mlsa-iai-msu-lab/ru_sci_bench_zho_cite_reranking huggingface dataset:
Histogram analysis of apparent diffusion coefficient predicts response to radiofrequency ablation in hepatocellular carcinoma

Objective: The aim of this study was to predict tumor progression in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) using histogram analysis of apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC). Methods: Breath-hold diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) was performed in 64 patients (33 progressive and 31 stable) with biopsy-proven HCC prior to RFA. All patients had pre-treatment magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and follow-up computed tomography (CT) or MRI. The ADC values (ADC_(10), ADC_(30), ADC_(median) and ADC_(max)) were obtained from the histogram’s 10th, 30th, 50th and 100th percentiles. The ratios of ADC_(10), ADC_(30), ADC_(median) and ADC_(max) to the mean non-lesion area-ADC (RADC_(10), RADC_(30), RADC_(median), and RADC_(max)) were calculated. The two patient groups were compared. Key predictive factors for survival were determined using the univariate and multivariate analysis of the Cox model. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed, and pairs of survival curves based on the key factors were compared using the log-rank test. Results: The ADC_(30), ADC_(median), ADC_(max), RADC_(30), RADC_(median), and RADC_(max) were significantly larger in the progressive group than in the stable group (P<0.05). The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 22.9 months for all patients. The mean PFS for the stable and progressive groups were 47.7±1.3 and 9.8±1.3 months, respectively. Univariate analysis indicated that RADC_(10), RADC_(30), and RADC_(median) were significantly correlated with the PFS [hazard ratio (HR)=31.02, 43.84, and 44.29, respectively, P<0.05 for all]. Multivariate analysis showed that RADC_(median) was the only independent predictor of tumor progression (P=0.04). And the cutoff value of RADC_(median) was 0.71. Conclusions: Pre-RFA ADC histogram analysis might serve as a useful biomarker for predicting tumor progression and survival in patients with HCC treated with RFA.
Imaging oxygen microenvironment in hydrogel microwell array

Hydrogel microwell arrays (HMAs) have been wildly used for engineering cell microenvironments by providing wellcontrolled biophysical and biochemical cues (e.g., three-dimensional (3-D) physical boundary, biomolecule coating) for cells. Among these cues, the oxygen microenvironment has shown great effect on the cellular physiological processes. However, it is currently technically challenging to characterize the local oxygen microenvironment within HMAs. Here, we prepared HMAs with different cross-linking concentrations to adjust the structural and physical properties of HMAs. Then we introduced a scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM)-based electrochemical method to map the surface topography and oxygen microenvironment around HMAs. The SECM results show both the 3-D topography and the oxygen permeability of HMAs in aqueous solution. The obtained oxygen permeability of HMAs increases with increasing the cross-linking concentration, and the microwell boundaries show the highest oxygen permeability throughout HMAs. This work demonstrates that SECM offers a high spatial resolution and in situ method for characterization of the topography and the local oxygen permeability of HMAs, which can provide useful information for better engineering cell microenvironments through optimizing HMAs design.
Fabrication of three-dimensional islet models by the geometry-controlled hanging-drop method

The hanging-drop method has been widely used to fabricate three-dimensional (3D) in vitro tissue models due to its advantages such as being easy to perform, inexpensive, and permitting precise control of cell spheroid formation. The geometry of hanging drop may play a critical role on the formation of cell spheroids, which, however, has not been explored. In this study, we developed a modified hanging-drop platform that enables the production of cell spheroids in a high-throughput manner by controlling hanging drop geometry with a defined spreading ring. The surface tension force is proportional to the spreading ring and the gravitational force is determined by droplet volume, and the geometry can be determined by the balance between surface tension and gravity. β-TC-6 cell spheroids with optimized diameters were fabricated as 3D in vitro islet models. The models showed morphology similar to primary islets and had functionality that more closely resembled primary islets than two-dimensional cell culture. The developed platform holds great potential for engineering well-controlled in vitro tissue models for various applications such as physiological and pathological studies, drug screening, as well as transplantation for treatment purpose.
Free vibration of a sagged cable with attached discrete elements

An algorithm is presented to analyze the free vibration in a system composed of a cable with discrete elements, e.g., a concentrated mass, a translational spring, and a harmonic oscillator. The vibrations in the cable are modeled and analyzed with the Lagrange multiplier formalism. Some fragments of the investigated structure are modeled with continuously distributed parameters, while the other fragments of the structure are modeled with discrete elements. In this case, the linear model of a cable with a small sag serves as a continuous model, while the elements, e.g., a translational spring, a concentrated mass, and a harmonic oscillator, serve as the discrete elements. The method is based on the analytical solutions in relation to the constituent elements, which, when once derived, can be used to formulate the equations describing various complex systems compatible with an actual structure. The numerical analysis shows that, the method proposed in this paper can be successfully used to select the optimal parameters of a system composed of a cable with discrete elements, e.g., to detune the frequency resonance of some structures.
Characterizing oxygenated volatile organic compounds and their sources in rural atmospheres in China

Oxygenated volatile organic compounds (OVOCs) are important precursors and products of atmospheric secondary pollution.The sources of OVOCs,however,are still quite uncertain,especially in the atmosphere with much pollution in China.To study the sources of OVOCs in rural atmospheres,a proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) was deployed at a northern rural site (WD) and a southern rural site (YMK) in China during the summer of 2014 and 2016,respectively.The continuous observation showed that the mean concentration of TVOCs (totally 17 VOCs) measured at WD (52.4 ppbv) was far higher than that at YMK (11.1 ppbv),and the OVOCs were the most abundant at both the two sites.The diurnal variations showed that local sources of OVOCs were still prominent at WD,while regional transport influenced YMK much.The photochemical age-based parameterization method was then used to quantitatively apportion the sources of ambient OVOCs.The anthropogenic primary sources atWDandYMK contributed less (2%-16%) to each OVOC species.At both the sites,the atmospheric background had a dominant contribution (~50%) to acetone and formic acid,while the anthropogenic secondary formation was the main source (~40%) of methanol and MEK.For acetaldehyde and acetic acid,the biogenic sources were their largest source (~40%) at WD,while the background (39%) and anthropogenic secondary formation (42%) were their largest sources at YMK,respectively.This study reveals the complexity of sources of OVOCs in China,which urgently needs explored further.
Facile synthesis of Ag-modified manganese oxide for effective catalytic ozone decomposition

O_3 decomposition catalysts with excellent performance still need to be developed. In this study, Ag-modified manganese oxides (AgMnO_x) were synthesized by a simple co-precipitation method. The effect of calcination temperature on the activity of MnO_x and AgMnO_x catalysts was investigated. The effect of the amount of Ag addition on the activity and structure of the catalysts was further studied by activity testing and characterization by a variety of techniques. The activity of 8%AgMnO_x for ozone decomposition was significantly enhanced due to the formation of the Ag_(1.8)Mn_8O_(16) structure, indicating that this phase has excellent performance for ozone decomposition. The weight content of Ag_(1.8)Mn_8O_(16) in the 8%AgMnO_x catalyst was only about 33.76%, which further indicates the excellent performance of the Ag_(1.8)Mn_8O_(16) phase for ozone decomposition. The H2 temperature programmed reduction (H2-TPR) results indicated that the reducibility of the catalysts increased due to the formation of the Ag_(1.8)Mn_8O_(16) structure. This study provides guidance for a follow-up study on Ag-modified manganese oxide catalysts for ozone decomposition.
TiO_2/Schwertmannite nanocomposites as superior co-catalysts in heterogeneous photo-Fenton process

The heterogeneous photo-Fenton reaction is an effective technique in combating organic contaminants for both soil and water remediation, and extensive studies have focused on enhancing its efficiency and reducing its costs. In this work, we developed novel photo- Fenton catalysts by simply milling commercially available TiO_2 (P25) with Schwertmannite (Sh), a natural iron-oxyhydroxysulfate nanomineral. We expect that the photo-generated electrons from TiO_2 could continuously migrate to Sh, which then could enhance the separation of electron-hole pairs on TiO_2 and accelerate the reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II) on Sh, leading to high degradation efficiency of the target organic contaminants. SEM and TEM results showed the distribution of TiO_2 on Sh surface for the nanocomposites (TiO_2/Sh). Under simulated sunlight irradiation, the much higher content of Fe(II) was determined on TiO_2/Sh than on Sh via a common method in the iron ore, and the consumption of H_2O_2 and the production of ·OH were more significant in the TiO_2/Sh system than those in the TiO_2 and Sh systems. These results well support our hypothesis that the photo-generated electrons could migrate from TiO_2 to Sh on the composites, and can also explain the much higher degradation efficiency of Rhodamine B (RhB) in the TiO_2/Sh system. Besides, TiO_2/Sh had lower Fe dissolution as compared with Sh, and retained high catalytic stability after four repeated cycles. Above merits of the TiO_2/Sh composites, in combining with their simple synthesis method and low-cost property, indicated that they should have promising applications as heterogeneous photo-Fenton catalysts.
Characterization of changes in extracellular polymeric substances and heavy metal speciation of waste activated sludge during typical oxidation solubilization processes

Biopolymer solubilization is considered to be the rate-limiting stage of anaerobic digestion of waste activated sludge (WAS). Oxidation processes have been proven to be effective in disrupting sludge flocs and causing solubilization of the solid biopolymers. In this study,WAS was treated by NaNO_2 or H_2O_2 oxidation at pH of 2. The changes in extracellular polymeric substances properties and the speciation of heavy metals were investigated. The results revealed that both NaNO_2 and H_2O_2 treatments were effective in solubilizing organics in WAS, while the conversion of biopolymers in the two treatment processes was different. Free nitrous acid destroyed the gel network structure of EPS, and organic materials were released from the solid phase to the supernatant. Indigenous peroxidase catalyzed H_2O_2 to produce hydroxyl radicals which caused significant solubilization of biopolymers, and the protein-like substances were further degraded into micro-molecule polypeptides or amino acids at high dosages of H_2O_2. During the oxidation processes, Zn, Cd and Cu, with excellent mobility, tended to migrate to the supernatant, and thus were easy to remove through the liquid–solid separation process. Ni and As showed moderate migration ability, of which the residual fraction tended to transform into reducible and soluble fractions. With poor mobility, Cr and Pb mainly existed in the forms of residual and oxidizable fractions, which were difficult to dissolve and remove from WAS. Both NaNO_2 and H_2O_2 treatment resulted in the enhancement of sludge solubilization efficiency and heavy metal mobility in WAS, but different heavy metals showed distinct migration and transformation behaviors.
Evaluation of the secondary structures of protein in the extracellular polymeric substances extracted from activated sludge by different methods

The changes of protein secondary structures in the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) extracted from activated sludge by four different methods were studied by analyzing the amide I region (1700–1600 cm~(–1)) of the Fourier transform infrared spectra and model protein test. The results showed the molecular weight distribution of organic matter extracted by centrifugation, heating and cation exchange resin (CER) was similar, while the EPS extracted by centrifugation (Control) and CER had similar fluorescent organic matter. The protein secondary structures of extracted EPS by the four methods were different. The similarities of protein secondary structures between the EPS extracted by CER with the Control were the highest among the four extracted EPS. Although the EPS yield extracted by formaldehyde + NaOH method were the highest, its protein secondary structures had the lowest similarity with those extracted by the Control. Additionally, the effects of centrifugation and CER extraction on the secondary structures of bovine serum albumin were also lower than that of other extraction processes. CER enables the second maximum extraction of EPS and maximum retention of the original secondary structure of proteins.
Effects of iron (hydr)oxides on the degradation of diethyl phthalate ester in heterogeneous (photo)-Fenton reactions

This work studied the structural effects of hematite (α-Fe_2O_3), 2-line ferrihydrite (HFO) and goethite (α-FeOOH) on diethyl phthalate ester (DEP) degradation. The results showed that the degradation of DEP was faster under 365 nm light irradiation than in the dark in the presence of iron (hydr)oxides. The apparent kinetic rates of DEP degradation followed the order HFO > goethite ≈ hematite in the dark and HFO > hematite > goethite under 365 nm light irradiation. Two pathways governed H_2O_2 decomposition efficiency on iron (hydr)oxide surfaces: (1) forming UOH on inherent surface hydroxyl groups (Fe-OH) and (2) producing O_2 and H_2O on the surface oxygen vacancies. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses indicated that HFO not only has high Fe-OH content but also has high Vo content, resulting in its lowH_2O_2 utilization efficiency (η). DEP was degraded through hydrogen abstraction and deesterification,and the major products were (OH)2-DEP, mono-ethyl phthalate (MEP), OH-MEP,and phthalate acid (PA). The study is important in understanding the transformation of phthalate esters in top surface soils and surface waters under ultraviolet light.
彩超定位下游离腓浅动脉穿支皮瓣修复手足部创面

目的探讨彩超定位下游离腓浅动脉穿支皮瓣修复手足部中小创面的可行性及临床效果.方法自2015年8月至2017年11月,我们在彩超定位下游离腓浅动脉穿支皮瓣修复手足部中小创面18例,术中吻合腓浅动脉的穿支血管,未切取腓浅动脉主干,其中修复(足母)趾创面2例、足背创面2例、拇指创面5例、示指创面4例、手掌部创面4例、中指创面1例.创面缺损面积为2.0 cm×2.5 cm~3.5 cm×9.0 cm,皮瓣切取面积为2.5 cm×3.0 cm~4.0 cm×10.0 cm.结果本组18例皮瓣全部存活,未发生血管危象.术后随访时间为6~12个月,平均8个月,皮瓣色泽、质地优良,弹性良好,外形饱满,均未行二次皮瓣修整,术后6个月恢复保护性感觉,功能恢复良好.小腿供区16例直接缝合,2例植皮修复,无明显瘢痕增生,外形良好,功能无影响.结论彩超定位下游离腓浅动脉穿支皮瓣修复手足部中小创面,具有定位准确、操作简便等优点,术后临床效果较满意,是一种较好的修复方法.
伸肘与屈肘位对尺神经肘部传导速度的影响

目的探讨肘管综合征(cubital tunnel syndrome,CuTS )患者尺神经肘管段运动传导参数(潜伏期、波幅和速度)在肘关节伸直和屈曲位时的变化,为临床操作提供依据。方法选取57例经临床确诊为CuTS的患者和25例健康对照者,于伸直位和极度屈曲位分别测定尺神经的长度及肘管段的运动传导参数。结果根据顾玉东的CuTS分型标准,57例患者中轻型8例、中型16例、重型33例。CuTS组和健康对照组尺神经肘管段的运动传导潜伏期、波幅和速度在伸直位与极度屈曲位时比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。CuTS组尺神经肘管段的运动传导参数结果与健康对照组相比差异有统计学意义(P<0.01 )。结论肘关节体位的变化并不影响尺神经在肘管段的运动传导速度,为了操作方便更推荐伸直位。对于临床可疑为CuTS的患者,当伸直位检查尺神经的运动传导参数无明显变化者,可以加做极度屈曲位时尺神经的运动传导,以协助诊断。
腕背部不典型血管球瘤一例

讨论血管球瘤是起源于血管球平滑肌细胞的间叶组织来源肿瘤,多为良性。可发生于全身各部位,以四肢最为常见,其中手部占75%。血管球瘤常见于甲下,少数也可位于指腹、手指近节掌侧、手、内踝,仅少数患者有外伤史。本例位于腕背部,有明确的外伤史、相应发展史,与典型血管球瘤的病史和发生部位有明显不同。血管球瘤具有典型的临床表现,即特异性的“三联征”:粉红色或蓝紫色小的结节,阵发性剧痛,强烈的触痛或冷敏感,可通过Hildreth试验和Love试验诊断。本例患者并无上述典型特征,仅于30多年前外伤后即刻出现点状局部青紫、疼痛,数周后表面皮肤颜色恢复正常,也无疼痛症状。病程中无明显疼痛、触痛,术前未考虑血管球瘤遂未行Hildreth试验、Love试验。症状、体征与典型血管球瘤差异明显。部分患者X线可见患指远端无明显骨质破坏的类圆形压迹,但根据我们既往的诊疗经验,与术中所见相比术前X线的检出率并不高,这与多数学者的认知相同。近年来超声诊断逐渐受到重视,影像的表现:(1)好发于甲下、表浅、单发,直径<1 cm的肿物,超声探头加压可诱发疼痛;(2)形态规则,呈圆形或类圆形,与周围组织分界清晰,内部回声较低,周围骨皮质回声无明显中断;(3)CDFI显示肿物内血流丰富。MRI诊断意义较高,本例MRI见肿物呈稍长T_1长T_2信号。病理诊断仍为诊断的金标准。血管球瘤以手术治疗为主,复发率低,术后症状若无缓解考虑一期手术切除不彻底。本例患者术后随访5周无复发迹象,无腕关节不适症状。
Melatonin and/or rowatinex attenuate streptozotocin-induced diabetic renal injury in rats

The study aimed to explore the prophylactic effect of melatonin, rowatinex; a naturally occurring renal drug, and its combination on diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of a single dose of streptozotocin (50 mg/g body weight). Three days before diabetes induction, rats were daily treated with melatonin, rowatinex and their combination continuously for 8 weeks. Evaluation was done through measuring blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum uric acid, serum creatinine, urine creatinine, creatinine clearance, nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), kidney injury molecule-1(KIM-1), heat shock protein-70 (HSP-70), caspase-3, transforming growth factor pi (TGFpi),DNA degradation by the comet assay and total protein contents. Histopathologic study was also done for the kidney and the pancreas. Drastic changes in all measured parameters of the diabetic rats were observed. Treatment with melatonin and rowatinex showed amelioration to variable degrees. In conclusion, melatonin showed the most potent effect on protecting rats from deleterious action of diabetic nephropathy followed by its combination with rowatinex.
CXCR4和VEGF在卵巢上皮肿瘤中的表达及与淋巴结转移的相关性分析

目的分析趋化因子受体4(CXCR4)和血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)在卵巢上皮肿瘤中的表达情况及与淋巴结转移的相关性。方法以39例为良性病变患者(良性组)和45例为卵巢上皮肿瘤患者(恶性组)为研究对象,正常卵巢组织的患者50例为健康对照(健康组)。比较三组的CXCR4和VEGF的阳性表达情况,分析CXCR4和VEGF与卵巢上皮肿瘤病理特征的关系及CXCR4与VEGF的相关性。结果恶性组的CXCR4和VEGF阳性率均高于健康组和良性组,且良性组也高于健康组(P <0.05);CXCR4和VEGF在淋巴结发生转移的阳性表达高于未发生转移(P <0.05),CXCR4在Ⅲ ~ Ⅳ期的阳性表达高于Ⅰ ~ Ⅱ期(P <0.05),与年龄、血清CA125、病理分级和病理类型的表达差异无统计学意义(P >0.05),VEGF在低分化卵巢上皮肿瘤组织的阳性表达低于中分化和高分化卵巢上皮肿瘤组织(P <0.05),与年龄、血清 CA125、临床分期和病理类型的表达差异无统计学意义(P >0.05);CXCR4的表达与VEGF的表达呈正相关(P <0.05)。结论CXCR4和VEGF在卵巢上皮肿瘤及转移灶中的表达较高,提示CXCR4、VEGF在卵巢上皮肿瘤的发生、转移中发挥重要作用。
Effects of Mitochondrial Dysfunction via AMPK/PGC-1α Signal Pathway on Pathogenic Mechanism of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy and the Protective Effects of Chinese Medicine

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy(DPN) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease of peripheral nervous system with high energy requirement. The adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α(PGC-1α) axis plays a key role in regulating mitochondrial energy metabolism. Increasing preclinical evidences have shown that inhibition of AMPK/PGC-1α pathway leading to mitochondrial dysfunction in neurons or Schwann cells contributes to neuron apoptosis, distal axonopathy and nerve demyelination in DPN. Some Chinese medicine formulae or extracts from herbs may have potential neuroprotective effects on DPN via activating AMPK/PGC-1α pathway and improving mitochondrial function.
Reliability, Accuracy, and Use Frequency of Evaluation Methods for Amount of Tongue Coating

Objective: To classify the evaluation methods for amount of tongue coating(TC) and investigate their reliability, accuracy, and frequency of use. Methods: Articles published from 1985 to 2015 were searched for evaluation methods for the amount of TC in PubMed and the Cochrane Library. Only clinical researches were included except protocol articles. The methods were classified according to their characteristics. Results: Finally, 113 articles were selected. The evaluation method for the amount of TC from the articles was classified into 4 types: intuitive, specificative, computerized, and weighing TC. The reliability in the intuitive and specificative methods(κ=0.33–0.92) showed varying levels among the studies. In general, the amount of TC calculated by the specificative method(Spearman's r=0.68–0.80) was more strongly related to the directly measured value than to the value estimated by the computerized method(Pearson's r=0.442). The number of articles published on this topic has increased consistently, and the specificative method was the most frequently used. Despite the higher reliability of the computerized method, it has not been widely used. Conclusions: The high prevalence of the specificative method would continue in clinical practice because of its convenience and accuracy. However, to establish higher reliability, the limitation of the subjectivity of the assessors should be overcome through calibration training. In the computerized method, novel algorithms are needed to obtain a higher accuracy so that it can help the practitioners confidently estimate the amount of TC.
Effect of Qinghuang Powder (青黄散) Combined with Bupi Yishen Decoction (补脾益肾方) in Treating Patients with Refractory Cytopenia with Multilineage Dysplasia through Regulating DNA Methylation

Objective: To explore the effect of Qinghuang Powder(QHP,青黄散) combined with Bupi Yishen Decoction(BPYS,补脾益肾方)on myelodysplastic syndromes(MDS) patients with refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia(RCMD) and determine the change of DNA methylation in MDS-RCMD patients after the treatment of Chinese medicine formula. Methods: All 308 MDS-RCMD patients were treated with QHP combined with BPYS for 2 months at least, absolute neutrophil count(ANC), hemoglobin(Hb), platelets(PLT), primitive bone marrow cells and chromosome karyotype were chosen as the main evaluation indexes to analyze the treatment effect according to criteria from the MDS International Working Group. Then 43 bone marrow samples from 15 MDS-RCMD patients and 28 healthy donors were obtained for the examination of DNA methylation. Gene Ontology(GO) and Pathway analysis were applied to analyze the methylation data. Results: The overall MDS response rate to QHP was 61.68%(190/360) including hematologic improvement-neutrophil(HI-N) or hematologic improvement-erythroid(HI-E) or hematologic improvement-platelet(HI-P). Patients with anemia had a better response rate than patients with neutropenia or thrombocypenia(55.88% vs 31.54% or 55.88% vs. 36.9%). The DNA methylation microarray analysis disclosed that 4,257 hypermethylated genes were demethylated upon the treatment with QHP and BPYS. GO analysis and Pathway analysis showed that these demethylated genes were involved in a lot of tumor-related pathways and functions. Conclusions: QHP combined with BPYS could effectively treat MDS-RCMD patients through hematologic improvement(HI-N, HI-P or HI-E) and PLT and RBC transfusion independence due to the demethylation, thereby providing another choice for the treatment of patients with MDS-RCMD.
Unknown Input Observer Design of Switched Systems Based on Iterative Learning

For a class of discrete switched systems with unknown input, an unknown input observer design method is proposed under the premise of changes along time axis but no changes along iteration axis. This method applies the iterative learning control thought to the design of unknown input observer, constructs the unknown input observer by introducing virtual input signal, and uses the error signal generated from the actual system output and the observer output to correct repetitively the virtual input, which gradually approximates the actual unknown input as the iterations increase. Moreover, the convergence of the observer is strictly proved based on contraction mapping theory, as well as the convergence condition is given. The theoretical analysis indicates that designed unknown input observer can accurately estimate the state and unknown input of the system simultaneously. Simulation example further verifies the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.