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Objective To establish and validate a Nomogram model for predicting the overall survival (OS) of the patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) based on domestic multicenter data, and screen the beneficiaries of adjuvant chemotherapy based on the prediction model. Methods From December 2011 to December 2017, the data of 278 patients with postoperative pathological diagnosis of ICC from 4 medical centers in our country were collected retrospectively COX regression model was used to screen the independent risk factors of OS and constructed a Nomogram model. This model was used to stratify the risk of OS for all patients and to screen the beneficiaries of adjuvant chemotherapy. Results A total of 278 patients were enrolled, and 23 cases(8.3%) received adjuvant chemotherapy. COX multivariate analysis showed that drinking history, ECOG score, method of hepatectomy, lymph node status, number of tumors, and tumor differentiation were independent risk factors for postoperative OS. The Nomogram model had a C-index of 0.690(95% CI: 0.646-0.734) in the training cohort and 0.740(95% CI: 0.863-0.617) in the validation cohort. According to risk stratification by Nomogram model, in the high-risk group there was a statistically significant difference in survival between adjuvant chemotherapy and non-adjuvant chemotherapy (P=0.033), whereas in the low-risk group, there was no significant difference in survival(P=0.59). Conclusion Nomogram model based on independent risk factors of OS demonstrated excellent predictive capability for survival and could be used to screen, and identify the patients with ICC who benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy.

A generalized three-dimensional mathematical model is built to study the influences of channel parameters (channel angle, channel section diameter, and channel distance) on the molten steel flow, heat transfer, and inclusion removal in the induction heating tundish. The results demonstrate that as the channel angle increases, the flow of molten steel in the discharging chamber gradually slows down. When the channel angle is 6°, the temperature of the discharging chamber is slightly lower than when the channel angles are 2° and 4°. When the channel angle is 2°, the inclusion removal rate is lower than when the channel angles are 4° and 6°, while the latter two have little difference. As the channel section diameter increases, the flow of molten steel in the discharging chamber gradually slows down. When the channel section diameter is 100 mm, the temperature distribution in the discharging chamber is uneven. While the temperature distributions of the discharging chamber are even and similar, when the channel section diameters are 150 and 200 mm. As the channel section diameter increases, the removal rate of inclusion gradually decreases. The variation of channel distance has little effect on the temperature distribution of the discharging chamber. When the channel distance is 600 mm, the removal rate of inclusion is lower than when the channel distances are 1,000 and 1,400 mm. Moreover, for the latter two, the removal rates of inclusions have little difference. For this model, the best channel angle is 4°, the best channel section diameter is 150 mm, and the best channel distance is 1,000 mm.

A 3D model is established to discuss the influence of combustion reaction on jet characteristics. Based on this, combustion behaviors of supersonic jet for single‐flow postcombustion oxygen lance with various secondary nozzle parameters (diameter, inclination angle, and number) are analyzed. The results indicate that after activating combustion reaction, the jet velocity, dynamic pressure, density, and temperature of primary jet at H = 1.45 m are 1.27, 1.15, 0.56, and 1.97 times than those of without considering the combustion, respectively. Enlarging secondary nozzle diameter is helpful to extend the flame core lengths of primary and secondary jets (the axial distance from lance tip to isotherm of 1773 K) as well as the combustion region. With the increase of secondary nozzle angle, the two flame core lengths both decrease, while the combustion zone increases. Increasing the number of secondary nozzles, the flame core length of primary jet increases while that of the secondary jet decreases, and the combustion region first increases and then decreases. As for the influences of the above parameters on flame core lengths of primary and secondary jets as well as the combustion region, the number is the greatest, followed by the inner diameter, and the inclination angle is the smallest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To explore the role of ezrin in the formation of invadopodia in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Methods GEPIA database was used to analyze the expression correlation between ezrin and the invadopodia marker cortactin in HCC tissues at mRNA level. Tissue specimens obtained from 105 HCC patients were made into tissue microarrays, which were subsequently detected by immunohistochemistry to analyze the expression correlation of ezrin with cortactin at protein level. Moreover, the relationship between ezrin level and the clinicopathological features as well as the prognosis of HCC patients were analyzed. Finally, ezrin expression was knocked down or up-regulated in HCC cells, respectively, and Transwell assay was performed to observe the effects of ezrin expression changes on the invasion and migration of HCC cells; Western blotting and immunofluorescence assay were also adopted to detect the role of ezrin in the formation of invadopodia in HCC cells. Results Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the mRNA level of ezrin was positively correlated with that of cortactin in HCC tissues (r=0.420, P < 0.01), and immunohistochemistry assay also confirmed the positive correlation between ezrin and cortactin expression at protein level (r= 0.491, P < 0.001). Analysis of clinical data showed that high expression of ezrin protein was correlated with vascular invasion rate (P=0.016) and tumor-related mortality rate (P=0.018) in HCC patients, and patients with higher ezrin level had both lower 5-year postoperative survival rate and 5-year tumor-free survival rate (P < 0.05). In cell experiments, up-regulation of ezrin promoted the invasion and metastasis (P < 0.05), and facilitated the invadopodia formation of HCC cells (P < 0.05). In contrast, knockdown of ezrin suppressed the invadopodia formation and inhibited the invasion and metastasis of HCC cells. Conclusion Ezrin enhances the invasive and migratory abilities of HCC cells by regulating invadopodia formation and thus promotes the progression of HCC.

Objective To compare the perioperative outcomes and long-term efficacy of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) and open liver resection (OLR) for hepatocellular carcinoma originating in the paracaval portion, and explore the safety and feasibility of LLR in treatment of paracaval-originating tumors. Methods Forty-two paracaval-originating tumor patients admitted in our hospital from May 2013 to May 2020 were enrolled in this study. The median follow-up time of the patients was 27.5 months in the LLR group and 26.0 months in the OLR group. Perioperative outcomes and long-term effect were analyzed retrospectively. Results There were 21 patients undergoing LLR and the other 21 OLR, and no perioperative death occurred. One case of the LLR group was converted to OLR during operation. There were no significant differences in operation time, blood loss, intraoperative transfusion rate, resection margin of malignant tumour or postoperative complications. The LLR group obtained earlier postoperative feeding (P=0.042), shorter length of hospital stay (P=0.008), and lower postoperative total bilirubin at 1, 3 and 7 d after surgery (P=0.004, 0.010, 0.018) when compared with the OLR group. What's more, no obviously differences were seen in 1- and 3-year overall survival rates (100.0% vs 87.5%, P=0.292; 87.5% vs 68.8%, P=0.326) or in 1- and 3-year disease-free survival rates (62.5% vs 50.0%, P=0.488; 50.0% vs 37.5%, P=0.455) between the 2 groups. Conclusion LLR is safe and feasible for paracaval-originating tumours in selected patients, with the advantages of earlier postoperative feeding and shorter hospital stay.

Objective To investigate the effect of wide surgical margin on the prognosis of patients with single intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) undergoing hepatectomy and the effect of microvascular invasion (MVI) on the treatment of hepatectomy with both wide surgical margin and narrow surgical margin. Methods From December 2011 to December 2017, the clinicopathological data of 302 patients with single ICC who underwent radical resection were retrospectively studied in 13 medical centers. According to the width of surgical margin, there were 126 patients (41.7%) in wide surgical margin group (≥1 cm) and 176 patients (58.3%) in narrow surgical margin group (0.05). Disease-free survival rate in wide surgical margin group before PSM was significantly higher than that in narrow surgical margin group (P=0.005), while overall survival rate showed no statistically significant difference (P=0.053). After PSM, both overall survival rate and disease-free survival rate in wide surgical margin group were significantly higher than those in narrow surgical margin group (P0.05). In MVI negative group, however both overall survival rate and disease-free survival rate were significantly higher in the patients with wide surgical margin hepatectomy than in those with narrow surgical margin (P

Aim: The rising prevalence of periodontitis imposes substantial burdens on individuals and society. Identifying environmental risk factors for periodontitis may contribute to tackling the global public health burden of it. This study aimed to assess the association between long‐term exposure to PM2.5 and periodontitis in a nationally representative population from China. Materials and Methods: In this multi‐centre cross‐sectional study of 372 communities in 31 provinces of Mainland China, we used data from the Fourth National Oral Health Survey of China in 2015–2016, in combination with high‐resolution gridded concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Logistic regression was applied to assess the relationship between long‐term PM2.5 exposure and the risk of periodontitis. In addition, we examined whether the association varied by individual characteristics, and estimated the exposure–response relationship and the risk of damaged tooth in each tooth quadrant. Results: A total of 8391 participants from 96 cities were diagnosed with periodontitis, accounting for 60.04% (8391/13,459) of the participants. For each 10 μg/m3 increment in 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year average concentrations of PM2.5, the risk of total periodontitis increased by 9.0% (95% confidence interval: 6.0%, 12.0%), 8.0% (6.0, 11·0) and 7.0% (5.0, 10.0), respectively. Mild periodontitis was more strongly associated with PM2.5 exposure than moderate and severe periodontitis. The teeth in the lower anterior, lower posterior or upper anterior are more susceptible to the effect of PM2.5 on the periodontal pocket, calculus and bleeding gums. Conclusions: Long‐term exposure to PM2.5 is significantly associated with an increased risk of periodontitis in the nationally representative Chinese population. Considering the rising prevalence of periodontitis, considerable costs of treatment, and substantially adverse effects on individuals and society, these findings suggest that stricter air quality regulations may help ease the burden of periodontal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the regulatory effect of RUNX2 mutation on dental follicle cells (DFCs) senescence and clarify the underlying mechanism. This study aimed to explore the basis for a novel mechanism of delayed permanent tooth eruption in cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) patients. Materials and Methods: Dental follicles were collected from a CCD patient and healthy controls. Senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase (SA‐β‐gal) staining, Ki67 staining, cell cycle assays, and senescence‐related gene and protein expression assays were performed to assess DFCs senescence. Western blotting was performed to detect the activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathways, and the molecular mechanism underlying RUNX2 regulating in DFCs senescence was explored. Results: RUNX2 mutation inhibited the cellular senescence of DFCs from the CCD patient compared with healthy controls. Ki67 staining showed that mutant RUNX2 promoted DFCs proliferation, and cell cycle assays revealed that the healthy control‐derived DFCs arrested at G1 phase. RUNX2 mutation significantly downregulated senescence‐associated gene and protein expression. RUNX2 mutation suppressed ERK signalling pathway activation, an ERK inhibitor decreased healthy control‐derived DFCs senescence, and an ERK activator promoted CCD patient‐derived DFCs senescence. Conclusions: RUNX2 mutation delayed DFCs senescence through the ERK signalling pathway, which may be responsible for delayed permanent tooth eruption in CCD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To explore the epidemiology of plaque‐induced gingivitis and related factors among Chinese adolescents. Materials and Methods: This cross‐sectional survey comprised 118,601 schoolchildren in the 12–15‐year age group. Data came from the National Oral Health Survey in mainland China. The field investigation was conducted according to the World Health Organization guidelines. The new 2018 case definition for plaque‐induced gingivitis was used. Participants underwent clinical examinations and completed a structured questionnaire. Bleeding on probing (BOP) was performed on all teeth. Multinomial logistic regression was used to explore the factors related to the extent of gingivitis. Results: Nearly half of the study population (47.3%) had plaque‐induced gingivitis; 23.9% and 23.3% presented with localised and generalised gingivitis, respectively. The first molars were the most affected by BOP. Well‐established factors, such as demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, local factors and smoking habits, were significantly associated with the extent of gingivitis. Odds ratios for localised and generalised gingivitis increased with the decrease in frequency of toothbrushing with a fluoride dentifrice. Conclusions: The study population had high plaque‐induced gingivitis prevalence. The extent of gingivitis appeared to have a dose–response relationship with the frequency of toothbrushing with a fluoride dentifrice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To analyze the characteristics of perioperative liver function and complications in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients undergoing associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS, two-stage, hepatectomy and portal vein ligation). Methods Twenty-six patients undergoing ALPPS due to advanced HCC in our hospital from July 2014 to June 2017 were enrolled in this study. The indexes of liver function and their trends were observed in the perioperative period. The occurrence, development, treatment and outcomes of complications were also observed. Results The trend of liver function showed that after the first and second operations, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level reached a peak on the first 1~2 d after surgery, and then decreased rapidly; total bilirubin (TB) reached the highest level on the 3rd~4th days after the first operation, maintained at a high level on the first 1 to 5 d after the second stage of surgery, and then gradually decreased to normal. One patient developed a "bilirubin-transaminase discrepancy" phenomenon in which the transaminase levels were gradually decreased while TB level was progressively elevated in 6 d after the secondary operation, and then developed into liver failure. In terms of complications, the highest incidence was pleural effusion, including 9 cases (34.6%, with 8 on the 3rd to 7th days after operation, and thoracic drainage in 1 case) in the first stage, and 12 cases (46.2%, with 10 cases on the 8th to 12th days postoperatively, and thoracic puncture drainage or drainage in 11 case) after the second operation. The incidence of infectious complications was 15.4% in the first phase and 26.9% after the second operation, and the lung infection was most common. Conclusion After ALPPS, transaminase and bilirubin show a trend of first rise and then falling within 1 week after operation. Pleural effusion is the most common complication after operation, and easy to occur in the first week after the first operation and second week after the second stage of surgery. Therefore, active prevention of lung infection is helpful to reducing the incidence of perioperative infection complications.

Schisandrin B (Sch B), an active ingredient from Schisandrae chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. (Schisandraceae) Fructus, possesses diverse pharmacological activities including antitumor, anti-inflammation, and hepatoprotection. To explore the effect of Sch B on activated HSCs senescence in hepatic fibrosis and the mechanisms implicated. ICR mice with CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis were supplemented with Sch B (40 mg/kg) for 30 d and LX2 cells were treated with Sch B (5, 10 and 20 μM) for 24 h. Cellular senescence was assessed by senescence-related indicators senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity and the expression of p16, p21, p53, γ-H2AX, H3K9me3, TERT, TRF1, and TRF2. Ferric ammonium citrate (FAC) and NCOA4 siRNA were used to evaluate the mechanisms underlying Sch B's regulation of cellular senescence. Sch B (40 mg/kg) reduced serum levels of AST and ALT (53.2% and 63.6%), alleviated hepatic collagen deposition, and promoted activated HSCs senescence in mice. Treatment with Sch B (20 μM) decreased cell viability to 80.38 ± 4.87% and elevated SA-β-gal activity, with the levels of p16, p21 and p53 increased by 4.5-, 2.9-, and 3.5-fold and the levels of TERT, TRF1 and TRF2 decreased by 2.4-, 2.7-, and 2.6-fold in LX2 cells. FAC (400 μM) enhanced Sch B's effect mentioned above. NCOA4 siRNA weakened the effects of Sch B on iron deposition and HSCs senescence. Sch B could ameliorate hepatic fibrosis through the promotion of activated HSCs senescence, which might be attributed to its induction of NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy and subsequent iron overload. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]