of 4.54% and 3.28% in the fish and pork waste, respectively. The conversion of sulfur compounds including total sulfur, SO 4 2- -S, S 2- , methionine and cysteine followed the first-order kinetics. Miseq sequencing analysis showed that Acinetobacter, Clostridium, Proteus, Thiobacillus, Hyphomicrobium and Pseudomonas were the main known sulfur-metabolizing microorganisms in the fish and pork waste. The C/N value had most significant influence on the microbial community in the fish and pork waste. A main conversion of sulfur compounds with CH 3 SH as the key intermediate was firstly hypothesized during the anaerobic degradation of fish and pork waste. These findings are helpful to understand the conversion of sulfur compounds and to develop techniques to control ordor pollution in the anaerobic treatment of organic waste., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Anteromedial cortical support reduction is favourable for secondary stability after limited sliding in unstable pertrochanteric fractures. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy and agreement between intra-operative fluoroscopy and post-operative 3D reconstruction., Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 28 patients (mean 81.6 years) treated with short cephalomedullary nails was performed. All patients had full sets of intra-operative fluoroscopy and post-operative 3D CT images. Observation was focused on the position of the anteromedial cortices of the inferior corner between the head-neck fragment and femoral shaft, and their relationship was categorised into three types: positive, neutral and negative. The percentage of subsequent changes in cortical reduction quality between fluoroscopy and 3D CT was calculated and compared., Results: There were 24 positive (85.7%), four neutral and no negative positions in the anteroposterior (AP) view and one positive, 20 neutral (71.4%) and seven negative positions in the lateral view from fluoroscopy. On post-operative 3D CT images with a full range of rotation, definitive anteromedial cortical contact (positive and neutral support) was observed in 18 cases (64.3%). Ten cases lost the anteromedial cortical buttress. With the posteromedial region of the lesser trochanter detached, a positive AP cortical position combined with a positive/neutral lateral position on fluoroscopy (17 cases) was highly predictive of reliable, definitive cortical support (15 cases, 88.2%) on 3D CT. A negative lateral position on fluoroscopy (seven cases), regardless of the combination in the AP view, was likely to predict the final loss of cortical support (six cases, 85.7%) on 3D CT; a positive/neutral lateral position (21 cases) was only associated with loss of support in four cases (19.1%) (p < 0.05)., Conclusions: A lateral negative position of the anterior cortex on fluoroscopy for unstable pertrochanteric fractures may be highly predictive of post-operative final loss of the anteromedial cortical buttress, which should be avoided during operation.

Background: In Arabidopsis, the tapetum and microsporocytes are critical for pollen formation. Previous studies have shown that ARF17 is expressed in microsporocytes and tetrads and directly regulates tetrad wall synthesis for pollen formation. ARF17 is the direct target of miR160, and promoterARF17::5mARF17 (5mARF17/WT) transgenic plants, which have five silent mutations within the miR160-complementary domain, are sterile., Results: Here, we found that ARF17 is also expressed in the tapetum, which was defective in arf17 mutants. Compared with arf17 mutants, 5mARF17/WT plants had abnormal tapetal cells and tetrads but were less vacuolated in the tapetum. Immunocytochemical assays showed that the ARF17 protein over-accumulated in tapetum, microsporocytes and tetrads of 5mARF17/WT plants at early anther stages, but its expression pattern was not affected during anther development. 5mARF17 driven by its native promoter did not rescue the arf17 male-sterile phenotype. The expression of 5mARF17 driven by the tapetum-specific promoter A9 led to a defective tapetum and male sterility in transgenic plants. These results suggest that the overexpression of ARF17 in the tapetum and microsporocytes of 5mARF17/WT plants leads to male sterility. Microarray data revealed that an abundance of genes involved in transcription and translation are ectopically expressed in 5mARF17/WT plants., Conclusions: Our work shows that ARF17 plays an essential role in anther development and pollen formation, and ARF17 expression under miR160 regulation is critical for its function during anther development.

Banded iron formations (BIFs) in Archean cratons provide important "geologic barcodes" for the global correlation of Precambrian sedimentary records. Here we report the first finding of late Archean BIFs from the Yangtze Craton, one of largest Precambrian blocks in East Asia with an evolutionary history of over 3.3 Ga. The Yingshan iron deposit at the northeastern margin of the Yangtze Craton, displays typical features of BIF, including: (i) alternating Si-rich and Fe-rich bands at sub-mm to meter scales; (ii) high SiO 2  + Fe 2 O 3total contents (average 90.6 wt.%) and Fe/Ti ratios (average 489); (iii) relative enrichment of heavy rare earth elements and positive Eu anomalies (average 1.42); (iv) and sedimentary Fe isotope compositions (δ 56 Fe IRMM-014 as low as -0.36‰). The depositional age of the BIF is constrained at ~2464 ± 24 Ma based on U-Pb dating of zircon grains from a migmatite sample of a volcanic protolith that conformably overlied the Yingshan BIF. The BIF was intruded by Neoproterozoic (805.9 ± 4.7 Ma) granitoids that are unique in the Yangtze Craton but absent in the North China Craton to the north. The discovery of the Yingshan BIF provides new constraints for the tectonic evolution of the Yangtze Craton and has important implications in the reconstruction of Pre-Nuna/Columbia supercontinent configurations.

The accumulation of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) is speculated to be related with the decrease of CH 4 oxidation rate after a peak in long-term laboratory landfill covers and biofilters. However, few data have been reported about EPS production of methanotrophs and its feedback effects on methanotrophic activity. In this study, Methylosinus sporium was used asa model methanotroph to investigate EPS production and its influencing factors during CH 4 oxidation. The results showed that methanotrophs could secret EPS into the habits during CH 4 oxidation and had a negative feedback effect on CH 4 oxidation. The EPS amount fitted well with the CH 4 oxidation activity with the exponential model. The environmental factors such as pH, temperature, CH 4 , O 2 , NO 3 - -N and NH 4 + -N could affect the EPS production of methanotrophs. When pH, temperature, CH 4 , O 2 and N concentrations (including NO 3 - -N and NH 4 + -N) were 6.5-7.5, 30-40°C, 10-15%, 10% and 20-140mgL -1 , respectively, the high cell growth rate and CH 4 oxidation activity of Methylosinus sporium occurred in the media with the low EPS production, which was beneficial to sustainable and efficient CH 4 oxidation. In practice, O 2 -limited condition such as the O 2 concentration of 10% might be a good way to control EPS production and enhance CH 4 oxidation to mitigate CH 4 emission from landfills., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Volatile sulfur compounds are the main odorants at landfills. In this study, methanethiol (CH 3 SH) was chosen as a typical volatile organic sulfur compound, and its generation potential was investigated during the anaerobic degradation of the organic fractions of municipal solid waste (MSW) including rice, flour food, vegetable, fish and pork, paper, cellulose textile, and yard wastes. Among the experimental wastes, gas generation was the highest in the fish and pork waste with a high CH 3 SH concentration of up to 2.5% (v/v). Sulfur reduction in the solid phase was mostly converted into gaseous sulfur compounds. During the whole experiment, the cumulative CH 3 SH generation from the fish and pork waste was 0.139 L kg dw -1 , which was about 2 and 6 orders of magnitude higher than that from the other experimental wastes. The ratio of CH 3 SH-S to TS reduction was 31.56% in the fish and pork waste. These results would be helpful to understand the generation of volatile sulfur compounds during the anaerobic degradation of MSW and develop techniques to control odor pollution at landfills.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal human malignancies, with a poor long-term prognosis, and effective therapeutic options are lacking. Observing the dynamics of the pathogenesis of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) and PDAC in tumor models can facilitate understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in early PDAC. Furthermore, it can compensate for the research limitations associated with analyzing clinical specimens of late-stage PDAC. In this study, we orthotopically treated the pancreas with dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA) combined with caerulein in wild-type C57BL/6 J mice to induce inflammation-related pancreatic carcinogenesis. We observed that DMBA and caerulein treatment induced a chronic consumptive disease, which caused a decrease in the relative body and pancreas weights, diminishing the health status of the mice and enhancing the inflammation-related histological changes. Moreover, mid-dose and high-frequency treatment with caerulein caused prolonged inflammatory damage to the pancreas and contributed to a permissive environment for the development of PDAC. CXCL12/CXCR4, CCL2/CCR2, and several cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were upregulated in the tumor tissue of DMBA and caerulein-induced PDAC mice. This orthotopic mouse pancreatic carcinogenesis model mimic human disease because it reproduces a spectrum of pathological changes observed in human PDAC, ranging from inflammatory lesions to pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia. Thus, this mouse model may improve the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying the injury-inflammation-cancer pathway in the early stages of pancreatic carcinogenesis.

Objectives: A randomized, parallel controlled, open-label clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of a botanic compound berberine (BBR) on NAFLD., Methods: A randomized, parallel controlled, open-label clinical trial was conducted in three medical centers (NIH Registration number: NCT00633282). A total of 184 eligible patients with NAFLD were enrolled and randomly received (i) lifestyle intervention (LSI), (ii) LSI plus pioglitazone (PGZ) 15mg qd, and (iii) LSI plus BBR 0.5g tid, respectively, for 16 weeks. Hepatic fat content (HFC), serum glucose and lipid profiles, liver enzymes and serum and urine BBR concentrations were assessed before and after treatment. We also analyzed hepatic BBR content and expression of genes related to glucose and lipid metabolism in an animal model of NAFLD treated with BBR., Results: As compared with LSI, BBR treatment plus LSI resulted in a significant reduction of HFC (52.7% vs 36.4%, p = 0.008), paralleled with better improvement in body weight, HOMA-IR, and serum lipid profiles (all p<0.05). BBR was more effective than PGZ 15mg qd in reducing body weight and improving lipid profile. BBR-related adverse events were mild and mainly occurred in digestive system. Serum and urine BBR concentrations were 6.99ng/ml and 79.2ng/ml, respectively, in the BBR-treated subjects. Animal experiments showed that BBR located favorably in the liver and altered hepatic metabolism-related gene expression., Conclusion: BBR ameliorates NAFLD and related metabolic disorders. The therapeutic effect of BBR on NAFLD may involve a direct regulation of hepatic lipid metabolism., Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00633282.

Purpose: We aimed to optimize diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) acquisitions for normal pancreas at 3.0 Tesla., Materials and Methods: Thirty healthy volunteers were examined using four DWI acquisition techniques with b values of 0 and 600 s/mm2 at 3.0 Tesla, including breath-hold DWI, respiratory-triggered DWI, respiratory-triggered DWI with inversion recovery (IR), and free-breathing DWI with IR. Artifacts, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of normal pancreas were statistically evaluated among different DWI acquisitions., Results: Statistical differences were noticed in artifacts, SNR, and ADC values of normal pancreas among different DWI acquisitions by ANOVA (P <0.001). Normal pancreas imaging had the lowest artifact in respiratory-triggered DWI with IR, the highest SNR in respiratory-triggered DWI, and the highest ADC value in free-breathing DWI with IR. The head, body, and tail of normal pancreas had statistically different ADC values on each DWI acquisition by ANOVA (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: The highest image quality for normal pancreas was obtained using respiratory-triggered DWI with IR. Normal pancreas displayed inhomogeneous ADC values along the head, body, and tail structures.

This study attempts to understand the intrinsic impact of different morphologies of nanocrystals on their electrochemical stripping behaviors toward heavy metal ions. Two differently shaped Fe3O4 nanocrystals, i.e., (100)-bound cubic and (111)-bound octahedral, have been synthesized for the experiments. Electrochemical results indicate that Fe3O4 nanocrystals with different shapes show different stripping behaviors toward heavy metal ions. Octahedral Fe3O4 nanocrystals show better electrochemical sensing performances toward the investigated heavy metal ions such as Zn(II), Cd(II), Pb(II), Cu(II), and Hg(II), in comparison with cubic ones. Specifically, Pb(II) is found to have the best stripping performance on both the (100) and (111) facets. To clarify these phenomena, adsorption abilities of as-prepared Fe3O4 nanocrystals have been investigated toward heavy metal ions. Most importantly, combined with theoretical calculations, their different electrochemical stripping behaviors in view of facet effects have been further studied and enclosed at the level of molecular/atom. Finally, as a trial to find a disposable platform completely free from noble metals, the potential application of the Fe3O4 nanocrystals for electrochemical detection of As(III) in drinking water is demonstrated.

A facile synthesis of novel urchin-like NiCo2O4 hierarchical hollow microspheres has been developed based on a template-free solvothermal and subsequent calcination method. The growth process of NiCo2O4 hollow microsphere precursors has been investigated, and a plausible mechanism was proposed. Because of their unique structure and high specific surface area, these NiCo2O4 hollow microspheres displayed enhanced electrochemical properties in methanol electrooxidation and determination of heavy-metal ions compared with solid urchin-like NiCo2O4 microspheres, Co3O4, and NiO microspheres. The good electrochemical performances suggested that these unique hierarchical NiCo2O4 hollow microspheres could be promising materials for energy and environmentally related applications.

Specific determination/monitoring of trace mercury ions (Hg(2+)) in environmental water is of significant importance for drinking safety. Complementarily to conventional inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and atomic emission/absorption spectroscopy, several methods, i.e., electrochemical, fluorescent, colorimetric, and surface enhanced Raman scattering approaches, have been developed recently. Despite great success, many inevitably encounter the interferences from other metal ions besides the complicated procedures and sophisticated equipments. Here we present a molecular-gap device for specific determination of trace Hg(2+) in both standardized solutions and environmental samples based on conductivity-modulated glutathione dimer. Through a self-assembling technique, a thin film of glutathione monolayer capped Au nanoparticles is introduced into 2.5 μm-gap-electrodes, forming numerous double molecular layer gaps. Notably, the fabricated molecular-gap device shows a specific response toward Hg(2+) with a low detection limit actually measured down to 1 nM. Theoretical calculations demonstrate that the specific sensing mechanism greatly depends on the electron transport ability of glutathione dimer bridged by heavy metal ions, which is determined by its frontier molecular orbital, not the binding energy.

Objective: The study aimed to determine a practical strategy for differentiating between autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) and pancreatic malignancy in order to avoid unnecessary surgical resection., Methods: Altogether, 19 patients with AIP or other pancreatic diseases underwent routine examinations including liver function test and carbohydrate antigen 19-9, computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging. Serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and/or IgG4 was determined in patients with clinically suspected or pathologically proven AIP. Patients with suspected AIP either received diagnostic steroid therapy or laparotomy (if malignant tumors could not be excluded). Surgery was not performed in patients with a definite diagnosis of AIP by fast intraoperative frozen biopsy. Those with confirmed AIP received steroid treatment., Results: In total, 15 cases were finally confirmed as AIP with eight diagnosed preoperatively, five confirmed by surgical pathology (preoperatively misdiagnosed) and two by intraoperative biopsy. Of these 15 patients with AIP and one without AIP, 14 had elevated serum γ-globulin levels. It was proven by subsequent antibody tests that serum IgG or IgG4 were simultaneously increased., Conclusions: Elevated serum γ-globulin level can be used as a preoperative sentinel indicator for differentiating between IgG4-related AIP and pancreatic malignancy. Serum IgG or IgG4 tests should be further performed in those with elevated serum γ-globulin level, which helps to identify AIP in order to avoid unnecessary operation., (© 2013 Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd and Chinese Medical Association Shanghai Branch, Chinese Society of Gastroenterology, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine.)

Purpose: The objective of this paper was to investigate the value of apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) for differential diagnosis among solid pancreatic masses using respiratory triggered diffusion-weighted MR imaging with inversion-recovery fat-suppression technique (RT-IR-DWI) at 3.0 T., Materials and Methods: 20 normal volunteers and 72 patients (Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma [PDCA, n=30], mass-forming pancreatitis [MFP, n=15], solid pseudopapillary neoplasm [SPN, n=12], and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor[PNET, n=15]) underwent RT-IR-DWI (b values: 0 and 600 s/mm(2)) at 3.0 T. Results were correlated with histopathologic data and follow-up imaging. ADC values among different types of pancreatic tissue were statistically analyzed and compared., Results: Statistical difference was noticed in ADC values among normal pancreas, MFP, PDCA, SPN and PNET by ANOVA (p<.001). Normal pancreas had the highest ADC value, then followed by PNET, PDCA, MFP and SPN. There was noticeable statistical difference in ADC values among PDCA, MFP and normal pancreas by Least Significant Difference (LSD) (p<.001). ADC of SPN was statistically lower than that of PNET (p=0.1800×10(-4)), PDCA (p=0.0300×10(-4)) and normal pancreas (p=0.0007×10(-4)). ADC of PNET was statistically lower than that of normal pancreas (p=0.0360) and higher than that of MFP (p=9.3000×10(-4))., Conclusions: ADC measurements using RT-IR-DWI at 3.0T may aid to disclose the histopathological pattern of normal pancreas and solid pancreatic masses, which may be helpful in characterizing solid pancreatic lesions., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A 57-year-old man presented with intermittent dull abdominal pain after a period of 1 year. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) was performed. Except for the endoscopy, the work-up for possible medical causes remained inconclusive. An open-abdomen, partial surgical excision of the stomach was performed after the unsuccessful endoscopic resection. The pathology report revealed a glomus tumor of the stomach. Importantly, glomus tumors of the stomach are rare and are almost always benign. Therefore, the most important current role of imaging associated with the diagnostic approach and therapeutic plan for a glomus tumor is to differentiate it from other gastric submucosal tumors (SMTs). We report this case with representative radiologic findings, including CT and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) reports, and also correlate them with clinical and pathologic presentations that can help in the early detection and differentiation of gastric SMTs from other SMTs. As such, the purpose of this report is to provide a better understanding of relevant CT and EUS features. Alternative treatments should be considered carefully according to the imaging results.

Objective: To explore the liver disease spectrum in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and the risk factors of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)., Methods: From September 2009 to October 2011, 1069 hospitalized patients with T2DM in Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism were involved in the study. The history informations, results of laboratory examination, hepatic ultrasound and hepatic proton magnetic resonance spectrum ((1)H MRS) of all patients were collected to analysis., Results: (1) The detectable rate of raised liver enzymes in T2DM patients was 28.7% (307/1069), composed mainly of NAFLD (39.4%, 121/307). After excluding the factors such as alcoholic abuse, viral hepatitis, the detect rate of raised liver enzymes in T2DM patients was 26.9% (185/688). (2) The detectable rate of fatty liver by ultrasound in T2DM patients was 56.7% (500/882), composed mainly of NAFLD (72.6%, 363/500), and the detectable rate of NAFLD was 58.0% (363/626). (3) The detectable rate of fatty liver by hepatic (1)H MRS was 72.8% (227/312), composed mainly of NAFLD (69.6%, 158/227). The detectable rate of NAFLD was 69.6% (158/227). (4) Of the three methods for diagnosing NAFLD, (1)H MRS had the highest detectable rate, followed by ultrasound, and the hepatic enzymes was the lowest. Set the hepatic (1)H MRS as gold diagnosing standard of NAFLD, the combination of hepatic enzymes and ultrasound increase the sensitivity. The optional cut-off points of ALT were 19.7 U/L (male, ROCAUC = 0.689, P < 0.01) and 17.0 U/L (female, ROCAUC = 0.727, P < 0.01). (5) Logistic stepwise regression analysis showed sex, BMI, hemoglobin, fasting C-peptide and uric acid (OR = 3.803, 1.195, 1.037, 2.896, 1.011, all P < 0.05) were positively correlated with NAFLD, and diabetes duration (OR = 0.948, P < 0.05) was positively correlated with NAFLD independently., Conclusions: The detectable rate of fatty liver was high in T2DM which was composed mainly of NAFLD. High abnormal liver enzymes detectable rate indicated that NAFLD with T2DM are prone to NASH.

Accurate measures of liver fat content are essential for investigating the role of hepatic steatosis in the pathophysiology of multiple metabolic disorders. No traditional imaging methods can accurately quantify liver fat content. [(1)H]-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is restricted in large-scale studies because of the practical and technological issues. Previous attempts on computer-aided ultrasound quantification of liver fat content varied in method, and the ultrasound quantitative parameters measured from different ultrasound machines were hardly comparable. We aimed to establish and validate a simple and propagable method for quantitative assessment of liver fat content based on the combination of standardized ultrasound quantitative parameters, using [(1)H]-MRS as gold standard. Totally 127 participants were examined with both ultrasonography (US) and [(1)H]-MRS. Ultrasound hepatic/renal echo-intensity ratio (H/R) and ultrasound hepatic echo-intensity attenuation rate (HA) were obtained from ordinary ultrasound images using computer program. Both parameters were standardized using a tissue-mimicking phantom before analysis. Standardized ultrasound H/R and HA were positively correlated with the liver fat content by [(1)H]-MRS (r = 0.884, P < 0.001 and r = 0.711, P < 0.001, respectively). Linear regression analysis showed ultrasound H/R could modestly predict the amount of liver fat (adjusted explained variance 78.0%, P < 0.001). The addition of ultrasound HA slightly improved the adjusted explained variance to 79.8%. Difference of estimated liver fat contents between different ultrasound machines and operators was reasonably well. Thus, computer-aided US is a valid method to estimate liver fat content and can be applied extensively after standardization of ultrasound quantitative parameters.

1. Metabolic syndrome is frequently associated with elevated liver enzymes. However, the current 'normal' limits for liver enzymes often fail to identify patients with metabolic syndrome and the associated non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). 2. In the present study, 1503 participants, aged between 18 and 95 years, were recruited from the physical examination centre of Shanghai Zhongshan Hospital and Shanghai Changfeng Community Health Centre. The association between liver enzymes within the 'normal' range and metabolic syndrome was investigated and optimal cut-off values for liver enzymes in metabolic syndrome were determined. We further compared the diagnostic performance of the new cut-off values for liver enzymes in metabolic syndrome and NAFLD with the traditional 'normal' range for liver enzymes. 3. Serum liver enzymes within the traditional 'normal' limits, especially alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), were correlated with most of components of the metabolic syndrome, as determined by Spearman's partial correlation analysis. Logistic regression analysis revealed that within the 'normal' range of liver enzymes, the frequency of metabolic syndrome was significantly increased in the higher quintile for ALT and GGT compared with the lowest quintile. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that the optimal cut-off values for ALT, aspartate aminotransferase and GGT to identify metabolic syndrome were 26, 25 and 29 U/L, respectively, in men and 20, 23 and 21 U/L, respectively, in women. These values were much more effective in detecting patients with potential metabolic syndrome and NAFLD than the traditional cut-off values. 4. A slight elevation of liver enzymes within the 'normal' limits, especially ALT and GGT, indicates the presence of metabolic syndrome and NAFLD. Revision of the current normal limits for liver enzymes is advisable so that patients with potential metabolic disorders can be identified., (© 2011 The Authors. Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.)

Background/aims: To determine the relative accuracy of CT and MRI in characterization of solid pancreatic masses (< or = 2cm) and useful imaging appearance for differentiating small pancreatic duct adenocarcinoma (PDAC) from other small solid pancreatic neoplasms., Methodology: CT and MRI scans of 46 patients with evidence of small pancreatic solid tumor were retrospectively evaluated, who underwent CT (n=30), MRI (n=4), or both (n=12). Two gastrointestinal radiologists independently recorded specific morphological features of tumors and the most likely diagnosis., Results: With respect to specific histopathological characterization, CT and MRI were equally accurate. The mean number of correct diagnoses made by the two reviewers was 37.5 (88.4%) of 42 cases for CT compared to 12 (75%) of 16 cases for MRI (p=0.388). Location in the pancreatic head (p=0.000), presence of dilatation of MPD (p=0.000), presence of dilatation of CBD (p=0.001) and enhancement pattern (p=0.000) were statistically significant for differentiating PDAC from the other small solid pancreatic tumors, while pancreatic atrophy (p=0.069) was statistically inadequate for differentiation, although it gave a 96.4% specificity for the diagnosis of PDAC., Conclusions: CT and MRI are similarly accurate in the characterization of small solid pancreatic tumors. Small PDAC has characteristic CT and MRI findings that differentiate it from other small solid tumors.

Objective: To study the relationship between liver fat content (LFC) and liver enzymes in individuals with various statuses of glucose metabolism., Methods: A total of 109 subjects including with impaired glucose regulation (IGR) (n = 31), newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (NT2DM) (n = 31) and normal glucose tolerance (NGT) (n = 47) were recruited. The level of LFC was measured by (1)H magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS) to study the relationship between liver fat content (LFC) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT). The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was employed to obtain the optimal cut-off point of ALT to predict the occurrence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)., Results: (1) The levels of LFC were progressively raised in NGT, IGR and NT2DM groups respectively [3.83 (2.35 - 7.59)%, 12.82 (8.10 - 21.37)% and 21.99 (11.89 - 34.43)%, P < 0.01]; (2) the subjects were divided into four subgroups by the method of LFC quartile. And quartile subgroups Q1-4 were associated with the increase of LFC. Waist, BMI, systolic blood pressure, triglyceride, total cholesterol, fasting plasma glucose, OGTT 2 h postprandial glucose and HOMA-IR had a rising trend from Q2. But HDL-C showed a declining trend from Q2; (3) ALT and GGT significantly increased from Q3 (P < 0.01) while AST and AKP significantly increased in Q4 (P < 0.01); (4) adjusted by gender, age and body mass index (BMI), LFC was positively correlated with AST (r = 0.329, P < 0.05), ALT (r = 0.454) and GGT (r = 0.378) (All P < 0.01). But it was negatively correlated with AST/ALT (r = -0.364, P < 0.01); (5) the analysis of stepwise regression demonstrated that LFC was a predictor of ALT, AST, GGT and AST/ALT; (6) ALT had a ROC(AUC) of 0.813 (male) and 0.769 (female) (All P < 0.01). The optimal cut-off point of 23.5 U/L (male) and 17.5 U/L (female) might predict the occurrence of NAFLD., Conclusions: Liver enzymes are correlated with LFC even in normal range. The optimal cut-off point of 23.5 U/L (male) and 17.5 U/L (female) might predict the occurrence of NAFLD. The current used ALT upper limit could underestimate the NAFLD.

A selective titrimetric determination of Pb after separation by a modified method of precipitation as its sulphate is proposed. Pb(II), present as the perchlorate, is precipitated by gentle boiling in 3.6M H(2)SO(4) presaturated with PbSO(4) and free from any extraneous anions. The customary time-consuming evaporation to fumes of sulphuric acid is dispensed with. The precipitate is collected, and dissolved in excess of HEDTA, the surplus of which is back-titrated with Zn(II) at pH 5.0-5.5. Use of Catechol Violet and Xylenol Orange as a mixed indicator gives a sharper end-point. The standard deviation of the proposed method for 60 mg of lead is 0.35 mg. The method has been successfully used to determine Pb in non-ferrous alloys.

A method is proposed for the determination of copper in white-metal bearing alloys by direct controlled-potential electrolysis with a tantalum cathode at -0.32 V vs. SCE in a sulphate/bisulphate buffered electrolyte (pH 2) with fluoroboric acid and sodium tartrate as masking agents. Only Bi(III) interferes. Any co-deposited Bi can be corrected for by its spectrophotometric determination with Semi-Xylenol Orange after preconcentration with La(III) as carrier, from an ammoniacal solution containing the redissolved deposit. Any residual Cu(II) in the electrolyte is determined by spectrophotometry with 2,9-dimethyl-1, 10-phenanthroline. The standard deviation of this method has been found to be 0.03 mg (n = 12) and its relative standard deviation from 0.03 to 0.17%. It has been successfully used for referee analysis and certification of standard reference materials.