AIM:To establish a predictive algorithm which may serve for selecting optimal candidates for interferon-α(IFN-α) treatment.METHODS:A total of 474 IFN-α treated hepatitis B virus e antigen(HBeAg)-positive patients w...AIM:To establish a predictive algorithm which may serve for selecting optimal candidates for interferon-α(IFN-α) treatment.METHODS:A total of 474 IFN-α treated hepatitis B virus e antigen(HBeAg)-positive patients were enrolled in the present study.The patients' baseline characteristics,such as age,gender,blood tests,activity grading(G) of intrahepatic inflammation,score(S) of liver fibrosis,hepatitis B virus(HBV) DNA and genotype were evaluated;therapy duration and response of each patient at the 24th wk after cessation of IFN-α treatment were also recorded.A predictive algorithm and scoring system for a sustained combined response(CR) to IFN-α therapy were established.About 10% of the patients were randomly drawn as the test set.Responses to IFN-α therapy were divided into CR,partial response(PR) and non-response(NR).The mixed set of PR and NR was recorded as PR+NR.RESULTS:Stratified by therapy duration,the most significant baseline predictive factors were alanine aminotransferase(ALT),HBV DNA level,aspartate aminotransferase(AST),HBV genotype,S,G,age and gender.According to the established model,the accuracies for sustained CR and PR+NR,respectively,were 86.4% and 93.0% for the training set,81.5% and 91.0% for the test set.For the scoring system,the sensitivity and specificity were 78.8% and 80.6%,respectively.There were positive correlations between ALT and AST,and G and S,respectively.CONCLUSION:With these models,practitioners may be able to propose individualized decisions that have an integrated foundation on both evidence-based medicine and personal characteristics.展开更多
AIM: To develop a mathematical model for the early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with a panel of serum proteins in combination with α-fetoprotein (AFP).METHODS: Serum levels of interleukin (I...AIM: To develop a mathematical model for the early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with a panel of serum proteins in combination with α-fetoprotein (AFP).METHODS: Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-8, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor II (sTNF-RII), proteasome, and β-catenin were measured in 479 subjects categorized into four groups: (1) HCC concurrent with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (n = 192); (2) HCV related liver cirrhosis (LC) (n = 96); (3) Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) (n = 96); and (4) Healthy controls (n = 95). The R package and different modules for binary and multi-class classifiers based on generalized linear models were used to model the data. Predictive power was used to evaluate the performance of the model. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis over pairs of groups was used to identify the best cutoffs differentiating the different groups.RESULTS: We revealed mathematical models, based on a binary classifier, made up of a unique panel of serum proteins that improved the individual performance of AFP in discriminating HCC patients from patients with chronic liver disease either with or without cirrhosis. We discriminated the HCC group from the cirrhotic liver group using a mathematical model (-11.3 + 7.38 × Prot + 0.00108 × sICAM + 0.2574 × β-catenin + 0.01597 × AFP) with a cutoff of 0.6552, which achieved 98.8% specificity and 89.1% sensitivity. For the discrimination of the HCC group from the CHC group, we used a mathematical model [-10.40 + 1.416 × proteasome + 0.002024 × IL + 0.004096 × sICAM-1 + (4.251 × 10<sup>-4</sup>) × sTNF + 0.02567 × β-catenin + 0.02442 × AFP] with a cutoff 0.744 and achieved 96.8% specificity and 89.7% sensitivity. Additionally, we derived an algorithm, based on a binary classifier, for resolving the multi-class classification problem by using three successive mathematical model predictions of liver disease status.CONCLUSION: Our proposed mathematical model may be a useful method for the early detection of different statuses of liver disease co-occurring with HCV infection.展开更多
In the present paper, a numerical modeling was developed to simulate the growth kinetics of ferrite transformed from austenite in Fe-C-∑X (X denotes substitution elements, such as Mn, Ni, Cr etc.) steels by solving...In the present paper, a numerical modeling was developed to simulate the growth kinetics of ferrite transformed from austenite in Fe-C-∑X (X denotes substitution elements, such as Mn, Ni, Cr etc.) steels by solving the diffusion equation using finite difference method (FDM). Coupled with the kinetic modeling, thermodynamic calculations were carried out to determine the γ/α phase equilibrium conditions using a para-equilibrium (PE) model. The dissipation of free energy for γ→α phase transformation due to the so-called solute drag effect (SDE) was taken into account in the thermodynamic modeling. With this modeling, simulations on the growth kinetics of ferrite in the steels containing austenite-stabilizing and ferrite-stabilizing elements (such as Ni, Mn and Si, Cr, respectively) were performed, which indicates that it deviates from the parabolic growth rate law after the initial stage of transformation. The results were compared with the experimental values given by Bradley and Aaronson, showing that this model has a reasonably good accuracy to predict the growth kinetics of ferrite.展开更多
OBJECTIVE(1) To estimate the value of the subacute MPTP mouse model in aspects of behavioral performance,biochemical changes and pathological abnormalities.(2) To find effective positive drugs.METHODS Male C57 BL/6 mi...OBJECTIVE(1) To estimate the value of the subacute MPTP mouse model in aspects of behavioral performance,biochemical changes and pathological abnormalities.(2) To find effective positive drugs.METHODS Male C57 BL/6 mice were injected with MPTP(30 mg·kg^(-1)·d^(-1),ip) for 5 consecutive days.Three days before MPTP injection,the mice were orally administered selegiline(3 mg·kg^(-1)·d^(-1)),pramipexole(3 mg·kg^(-1)·d^(-1)),or medopar(100 mg·kg^(-1)·d^(-1)) for 18 d.Behavioral performance was assessed in the open field test,pole test and rotarod test.Neurotransmitters in the striatum were detected using HPLC.Protein levels were measured by Western blot.Pathological characteristics were examined by immunohistochemistry.Ultrastructure changes were observed by electron microscopy.RESULTS The subacute MPTP treatment did not induce evident motor defects despite severe injuries in the dopaminergic system.Additionally,MPTP significantly increased the α-synuclein levels and the number of astrocytes in the striatum,and destroyed the blood-brain barrier(BBB) in the substantianigra pars compacta.Both selegiline and pramipexole were able to protect the mice against MPTP injuries.CONCLUSION The subacute MPTP mouse model does not show visible motor defects;it is not enough to evaluate the validity of a candidate just based on behavioral examination,much attention should also be paid to the alterations in neurotransmitters,astrocytes,α-synuclein and the BBB.In addition,selegiline or pramipexole is a better choice than medopar as an effective positive control for the subacute MPTP model.展开更多
Intergranular stress corrosion cracking (ISCC) of α-brass in neutral Mattsson's solution was found to be controlled by an unusual 'W'-shaped galvanic cell whose cathode is the grain boundary oxide film (G...Intergranular stress corrosion cracking (ISCC) of α-brass in neutral Mattsson's solution was found to be controlled by an unusual 'W'-shaped galvanic cell whose cathode is the grain boundary oxide film (G.B.0. film) and surface film and the anode is fresh metal at the cracked tip on both sides of the G.B.0. film. Redox reactions involved in the cell have been proposed here. According to this mdel, initidtion of ISCC is caused by the rupturing of surface film along grain boundaries, thus forming a galvanic cell. Propagation of ISCC resulted from alternate advances of G.B.0. film and dissolution on both sides of G.B.0. film caused by the effect of electrochemical reaction. This work developed an effective approach to investigate the embrittlement process at the tip of the crack, by increasing the length of the embrittlement region through constant strain test and distinguishing the morphology and the nature of the corrosion products by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEH).展开更多
To establish a stable and reliable model of refractory hypoxemia acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and examine its pathological mechanisms, a total of 144 healthy male Wistar rats were randomized into 4 gro...To establish a stable and reliable model of refractory hypoxemia acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and examine its pathological mechanisms, a total of 144 healthy male Wistar rats were randomized into 4 groups: group Ⅰ (saline control group), group Ⅱ (LPS intravenous "single-hit" group), group Ⅲ (LPS intratracheal "single-hit" group) and Group IV (LPS "two-hit" group). Rats were intravenously injected or intratracheally instilled with a large dose of LPS (10 mg/kg in 0.5 mL) to simulate a single attack of ARDS, or intraperitoneally injected with a small dose of LPS (1 mg/kg) followed by tracheal instillation with median dose of LPS (5 mg/kg) to establish a "two-hit" model. Rats in each group were monitored by arterial blood gas analysis and visual inspection for three consecutive days. Arterial blood gas values, lung wet/dry weight ratio and pathological pulmonary changes were analyzed to determine the effects of each ALI/ARDS model. Concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-10 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and blood plasma were meastired by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Our resulsts showed that single LPS-stimulation, whether through intravenous injection or tracheal instillation, could only induce ALl and temporary hypoxemia in rats. A two-hit LPS stimulation induces prolonged hypoxemia and specific pulmonary injury in rats, and is therefore a more ideal approximation of ARDS in the animal model. The pathogenesis of LPS two-hit-induced ARDS is associated with an uncontrolled systemic inflammatory response and inflammatory injury. It is concluded that the rat ARDS model produced by our LPS two-hit method is more stable and reliable than previous models, and closer to the diagnostic criteria of ARDS, and better mimics the pathological process of ARDS.展开更多
The Fine Structure Constant (eFSC) Model attempts to give a classical definition to a magical number that underlies much of quantum physics. The Fine Structure Constant (α) value equal to 137.03599206 represents a di...The Fine Structure Constant (eFSC) Model attempts to give a classical definition to a magical number that underlies much of quantum physics. The Fine Structure Constant (α) value equal to 137.03599206 represents a dimensionless constant that characterizes the strength of the electromagnetic (EM) interaction between subatomic charged particles. Python-generated property counts for the twin prime force F{139/137} show that the adjusted ratio gives a value of α = 137.036. This implies a mathematical framework underlying this constant is based on twin prime numbers and set theory. This study attempts to demonstrate a proof of concept that a hierarchy of fractional twin prime (αII) forces replicates the quantum nature of the universe and is aligned with the Standard Model of Particle Physics. An expanded eFSC Model demonstrates that twin prime forces and their property sets are mathematically viable substitutes for nuclear reactions, as demonstrated for the Beta-minus decay of neutrons into protons. Most significantly, the positive and negative prime numbers define these nuclear reactants and products as positive or negatively charged ions. Furthermore, the eFSC Model provides new insights regarding the hierarchy of EM forces underlying the quantum nature of the universe.展开更多
文摘AIM:To establish a predictive algorithm which may serve for selecting optimal candidates for interferon-α(IFN-α) treatment.METHODS:A total of 474 IFN-α treated hepatitis B virus e antigen(HBeAg)-positive patients were enrolled in the present study.The patients' baseline characteristics,such as age,gender,blood tests,activity grading(G) of intrahepatic inflammation,score(S) of liver fibrosis,hepatitis B virus(HBV) DNA and genotype were evaluated;therapy duration and response of each patient at the 24th wk after cessation of IFN-α treatment were also recorded.A predictive algorithm and scoring system for a sustained combined response(CR) to IFN-α therapy were established.About 10% of the patients were randomly drawn as the test set.Responses to IFN-α therapy were divided into CR,partial response(PR) and non-response(NR).The mixed set of PR and NR was recorded as PR+NR.RESULTS:Stratified by therapy duration,the most significant baseline predictive factors were alanine aminotransferase(ALT),HBV DNA level,aspartate aminotransferase(AST),HBV genotype,S,G,age and gender.According to the established model,the accuracies for sustained CR and PR+NR,respectively,were 86.4% and 93.0% for the training set,81.5% and 91.0% for the test set.For the scoring system,the sensitivity and specificity were 78.8% and 80.6%,respectively.There were positive correlations between ALT and AST,and G and S,respectively.CONCLUSION:With these models,practitioners may be able to propose individualized decisions that have an integrated foundation on both evidence-based medicine and personal characteristics.
基金Supported by National Cancer InstituteCairo University,Cairo,Egypt
文摘AIM: To develop a mathematical model for the early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with a panel of serum proteins in combination with α-fetoprotein (AFP).METHODS: Serum levels of interleukin (IL)-8, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor II (sTNF-RII), proteasome, and β-catenin were measured in 479 subjects categorized into four groups: (1) HCC concurrent with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (n = 192); (2) HCV related liver cirrhosis (LC) (n = 96); (3) Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) (n = 96); and (4) Healthy controls (n = 95). The R package and different modules for binary and multi-class classifiers based on generalized linear models were used to model the data. Predictive power was used to evaluate the performance of the model. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis over pairs of groups was used to identify the best cutoffs differentiating the different groups.RESULTS: We revealed mathematical models, based on a binary classifier, made up of a unique panel of serum proteins that improved the individual performance of AFP in discriminating HCC patients from patients with chronic liver disease either with or without cirrhosis. We discriminated the HCC group from the cirrhotic liver group using a mathematical model (-11.3 + 7.38 × Prot + 0.00108 × sICAM + 0.2574 × β-catenin + 0.01597 × AFP) with a cutoff of 0.6552, which achieved 98.8% specificity and 89.1% sensitivity. For the discrimination of the HCC group from the CHC group, we used a mathematical model [-10.40 + 1.416 × proteasome + 0.002024 × IL + 0.004096 × sICAM-1 + (4.251 × 10<sup>-4</sup>) × sTNF + 0.02567 × β-catenin + 0.02442 × AFP] with a cutoff 0.744 and achieved 96.8% specificity and 89.7% sensitivity. Additionally, we derived an algorithm, based on a binary classifier, for resolving the multi-class classification problem by using three successive mathematical model predictions of liver disease status.CONCLUSION: Our proposed mathematical model may be a useful method for the early detection of different statuses of liver disease co-occurring with HCV infection.
基金supported by the National Natural Sci-ence Foundation of China(50474086)the program for New Century Talents in University(NECT)the Ministry of Education,China.
文摘In the present paper, a numerical modeling was developed to simulate the growth kinetics of ferrite transformed from austenite in Fe-C-∑X (X denotes substitution elements, such as Mn, Ni, Cr etc.) steels by solving the diffusion equation using finite difference method (FDM). Coupled with the kinetic modeling, thermodynamic calculations were carried out to determine the γ/α phase equilibrium conditions using a para-equilibrium (PE) model. The dissipation of free energy for γ→α phase transformation due to the so-called solute drag effect (SDE) was taken into account in the thermodynamic modeling. With this modeling, simulations on the growth kinetics of ferrite in the steels containing austenite-stabilizing and ferrite-stabilizing elements (such as Ni, Mn and Si, Cr, respectively) were performed, which indicates that it deviates from the parabolic growth rate law after the initial stage of transformation. The results were compared with the experimental values given by Bradley and Aaronson, showing that this model has a reasonably good accuracy to predict the growth kinetics of ferrite.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(81373997,U1402221,81573640 and 81603316)Beijing Natural Science Foundation(7161011)+3 种基金Beijing Key Laboratory of New Drug Mechanisms and Pharmacological Evaluation Study(BZ0150)CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences(CIFMS)(2016-I2M-1-004)Key Research and Development Project of Hunan Province(2015SK2029-1)Scientific Research Foundation of the Higher Education Institutions of Hunan Province(15K091)
文摘OBJECTIVE(1) To estimate the value of the subacute MPTP mouse model in aspects of behavioral performance,biochemical changes and pathological abnormalities.(2) To find effective positive drugs.METHODS Male C57 BL/6 mice were injected with MPTP(30 mg·kg^(-1)·d^(-1),ip) for 5 consecutive days.Three days before MPTP injection,the mice were orally administered selegiline(3 mg·kg^(-1)·d^(-1)),pramipexole(3 mg·kg^(-1)·d^(-1)),or medopar(100 mg·kg^(-1)·d^(-1)) for 18 d.Behavioral performance was assessed in the open field test,pole test and rotarod test.Neurotransmitters in the striatum were detected using HPLC.Protein levels were measured by Western blot.Pathological characteristics were examined by immunohistochemistry.Ultrastructure changes were observed by electron microscopy.RESULTS The subacute MPTP treatment did not induce evident motor defects despite severe injuries in the dopaminergic system.Additionally,MPTP significantly increased the α-synuclein levels and the number of astrocytes in the striatum,and destroyed the blood-brain barrier(BBB) in the substantianigra pars compacta.Both selegiline and pramipexole were able to protect the mice against MPTP injuries.CONCLUSION The subacute MPTP mouse model does not show visible motor defects;it is not enough to evaluate the validity of a candidate just based on behavioral examination,much attention should also be paid to the alterations in neurotransmitters,astrocytes,α-synuclein and the BBB.In addition,selegiline or pramipexole is a better choice than medopar as an effective positive control for the subacute MPTP model.
文摘Intergranular stress corrosion cracking (ISCC) of α-brass in neutral Mattsson's solution was found to be controlled by an unusual 'W'-shaped galvanic cell whose cathode is the grain boundary oxide film (G.B.0. film) and surface film and the anode is fresh metal at the cracked tip on both sides of the G.B.0. film. Redox reactions involved in the cell have been proposed here. According to this mdel, initidtion of ISCC is caused by the rupturing of surface film along grain boundaries, thus forming a galvanic cell. Propagation of ISCC resulted from alternate advances of G.B.0. film and dissolution on both sides of G.B.0. film caused by the effect of electrochemical reaction. This work developed an effective approach to investigate the embrittlement process at the tip of the crack, by increasing the length of the embrittlement region through constant strain test and distinguishing the morphology and the nature of the corrosion products by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEH).
基金supported by a grant from the Shanghai Education Committee(No.2005-81)
文摘To establish a stable and reliable model of refractory hypoxemia acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and examine its pathological mechanisms, a total of 144 healthy male Wistar rats were randomized into 4 groups: group Ⅰ (saline control group), group Ⅱ (LPS intravenous "single-hit" group), group Ⅲ (LPS intratracheal "single-hit" group) and Group IV (LPS "two-hit" group). Rats were intravenously injected or intratracheally instilled with a large dose of LPS (10 mg/kg in 0.5 mL) to simulate a single attack of ARDS, or intraperitoneally injected with a small dose of LPS (1 mg/kg) followed by tracheal instillation with median dose of LPS (5 mg/kg) to establish a "two-hit" model. Rats in each group were monitored by arterial blood gas analysis and visual inspection for three consecutive days. Arterial blood gas values, lung wet/dry weight ratio and pathological pulmonary changes were analyzed to determine the effects of each ALI/ARDS model. Concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-10 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and blood plasma were meastired by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Our resulsts showed that single LPS-stimulation, whether through intravenous injection or tracheal instillation, could only induce ALl and temporary hypoxemia in rats. A two-hit LPS stimulation induces prolonged hypoxemia and specific pulmonary injury in rats, and is therefore a more ideal approximation of ARDS in the animal model. The pathogenesis of LPS two-hit-induced ARDS is associated with an uncontrolled systemic inflammatory response and inflammatory injury. It is concluded that the rat ARDS model produced by our LPS two-hit method is more stable and reliable than previous models, and closer to the diagnostic criteria of ARDS, and better mimics the pathological process of ARDS.
文摘The Fine Structure Constant (eFSC) Model attempts to give a classical definition to a magical number that underlies much of quantum physics. The Fine Structure Constant (α) value equal to 137.03599206 represents a dimensionless constant that characterizes the strength of the electromagnetic (EM) interaction between subatomic charged particles. Python-generated property counts for the twin prime force F{139/137} show that the adjusted ratio gives a value of α = 137.036. This implies a mathematical framework underlying this constant is based on twin prime numbers and set theory. This study attempts to demonstrate a proof of concept that a hierarchy of fractional twin prime (αII) forces replicates the quantum nature of the universe and is aligned with the Standard Model of Particle Physics. An expanded eFSC Model demonstrates that twin prime forces and their property sets are mathematically viable substitutes for nuclear reactions, as demonstrated for the Beta-minus decay of neutrons into protons. Most significantly, the positive and negative prime numbers define these nuclear reactants and products as positive or negatively charged ions. Furthermore, the eFSC Model provides new insights regarding the hierarchy of EM forces underlying the quantum nature of the universe.