High-grade pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia diagnosed based on changes in magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography findings:A case report

BACKGROUND High-grade pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia(PanIN)exhibits no mass and is not detected by any examination modalities.However,it can be diagnosed by pancreatic juice cytology from indirect findings.Most previous cases were diagnosed based on findings of a focal stricture of the main pancreatic duct(MPD)and caudal MPD dilatation and subsequent pancreatic juice cytology using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP).We experienced a case of high-grade PanIN with an unclear MPD over a 20-mm range,but without caudal MPD dilatation on magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography(MRCP).CASE SUMMARY A 60-year-old female patient underwent computed tomography for a follow-up of uterine cancer post-excision,which revealed pancreatic cysts.MRCP revealed an unclear MPD of the pancreatic body at a 20-mm length without caudal MPD dilatation.Thus,course observation was performed.After 24 mo,MRCP revealed an increased caudal MPD caliber and a larger pancreatic cyst.We performed ERCP and detected atypical cells suspected of adenocarcinoma by serial pancreatic juice aspiration cytology examination.We performed a distal pancreatectomy and obtained a histopathological diagnosis of high-grade PanIN.Pancreatic parenchyma invasion was not observed,and curative resection was achieved.CONCLUSION High-grade Pan-IN may cause MPD narrowing in a long range without caudal MPD dilatation.

Bulk geochemistry,Rb-Sr,Sm-Nd,and stable O-H isotope systematics of the Metzimevin high-grade iron ore deposit,Mbalam iron ore district,southern Cameroon

Bulk geochemistry,Sr,Nd,and O-H isotope systematics are reported for the first time on banded iron formation(BIF)-hosted high-grade iron ore at the northwestern segment of Congo Craton(CC).Located in Mbalam iron ore district,Southern Cameroon,Metzimevin iron ore deposit is a hematite-magnetite BIF system,dominated by SiO_(2)+Fe_(2)O_(3)(97.1 to 99.84 wt%),with low concentrations of clastic elements e.g.,Al_(2)O_(3),TiO_(2),and HFSE,depicting a nearly pure chemical precipitate.The REE+Y signature of the iron deposit displays strong positive Eu anomaly,strong negative Ce anomaly,and chondritic to superchondritic Y/Ho ratios,suggestive of formation by mixed seawater-high temperature hydrothermal fluids in oxidising environment.The^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr ratios of the BIF are higher than the maximum^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr evolution curves for all Archean reservoirs(bulk silicate earth,Archean crust and Archean seawater),indicating involvement of continentally-derived components during BIF formation and alteration.TheƐ_(Nd)(t)(+2.26 to+3.77)and Nd model age indicate that chemical constituents for the BIF were derived from undifferentiated crustal source,between 3.002 and 2.88 Ga.The variable and diverse O and H isotope data(−1.9‰to 17.3‰and−57‰to 136‰respectively)indicate that the Metzimevin iron ore formed initially from magmatic plumes and later enriched by magmatic-metamorphic-modified meteoric fluids.Mass balance calculations indicate mineralisation by combined leaching and precipitation,with an average iron enrichment factor of>2.67 and SiO_(2)depletion factor of>0.99.This is associated with an overall volume reduction of 28.27%,reflecting net leaching and volume collapse of the BIF protholith.

Management of retroperitoneal high-grade serous carcinoma of unknown origin:A case report

BACKGROUND Retroperitoneal high-grade serous carcinoma(HGSC)of unknown origin is a sporadic tumor that can originate from ovarian cancer.Herein,we report the case of a woman with retroperitoneal HGSC of unknown origin and describe how she was diagnosed and treated.CASE SUMMARY A 71-year-old female presented with the tumor marker CA125 elevated to 1041.9 U/mL upon a regular health examination.Computed tomography revealed retroperitoneal lymph node enlargement.Subsequently,positron emission tomography scanning revealed lesions with increased F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose uptake at the nodes.As a result,she underwent laparoscopic lymph node resection,and pathology revealed metastatic adenocarcinoma with CK7(+),PAX8(+),WT1(+),PR(-),and p53 mutational loss of expression,indicating that the origin may be from the adnexa.The patient was admitted to our ward and underwent laparoscopic staging;however,the pathological results were negative.Under the suspicion of retroperitoneal HGSC of unknown origin,chemotherapy and targeted therapy were initiated.Tumor marker levels decreased after treatment.CONCLUSION We present a case of HGSC of unknown origin managed using retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy,staging surgery,chemotherapy,and targeted therapy.

High-grade serous carcinoma of the fallopian tube in a young woman with chromosomal 4q abnormality:A case report

BACKGROUND Few studies have reported an association between an increased risk of acquiring cancers and survival in patients with 4q deletion syndrome.This study presents a rare association between chromosome 4q abnormalities and fallopian tube highgrade serous carcinoma(HGSC)in a young woman.CASE SUMMARY A 35-year-old woman presented with acute dull abdominal pain and a known chromosomal abnormality involving 4q13.3 duplication and 4q23q24 deletion.Upon arrival at the emergency room,her abdomen appeared ovoid and distended with palpable shifting dullness.Ascites were identified through abdominal ultrasound,and computed tomography revealed an omentum cake and an enlarged bilateral adnexa.Blood tests showed elevated CA-125 levels.Paracentesis was conducted,and immunohistochemistry indicated that the cancer cells favored an ovarian origin,making us suspect ovarian cancer.The patient underwent debulking surgery,which led to a diagnosis of stage IIIC HGSC of the fallopian tube.Subsequently,the patient received adjuvant chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel,resulting in stable current condition.CONCLUSION This study demonstrates a rare correlation between a chromosome 4q abnormality and HGSC.UBE2D3 may affect crucial cancer-related pathways,including P53,BRCA,cyclin D,and tyrosine kinase receptors,thereby possibly contributing to cancer development.In addition,ADH1 and DDIT4 may be potential influencers of both carcinogenic and therapeutic responses.

Analysis on the Impact of Cattle Fattening Technology on Farmer Households in Atabae Timor-Leste

Agriculture is one of the priority sectors in Timor-Leste. Introducing new agriculture technology is crucial to enhance agricultural production. Practicing cattle fattening can increase beef cattle body weight and generate income to the beef cattle farmers. As farmers face problems including agricultural production decline, lack of forages and information and weather unfavourable. The study’s purpose was to examine the impact of adoption of cattle fattening technology on farmer households in Atabae administrative post, Bobonaro municipality in Timor-Leste. There were 200 beef cattle farmers households where randomly selected in four villages in Atabae. It consisted of 65 farmers practicing cattle fattening and 135 farmers non-practicing cattle fattening. Face to face interviews used structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis such as t-test and descriptive analysis were used to examine impact adoption of cattle fattening technology by farmers and factor constraints of cattle production and the solutions of it. The results indicated the average value of cattle and profit were significant different from zero and it is associated with practicing of cattle fattening. The average of labour used on cattle activities, the average of cattle sold, and total cost spent on cattle were not significant different from zero. The percentage of farmers said that factors constraints cattle production were shortage of water and forage (53%) and spend time on culture ceremony and lack of capital (33%). The number of farmers said that they collected water from river, feed cattle with sago and forage (55.3%) and cultivated forage (23.4%). This finding contributes information to the farmers, traders, and Timorese government to continue implementing cattle fattening activities as it enhances farmers’ income and developing cattle production.

Transformation of marginal zone lymphoma into high-grade B-cell lymphoma expressing terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase:A case report

BACKGROUND High-grade B-cell lymphoma(HGBL)is an unusual malignancy that includes myelocytomatosis viral oncogene(MYC),B-cell lymphoma-2(BCL-2),and/or BCL-6 rearrangements,termed double-hit or triple-hit lymphomas,and HGBL-not otherwise specific(HGBL-NOS),which are morphologically characteristic of HGBL but lack MYC,BCL-2,or BCL-6 rearrangements.HGBL is partially transformed by follicular lymphoma and other indolent lymphoma,with few cases of marginal zone lymphoma(MZL)transformation.HGBL often has a poor prognosis and intensive therapy is currently mainly advocated,but there is no good treatment for these patients who cannot tolerate chemotherapy.CASE SUMMARY We reported a case of MZL transformed into HGBL-NOS with TP53 mutation and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase expression.Gene analysis revealed the gene expression profile was identical in the pre-and post-transformed tissues,suggesting that the two diseases are homologous,not secondary tumors.The chemotherapy was ineffective and the side effect was severe,so we tried combination therapy including venetoclax and obinutuzumab.The patient tolerated treatment well,and reached partial response.The patient had recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma and died of multifunctional organ failure.He survived for 12 months after diagnosis.CONCLUSION Venetoclax combined with obinutuzumab might improve the survival in some HGBL patients,who are unsuitable for chemotherapy.

Comparison of biological behavior of lacrimal gland adenoid cystic carcinoma with high-grade transformation cells

AIM:To evaluate the differences between human lacrimal gland adenoid cystic carcinoma with high-grade transformation(LACC-HGT)primar y cells cultured by high-grade transformation tissue and non-high-grade transformation(non-HGT)primary cells cultured by non-highgrade transformation tissue in proliferation,metastasis,drug susceptibility,and genes.METHODS:LACC-HGT primary cells were established by tissue block culture,and the 4^(th)to 10^(th)generation primary cells were selected as research objects.The cells were preliminarily identified by immunofluorescent staining.The differences between non-HGT and LACC-HGT primary cells in terms of proliferation,metastasis,and drug susceptibility were compared by cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)assay,wound healing,and drug sensitivity experiments.Differentially expressed genes were screened using mRNA array.Gene expression was analyzed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR).RESULTS:LACC-HGT primary cells were successfully cultured by tissue block culture.Immunofluorescence staining results showed that cytokeratin(CK)and CK7 expression levels were positive in LACC-HGT primary cells.CCK-8 results showed that the proliferation ability of LACCHGT cells was significantly higher than that of non-HGT cells.Wound healing experiment showed that the migration ability of LACC-HGT cells was significantly higher than that of non-HGT cells.LACC-HGT cells were also less sensitive to cisplatin and paclitaxel than non-HGT cells.Compared with non-HGT cells,9566 differentially expressed genes were found in LACC-HGT primary cells,of which 5162 were upregulated and 4404 were down-regulated.The expression of N-acetylneuraminate pyruvate lyase(NPL),MARVEL domain containing 3(MARVELD3),syntabulin(SYBU),and allograft inflammatory factor 1(AIF1)was higher in LACCHGT cells than in non-HGT cells,whereas that of periostin(POSTN)was lower.CONCLUSION:LACC-HGT primary cells have faster proliferation,stronger migration ability,and poorer sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs than non-HGT primary cells.The expression of mRNAs in non-HGT and LACC-HGT primary cells are significantly different.These features are speculated to be the reasons why high-grade transformation tissues exhibit higher malignant degree and poorer prognosis than their counterparts.

Application of convolutional neural network-based endoscopic imaging in esophageal cancer or high-grade dysplasia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Esophageal cancer is the seventh-most common cancer type worldwide,accounting for 5%of death from malignancy.Development of novel diagnostic techniques has facilitated screening,early detection,and improved prognosis.Convolutional neural network(CNN)-based image analysis promises great potential for diagnosing and determining the prognosis of esophageal cancer,enabling even early detection of dysplasia.METHODS PubMed,EMBASE,Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases were searched for articles published up to November 30,2022.We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of using the CNN model with still image-based analysis and with video-based analysis for esophageal cancer or HGD,as well as for the invasion depth of esophageal cancer.The pooled sensitivity,pooled specificity,positive likelihood ratio(PLR),negative likelihood ratio(NLR),diagnostic odds ratio(DOR)and area under the curve(AUC)were estimated,together with the 95%confidence intervals(CI).A bivariate method and hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic method were used to calculate the diagnostic test accuracy of the CNN model.Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were used to identify sources of hetero-geneity.RESULTS A total of 28 studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis.Using still image-based analysis for the diagnosis of esophageal cancer or HGD provided a pooled sensitivity of 0.95(95%CI:0.92-0.97),pooled specificity of 0.92(0.89-0.94),PLR of 11.5(8.3-16.0),NLR of 0.06(0.04-0.09),DOR of 205(115-365),and AUC of 0.98(0.96-0.99).When video-based analysis was used,a pooled sensitivity of 0.85(0.77-0.91),pooled specificity of 0.73(0.59-0.83),PLR of 3.1(1.9-5.0),NLR of 0.20(0.12-0.34),DOR of 15(6-38)and AUC of 0.87(0.84-0.90)were found.Prediction of invasion depth resulted in a pooled sensitivity of 0.90(0.87-0.92),pooled specificity of 0.83(95%CI:0.76-0.88),PLR of 7.8(1.9-32.0),NLR of 0.10(0.41-0.25),DOR of 118(11-1305),and AUC of 0.95(0.92-0.96).CONCLUSION CNN-based image analysis in diagnosing esophageal cancer and HGD is an excellent diagnostic method with high sensitivity and specificity that merits further investigation in large,multicenter clinical trials.

Effects of Different Protein Energy Ratios on Fattening Performance,Slaughter Performance and Meat Quality of Pigs

[Objectives]Protein energy ratio refers to the proportional relationship between protein and energy levels in animal diets,i.e.,the grams of crude protein corresponding to every megacalorie of energy,which is generally expressed as CP:ME or CP:DE.This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different diets on fattening and slaughter performance and meat quality traits for"L(Large Yorkshire)×L(Landrace)"crossbred pigs.[Methods]Eighteen piglets of L×L crossbred with similar body weights about 51 kg were selected.The piglets were divided into 3 groups randomly and each group was assigned to 3 replicates with 2 piglets in a replicate.Group A was fed diet Ⅰ (control diet),group B was fed the same diet of group A in the first month of the trial but fed diet Ⅱ in second month,and group C consumed diet Ⅲ.All the pigs were fed in the same feeding condition for two months except the different diets during the trial.One pig in similar body weight from each replicate was slaughtered for the determination of slaughter performance and meat quality traits in the end of the trial.[Results]The average daily feed intake(ADFI)of pigs from group B was only(2.32±0.52)kg and significantly lower than those from group A and group C(P<0.05),but no difference was found in average daily gain(ADG) and feed/gain(P>0.05).Also,no differences occurred in the carcass length,back fat thickness,longissimus muscle (LM) area and dressing percentage(P>0.05).In addition,no differences were found in the meat quality traits of shear force,meat color,pH_(45 min),pH_(24 h) and cooking loss(P>0.05).However,the water-holding capacity of meat from group C was(2.58±0.02)ms and significantly lower than that of(2.80±0.20)ms from group A(P<0.05).Although the contents of glutamic acid and cystine in LM from group B was significantly lower than those from group A and group C(P<0.05),no differences occurred in the contents of other amino acids,the total amino acid and total flavor amino acid among the three groups(P>0.05).However,the inosine monophosphate content of LM from group C was only(331.80±11.53)mg/100 g and significantly lower than those of(361.00±6.36)and(366.37±4.80)mg/100 g from group A and B(P<0.05).Even though no differences were found in the contents of DM and CP in LM among the three groups of pigs,the content of intramuscular fat(IMF)in LM from group B and group C was increased by 45.6%and 46.58%respectively from that of group A(P<0.05),but no difference occurred between group B and C(P>0.05).[Conclusions]DietsⅡ and Ⅲ in this study caused no differences in fattening and slaughter performance of L×L crossbred pigs,but the effects on some meat traits were still significant,especially on the improvement of intramuscular fat in experimental pigs.Therefore,they could improve the meat quality of crossbred pigs to a certain extent.

A Case Report: High-Grade Urothelial Carcinoma in the Renal Pelvis with Complete Kidney and Ureter Duplication Featuring Heterologous Differentiation

This report describes a considerably rare case of high-grade urothelial carcinoma of the renal pelvis and ureter,presenting with heterologous differentiation,in a patient with bilateral duplicated kidneys.A 73-year-old male experienced intermittent gross hematuria for 5 months,accompanied by lower back and abdominal pain.Ultrasound and computed tomography scans revealed bilateral renal and ureteral duplication with multiple tumors in the left renal pelvis.A total nephroterectomy and bladder cuff resection were performed on the left two nephrons.Multiple space-occupying lesions were identified in the left renal pelvis and ureter.Histopathological examination showed poorly differentiated and diverse tumor cells,manifesting as sarcomatoid carcinoma,papillary adenocarcinoma,and infiltrating high-grade urothelial carcinoma.The tumor infiltrated the subcutaneous fibrous connective tissue of the renal pelvis and the full thickness of the ureter.Given the rarity of recurrent renal urothelial carcinoma with heterogeneous differentiation,comprehensive imaging and pathological assessments are vital to delineate the nature of the lesion and the direction of tissue pathological heterologous differentiation.These evaluations guide early radical surgical interventions,improving survival rates.

Consuming fermented distillers＇ dried grains with solubles (DDGS) feed reveals a shift in the faecal microbiota of growing and fattening pigs using 454 pyrosequencing

The objective of this study was to investigate pig fed by Bacillus coagulans-fermented distillers＇ dried grains with solubles （DDGS） on the faecal microbial composition and diversity using 454 pyrosequencing. Healthy crossbred （Durocx Yorkshirex Landrace） growing and fattening pigs （n=48）, with an average initial body weight of 65 kg, were divided into two groups （24 replicates per group; four pens per group; six pigs per pen）, and given either DDGS feed as the control, or B. coagulans-fermented DDGS feed as the treatment. Faecal samples were collected on day 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28. DNA was extracted, and the V3-V6 region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified. The fermented DDGS feed affected the relative abundance of bacteria populations at the phylum, genus, and species levels. At the genus level, the consumption of fermented DDGS feed led to higher relative abundances of faecal Prevotella, Lactobacillus, Clostridium, Bifidobacterium, Roseburia, and Bacillus, and lower relative abundances of faecal Escherichia, Ruminococcus, Dialister, unclassified Lachnospiraceae, unclassified Ruminococcaceae, and unclassified Enterobacteriaceae than in the control. At the species level, the consumption of fermented DDGS feed led to higher relative abundances of faecal Prevotella sp., Lactobacillus johnsonii, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus mucosae, Lactobacillus reuteri, Clostridium butyricum, Bifidobacterium sp., and Roseburia sp., and lower relative abundances of faecal Prevotella copri, Escherichia coil, Ruminococcus gnavus, Ruminococcus flavefaciens, and Dialister sp. than in the control. Principal coordinates analysis indicated a distinct separation in the faecal microbial communities of pigs that were fed the fermented and unfermented DDGS feed. Fermented DDGS feed significantly increased the average daily gain （ADG） of pigs, and significantly decreased the average daily feed intake （ADFI） of feed and feed/gain （F/G）. Thus, our results demonstrate a beneficial shift in the faecal microbiota of pigs consuming fermented DDGS feed, with potential applications in livestock production.

Missed diagnosis of early gastric cancer or high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia

AIM: To investigate the causes of missed diagnosis of early gastric cancer (EGC) or high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIN) in Chongqing, China. METHODS: The present study summarizes 103 cases of EGC/HGIN detected by esophagogastroduodenos-copy (EGD) and pathological analysis from January 2010 to December 2011. Dimethyl silicone oil was administrated orally 15 min before the EGD procedures. The stomach was cleaned by repeated washing with saline when the gastroscope entered the stomach cavity. Suspected EGC lesions were subject to conventional biopsy sampling and pathological examinations. The correlation between lesion locations, endoscopic morphology of cancerous sites, training level of the examiners, pathological biopsies, and missed diagnosis was analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-three cases were missed among the 103 cases (22.23%) of EGC/HGIN. The rate of missed EGC in the gastroesophageal junction (8/19, 42.1%) was significantly higher than at other sites (15/84, 17.86%) (χ2 = 5.253, P = 0.022). In contrast, the rate of missed EGC in the lower stomach body (2/14, 14.29%) was lower than at other sites (21/89,23.6%), but there were no significant differences (χ2 = 0.289, P = 0.591). The rate of missed EGC in the gastric antrum (5/33, 15.15%) was lower than at other sites (18/70, 25.71%), but there were no significant differences (χ2 = 1.443, P = 0.230). Endoscopists from less prestigious hospitals were more prone to not diagnosing EGC than those from more prestigious hospitals (χ2 = 4.261, P = 0.039). When the number of biopsies was < 4, the rate of missed diagnosis was higher (20/23, 89.96%) than for when there were > 4 biopsies (3/23, 13.04%) (P < 0.001). In addition, there was no significant difference in the rate of missed diagnosis in patients with 1-3 biopsy specimens (χ2 = 0.141, P = 0.932). CONCLUSION: Endoscopists should have a clear understanding of the anatomical characteristics of the esophagus/stomach, and endoscopic identification of early lesions increases with the number of biopsies.

Photodynamic therapy for high-grade dysplasia of bile duct via a choledochoscope

When a distal common bile duct neoplasm is at the stage of carcinoma in situ or high-grade dysplasia,it is difficult for the surgeon to decide whether to perform pancreaticoduodenectomy.Here we describe a patient with a progressive dysplastic lesion in the common bile duct,which developed from moderate-high to highgrade dysplasia in approximately 2 mo.The patient refused major surgery.Therefore,endoscopic-assisted photodynamic therapy was performed.The result at follow-up using a trans-T-tube choledochoscope showed that the lesion was completely necrotic.This report is the first to describe the successful treatment of highgrade dysplasia of the distal bile duct using photodynamic therapy via a choledochoscope.

Research on Competitiveness of the Developmental Pattern of "Enterprise+Cooperative"——A case of Lamb Fattening Cooperatives in Hainan Sub-prefecture of Qinghai Province

The empirical analyses on agricultural industrialization pattern and local animal husbandry in northwestern areas show that the industrialization development of husbandry in northwestern areas faces international and national competitive pressures. The survival ability and competitive ability are the key points of husbandry industrialization. The paper, having a lamb fattening professional cooperatives in Hainan sub-prefecture of Qinghai Province as the example, introduces the general conditions of the establishment and development of cooperatives and points out the advantages and disadvantages of husbandry in Qinghai Province. The paper analyzes the competitive advantages of Hongyuan Lamb Fattening Cooperatives through five forces mode of Michael Port, putting forward countermeasures and upgrading the competitiveness of Hongyuan Lamb Fattening Competitive.

Effect of Pelleted Total Mixed Ration of Different Particle Sizes on Production Performance and Serum Biochemical Index of Fattening Hainan Black Goats

[Objective] The paper to investigate the effects of pelleted total mixed ration of different particle size on production performance and serum biochemical index of fattening Hainan black goats.[Method] Thirty-six fattening Hainan black goats with the same genetic backgrounds and similar initial weight of(19.02±0.22) kg were randomly divided into three treatments. Goats were fed with Juncao+concentrate(control group), pel-leted total mixed ration I(particle size 6 mm, experimental group I) and II(particle size 5 mm, experimental group II), respectively. The trial lasted 45 d.[Result](1) The final weight and daily gain of experimental group II were significantly higher than those of control group( P<0.05), and the daily gain of experimental group II was also higher than that of experimental group I(P<0.05);the feed intake of experimental group II was markedly higher than that of control group(P<0.05), but was significantly lower than that of experimental group I(P<0.05). The feed/gain ratio of experimental group II was significantly lower than those of control group and experimental group I(P<0.05).(2) The feed gain cost of experimental group II was markedly lower than that of control group(P<0.05), but the gross profit was significantly higher than those of control group and experimental group I(P<0.05).(3) Compared with the control group, the serum total protein content of experimental group II increased markedly( P<0.05) while the urea nitrogen level decreased(P>0.05).[Conclusion] The pelleted total mixed ration with the particle size of 5 mm obtained better fattening ef-fect, and obviously improved the serum total protein level.

Laboratory test on the combined cooling effect of L-shaped thermosyphons and thermal insulation on high-grade roadway construction in permafrost regions

With the completion of the Qinghai-Tibetan Railway,economic development of related areas has been greatly accelerated.This,in return,calls for building or upgrading more roadways,especially high-grade roadways.In cold regions,the thawing of permafrost can induce settlement damage of and even failure to railway (or roadway) embankments.Thermosyphons (self-powered refrigera-tion devices that are used to help keep the permafrost cool) have proved effective in mitigating thaw settlement by maintaining the thermal stability of the embankments.However,for high-grade roadway embankments of great width,stabilizing or cooling ef-fects of traditional geotechnological measures may be limited.To enhance the cooling effect of thermosyphons,an L-shaped thermosyphon was designed.A laboratory test was carried out to study the combined cooling effect of the L-shaped thermosyphon and thermal insulation applying to roadbed construction.The angle between the evaporator and condenser sections of the L-shaped thermosyphon is 134 degrees,and the L-shaped thermosyphon was inserted into the soil at an angle of 5 degrees with the road surface.The tested results show that the L-shaped thermosyphon is effective in removing heat from a roadway in winter.When the ambient air temperature is lower than the soil temperature,the thermosyphon is active and extracts the heat in the soil around it.When the ambient air temperature is higher than the soil temperature,the thermosyphon is inactive,and no heat is in-jected into the soil through the L-shaped thermosyphon.Compared to embankments with straight thermosyphons,the inner parts of the embankments with L-shaped thermosyphons were significantly cooled.It is hoped that the present study would be useful to the application of L-shaped thermosyphons in the construction of high-grade roadways in cold regions.

Experiment on the Fattening Effects of Mixed Silage of Wolfberry Branches on Hybrid

[Objectives] This study was conducted to use the feeding value of wolfberry branches and to provide a basis for the rational use of its active ingredients and nutrients and the development of new feed resources. [Methods] Wolfberry branches and whole-plant corn were used to make mixed silage of wolfberry branches, which replaced different proportions of whole-plant corn silage for feeding hybrid mutton sheep, and the feeding effect of the mixed silage of wolfberry branches on hybrid mutton sheep was analyzed, which provides a technical basis for rational utilization of mulberry resources to ruminants. A single factor feeding comparison experiment was carried out. 32 hybrid mutton sheep of 8 months old with conform gender, age, body weight, physiological state and feeding management level were selected and divided into two groups, 16 in each group. [Results] The gross output value of weight gain of the experimental group was 18.06 yuan, which was higher than the CK(12.97 yuan) by 5.09 yuan. [Conclusions] The addition of the mixed silage of wolfberry branches to the diet had a positive effect on the increase of the weight gain of the hybrid mutton sheep and the reduction of the feed conversion ratio compared with the single whole-plant corn silage.

Outcomes of high-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients treated with coiling and ventricular intracranial pressure monitoring

BACKGROUND High-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is a devastating disease with a low favorable outcome.Elevated intracranial pressure is a substantial feature of high-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage that can result to secondary brain injury.Early control of intracranial pressure including decompressive craniectomy and external ventricular drainage had been reported to be associated with improved outcomes.But in recent years,little is known whether external ventricular drainage and intracranial pressure monitoring after coiling could improve outcomes in high-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.AIM To investigate the outcomes of high-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients with coiling and ventricular intracranial pressure monitoring.METHODS A retrospective analysis of a consecutive series of high-grade patients treated between Jan 2016 and Jun 2017 was performed.In our center,followed by continuous intracranial pressure monitoring,the use of ventricular pressure probe for endovascular coiling and invasive intracranial pressure monitoring in the acute phase is considered to be the first choice for the treatment of high-grade patients.We retrospectively analyzed patient characteristics,radiological features,intracranial pressure monitoring parameters,complications,mortality and outcome.RESULTS A total of 36 patients were included,and 32(88.89%)survived.The overall mortality rate was 11.11%.No patient suffered from aneurysm re-rupture.The intracranial pressure in 33 patients(91.67%)was maintained within the normal range by ventricular drainage during the treatment.A favorable outcome was achieved in 18 patients(50%)with 6 mo follow-up.Delayed cerebral ischemia and Glasgow coma scale were considered as significant predictors of outcome(2.066 and-0.296,respectively,P<0.05).CONCLUSION Ventricular intracranial pressure monitoring may effectively maintain the intracranial pressure within the normal range.Despite the small number of cases in the current work,high-grade patients may benefit from a combination therapy of early coiling and subsequent ventricular intracranial pressure monitoring.

Esophageal resection for high-grade dysplasia and intramucosal carcinoma: When and how?

High-grade dysplasia (HGD) and intramucosal carcinoma (IMC) in the setting of Barrett’s esophagus have traditionally been treated with esophagectomy. However, with the advent of endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic ablative therapies, endoscopic therapy at centers with expertise is now an established treatment of Barrett’s-esophagus-related neoplasia, including HGD and IMC. Esophagectomy is today reserved for more selected cases with submucosal invasion, evidence for lymph node metastasis, or unsuccessful endoscopic therapy.

Experimental study of the dynamic behavior of high-grade highway-subgrade soil in a seasonally frozen area

Regarding the freezing damage of high-grade highway subgrade in seasonally frozen area,the thesis explores the effect on the dynamic behavior of subgrade soil under freeze–thaw cycles and draws the change law of parameters(including dynamic strength,dynamic cohesion,and internal friction angle;and dynamic elastic modulus)of high-grade highway-subgrade soil with the number of freeze–thaw cycles.It aims to provide the reference for operation and maintenance of a high-grade highway.Conclusions:(1)Dynamic strength tends to decline evidently after freeze–thaw cycles,with 60%~70%decline after three cycles,and remains stable after five to seven cycles.(2)With the number of freeze–thaw cycles increasing,the internal friction angle fluctuates within a certain range without an obvious change law,only presenting the tendency of dropping off.The dynamic cohesion declines obviously,about 20%~40%after seven freeze–thaw cycles,and then tends to be stable.(3)With the number of freeze-thaw cycles increasing,the dynamic elastic modulus and maximum dynamic elastic modulus are inclined to decrease distinctly.After five freeze–thaw cycles,the former declines 30%~40%and then remains stable.Meanwhile,the latter falls 20%~40%.