The neuroanatomy of the mid-sized theropod Sinosaurus triassicus from the Lower Jurassic Lufeng Formation, Lufeng Basin in Yunnan Province, China was studied using X-ray computed tomography. The braincase is character...The neuroanatomy of the mid-sized theropod Sinosaurus triassicus from the Lower Jurassic Lufeng Formation, Lufeng Basin in Yunnan Province, China was studied using X-ray computed tomography. The braincase is characterized by a large supraoccipital knob that is capped by a posterior projection of the parietal and two external foramina for the caudal middle cerebral vein, which is completely enclosed by the supraoccipital. The basicranium has well defined, short basipterygoid processes that project ventral to the basal tubera. The basisphenoid is expanded, projects posteroventrally, and is pierced by four pneumatic recesses. The endocranial morphology resembles that observed in other basal theropods—in particular some allosauroids—and has a strongly marked pontine flexure and a large dorsal expansion. The inner ear morphology is also similar to that observed in other basal theropods, with slender semicircular canals. The anterior semicircular canal is 20% larger than the posterior semicircular canal, and the angle formed between them is less than 90° when seen in dorsal view.展开更多
In 2015 a number of cumin spice products were withdrawn from the international market because of the suspected presence of almond, a known allergen from the Prunus genus. However, immunoassay results were unable to pr...In 2015 a number of cumin spice products were withdrawn from the international market because of the suspected presence of almond, a known allergen from the Prunus genus. However, immunoassay results were unable to provide unequivocal evidence of the Prunus species present, because of significant cross-reactivity with other species within the Prunus genus. A novel real-time PCR assay was developed for the specific detection of Prunus mahaleb DNA, a species known to be capable of causing false positives in almond immunoassays. The assay was developed based on available DNA sequence information from the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region, and tested against representative species within the Prunus genus to ensure no cross-reactivity. Results showed that mahaleb DNA was detected in a cumin spice product subject to the earlier international recalls, which could not be unequivocally identified using immunoassay approaches alone. This short report details preliminary results from the application of this assay, and will be of interest to analytical laboratories involved in trace detection of ingredients in support of relevant food labelling legislation.展开更多
AIM To investigate infused hematopoietic cell doses and their interaction with conditioning regimen intensity +/-total body irradiation(TBI) on outcomes after peripheral blood hematopoietic cell transplant(PBHCT).METH...AIM To investigate infused hematopoietic cell doses and their interaction with conditioning regimen intensity +/-total body irradiation(TBI) on outcomes after peripheral blood hematopoietic cell transplant(PBHCT).METHODS Our retrospective cohort included 247 patients receiving a first, T-replete, human leukocyte antigen-matched allogeneic PBHCT and treated between 2001 and2012. Correlations were calculated using the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient. Overall survival and progression free survival curves were generated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test.RESULTS Neutrophil engraftment was significantly faster after reduced intensity TBI based conditioning [reduced intensity conditioning(RIC) + TBI] and > 4 × 10~6 CD34+cells/kg infused. A higher total nucleated cell dose led to a higher incidence of grade II-IV acute graft-versus-host disease in the myeloablative + TBI regimen group(P = 0.03), but no significant difference in grade III-IV graft-versus-host disease. A higher total nucleated cell dose was also associated with increased incidence of moderate/severe chronic graft-versus-host disease, regardless ofconditioning regimen. Overall and progression-free survival were significantly better in patients with a RIC + TBI regimen and total nucleated cell dose > 8 ×10~8/kg(3 years, overall survival: 70% vs 38%, P = 0.02, 3 years, progression free survival: 64% vs 38%, P = 0.02).CONCLUSION TBI and conditioning intensity may alter the relationship between infused cell doses and outcomes after PBHCT. Immune cell subsets may predict improved survival after unmanipulated PBHCT.展开更多
The Cretaceous bird trackway originally labeled Aquatilavipes anhuiensis, in 1994, had previously been examined, photographed and replicated, but never described or illustrated in detail. However, it has been part of ...The Cretaceous bird trackway originally labeled Aquatilavipes anhuiensis, in 1994, had previously been examined, photographed and replicated, but never described or illustrated in detail. However, it has been part of a widening discussion about the distribution of Aquatilavipes and Koreanaornis in China(and Korea). Here we illustrate and formally describe the holotype in detail and assign it to Koreanaornis(Koreanaornis anhuiensis) as informally proposed by previous authors. We also demonstrate that most authenticated reports of Koreanaornis, including the Anhui occurrence, are from the Lower Cretaceous, not from the Upper Cretaceous as previously reported.展开更多
Food allergies represent a clear threat to the general health and wellbeing of those affected which place increasing pressure on food producers and regulatory authorities. Current analytical techniques typically find ...Food allergies represent a clear threat to the general health and wellbeing of those affected which place increasing pressure on food producers and regulatory authorities. Current analytical techniques typically find difficulties distinguishing between closely related Prunus species which include almond (Prunus dulcis), an EU listed allergenic species. This study describes a proof of principle real-time PCR approach utilising DNA melt analyses that targets the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence to differentiate between a panel of Prunus test species. The method was successfully applied to the characterisation of a commercial paprika sample suspected of having being adulterated with almond, referred to the UK Government Chemist in 2015 in its advisory capacity. Subject to further validation work, the method appears to specifically amplify Prunus species and is capable of discrimination based on the resultant melt profiles. The developed method provides analysts with a simple and broad molecular tool to identify common Prunus species for food authenticity and allergen testing purposes. Initial development work demonstrates a promising approach with the potential to improve discrimination between Prunus species not easily resolved by routine analytical methods.展开更多
The paired cranial crests of Sinosaurus （Theropoda） have been hypothesized as too weak to resist mechanical loads during combat. Finite element analysis （FEA） is used to test this hypothesis, first with geometry o...The paired cranial crests of Sinosaurus （Theropoda） have been hypothesized as too weak to resist mechanical loads during combat. Finite element analysis （FEA） is used to test this hypothesis, first with geometry obtained through direct laser scanning of a well-preserved fossil of the crest, and then with two conceptual FE models of both crests analyzing the structure-deformation effects of fenestration. In the original fossil model, under direct loading on the dorsal faces of the crest, we found that the areas surrounding cavities on the crest experience shear stress that implies a high chance of material failure - the fracture of bone. In the conceptual model, a series of computational studies were conducted with varying loading directions. One simulation found that the shear stress and strain in the material around the cavity presented more deformation compared with the conceptual model without the cavities, and under this morphologically realistic scenario the loading conditions would result in local bone fractures. These model-based computational results indicate that the crest could not resist high loads, because it could not effectively decentralize the loading stress. Future investigations need to focus on more comprehensive computational experiments with more conditions, e.g. dynamical loading conditions, and direct palaeontological evidence.展开更多
Retroperitoneal liposarcoma is a rare malignant tumour with an incidence of 2.5 per million people annually. It is the most common type of all the retroperitoneal malignant tumours. Early diagnosis of the tumour is di...Retroperitoneal liposarcoma is a rare malignant tumour with an incidence of 2.5 per million people annually. It is the most common type of all the retroperitoneal malignant tumours. Early diagnosis of the tumour is difficult because of absence of specific clinical presentation. Symptoms would only occur if the tumour exhibits pressure on the surrounding organs. It usually occurs between the fourth to sixth decades of life affecting both genders equally. Histological subtypes include: well-differentiated, poorly differentiated, myxoid, round cell and pleomorphic. Radiological imaging useful in diagnosis include: ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Complete surgical resection of the tumour and the adjacent viscera involved or organs remained the mainstay of treatment. Radiotherapy plays a role in reducing the risk of recurrence but its effect on the overall survival of patients is not known. The case presented is a 48-year-old male patient with retroperitoneal liposarcoma, treated by complete surgical resection of the tumour and right hemicolectomy and currently on follow-up for possible recurrence.展开更多
文摘The neuroanatomy of the mid-sized theropod Sinosaurus triassicus from the Lower Jurassic Lufeng Formation, Lufeng Basin in Yunnan Province, China was studied using X-ray computed tomography. The braincase is characterized by a large supraoccipital knob that is capped by a posterior projection of the parietal and two external foramina for the caudal middle cerebral vein, which is completely enclosed by the supraoccipital. The basicranium has well defined, short basipterygoid processes that project ventral to the basal tubera. The basisphenoid is expanded, projects posteroventrally, and is pierced by four pneumatic recesses. The endocranial morphology resembles that observed in other basal theropods—in particular some allosauroids—and has a strongly marked pontine flexure and a large dorsal expansion. The inner ear morphology is also similar to that observed in other basal theropods, with slender semicircular canals. The anterior semicircular canal is 20% larger than the posterior semicircular canal, and the angle formed between them is less than 90° when seen in dorsal view.
文摘In 2015 a number of cumin spice products were withdrawn from the international market because of the suspected presence of almond, a known allergen from the Prunus genus. However, immunoassay results were unable to provide unequivocal evidence of the Prunus species present, because of significant cross-reactivity with other species within the Prunus genus. A novel real-time PCR assay was developed for the specific detection of Prunus mahaleb DNA, a species known to be capable of causing false positives in almond immunoassays. The assay was developed based on available DNA sequence information from the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region, and tested against representative species within the Prunus genus to ensure no cross-reactivity. Results showed that mahaleb DNA was detected in a cumin spice product subject to the earlier international recalls, which could not be unequivocally identified using immunoassay approaches alone. This short report details preliminary results from the application of this assay, and will be of interest to analytical laboratories involved in trace detection of ingredients in support of relevant food labelling legislation.
文摘AIM To investigate infused hematopoietic cell doses and their interaction with conditioning regimen intensity +/-total body irradiation(TBI) on outcomes after peripheral blood hematopoietic cell transplant(PBHCT).METHODS Our retrospective cohort included 247 patients receiving a first, T-replete, human leukocyte antigen-matched allogeneic PBHCT and treated between 2001 and2012. Correlations were calculated using the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient. Overall survival and progression free survival curves were generated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test.RESULTS Neutrophil engraftment was significantly faster after reduced intensity TBI based conditioning [reduced intensity conditioning(RIC) + TBI] and > 4 × 10~6 CD34+cells/kg infused. A higher total nucleated cell dose led to a higher incidence of grade II-IV acute graft-versus-host disease in the myeloablative + TBI regimen group(P = 0.03), but no significant difference in grade III-IV graft-versus-host disease. A higher total nucleated cell dose was also associated with increased incidence of moderate/severe chronic graft-versus-host disease, regardless ofconditioning regimen. Overall and progression-free survival were significantly better in patients with a RIC + TBI regimen and total nucleated cell dose > 8 ×10~8/kg(3 years, overall survival: 70% vs 38%, P = 0.02, 3 years, progression free survival: 64% vs 38%, P = 0.02).CONCLUSION TBI and conditioning intensity may alter the relationship between infused cell doses and outcomes after PBHCT. Immune cell subsets may predict improved survival after unmanipulated PBHCT.
基金support of grant number 11791012 issued to Dr. Masaki Masukawa from Tokyo Gakugei University, Japansupported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 41772008)+1 种基金the State Key Laboratory of Palaeobiology and Stratigraphy, Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No.173127)the Special Scientific Research Fund of the Non-Profit Sector Project, Ministry of Land and Resources of China (Grant No.201511054)
文摘The Cretaceous bird trackway originally labeled Aquatilavipes anhuiensis, in 1994, had previously been examined, photographed and replicated, but never described or illustrated in detail. However, it has been part of a widening discussion about the distribution of Aquatilavipes and Koreanaornis in China(and Korea). Here we illustrate and formally describe the holotype in detail and assign it to Koreanaornis(Koreanaornis anhuiensis) as informally proposed by previous authors. We also demonstrate that most authenticated reports of Koreanaornis, including the Anhui occurrence, are from the Lower Cretaceous, not from the Upper Cretaceous as previously reported.
文摘Food allergies represent a clear threat to the general health and wellbeing of those affected which place increasing pressure on food producers and regulatory authorities. Current analytical techniques typically find difficulties distinguishing between closely related Prunus species which include almond (Prunus dulcis), an EU listed allergenic species. This study describes a proof of principle real-time PCR approach utilising DNA melt analyses that targets the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence to differentiate between a panel of Prunus test species. The method was successfully applied to the characterisation of a commercial paprika sample suspected of having being adulterated with almond, referred to the UK Government Chemist in 2015 in its advisory capacity. Subject to further validation work, the method appears to specifically amplify Prunus species and is capable of discrimination based on the resultant melt profiles. The developed method provides analysts with a simple and broad molecular tool to identify common Prunus species for food authenticity and allergen testing purposes. Initial development work demonstrates a promising approach with the potential to improve discrimination between Prunus species not easily resolved by routine analytical methods.
文摘The paired cranial crests of Sinosaurus （Theropoda） have been hypothesized as too weak to resist mechanical loads during combat. Finite element analysis （FEA） is used to test this hypothesis, first with geometry obtained through direct laser scanning of a well-preserved fossil of the crest, and then with two conceptual FE models of both crests analyzing the structure-deformation effects of fenestration. In the original fossil model, under direct loading on the dorsal faces of the crest, we found that the areas surrounding cavities on the crest experience shear stress that implies a high chance of material failure - the fracture of bone. In the conceptual model, a series of computational studies were conducted with varying loading directions. One simulation found that the shear stress and strain in the material around the cavity presented more deformation compared with the conceptual model without the cavities, and under this morphologically realistic scenario the loading conditions would result in local bone fractures. These model-based computational results indicate that the crest could not resist high loads, because it could not effectively decentralize the loading stress. Future investigations need to focus on more comprehensive computational experiments with more conditions, e.g. dynamical loading conditions, and direct palaeontological evidence.
文摘Retroperitoneal liposarcoma is a rare malignant tumour with an incidence of 2.5 per million people annually. It is the most common type of all the retroperitoneal malignant tumours. Early diagnosis of the tumour is difficult because of absence of specific clinical presentation. Symptoms would only occur if the tumour exhibits pressure on the surrounding organs. It usually occurs between the fourth to sixth decades of life affecting both genders equally. Histological subtypes include: well-differentiated, poorly differentiated, myxoid, round cell and pleomorphic. Radiological imaging useful in diagnosis include: ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Complete surgical resection of the tumour and the adjacent viscera involved or organs remained the mainstay of treatment. Radiotherapy plays a role in reducing the risk of recurrence but its effect on the overall survival of patients is not known. The case presented is a 48-year-old male patient with retroperitoneal liposarcoma, treated by complete surgical resection of the tumour and right hemicolectomy and currently on follow-up for possible recurrence.
