Thymic carcinoid with multiple bone metastases:A case report

BACKGROUND Thymic carcinoid(TC)is a rare entity among anterior mediastinal malignancies.TCs are neuroendocrine carcinomas that constitute approximately 2%–5%of all thymic epithelial tumors.CASE SUMMARY The study reported a rare TC with multiple bone metastases.A 77-year-old man presented with a 2-month history of lower back pain and weight loss of 5 kg.Magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed damage to the lumbar spine,sacrocaudal vertebrae and iliac crest,suggesting bone metastasis;computed tomography(CT)scan of the thorax showed a calcified anterior mediastinal mass;positron emission tomography-CT demonstrated multiple abnormal bone signals;and laboratory work-up showed no endocrine abnormalities.Fine-needle aspiration biopsy revealed predominantly single small,round to oval cells with scant cytoplasm and some loose clusters,suggesting endocrine manifestations.The pathological diagnosis was atypical carcinoid,which tend to originate from the thymus and was classified as intermediate-highly invasive.The patient underwent anlotinib-targeted therapy.Anlotinib(12 mg)was administered daily for 2 wk,after which the patient was allowed to rest for 21 d.Follow-up CT after one year demonstrated that the tumor had shrunk by approximately 29%after therapy.Treatment has a long stable disease benefit of more than 2.5 years.CONCLUSION These findings demonstrated that anlotinib is a promising treatment regimen for patients with TC and multiple bone metastases.

HSP90AA1 promotes lymphatic metastasis of hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Lymphatic metastasis(LM)emerges as an independent prognostic marker for hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma(HSPSCC),chiefly contributing to treatment inefficacy.This study aimed to scrutinize the prognostic relevance of HSP90AA1 and its potential regulatory mechanism of concerning LM in HPSCC.Methods:In a preceding investigation,HSP90AA1,a differential gene,was discovered through transcriptome sequencing of HPSCC tissues,considering both the presence and absence of LM.Validation of HSP90AA1 expression was accomplished via qRT-PCR,western-blotting(WB),and immunohistochemistry(IHC),while its prognostic significance was assessed employing Kaplan–Meier survival analysis(KMSA),log-rank test(LR),and Cox’s regression analysis(CRA).Bioinformatics techniques facilitated the prediction and analysis of its plausible mechanisms in LM,further substantiated by in vitro and in vivo experiments utilizing FaDu cell lines.Results:HSP90AA1 is substantially upregulated in HPSCC with LM and is identified as an independent prognostic risk determinant.The down-regulation of HSP90AA1 can achieve inhibition of tumor cell proliferation,migration and invasion.Both in vivo experiments and Bioinformatics exploration hint at promoting LM by Epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT),regulated by HSP90AA1.Conclusions:HSP90AA1,by controlling EMT,can foster LM in HPSCC.This finding sets the foundation for delving into new therapeutic targets for HPSCC.

Animal experimental study on magnetic anchor technique-assisted endoscopic submucosal dissection of early gastric cancer

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)has high morbidity and mortality.Moreover,because GC has no typical symptoms in the early stages,most cases are already in the advanced stages by the time the symptoms appear,thus resulting in poor prognosis and a low survival rate.Endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)can realize the early detection and diagnosis of GC and become the main surgical method for early GC.However,ESD has a steep learning curve and high technical skill requirements for endoscopists,which is not conducive to its widespread implementation and advancement.Therefore,a series of auxiliary techniques have been derived.AIM To evaluate the safety and efficacy of magnetic anchor technique(MAT)-assisted ESD in early GC.METHODS This was an ex vivo animal experiment.The experimental models were the isolated stomachs of pigs,which were divided into two groups,namely the study group(n=6)with MAT-assisted ESD and the control group(n=6)with traditional ESD.Comparing the total surgical time,incidence of surgical complications,complete mucosal resection rate,specimen size,and the scores of endoscopist’s satisfaction with the procedure reflected their feelings about convenience during the surgical procedure between the two groups.The magnetic anchor device for auxiliary ESD in the study group comprised three parts,an anchor magnet(AM),a target magnet(TM),and a soft tissue clip.Under gastroscopic guidance,the soft tissue clip and the TM were delivered to the pre-marked mucosal lesion through the gastroscopic operating hole.The soft tissue clip and the TM were connected by a thin wire through the TM tail structure.The soft tissue clip was released by manipulating the operating handle of the soft tissue clip in a way that the soft tissue clip and the TM were fixed to the lesion mucosa.In vitro,ESD is aided by maneuvering the AM such that the mucosal dissection surface is exposed.RESULTS The total surgical time was shorter in the study group than in the control group(26.57±0.19 vs 29.97±0.28,P<0.001),and the scores of endoscopist’s satisfaction with the procedure were higher in the study group than in the control group(9.53±0.10 vs 8.00±0.22,P<0.001).During the operation in the study group,there was no detachment of the soft tissue clip and TM and no mucosal tearing.The magnetic force between the AM and TM provided good mucosal exposure and sufficient tissue tension for ESD.The mucosal lesion was completely peeled off,and the operation was successful.There were no significant differences in the incidence of surgical complications(100%vs 83.3%),complete mucosal resection rate(100%vs 66.7%,P=0.439),and specimen size(2.44±0.04 cm vs 2.49±0.02,P=0.328)between the two groups.CONCLUSION MAT-ESD is safe and effective for early GC.It provides a preliminary basis for subsequent internal animal experiments and clinical research.

Magnetic anchor technique assisted endoscopic submucosal dissection for early esophageal cancer

BACKGROUND Esophageal cancer has high incidence globally and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage.With the widespread application of endoscopic technologies,the need for early detection and diagnosis of esophageal cancer has gradually been realized.Endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)has become the standard of care for managing early tumors of the esophagus,stomach,and colon.However,due to the steep learning curve,difficult operation,and technically demanding nature of the procedure,ESD has currently been committed to the development of various assistive technologies.AIM To explore the feasibility and applicability of magnetic anchor technique(MAT)-assisted ESD for early esophageal cancer.METHODS Isolated pig esophagi were used as the experimental model,and the magnetic anchor device was designed by us.The esophagi used were divided into two groups,namely the operational and control groups,and 10 endoscopists completed the procedure.The two groups were evaluated for the following aspects:The total operative time,perforation rate,rate of whole mucosal resection,diameter of the peering mucosa,and scores of endoscopists’feelings with the procedure,including the convenience,mucosal surface exposure degree,and tissue tension.In addition,in the operational group,the soft tissue clip and the target magnet(TM)were connected by a thin wire through a small hole at the tail end of the TM.Under gastroscopic guidance,the soft tissue clip was clamped to the edge of the lesioned mucosa,which was marked in advance.By changing the position of the anchor magnet(AM)outside the esophagus,the pulling force and pulling direction of the TM could be changed,thus exposing the mucosal peeling surface and assisting the ESD.RESULTS Herein,each of the two groups comprised 10 isolated esophageal putative mucosal lesions.The diameter of the peering mucosa did not significantly differ between the two groups(2.13±0.06 vs 2.15±0.06,P=0.882).The total operative time was shorter in the operational group than in the control group(17.04±0.22 min vs 21.94±0.23 min,P<0.001).During the entire experiment,the TM remained firmly connected with the soft tissue clip and did not affect the opening,closing,and release of the soft tissue clip.The interaction between the TM and AM could provide sufficient tissue tension and completely expose the mucosa,which greatly assists the surgeon with the operation.There was no avulsion of the mucosa,and mucosal lesions were intact when peeled.Therefore,the scores of endoscopists’feelings were higher in the operational group than in the control group in terms of the convenience(9.22±0.19 vs 8.34±0.15,P=0.002),mucosal surface exposure degree(9.11±0.15 vs 8.25±0.12,P<0.001),and tissue tension(9.35±0.13 vs 8.02±0.17,P<0.001).The two groups did not significantly differ in the perforation rate and rate of whole mucosal resection.CONCLUSION We found MAT-assisted ESD safe and feasible for early esophageal cancer.It could greatly improve the endoscopic operation experience and showed good clinical application prospects.

磁锚定技术辅助内镜下胃黏膜剥离术的实验研究

目的探讨磁锚定技术(MAT)在内镜下胃黏膜剥离术中应用的可行性。方法自行设计加工适用于胃内镜黏膜下剥离术(ESD)的磁锚定装置。以Beagle犬离体胃为实验模型,胃镜下利用软组织夹将靶磁体(TM)钳夹固定于假定的病变黏膜边缘,胃体外放置锚定磁体(AM),用来吸引牵拉TM,改变牵拉方向,并维持足够的组织张力,从而完成ESD。结果成功设计并加工出AM和TM。通过胃镜的钳道,利用软组织夹可将TM固定于病变黏膜边缘,钳夹方便,固定牢靠。胃体外AM能够灵活牵引TM,改变AM位置能灵活调节TM来控制黏膜牵拉力的方向和大小,可以清晰显示黏膜剥离面。整个操作过程顺利,未出现黏膜撕脱现象。结论MAT可用于胃ESD,能够为黏膜剥离面提供足够的组织张力,并充分显露剥离面术野,该技术操作简单,具有极大的临床应用潜力。

成型工艺对氮氧化铝微观结构和性能的影响

氮氧化铝(AlON)透明陶瓷具有优异的光学、热学和机械性能,可广泛应用于光电窗口、整流罩、透明装甲等领域。成型高致密度、结构均匀的素坯是制备氮氧化铝透明陶瓷的关键技术环节。但是纳米粉体比表面积大,易产生非均匀团聚,导致成型坯体致密度差。为了提高素坯密度和均匀性,本文首先通过优化喷雾造粒工艺实现纳米粉体微球化,获得直径大于10μm、具有良好流动性的致密球形颗粒。然后分析成型压力对素坯的密度、微观结构、平均孔径及陶瓷性能的影响,得到相对密度58.8%的素坯,烧结陶瓷片在200 nm处直线透过率达到83%(厚度2 mm)。最后采用冷等静压成型/常压烧结技术制备出Φ170 mm平板和Φ110 mm球罩样件。

基于环氧复制法的光学反射镜制备技术研究

环氧复制法利用环氧树脂将抛光母模的高精度表面复制至镜坯,这是一种高效率低成本制备光学反射镜的方法。由于树脂的材料特性,复制面形精度随着反射镜口径的增大而迅速降低,并且在脱模后没有有效的面形精修方法。本文首先利用有限元分析方法仿真了环氧复制过程,提出了一种针对母模的优化设计方法,提高了环氧复制法的精度。然后研制了一种具有多层结构的金属薄膜,利用磁流变修形技术将复制后的薄膜表面加工至更高的面形精度。最后利用环氧复制法分别在5天和10天内制备了Φ180 mm抛物面反射镜和Φ500 mm平面反射镜,面形RMS均小于20 nm,表面粗糙度Rq均为0.6 nm。

Effect of cyclophosphamide on fungal infection in SLE mice detected by fluorescent quantitative PCR

Objective:To observe the effect of the cyclophosphamide(CTX) on systemic lupus erythematosus mice by fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Methods:(BALB/c C57BL/J6) Fl hybrid mice were used as recipients of donor lymphocytes which were injected intravenously.Mice were randomly divided into control group and treatment group,serum autoantibody and urinary protein were measured,renal pathological changes and the situation of fungal infection were observed.Results:The reduced urinary protein,ameliorated renal lesions were found in the CTX-treated mice.Candida albicans and Aspergillus Jlants were detected respectively in respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract.Conclusions:CTX can alleviate lupus nephritis and the fluorescent quantitative PCR is a rapid and sensitive method for the detection of fungal infection.

Synthesis and photoelectrical performance of nanoscale PbS and Bi2S3 co-sensitized on TiO2 nanotube arrays

TiO2 films have been widely applied in photo- voltaic conversion techniques. TiO2 nanotube arrays （TiO2 NAs） can be grown directly on the surface of metal Ti by the anodic oxidation method. Bi2S3 and PbS nanoparticles （NPs） were firstly co-sensitized on TiOa NAs （denoted as PbS/Bi2S3（n）/TiO2 NAs） by a two-step process containing hydrothermal and sonication-assisted SILAR method. When the concentration of Bi3＋ is 5 mmol/L, the best photoelectrical performance was obtained under simulated solar irradiation. The short-circuit photocurrent （Jsc） and photoconversion efficiency （η） of PbS/Bi2S3（5）/TiO2 NAs electrode were 4.70 mA/cm and 1.13 %, respectively.

Evaluation of the prognostic nutritional index for the prognosis of Chinese patients with high/extremely high-risk prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy

BACKGROUND The incidence of prostate cancer(PCa)is on the rise in China.The risk level of patients with PCa is associated with disease-free survival rate at 10 years after radical prostatectomy.Predicting prognosis in advance according to the degree of risk can provide a reference for patients,especially treatment options and postoperative adjuvant treatment measures for high-risk/extremely high-risk patients.AIM To explore the predictive value of the prognostic nutritional index(PNI)for biological recurrence in Chinese patients with high/extremely high-risk PCa after radical prostatectomy.METHODS The biochemical test results and clinical data of 193 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy for the first time from January 2015 to December 2020 were retrospectively collected.The PNI value of peripheral blood within 1 wk before surgery was calculated,and during the follow-up period,prostate-specific antigen≥0.2 ng/mL was considered to have biological recurrence.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to calculate the optimal critical value and area under the curve(AUC)of the patients.According to the critical value,the progression-free survival of the high PNI group and low PNI group was compared.The independent influencing factors of the patients’prognosis were obtained by the Cox proportional hazards regression model.RESULTS The non-biological recurrence rates at 1,3,and 5 years were 92.02%,84.05%,and 74.85%,respectively.The optimal critical value for PNI to predict biological recurrence was 46.23,and the AUC was 0.789(95%confidence interval:0.651-0.860;P<0.001).The sensitivity and specificity were 82.93%and 62.30%,respectively.In accordance with the optimal critical value of the ROC curve(46.23),193 patients were further divided into a high PNI group(PNI≤46.23,n=108)and low PNI group(PNI>46.23,n=85).The incidence of postoperative complications in the high PNI group was lower than that in the low PNI group(21.18%vs 38.96%).Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the overall survival rate at 5 years in the low PNI group was 87.96%(13/108),which was lower than that in the high PNI group(61.18%,33/85;P<0.05).Low PNI[hazard ratio(HR)=1.74;P=0.003]and positive incisal margin status(HR=2.14;P=0.001)were independent predictors of biological recurrence in patients with high/extremely high-risk PCa.CONCLUSION The PNI has predictive value for the prognosis of patients with high/extremely high-risk PCa,and is an independent prognostic factor.Patients with low PNI value have a shorter time of nonbiological recurrence after prostatectomy.It is expected that the combined prediction of other clinicopathological data will further improve the accuracy and guide postoperative adjuvant therapy to improve the quality of prognosis.

A multi-scale point of view on the structure–property relationships of A15 superconductors

Nb3Sn and other A15 members have been widely applied in nuclear power, nuclear magnetic resonance, and high-energy particle accelerators for their high critical current density （Jc） and upper critical field （Bc2）. There have been comprehensive and intensive studies on the applications, the fundamental lattice dynamic and electronic properties, etc., of A15 superconductors. Various reviews on the preparations, structures, and properties have already been written in the last few years. Nevertheless, on account of the large amount of existing facts and views, a coherent view on the relations between the structures and properties has not appeared to unify the facts. This article sketches a multi-scale point of view on the relations between the multi- scale structures and the corresponding properties.

Fe-doped epitaxial YBCO films prepared by chemical solution deposition

YBa2Cu3O7-d （YBCO）-coated conductors havewide-ranging potential in large-scale applications such assuperconducting maglev trains and superconducting electriccables, but low current carrying capability restrains thepractical application of YBCO-coated conductors at hightemperatures and high magnetic fields. It is crucial todevelop YBCO-coated conductors with high critical currentdensity. In this paper, epitaxial, dense, smooth, andcrack-free Fe-doped YBCO films were prepared on aLaAlO3 single crystal substrate via a fluorine-free polymerassistedmetal organic deposition method. The effects ofthe dilute Fe doping on microstructure and superconductingcharacter of YBCO films were investigated. The criticaltemperature for superconducting of the Fe-dopedYBCO films decreases slightly. However, the in-fieldcritical current density of YBCO films improves with diluteFe doping of amounts less than x = 0.005, compared to thepure YBCO film. Therefore, the current carrying capabilityof YBCO film can improve by doping with appropriateamounts of Fe. This means that dilute Fe doping in YBCOfilms may be a feasible way to prepare high-performancecoated conductors.

A Study of Coordinating China's Two-Pillar Regulatory Policy under the Shock of the Fed's Interest Rate Hike-From the Perspective of"Stable Growth"and"Risk Prevention"

Domestic asset price fluctuations triggered by the impact of the Fed's interest rate hike may lead to a spiral of mutual feedback between fluctuations in real economy and systematic risks of the financial sector.By constructing a DSGE model of small-scale open economy including cross-border capital flows and supply-demand financial frictions,this paper describes the negative feedback mechanism formed by the interplay between domestic real-economy fluctuations and financial risks on both supply and demand sides under the impact of Fed's interest rate hike,and studies how to coordinate monetary policy and macroprudential policies under the goals of maintaining stable growth and preventing risks.

苗族鱼纹几何形设计研究

苗族图案是苗族人头脑中自然的现实性艺术产物,是对自然的敬畏映射。在对苗族鱼纹图案符号深刻的了解和研究的基础上充分思考,取其形、借其意,用几何学设计的方法对鱼纹图案加以迭代并衍生其语义,保留图案中的生态内涵和思想,设计出既传统又现代,且具有生态意义的视觉形象,从而搭建生命特征的个体与文化、自然之间的平等关系。

流体动力工程研究综述(英文)

本综述详细介绍近年来流体传动技术的发展现状,特别是该学科在中国的研究开展现状以及应用市场。同时详细讨论液压泵、阀及执行元件的发展与新技术,以及液压惯性切换系统和液压四足机器人两个典型的现代流体传动系统。并从液压系统效率、集成一体化、系统清洁和流体传动学科教育四个方面讨论当前研究人员所面临的挑战,并提出相关建议。

肠道微生物调节疾病中胆汁酸代谢相关的信号通路（英文）

近十年来,微生物与胆汁酸代谢的相互作用越来越受到关注。胆汁酸不仅参与营养物质的代谢,而且在调节宿主生理活动的信号转导中也起着重要作用。已有研究表明,微生物调控的胆汁酸代谢对许多疾病都有显著的影响,但对微生物受体信号通路调控疾病的相关研究并不多。本文综述了近年来有关法尼醇受体(FXR)、G蛋白偶联胆汁酸受体(TGR5)和维生素D受体(VDR)信号通路在健康和疾病的微生物-宿主相互作用中的核心作用。研究这些信号通路之间的关系,有助于我们了解人类疾病的发病机制,为人类疾病的治疗提供新的解决方案。

Experimental study of an insert and its influence on churning losses in a high-speed electro-hydrostatic actuator pump of an aircraft

The speed of an Electro-Hydrostatic Actuator(EHA) pump can recently reach 20000 r/min, and its churning losses increase obviously with an increasing speed, which results in low efficiency and thus increasing heat in aircraft EHA systems. In order to reduce churning losses at high speeds, more attention should be given to the design of an insert. In this paper, the effect of an insert with different design parameters on churning losses is investigated through Computational Fluid Dynamics(CFD) simulation and experiments by calculating the difference between churning losses torques of the test pump with and without the insert based on a high-speed churning losses test rig.Analytical results show that the gap between the insert and the cylinder is critical for churning losses reduction. It is found that the churning losses of the test pump can be reduced with a decreasing gap between the cylinder block and the insert at high speeds. This is because the insert can decrease the turbulence occurrence at high speeds. The results can be used for flow field analysis and optimization of the high-speed EHA pump and provide a new method for improving efficiency of high-speed EHA pumps.

Digital switched hydraulics

This paper reviews recent developments in digital switched hydraulics particularly the switched inertance hydraulic systems （SIHSs）. The performance of SIHSs is presented in brief with a discussion of several possible configurations and control strategies. The soft switching technology and high-speed switching valve design techniques are discussed. Challenges and recommendations are given based on the current research achievements.

使用带孔阻尼套的座阀液动力试验和数值研究（英文）

目的:液压自由活塞发动机性能受燃油喷射系统开关阀性能限制。本文旨在对开关阀内部结构进行优化,降低液动力,从而提高阀的开启速度。创新点:1.提出一种易于安装的带孔阻尼套结构,可以用于改变阀芯表面压力分布和油液射流角,从而降低液动力;2.建立数值仿真模型,分析阻尼套不同结构和安装参数对液动力和空化的影响。方法:1.进行数值模拟,分析阀芯表面压力分布和内部流场分布,并通过实验验证方法有效性和模型准确性;2.对不同阻尼孔宽度、深度和相对位置下的阀芯液动力和流量损失情况进行对比和分析;3.对上述不同阻尼孔结构下阀内空化情况进行仿真和对比;4.建立燃油喷射系统试验台,验证阻尼套对提高阀开启速度的作用。结论:1.提出的带孔阻尼套结构可以有效降低阀芯液动力。2.随阻尼孔的减小,其对液动力的改变作用和节流作用逐渐增强;阻尼孔足够小时液动力反向并逐渐加强。3.阻尼套对油液的阻碍作用也会改变流场内的空化情况,但空化强度不一定随节流孔的变大而单调变强,其还受相对安装位置影响。4.带孔阻尼套可以有效降低阀的开启时间。

Effects of splined shaft bending rigidity on cylinder tilt behaviour for high-speed electrohydrostatic actuator pumps

High-speed axial piston pumps are hydraulic power supplies for electro-hydrostatic actuators(EHAs). The efficiency of a pump directly affects the operating performance of an EHA, and an understanding of the physical phenomena occurring in the cylinder/valve plate interface is essential to investigate energy dissipation. The effects of the splined shaft bending rigidity on the cylinder tilt behaviour in an EHA pump need to be considered, because the deflection and radial expansion of a steel shaft rotating at a high speed cannot be ignored. This paper proposes a new mathematical model to predict the cylinder tilt behaviour by establishing a quantitative relationship between the splined shaft deflection, the cylinder tilt angle, and the tilt azimuth angle. The moments exerted by the splined shaft are included in the equilibrium equation of the cylinder. The effects of solid and hollow splined shafts equipped in an EHA pump prototype are compared at variable speeds of 5000–10,000 r/min. With a weight saving of 29.7%, the hollow shaft is experimentally found to have almost no influence on the volumetric efficiency, but to reduce the mechanical efficiency by 0.6–2.4%. The results agree with the trivial differences of the simulated central gap heights of the interface between the two shafts and the enlargement of the simulated tilt angles by the hollow shaft. The findings could guide designs of the cylinder/valve plate interface and the splined shaft to improve both the efficiency and power density of an EHA pump.