Materials-development projects for advanced ultra-supercritical(A-USC) power plants with steam temperatures of 700℃ and above have been performed in order to achieve high efficiency and low CO_2 emissions in Europe, ...Materials-development projects for advanced ultra-supercritical(A-USC) power plants with steam temperatures of 700℃ and above have been performed in order to achieve high efficiency and low CO_2 emissions in Europe, the US, Japan, and recently in China and India as well. These projects involve the replacement of martensitic 9%–12% Cr steels with nickel(Ni)-base alloys for the highest temperature boiler and turbine components in order to provide sufficient creep strength at 700℃ and above. To minimize the requirement for expensive Ni-base alloys, martensitic 9%–12% Cr steels can be applied to the next highest temperature components of an A-USC power plant, up to a maximum of 650℃. This paper comprehensively describes the research and development of Ni-base alloys and martensitic 9%–12% Cr steels for thick section boiler and turbine components of A-USC power plants, mainly focusing on the long-term creep-rupture strength of base metal and welded joints, strength loss in welded joints, creep-fatigue properties, and microstructure evolution during exposure at elevated temperatures.展开更多
AIM:To study the value of serum biomarker tests to differentiate between patients with healthy or diseased stomach mucosa:i.e.those with Helicobacter pylori(H pylori)gastritis or atrophic gastritis,who have a high ris...AIM:To study the value of serum biomarker tests to differentiate between patients with healthy or diseased stomach mucosa:i.e.those with Helicobacter pylori(H pylori)gastritis or atrophic gastritis,who have a high risk of gastric cancer or peptic ulcer diseases.METHODS:Among 162 Japanese outpatients,pepsinogen-(Pg-)and(Pg)were measured using a conventional Japanese technique,and the European GastroPanel examination(Pg and Pg,gastrin-17 and H pylori antibodies).Gastroscopy with gastric biopsies was performed to classify the patients into those with healthy stomach mucosa,H pylori non-atrophic gastritis or atrophic gastritis.RESULTS:Pg-and Pg assays with the GastroPanel and the Japanese method showed a highly significant correlation.For methodological reasons,however,serum Pg-,but not Pg,was twice as high with the GastroPanel test as with the Japanese test.The biomarker assays revealed that 5%of subjects had advanced atrophic corpus gastritis which was also verified by endoscopic biopsies.GastroPanel examination revealed an additional seven patients who had either advanced atrophic gastritis limited to the antrum or antrum-predominant H pylori gastritis.When compared to the endoscopic biopsy findings,the GastroPanel examination classified the patients into groups with "healthy" or "diseased" stomach mucosa with 94% accuracy,95% sensitivity and 93% specifi city.CONCLUSION:Serum biomarker tests can be used to differentiate between subjects with healthy and diseased gastric mucosa with high accuracy.展开更多
A 58-year-old man presented with the chief complaint of abdominal bloating and was incidentally found to have a liver tumor.As diagnostic imaging studies could not rule out malignancy,the patient underwent partial res...A 58-year-old man presented with the chief complaint of abdominal bloating and was incidentally found to have a liver tumor.As diagnostic imaging studies could not rule out malignancy,the patient underwent partial resection of segment 3 of the liver.The lesion pathologically showed eosinophilic proliferation,in addition to immunohistochemical positivity for human melanoma black 45 and Melan-A,thereby leading to the diagnosis of a hepatic perivascular epithelioid cell tumor(PEComa).A PEComa arising from the liver is relatively rare.Moreover,the name ‘PEComa' has not yet been widely recognized,and the same disease entity has been called epithelioid angiomyolipoma(EAML),further diminishing the recognition of PEComa.In addition,PEComa imaging findings mimic those of malignant liver tumors,and clinically,this tumor tends to enlarge.Therefore,a PEComa is difficult to diagnose.We conducted a systematic review of PEComa and EAML cases and discuss the results,including findings useful for differentiating perivascular epithelioid cell tumors from malignant liver tumors.展开更多
Photoperiodic flowering is one of the most important factors affecting regional adaptation and yield in soybean(Glycine max). Plant adaptation to long-day conditions at higher latitudes requires early flowering and a ...Photoperiodic flowering is one of the most important factors affecting regional adaptation and yield in soybean(Glycine max). Plant adaptation to long-day conditions at higher latitudes requires early flowering and a reduction or loss of photoperiod sensitivity;adaptation to short-day conditions at lower latitudes involves delayed flowering, which prolongs vegetative growth for maximum yield potential. Due to the influence of numerous major loci and quantitative trait loci(QTLs), soybean has broad adaptability across latitudes. Forward genetic approaches have uncovered the molecular basis for several of these major maturity genes and QTLs. Moreover, the molecular characterization of orthologs of Arabidopsis thaliana flowering genes has enriched our understanding of the photoperiodic flowering pathway in soybean. Building on early insights into the importance of the photoreceptor phytochrome A, several circadian clock components have been integrated into the genetic network controlling flowering in soybean: E1, a repressor of FLOWERING LOCUS T orthologs, plays a central role in this network. Here, we provide an overview of recent progress in elucidating photoperiodic flowering in soybean, how it contributes to our fundamental understanding of flowering time control, and how this information could be used for molecular design and breeding of high-yielding soybean cultivars.展开更多
AIM: To identify the actual clinical management and associated factors of delayed perforation after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD).METHODS: A total of 4943 early gastric cancer(EGC) patients underwent E...AIM: To identify the actual clinical management and associated factors of delayed perforation after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD).METHODS: A total of 4943 early gastric cancer(EGC) patients underwent ESD at our hospital between January 1999 and June 2012. We retrospectively assessed the actual management of delayed perforation. In addition, to determine the factors associated with delayed perforation, after excluding 123 EGC patients with perforations that occurred during the ESD procedure, we analyzed the following clinicopathological factors among the remaining 4820 EGC patients by comparing the ESD cases with delayed perforation and the ESD cases without perforation: age, sex, chronological periods, clinical indications for ESD, status of the stomach, location, gastric circumference, tumor size, invasion depth, presence/absence of ulceration, histological type, type of resection, and procedure time.RESULTS: Delayed perforation occurred in 7(0.1%) cases. The median time until the occurrence of delayed perforation was 11 h(range, 6-172 h). Three(43%) of the 7 cases required emergency surgery, while four were conservatively managed without surgical intervention. Among the 4 cases with conservative management, 2 were successfully managed endoscopically using the endoloop-endoclip technique. The median hospital stay was 18 d(range, 15-45 d). There were no delayed perforation-related deaths. Based on a multivariate analysis, gastric tube cases(OR = 11.0; 95%CI: 1.7-73.3; P = 0.013) were significantly associated with delayed perforation.CONCLUSION: Endoscopists must be aware of not only the identified factors associated with delayed perforation, but also how to treat this complicationeffectively and promptly.展开更多
A 36-year-old woman was admitted to our department for close examination of a liver tumor that was found during a medical checkup. Abdominal US, CT and MRI showed a tumor in segment 7 (S7) of the liver. Although imagi...A 36-year-old woman was admitted to our department for close examination of a liver tumor that was found during a medical checkup. Abdominal US, CT and MRI showed a tumor in segment 7 (S7) of the liver. Although imaging suggested hepatocellular carcinoma, laboratory tests showed no abnormality in liver function, hepatitis virus markers were negative, and tumor markers including protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist Ⅱ (PIVKA-Ⅱ), α-fetoprotein (AFP), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were all within normal ranges. Upon aspiration biopsy of the liver, the histopathological diagnosis was moderately differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, right hepatectomy was performed. Although a part of the tumor was necrotic, about 60% of the viable part showed a clear-cell variant. Consequently, it was diagnosed as clear-cell hepatocellular carcinoma. It was noted that the background liver tissue was normal. This case is worthy of reporting because development of clear-cell hepatocellular carcinoma in the normal liver of a middle-aged woman is rarely seen.展开更多
AIM: To investigate whether semi-vegetarian diet (SVD) has a preventive effect against relapse of Crohn’s disease (CD) in patients who have achieved remission,who are a high-risk group for relapse.METHODS: A prospect...AIM: To investigate whether semi-vegetarian diet (SVD) has a preventive effect against relapse of Crohn’s disease (CD) in patients who have achieved remission,who are a high-risk group for relapse.METHODS: A prospective,single center,2-year clinical trial was conducted.Twenty-two adult CD patients who achieved clinical remission either medically (n = 17) or surgically (n = 5) and consumed an SVD during hospitalization were advised to continue with an SVD and avoid known high-risk foods for inflammatory bowel disease.The primary endpoint was clinical relapse defi ned as the appearance of active symptoms of CD.Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to calculate the cumulative proportion of patients who had a relapse.A 2-year analysis of relapse rates of patients who followed an SVD and those who did not (an omnivorous diet group) was undertaken.RESULTS: SVD was continued by 16 patients (compliance 73%).Remission was maintained in 15 of 16 patients (94%) in the SVD group vs two of six (33%)in the omnivorous group.Remission rate with SVD was 100% at 1 year and 92% at 2 years.SVD showed signif icant prevention in the time to relapse compared to that in the omnivorous group (P = 0.0003,log rank test).The concentration of C-reactive protein was normal at the f inal visit in more than half of the patients in remission who were taking an SVD,who maintained remission during the study (9/15;60%),who terminated follow-up (8/12;67%),and who completed 2 years follow-up (7/10;70%).There was no untoward effect of SVD.CONCLUSION: SVD was highly effective in preventing relapse in CD.展开更多
Endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD) is a wellestablished, minimally invasive treatment for superficial neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. The universal adoption of ESD has been limited by its slow learning cur...Endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD) is a wellestablished, minimally invasive treatment for superficial neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. The universal adoption of ESD has been limited by its slow learning curve, long procedure times, and high risk of complications. One technical challenge is the lack of a second hand that can provide traction, as in conventional surgery. Reliable tissue retraction that exposes the submucosal plane of dissection would allow for safer and more efficient dissection. Magnetic anchor guided endoscopic submucosal dissection(MAGESD) has potential benefits compared to other current traction methods. MAG-ESD offers dynamic tissue retraction independent of the endoscope mimicking a surgeon's "second hand". Two types of magnets can be used: electromagnets and permanent magnets. In this article we review the MAG-ESD technology, published work and studies of magnets in ESD. We also review the use of magnetic anchor guidance systems in natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery and the idea of magnetic non-contact retraction using surface ferromagentization. We discuss the current limitations, the future potential of MAG-ESD and the developments needed for adoption of this technology.展开更多
Liver disease in pregnancy is rare but pregnancyrelated liver diseases may cause threat to fetal and maternal survival.It includes pre-eclampsia;eclampsia;haemolysis,elevated liver enzymes,and low platelets syndrome;a...Liver disease in pregnancy is rare but pregnancyrelated liver diseases may cause threat to fetal and maternal survival.It includes pre-eclampsia;eclampsia;haemolysis,elevated liver enzymes,and low platelets syndrome;acute fatty liver of pregnancy;hyperemesis gravidarum;and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.Recent basic researches have shown the various etiologies involved in this disease entity.With these advances,rapid diagnosis is essential for severe cases since the decision of immediate delivery is important for maternal and fetal survival.The other therapeutic options have also been shown in recent reports based on the clinical trials and cooperation and information sharing between hepatologist and gynecologist is important for timely therapeutic intervention.Therefore,correct understandings of diseases and differential diagnosis from the pre-existing and co-incidental liver diseases during the pregnancy will help to achieve better prognosis.Therefore,here we review and summarized recent advances in understanding the etiologies,clinical courses and management of liver disease in pregnancy.This information will contribute to physicians for diagnosis of disease and optimum management of patients.展开更多
Background:The number of pulmonary tuberculosis(PTB)cases in China ranks third in the world.A continuous increase in cases has recently been recorded in Zhaotong prefecture-level city,which is located in the northeast...Background:The number of pulmonary tuberculosis(PTB)cases in China ranks third in the world.A continuous increase in cases has recently been recorded in Zhaotong prefecture-level city,which is located in the northeastern part of Yunnan province.This study explored the space-time dynamics of PTB cases in Zhaotong to provide useful information that will help guide policymakers to formulate effective regional prevention and control strategies.Methods:The data on PTB cases were extracted from the nationwide tuberculosis online registration system.Time series and spatial cluster analyses were applied to detect PTB temporal trends and spatial patterns at the town level between 2011 and 2015 in Zhaotong.Three indicators of PTB treatment registration history were used:initial treatment registration rate,re-treatment registration rate,and total PTB registration rate.Results:Seasonal trends were detected with an apparent symptom onset peak during the winter season and a registration peak during the spring season.A most likely cluster and six secondary clusters were identified for the total PTB registration rate,one most likely cluster and five secondary clusters for the initial treatment registration rate,and one most likely cluster for the re-treatment registration rate.The most likely cluster of the three indicators had a similar spatial distribution and size in Zhenxiong County,which is characterised by a poor socio-economic level and the largest population in Yunnan.Conclusion:This study identified temporal and spatial distribution of PTB in a high PTB burden area using existing health data.The results of the study provide useful information on the prevailing epidemiological situation of PTB in Zhaotong and could be used to develop strategies for more effective PTB control at the town level.The cluster that overlapped the three PTB indicators falls within the geographic areas where PTB control efforts should be prioritised.展开更多
The introduction of colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)has expanded the application of endoscopic treatment,which can be used for lesions with a low metastatic potential regardless of their size.ESD has t...The introduction of colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)has expanded the application of endoscopic treatment,which can be used for lesions with a low metastatic potential regardless of their size.ESD has the advantage of achieving en bloc resection with a lower local recurrence rate compared with that of piecemeal endoscopic mucosal resection.Moreover,in the past,surgery was indicated in patients with large lesions spreading to almost the entire circumference of the rectum,regardless of the depth of invasion,as endoscopic resection of these lesions was technically difficult.Therefore,a prime benefit of ESD is significant improvement in the quality of life for patients who have large rectal lesions.On the other hand,ESD is not as widely applied in the treatment of colorectal neoplasms as it is in gastric cancers owing to the associated technical difficulty,longer procedural duration,and increased risk of perforation.To diversify the available endoscopic treatment strategies for superficial colorectal neoplasms,endoscopists performing ESD need torecognize its indications,the technical issues involved in its application,and the associated complications.This review outlines the methods and type of devices used for colorectal ESD,and the training required by endoscopists to perform this procedure.展开更多
AIM: To identify the hepatic vascular architecture of patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) using superb microvascular imaging (SMI) and investigate the use of SMI in the evaluation of liver fibrosis.METHODS: SMI was ...AIM: To identify the hepatic vascular architecture of patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) using superb microvascular imaging (SMI) and investigate the use of SMI in the evaluation of liver fibrosis.METHODS: SMI was performed in 100 HCV patients. SMI images were classified into five types according to the vascular pattern, and these patterns were compared with the fibrosis stage. Moreover, the images were analyzed to examine vascularity by integrating the number of SMI signals in the region of interest ROI [number of vascular trees (VT)]. The number of VT, fibrosis stage, serum parameters of liver function, and CD34 expression were investigated.RESULTS: There was a significant difference between SMI distribution pattern and fibrosis stage (P < 0.001). The mean VT values in each of the fibrosis stages were as follows: 26.69 ± 7.08 in F0, 27.72 ± 9.32 in F1, 36.74 ± 9.23 in F2, 37.36 ± 5.32 in F3, and 58.14 ± 14.08 in F4. The VT showed excellent diagnostic ability for F4 [area under the receiver operator characteristic (AUROC): 0.911]. The VT was significantly correlated with the CD34 labeling index (r = 0.617, P < 0.0001).CONCLUSION: SMI permitted the detailed delineation of the vascular architecture in chronic liver disease. SMI appears to be a reliable tool for noninvasively detecting significant fibrosis or cirrhosis in HCV patients.展开更多
The Mobile Ubiquitous Service Environment (MUSE),established through the coordination and integration of mobile telecommunications and ubiquitous network,in the pursuit of Always Best Experience (ABE),represents the m...The Mobile Ubiquitous Service Environment (MUSE),established through the coordination and integration of mobile telecommunications and ubiquitous network,in the pursuit of Always Best Experience (ABE),represents the major development trend for the next generation mobile wireless network. Research on MUSE will involve the integration of the computing model system,service platform system,operating system and terminal structure system,all of which involve exploration and innovation of a new networking structure,its control and management as well as way of measuring. The change in network resources triggers the change in network computing models. To let readers have a basic understanding of MUSE,this lecture introduces it in four sections. This section focuses on the development and demand analysis of the service platform.展开更多
AIM: To determine whether absorbable sutures or non-absorbable sutures are better in preventing surgical site infection (SSI), in this paper we discuss the results of a randomized clinical trial which examined the typ...AIM: To determine whether absorbable sutures or non-absorbable sutures are better in preventing surgical site infection (SSI), in this paper we discuss the results of a randomized clinical trial which examined the type of sutures used during hepatectomy. METHODS: All hepatic resections performed from January 2007 to November 2008 at the Department of Surgery at Iizuka Hospital in Japan were included in this study. There were 125 patients randomly assigned to an absorbable sutures (Vicryl) group or non-absorbable sutures (Silk) group. RESULTS: SSI was observed in 13.6% (17/125) patients participating in this study, 11.3% in the Vicryl group and 15.8% in the Silk group. Incisional SSI including superficial and deep SSI, was observed in 8% of the Vicryl group and 9.5% of the Silk group. Organ/ space SSI was observed in 3.2% of the Vicryl group and 6.0% of the Silk group. There were no significant differences, but among the patients with SSI, the period for recovery was significantly shorter for the Vicryl group compared to the Silk group.CONCLUSION: The incidence of SSI in patients receiving absorbable sutures and silk sutures is not significantly different in this randomized controlled study; however, the period for recovery in patients with SSI was significantly shorter for absorbable sutures.展开更多
AIM： To evaluate the effect of three interventional treatments involving transvenous obliteration for the treatment of gastric varices, and to compare the efficacy and adverse effects of these methods, METHODS： From...AIM： To evaluate the effect of three interventional treatments involving transvenous obliteration for the treatment of gastric varices, and to compare the efficacy and adverse effects of these methods, METHODS： From 1995 to 2004, 93 patients with gastric fundal varices underwent interventional radiologic embolotherapy at our hospital. Of the 93 patients, 75 were treated with the balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration （BRTO） procedure; 8 were with the percutaneous transhepatic obliteration （PTO） procedure; and 10 were with the combined BRTO and PTO therapy. A follow-up evaluation examined the rates of survival, recurrence and rebleeding of the gastric varices, worsening of esophageal varices and complications in each group. RESULTS： The BRTO, PTO, and combined therapy were technically successful in 81% （75/93）, 44% （8/18）, and 100% （10/10） patients, respectively. Recurrence of gastric varices was found in 3 patients in the BRTO group and in 3 patients in the PTO group. Rebleeding was observed in 1 patient in the BRTO group and in 1 patient in the PTO group. The 1- and 3-year survival rates were 98% and 87% in the patients without hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） in the BRTO group, 100% and 100% in the PTO group, and 90% and 75% in the combined therapy group, respectively. CONCLUSION： Combined BRTO and PTO therapy may rescue cases with uncontrollable gastric fundal varices that remained even after treatment with BRTO and/or PTO, though there were limitations of our study, including retrospective nature and discrepancy in sample size between the BRTO, PTO and combined therapy groups.展开更多
BACKGROUND Lenvatinib is one of the first-line tyrosine kinase inhibitors used for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). In the present study, we evaluated the potential of early changes in the time-intensity cu...BACKGROUND Lenvatinib is one of the first-line tyrosine kinase inhibitors used for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). In the present study, we evaluated the potential of early changes in the time-intensity curve(TIC) of arterial phase on contrastenhanced ultrasound(CEUS) as early imaging biomarkers of lenvatinib efficacy.AIM To evaluate the potential of the early changes in the TIC of CEUS as early imaging biomarkers of lenvatinib efficacy in patients with unresectable HCC.METHODS We analyzed 20 consecutive patients with unresectable HCC treated with lenvatinib from March to November 2018. Tumor response at 8 wk was assessed by computed tomography using the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors(m RECIST). CEUS was performed at baseline before treatment(Day 0) and on day 7(Day 7), and the images were analyzed in the arterial phase for 20 seconds after the contrast agent arrived at the target tumor. Three perfusion parameters were extracted from the TICs: the slope of wash-in(Slope),time to peak(TTP) intensity, and the total area under the curve(AUC) during wash-in. The rate of change in the TIC parameters between Day 0 and Day 7 was compared between treatment responders and non-responders based on m RECIST.RESULTS The rate of change for all TIC parameters showed significant differences between the responders(n = 9) and non-responders(n = 11)(Slope, P = 0.025; TTP, P =0.004; and AUC, P = 0.0003). The area under the receiver operating curve values for slope, TTP, and AUC for the prediction of responders were 0.805, 0.869, and0.939, respectively.CONCLUSION CEUS may be useful for the early prediction of tumor response to lenvatinib therapy in patients with unresectable HCC.展开更多
Flowering time and stem growth habit determine inflorescence architecture in soybean, which in turn influences seed yield. Dt1, a homolog of Arabidopsis TERMINAL FLOWER 1(TFL1), is a major controller of stem growth ha...Flowering time and stem growth habit determine inflorescence architecture in soybean, which in turn influences seed yield. Dt1, a homolog of Arabidopsis TERMINAL FLOWER 1(TFL1), is a major controller of stem growth habit, but its underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear.Here, we demonstrate that Dt1 affects node number and plant height, as well as flowering time,in soybean under long-day conditions. The b ZIP transcription factor FDc1 physically interacts with Dt1, and the FDc1-Dt1 complex directly represses the expression of APETALA1(AP1). We propose that FT5 a inhibits Dt1 activity via a competitive interaction with FDc1 and directly upregulates AP1. Moreover, AP1 represses Dt1 expression by directly binding to the Dt1 promoter, suggesting that AP1 and Dt1 form a suppressive regulatory feedback loop to determine the fate of the shoot apical meristem. These findings provide novel insights into the roles of Dt1 and FT5 a in controlling the stem growth habit and flowering time in soybean, which determine the adaptability and grain yield of this important crop.展开更多
文摘Materials-development projects for advanced ultra-supercritical(A-USC) power plants with steam temperatures of 700℃ and above have been performed in order to achieve high efficiency and low CO_2 emissions in Europe, the US, Japan, and recently in China and India as well. These projects involve the replacement of martensitic 9%–12% Cr steels with nickel(Ni)-base alloys for the highest temperature boiler and turbine components in order to provide sufficient creep strength at 700℃ and above. To minimize the requirement for expensive Ni-base alloys, martensitic 9%–12% Cr steels can be applied to the next highest temperature components of an A-USC power plant, up to a maximum of 650℃. This paper comprehensively describes the research and development of Ni-base alloys and martensitic 9%–12% Cr steels for thick section boiler and turbine components of A-USC power plants, mainly focusing on the long-term creep-rupture strength of base metal and welded joints, strength loss in welded joints, creep-fatigue properties, and microstructure evolution during exposure at elevated temperatures.
文摘AIM:To study the value of serum biomarker tests to differentiate between patients with healthy or diseased stomach mucosa:i.e.those with Helicobacter pylori(H pylori)gastritis or atrophic gastritis,who have a high risk of gastric cancer or peptic ulcer diseases.METHODS:Among 162 Japanese outpatients,pepsinogen-(Pg-)and(Pg)were measured using a conventional Japanese technique,and the European GastroPanel examination(Pg and Pg,gastrin-17 and H pylori antibodies).Gastroscopy with gastric biopsies was performed to classify the patients into those with healthy stomach mucosa,H pylori non-atrophic gastritis or atrophic gastritis.RESULTS:Pg-and Pg assays with the GastroPanel and the Japanese method showed a highly significant correlation.For methodological reasons,however,serum Pg-,but not Pg,was twice as high with the GastroPanel test as with the Japanese test.The biomarker assays revealed that 5%of subjects had advanced atrophic corpus gastritis which was also verified by endoscopic biopsies.GastroPanel examination revealed an additional seven patients who had either advanced atrophic gastritis limited to the antrum or antrum-predominant H pylori gastritis.When compared to the endoscopic biopsy findings,the GastroPanel examination classified the patients into groups with "healthy" or "diseased" stomach mucosa with 94% accuracy,95% sensitivity and 93% specifi city.CONCLUSION:Serum biomarker tests can be used to differentiate between subjects with healthy and diseased gastric mucosa with high accuracy.
文摘A 58-year-old man presented with the chief complaint of abdominal bloating and was incidentally found to have a liver tumor.As diagnostic imaging studies could not rule out malignancy,the patient underwent partial resection of segment 3 of the liver.The lesion pathologically showed eosinophilic proliferation,in addition to immunohistochemical positivity for human melanoma black 45 and Melan-A,thereby leading to the diagnosis of a hepatic perivascular epithelioid cell tumor(PEComa).A PEComa arising from the liver is relatively rare.Moreover,the name ‘PEComa' has not yet been widely recognized,and the same disease entity has been called epithelioid angiomyolipoma(EAML),further diminishing the recognition of PEComa.In addition,PEComa imaging findings mimic those of malignant liver tumors,and clinically,this tumor tends to enlarge.Therefore,a PEComa is difficult to diagnose.We conducted a systematic review of PEComa and EAML cases and discuss the results,including findings useful for differentiating perivascular epithelioid cell tumors from malignant liver tumors.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31725021)to F.K.and(31930083)B.L.the State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-bioresources(SKLCUSA-b201803)to X.L.
文摘Photoperiodic flowering is one of the most important factors affecting regional adaptation and yield in soybean(Glycine max). Plant adaptation to long-day conditions at higher latitudes requires early flowering and a reduction or loss of photoperiod sensitivity;adaptation to short-day conditions at lower latitudes involves delayed flowering, which prolongs vegetative growth for maximum yield potential. Due to the influence of numerous major loci and quantitative trait loci(QTLs), soybean has broad adaptability across latitudes. Forward genetic approaches have uncovered the molecular basis for several of these major maturity genes and QTLs. Moreover, the molecular characterization of orthologs of Arabidopsis thaliana flowering genes has enriched our understanding of the photoperiodic flowering pathway in soybean. Building on early insights into the importance of the photoreceptor phytochrome A, several circadian clock components have been integrated into the genetic network controlling flowering in soybean: E1, a repressor of FLOWERING LOCUS T orthologs, plays a central role in this network. Here, we provide an overview of recent progress in elucidating photoperiodic flowering in soybean, how it contributes to our fundamental understanding of flowering time control, and how this information could be used for molecular design and breeding of high-yielding soybean cultivars.
文摘AIM: To identify the actual clinical management and associated factors of delayed perforation after gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD).METHODS: A total of 4943 early gastric cancer(EGC) patients underwent ESD at our hospital between January 1999 and June 2012. We retrospectively assessed the actual management of delayed perforation. In addition, to determine the factors associated with delayed perforation, after excluding 123 EGC patients with perforations that occurred during the ESD procedure, we analyzed the following clinicopathological factors among the remaining 4820 EGC patients by comparing the ESD cases with delayed perforation and the ESD cases without perforation: age, sex, chronological periods, clinical indications for ESD, status of the stomach, location, gastric circumference, tumor size, invasion depth, presence/absence of ulceration, histological type, type of resection, and procedure time.RESULTS: Delayed perforation occurred in 7(0.1%) cases. The median time until the occurrence of delayed perforation was 11 h(range, 6-172 h). Three(43%) of the 7 cases required emergency surgery, while four were conservatively managed without surgical intervention. Among the 4 cases with conservative management, 2 were successfully managed endoscopically using the endoloop-endoclip technique. The median hospital stay was 18 d(range, 15-45 d). There were no delayed perforation-related deaths. Based on a multivariate analysis, gastric tube cases(OR = 11.0; 95%CI: 1.7-73.3; P = 0.013) were significantly associated with delayed perforation.CONCLUSION: Endoscopists must be aware of not only the identified factors associated with delayed perforation, but also how to treat this complicationeffectively and promptly.
文摘A 36-year-old woman was admitted to our department for close examination of a liver tumor that was found during a medical checkup. Abdominal US, CT and MRI showed a tumor in segment 7 (S7) of the liver. Although imaging suggested hepatocellular carcinoma, laboratory tests showed no abnormality in liver function, hepatitis virus markers were negative, and tumor markers including protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist Ⅱ (PIVKA-Ⅱ), α-fetoprotein (AFP), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were all within normal ranges. Upon aspiration biopsy of the liver, the histopathological diagnosis was moderately differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, right hepatectomy was performed. Although a part of the tumor was necrotic, about 60% of the viable part showed a clear-cell variant. Consequently, it was diagnosed as clear-cell hepatocellular carcinoma. It was noted that the background liver tissue was normal. This case is worthy of reporting because development of clear-cell hepatocellular carcinoma in the normal liver of a middle-aged woman is rarely seen.
文摘AIM: To investigate whether semi-vegetarian diet (SVD) has a preventive effect against relapse of Crohn’s disease (CD) in patients who have achieved remission,who are a high-risk group for relapse.METHODS: A prospective,single center,2-year clinical trial was conducted.Twenty-two adult CD patients who achieved clinical remission either medically (n = 17) or surgically (n = 5) and consumed an SVD during hospitalization were advised to continue with an SVD and avoid known high-risk foods for inflammatory bowel disease.The primary endpoint was clinical relapse defi ned as the appearance of active symptoms of CD.Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to calculate the cumulative proportion of patients who had a relapse.A 2-year analysis of relapse rates of patients who followed an SVD and those who did not (an omnivorous diet group) was undertaken.RESULTS: SVD was continued by 16 patients (compliance 73%).Remission was maintained in 15 of 16 patients (94%) in the SVD group vs two of six (33%)in the omnivorous group.Remission rate with SVD was 100% at 1 year and 92% at 2 years.SVD showed signif icant prevention in the time to relapse compared to that in the omnivorous group (P = 0.0003,log rank test).The concentration of C-reactive protein was normal at the f inal visit in more than half of the patients in remission who were taking an SVD,who maintained remission during the study (9/15;60%),who terminated follow-up (8/12;67%),and who completed 2 years follow-up (7/10;70%).There was no untoward effect of SVD.CONCLUSION: SVD was highly effective in preventing relapse in CD.
文摘Endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD) is a wellestablished, minimally invasive treatment for superficial neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. The universal adoption of ESD has been limited by its slow learning curve, long procedure times, and high risk of complications. One technical challenge is the lack of a second hand that can provide traction, as in conventional surgery. Reliable tissue retraction that exposes the submucosal plane of dissection would allow for safer and more efficient dissection. Magnetic anchor guided endoscopic submucosal dissection(MAGESD) has potential benefits compared to other current traction methods. MAG-ESD offers dynamic tissue retraction independent of the endoscope mimicking a surgeon's "second hand". Two types of magnets can be used: electromagnets and permanent magnets. In this article we review the MAG-ESD technology, published work and studies of magnets in ESD. We also review the use of magnetic anchor guidance systems in natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery and the idea of magnetic non-contact retraction using surface ferromagentization. We discuss the current limitations, the future potential of MAG-ESD and the developments needed for adoption of this technology.
文摘Liver disease in pregnancy is rare but pregnancyrelated liver diseases may cause threat to fetal and maternal survival.It includes pre-eclampsia;eclampsia;haemolysis,elevated liver enzymes,and low platelets syndrome;acute fatty liver of pregnancy;hyperemesis gravidarum;and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.Recent basic researches have shown the various etiologies involved in this disease entity.With these advances,rapid diagnosis is essential for severe cases since the decision of immediate delivery is important for maternal and fetal survival.The other therapeutic options have also been shown in recent reports based on the clinical trials and cooperation and information sharing between hepatologist and gynecologist is important for timely therapeutic intervention.Therefore,correct understandings of diseases and differential diagnosis from the pre-existing and co-incidental liver diseases during the pregnancy will help to achieve better prognosis.Therefore,here we review and summarized recent advances in understanding the etiologies,clinical courses and management of liver disease in pregnancy.This information will contribute to physicians for diagnosis of disease and optimum management of patients.
基金This study was supported by the National Special Science and Technology Project for Major Infectious Diseases of China(Grant No.2012ZX10004-220,2016ZX10004222-006)the China-UK Global Health Support Programme(Grant No.:GHSP-CS-OP1-01)+1 种基金The Forth Round of Three-Year Public Health Action Plan of Shanghai,China(No.15GWZK0101,GWIV-29)The funders had no role in the study design,data collection and analysis,decision to publish,or preparation of the paper。
文摘Background:The number of pulmonary tuberculosis(PTB)cases in China ranks third in the world.A continuous increase in cases has recently been recorded in Zhaotong prefecture-level city,which is located in the northeastern part of Yunnan province.This study explored the space-time dynamics of PTB cases in Zhaotong to provide useful information that will help guide policymakers to formulate effective regional prevention and control strategies.Methods:The data on PTB cases were extracted from the nationwide tuberculosis online registration system.Time series and spatial cluster analyses were applied to detect PTB temporal trends and spatial patterns at the town level between 2011 and 2015 in Zhaotong.Three indicators of PTB treatment registration history were used:initial treatment registration rate,re-treatment registration rate,and total PTB registration rate.Results:Seasonal trends were detected with an apparent symptom onset peak during the winter season and a registration peak during the spring season.A most likely cluster and six secondary clusters were identified for the total PTB registration rate,one most likely cluster and five secondary clusters for the initial treatment registration rate,and one most likely cluster for the re-treatment registration rate.The most likely cluster of the three indicators had a similar spatial distribution and size in Zhenxiong County,which is characterised by a poor socio-economic level and the largest population in Yunnan.Conclusion:This study identified temporal and spatial distribution of PTB in a high PTB burden area using existing health data.The results of the study provide useful information on the prevailing epidemiological situation of PTB in Zhaotong and could be used to develop strategies for more effective PTB control at the town level.The cluster that overlapped the three PTB indicators falls within the geographic areas where PTB control efforts should be prioritised.
文摘The introduction of colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)has expanded the application of endoscopic treatment,which can be used for lesions with a low metastatic potential regardless of their size.ESD has the advantage of achieving en bloc resection with a lower local recurrence rate compared with that of piecemeal endoscopic mucosal resection.Moreover,in the past,surgery was indicated in patients with large lesions spreading to almost the entire circumference of the rectum,regardless of the depth of invasion,as endoscopic resection of these lesions was technically difficult.Therefore,a prime benefit of ESD is significant improvement in the quality of life for patients who have large rectal lesions.On the other hand,ESD is not as widely applied in the treatment of colorectal neoplasms as it is in gastric cancers owing to the associated technical difficulty,longer procedural duration,and increased risk of perforation.To diversify the available endoscopic treatment strategies for superficial colorectal neoplasms,endoscopists performing ESD need torecognize its indications,the technical issues involved in its application,and the associated complications.This review outlines the methods and type of devices used for colorectal ESD,and the training required by endoscopists to perform this procedure.
文摘AIM: To identify the hepatic vascular architecture of patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) using superb microvascular imaging (SMI) and investigate the use of SMI in the evaluation of liver fibrosis.METHODS: SMI was performed in 100 HCV patients. SMI images were classified into five types according to the vascular pattern, and these patterns were compared with the fibrosis stage. Moreover, the images were analyzed to examine vascularity by integrating the number of SMI signals in the region of interest ROI [number of vascular trees (VT)]. The number of VT, fibrosis stage, serum parameters of liver function, and CD34 expression were investigated.RESULTS: There was a significant difference between SMI distribution pattern and fibrosis stage (P < 0.001). The mean VT values in each of the fibrosis stages were as follows: 26.69 ± 7.08 in F0, 27.72 ± 9.32 in F1, 36.74 ± 9.23 in F2, 37.36 ± 5.32 in F3, and 58.14 ± 14.08 in F4. The VT showed excellent diagnostic ability for F4 [area under the receiver operator characteristic (AUROC): 0.911]. The VT was significantly correlated with the CD34 labeling index (r = 0.617, P < 0.0001).CONCLUSION: SMI permitted the detailed delineation of the vascular architecture in chronic liver disease. SMI appears to be a reliable tool for noninvasively detecting significant fibrosis or cirrhosis in HCV patients.
文摘The Mobile Ubiquitous Service Environment (MUSE),established through the coordination and integration of mobile telecommunications and ubiquitous network,in the pursuit of Always Best Experience (ABE),represents the major development trend for the next generation mobile wireless network. Research on MUSE will involve the integration of the computing model system,service platform system,operating system and terminal structure system,all of which involve exploration and innovation of a new networking structure,its control and management as well as way of measuring. The change in network resources triggers the change in network computing models. To let readers have a basic understanding of MUSE,this lecture introduces it in four sections. This section focuses on the development and demand analysis of the service platform.
文摘AIM: To determine whether absorbable sutures or non-absorbable sutures are better in preventing surgical site infection (SSI), in this paper we discuss the results of a randomized clinical trial which examined the type of sutures used during hepatectomy. METHODS: All hepatic resections performed from January 2007 to November 2008 at the Department of Surgery at Iizuka Hospital in Japan were included in this study. There were 125 patients randomly assigned to an absorbable sutures (Vicryl) group or non-absorbable sutures (Silk) group. RESULTS: SSI was observed in 13.6% (17/125) patients participating in this study, 11.3% in the Vicryl group and 15.8% in the Silk group. Incisional SSI including superficial and deep SSI, was observed in 8% of the Vicryl group and 9.5% of the Silk group. Organ/ space SSI was observed in 3.2% of the Vicryl group and 6.0% of the Silk group. There were no significant differences, but among the patients with SSI, the period for recovery was significantly shorter for the Vicryl group compared to the Silk group.CONCLUSION: The incidence of SSI in patients receiving absorbable sutures and silk sutures is not significantly different in this randomized controlled study; however, the period for recovery in patients with SSI was significantly shorter for absorbable sutures.
文摘AIM： To evaluate the effect of three interventional treatments involving transvenous obliteration for the treatment of gastric varices, and to compare the efficacy and adverse effects of these methods, METHODS： From 1995 to 2004, 93 patients with gastric fundal varices underwent interventional radiologic embolotherapy at our hospital. Of the 93 patients, 75 were treated with the balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration （BRTO） procedure; 8 were with the percutaneous transhepatic obliteration （PTO） procedure; and 10 were with the combined BRTO and PTO therapy. A follow-up evaluation examined the rates of survival, recurrence and rebleeding of the gastric varices, worsening of esophageal varices and complications in each group. RESULTS： The BRTO, PTO, and combined therapy were technically successful in 81% （75/93）, 44% （8/18）, and 100% （10/10） patients, respectively. Recurrence of gastric varices was found in 3 patients in the BRTO group and in 3 patients in the PTO group. Rebleeding was observed in 1 patient in the BRTO group and in 1 patient in the PTO group. The 1- and 3-year survival rates were 98% and 87% in the patients without hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） in the BRTO group, 100% and 100% in the PTO group, and 90% and 75% in the combined therapy group, respectively. CONCLUSION： Combined BRTO and PTO therapy may rescue cases with uncontrollable gastric fundal varices that remained even after treatment with BRTO and/or PTO, though there were limitations of our study, including retrospective nature and discrepancy in sample size between the BRTO, PTO and combined therapy groups.
文摘BACKGROUND Lenvatinib is one of the first-line tyrosine kinase inhibitors used for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). In the present study, we evaluated the potential of early changes in the time-intensity curve(TIC) of arterial phase on contrastenhanced ultrasound(CEUS) as early imaging biomarkers of lenvatinib efficacy.AIM To evaluate the potential of the early changes in the TIC of CEUS as early imaging biomarkers of lenvatinib efficacy in patients with unresectable HCC.METHODS We analyzed 20 consecutive patients with unresectable HCC treated with lenvatinib from March to November 2018. Tumor response at 8 wk was assessed by computed tomography using the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors(m RECIST). CEUS was performed at baseline before treatment(Day 0) and on day 7(Day 7), and the images were analyzed in the arterial phase for 20 seconds after the contrast agent arrived at the target tumor. Three perfusion parameters were extracted from the TICs: the slope of wash-in(Slope),time to peak(TTP) intensity, and the total area under the curve(AUC) during wash-in. The rate of change in the TIC parameters between Day 0 and Day 7 was compared between treatment responders and non-responders based on m RECIST.RESULTS The rate of change for all TIC parameters showed significant differences between the responders(n = 9) and non-responders(n = 11)(Slope, P = 0.025; TTP, P =0.004; and AUC, P = 0.0003). The area under the receiver operating curve values for slope, TTP, and AUC for the prediction of responders were 0.805, 0.869, and0.939, respectively.CONCLUSION CEUS may be useful for the early prediction of tumor response to lenvatinib therapy in patients with unresectable HCC.
基金funded by the Major Program of Guangdong Basic and Applied Research(2019B030302006)supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31930083,31901567,31901499,31801384)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2019M662843,2019M652839,2019M662842)。
文摘Flowering time and stem growth habit determine inflorescence architecture in soybean, which in turn influences seed yield. Dt1, a homolog of Arabidopsis TERMINAL FLOWER 1(TFL1), is a major controller of stem growth habit, but its underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear.Here, we demonstrate that Dt1 affects node number and plant height, as well as flowering time,in soybean under long-day conditions. The b ZIP transcription factor FDc1 physically interacts with Dt1, and the FDc1-Dt1 complex directly represses the expression of APETALA1(AP1). We propose that FT5 a inhibits Dt1 activity via a competitive interaction with FDc1 and directly upregulates AP1. Moreover, AP1 represses Dt1 expression by directly binding to the Dt1 promoter, suggesting that AP1 and Dt1 form a suppressive regulatory feedback loop to determine the fate of the shoot apical meristem. These findings provide novel insights into the roles of Dt1 and FT5 a in controlling the stem growth habit and flowering time in soybean, which determine the adaptability and grain yield of this important crop.
