Hybrid argon plasma coagulation for the treatment of Barrett’s esophagus:A prospective,multicenter study

BACKGROUND The incidence of Barrett’s esophagus(BE)in China is lower compared to the Western populations.Hence,studies conducted in the Chinese population has been limited.The current treatment options available for BE treatment includes argon plasma coagulation(APC),radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation,all with varying degrees of success.AIM To determine the efficacy and safety of HybridAPC in the treatment of BE.METHODS The study cohort consisted of patients with BE who underwent HybridAPC ablation treatment.These procedures were performed by seven endoscopists from different tertiary hospitals.The duration of the procedure,curative rate,complications and recurrent rate by 1-year follow-up were recorded.RESULTS Eighty individuals were enrolled for treatment from July 2017 to June 2020,comprising of 39 males and 41 females with a median age of 54 years(range,30 to 83 years).The technical success rate of HybridAPC was 100%and the overall curative rate was 98.15%.No severe complications occurred during the operation.BE cases were classified as short-segment BE and long-segment BE.Patients with short-segment BE were all considered cured without complications.Thirty-six patients completed the one-year follow-up without recurrence.Twenty-four percent had mild dysplasia which were all resolved with one post-procedural treatment.The mean duration of the procedure was 10.94±6.52 min.CONCLUSION Treatment of BE with HybridAPC was found to be a simple and quick procedure that is safe and effective during the short-term follow-up,especially in cases of short-segment BE.This technique could be considered as a feasible alternative ablation therapy for BE.

Anatomic location of the first dorsal extensor compartment for surgical De-Quervain’s tenosynovitis release:A cadaveric study

BACKGROUND De-Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a disorder arising from the compression and irritation of the first dorsal extensor compartment of the wrist.Patients who fail conservative treatment modalities are candidates for surgical release.However,risks with surgery include damage to the superficial radial nerve and an incomplete release due to inadequate dissection.Currently,there is a paucity of literature demonstrating the exact anatomic location of the first dorsal extensor compartment in reference to surface anatomy.Thus,this cadaveric study was performed to determine the exact location of the first extensor compartment and to devise a reliable surgical incision to prevent complications.AIM To describe the location of the first dorsal compartment in relation to bony surface landmarks to create replicable surgical incisions.METHODS Six cadaveric forearms,including four left and two right forearm specimens were dissected.Dissections were performed by a single fellowship trained upper extremity orthopaedic surgeon.Distance of the first dorsal compartment from landmarks such as Lister’s tubercle,the wrist crease,and the radial styloid were calculated.Other variables studied included the presence of the superficial radial nerve overlying the first dorsal compartment,additional compartment subsheaths,number of abductor pollicis longus(APL)tendon slips,and the presence of a pseudo-retinaculum.RESULTS Distance from the radial most aspect of the wrist crease to the extensor retinaculum was 5.14 mm±0.80 mm.The distance from Lister’s tubercle to the distal aspect of the extensor retinaculum was 13.37 mm±2.94 mm.Lister’s tubercle to the start of the first dorsal compartment was 18.43 mm±2.01 mm.The radial styloid to the initial aspect of the extensor retinaculum measured 2.98 mm±0.99 mm.The retinaculum length longitudinally on average was 26.82 mm±3.34 mm.Four cadaveric forearms had separate extensor pollicis brevis compartments.The average number of APL tendon slips was three.A pseudo-retinaculum was present in four cadavers.Two cadavers had a superficial radial nerve that crossed over the first dorsal compartment and retinaculum proximally(7.03 mm and 13.36 mm).CONCLUSION An incision that measures 3 mm proximal from the radial styloid,2 cm radial from Lister’s tubercle,and 5 mm proximal from the radial wrist crease will safely place surgeons at the first dorsal compartment.

Clinical study of chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma

BACKGROUND Chemotherapy for malignant tumors can cause brain changes and cognitive impairment,leading to chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment(CICI).Current research on CICI has focused on breast cancer and Hodgkin’s lymphoma.Whether patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma(NHL)undergoing chemo-therapy have cognitive impairment has not been fully investigated.therapy have cognitive impairment has not been fully investigated.AIM To investigate whether NHL patients undergoing chemotherapy had cognitive impairments.METHODS The study included 100 NHL patients who were required to complete a compre-hensive psychological scale including the Brief Psychiatric Examination Scale(MMSE)at two time points:before chemotherapy and within 2 wk of two chemo-therapy courses.A language proficiency test(VFT),Symbol Number Pattern Test(SDMT),Clock Drawing Test(CDT),Abbreviated Daily Cognition Scale(ECog-12),Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire,and Karnofsky Perfor-mance Status were used to assess cognitive changes before and after chemo-therapy.RESULTS The VFT scores for before treatment(BT)and after treatment(AT)groups were 45.20±15.62,and 42.30±17.53,respectively(t-2.16,P<0.05).The CDT scores were 8(3.5-9.25)for BT and 7(2.5-9)for AT groups(Z-2.1,P<0.05).Retrospective memory scores were 13.5(9-17)for BT and 15(13-18)for AT(Z-3.7,P<0.01).The prospective memory scores were 12.63±3.61 for BT and 14.43±4.32 for AT groups(t-4.97,P<0.01).The ECog-12 scores were 1.71(1.25-2.08)for BT and 1.79(1.42-2.08)for AT groups(Z-2.84,P<0.01).The SDMT and MMSE values did not show a significant difference between BT and AT groups.CONCLUSION Compared to the AT group,the BT group showed impaired language,memory,and subjective cognition,but objec-tive cognition and execution were not significantly affected.

Unveiling DNA methylation in Alzheimer’s disease:a review of array-based human brain studies

The intricacies of Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis are being increasingly illuminated by the exploration of epigenetic mechanisms,particularly DNA methylation.This review comprehensively surveys recent human-centered studies that investigate whole genome DNA methylation in Alzheimer’s disease neuropathology.The examination of various brain regions reveals distinctive DNA methylation patterns that associate with the Braak stage and Alzheimer’s disease progression.The entorhinal cortex emerges as a focal point due to its early histological alterations and subsequent impact on downstream regions like the hippocampus.Notably,ANK1 hypermethylation,a protein implicated in neurofibrillary tangle formation,was recurrently identified in the entorhinal cortex.Further,the middle temporal gyrus and prefrontal cortex were shown to exhibit significant hypermethylation of genes like HOXA3,RHBDF2,and MCF2L,potentially influencing neuroinflammatory processes.The complex role of BIN1 in late-onset Alzheimer’s disease is underscored by its association with altered methylation patterns.Despite the disparities across studies,these findings highlight the intricate interplay between epigenetic modifications and Alzheimer’s disease pathology.Future research efforts should address methodological variations,incorporate diverse cohorts,and consider environmental factors to unravel the nuanced epigenetic landscape underlying Alzheimer’s disease progression.

Glutathione S-transferases M1,T1 genotypes and the risk of gastric cancer:A case-control study

AIM: Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are involved in the detoxification of many potential carcinogens and appear to play a critical role in the protection from the effects of carcinogens. The contribution of glutathione S-transferases M1 and T1 genotypes to susceptibility to the risk of gastric cancer and their interaction with cigarette smoking are still unclear. The aim of this study was to determine whether there was any relationship between genetic polymorphisms of GSTT1 and GSTT1 and gastric cancer. METHODS: A population based case-control study was carried out in a high-risk area, Changle County, Fujian Province, China. The epidemiological data were collected by a standard questionnaire and blood samples were obtained from 95 incidence gastric cancer cases and 94 healthy controls. A polymerase chain reaction method was used to detect the presence or absence of the GSTT1 and GSTT1 genes in genomic DNA. Logistic regression model was employed in the data analysis. RESULTS: An increase in risk for gastric cancer was found among carriers of GSTT1 null genotype. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) was 2.63 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) 1.17-5.88, after controlling for age, gender, cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, and fish sauce intake. The frequency of GSTT1 null genotype in cancer cases (43.16%) was not significantly different from that in controls (50.00%). However, the risk for gastric cancer in those with GSTT1 null and GSTT1 non-null genotype was significantly higher than in those with both GSTT1 and GSTT1 non-null genotype (OR = 2.77, 95% CI 1.15-6.77). Compared with those subjects who never smoked and had normal GSTT1 genotype, ORs were 1.60 (95% CI:0.62-4.19) for never smokers with GSTT1 null type, 2.33 (95% CI 0.88-6.28) for smokers with normal GSTT1, and 8.06 (95% CI 2.83-23.67) for smokers with GSTT1 null type. CONCLUSIONS: GSTT1 gene polymorphisms may be associated with genetic susceptibility of stomach cancer and may modulate tobacco-related carcinogenesis of gastric cancer.

Development of a prognostic model for one-year surgery risk in Crohn’s disease patients: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND Accelerated therapeutic treatment should be considered in patients with progressive Crohn’s disease(CD)to prevent complications as well as surgery.Therefore,screening for risk factors and predicting the need for early surgery are of great importance in clinical practice.AIM To establish a model to predict CD-related early surgery.METHODS This was a retrospective study collecting data from CD patients diagnosed at our inflammatory bowel disease center from January 1,2012 to December 31,2016.All data were randomly stratified into a training set and a testing set at a ratio of 8:2.Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted with receiver operating characteristic curves constructed and areas under the curve calculated.This model was further validated with calibration and discrimination estimated.A nomogram was finally developed.RESULTS A total of 1002 eligible patients were enrolled with a mean follow-up period of 53.54±13.10 mo.In total,24.25%of patients received intestinal surgery within 1 year after diagnosis due to complications or disease relapse.Disease behavior(B2:OR[odds ratio]=6.693,P<0.001;B3:OR=14.405,P<0.001),smoking(OR=4.135,P<0.001),body mass index(OR=0.873,P<0.001)and C-reactive protein(OR=1.022,P=0.001)at diagnosis,previous perianal(OR=9.483,P<0.001)or intestinal surgery(OR=8.887,P<0.001),maximum bowel wall thickness(OR=1.965,P<0.001),use of biologics(OR=0.264,P<0.001),and exclusive enteral nutrition(OR=0.089,P<0.001)were identified as independent significant factors associated with early intestinal surgery.A prognostic model was established and further validated.The receiver operating characteristic curves and calculated areas under the curves(94.7%)confirmed an ideal predictive ability of this model with a sensitivity of 75.92%and specificity of 95.81%.A nomogram was developed to simplify the use of the predictive model in clinical practice.CONCLUSION This prognostic model can effectively predict 1-year risk of CD-related intestinal surgery,which will assist in screening progressive CD patients and tailoring therapeutic management.

Biodegradation of Polymethylmethacrylate Bone Cement May Not Be a Serious Issue in Total Hip Arthroplasty—Retrieval Study for Knoop Hardness and Young’s Modulus

Introduction: To investigate a long-term in vivo deterioration of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement over time, we evaluated retrieved PMMA cement in terms of chemical elements presenting in the cement using energy dispersive analysis of X-rays;Knoop hardness;and the Young’s modulus using scanning acoustic microscopy. Materials and Methods: For mechanical evaluation, we could neglect the influences of entrapped air bubbles or blood by the use of small specimens. The study was based on thirteen cement samples (six used in the acetabulum and seven in the femur) derived from eight patients (age at revision surgery: mean 72.5, range 68 to 79). All of these samples were Simplex-P?cement. They were functioning well at least ten years after the previous surgery. Duration until revision surgery was ranged 12 to 25 years (average, 17.4 years). The reason for revision was aseptic mechanical loosening. Twenty samples of Simplex-Preg;cement were served by manually mixing as a control. Results: The average of the hardness of the cement was 17.0 ± 1.2 (range, 13.4-20.6). In the control, the hardness was 17.8 ± 1.5 (range, 14.0-24.6). There was no significant difference between these values. The mean of Young’s modulus of the cement was 5.61 ± 0.19 GPa (range, 5.09-6.10). In the control, the modulus was 6.04 ± 0.13 GPa (range, 5.68-6.45). Although the modulus was significantly less than that of the control, there was only 7% decrease in average between twelve and twenty-five years in vivo. Conclusions: Our results suggest that long-term implantation and functional loading in vivo may not be the limiting factor in the mechanical integrity of the bone cement.

Smartphones to Account for 2/3 of World's Mobile Market by 2020,Says New GSMA Intelligence Study

11 September 2014, Hong Kong： Smartphones will account for two out of every, three mobile connections globally by 2020, according to a major new report by GSMA In- telligence, the research arm of the GSMA. The new study, ＂Smartphone forecasts and assumptions, 2007- 2020＂, finds that smartphones account for one in three mobile conneetions today, representing more than two billion mobile connections. It forecasts that the number of smartphone connections will grow three-fold over the next six years,

Reduction of the incidence and mortality of rectal cancer bypolypectomy:a prospective cohort study in Haining County

AIM: To reduce the incidence and mortality of rectal cancer and address the hypothesis that colorectal cancer often arise from precursor lesion(s), either adenomas or non-adenomatous polyps, by conducting a population-based mass screening for colorectal cancer in Haining County, Zhejiang, PRC. METHODS: From 1977 to 1980, physicians screened the population of Haining County using 15 cm rigid endoscopy. Of over 240000 participants, 4076 of them were diagnosed with precursor lesions, either adenomas or non-adenomatous polyps, which were then removed surgically. All individuals with precursor lesions were followed up and reexamined by endoscopy every two to five years up to 1998. RESULTS: After the initial screening, 953 metachronous adenomas and 417 non-adenomatous polyps were detected and removed from the members of this cohort. Further, 27 cases of colorectal cancer were detected and treated. Log-rank tests showed that the survival time among those cancer patients who under went mass screening increased significantly compared to that of other colorectal cancer patients (P【0.0001). According to the population-based cancer registry in Haining County, age-adjusted incidence and mortality of rectal cancer decreased by 41% and 29% from 1977-1981 to 1992-1996, respectively. Observed cumulative 20-year rectal cancer incidence was 31% lower than the expected in the screened group; the mortality due to rectal cancer was 18% lower than the expected in the screened group. CONCLUSION:Mass screening for rectal cancer and precursor lesions with protocoscopy in the general population and periodical following-up with routine endoscopy for high-risk patients may decrease both the incidence and mortality of rectal cancer.

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor gene polymorphisms in inflammatory bowel disease: An association study in New Zealand Caucasians and meta-analysis

AIM:To investigate the association of macrophage migration inhibitory factor(MIF)promoter polymorphisms with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)risk.METHODS:One thousand and six New Zealand Caucasian cases and 540 Caucasian controls were genotyped for the MIF SNP-173G>C(rs755622)and the repeat polymorphism CATT5-8(rs5844572)using a predesigned TaqMan SNP assay and capillary electrophoresis,respectively.Data were analysed for single site and haplotype association with IBD risk and phenotype.Meta-analysis was employed,to assess cumulative evidence of association of MIF-173G>C with IBD.All published genotype data for MIF-173G>C in IBD were identified using PubMed and subsequently searching the references of all PubMed-identified studies.Imputed genotypes for MIF-173G>C were generated from the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium(and National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases).Separate meta-analyses were performed on Caucasian Crohn’s disease(CD)(3863 patients,6031controls),Caucasian ulcerative colitis(UC)(1260 patients,1987 controls),and East Asian UC(416 patients and 789 controls)datasets using the Mantel-Haenszel method.The New Zealand dataset had 93%power,and the meta-analyses had 100%power to detect an effect size of OR=1.40 atα=0.05,respectively.RESULTS:In our New Zealand dataset,single-site analysis found no evidence of association of MIF polymorphisms with overall risk of CD,UC,and IBD or disease phenotype(all P values>0.05).Haplotype analysis found the CATT5/-173C haplotype occurred at a higher frequency in New Zealand controls compared to IBD patients(0.6 vs 0.01;P=0.03,OR=0.22;95%CI:0.05-0.99),but this association did not survive bonferroni correction.Meta-analysis of our New Zealand MIF-173G>C data with data from seven additional Caucasian datasets using a random effects model found no association of MIF polymorphisms with CD,UC,or overall IBD.Similarly,meta-analysis of all published MIF-173G>C data from East Asian datasets(416UC patients,789 controls)found no association of this promoter polymorphism with UC.

Phase I study of chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody in Chinese patients with CD20-positive non-Hodgkin＇s lymphoma

Objective： This study was designed to determine the safety, pharmacokinetics and biologic effects of a humanmouse chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody （SCT400） in Chinese padents with CD20-positive B-cell non- Hodgkin＇s lymphoma （CD20 B-cell NHL）. SCT400 has an identical amino acid sequence as rituximab, with the exception of one amino acid in the CH1 domain of the heavy chain, which is common in Asians. Methods： Fifteen patients with CD20＋ B-cell NHL received dose-escalating SCT400 infusions （250 mg/m2： n=3; 375 mg/m2： n=9; 500 mg/m2： n=3） once weekly for 4 consecutive weeks with a 24-week follow-up period. The data of all patients were collected for pharmacoklnetics and pharmacodynamics analyses. Results： No dose-limiting toxicities were observed. Most drug-related adverse events were grade 1 or 2. Two patients had grade 3 or 4 ncutropenia. Under premedication, the drug-related infusion reaction was mild. A rapid, profound and durable depletion of circulating B cells was observed in all dose groups without significant effects on T cell count, natural killer （NK） cell count or immunoglobulin levels. No patient developed anti- SCT400 antibodies during the course of the study. SCT400 serum half-life （Tin）, maximum concentration （Cmax and area under the curve （AUC） generally increased between the first and fourth infusions （P〈0.05）. At the 375 mg/m2 dose, the T1/2 was 122.5±46.7 h vs. 197.0,75.0 11, respectively, and the Cmax was 200.6±20.2 pg/mL vs. 339.1±71.0 ng/mL, respectively. From 250 mg/m2 to 500 mg/m2, the Cmax and AUC increased significantly in a dose-dependent manner （P〈0.05）. Patients with a high tumor burden had markedly lower serum SCT400 concenmations compared with those without or with a low tumor burden. Of the 9 assessable patients, 1 achieved complete response and 2 achieved partial responses. Conclusions; SCT400 is well-tolerated and has encouraging preliminary efficacy in Chinese patients with CD20＋ B-cell NHL.

Have patients with esophagitis got an increased risk of adenocarcinoma? Results from a population-based study

AIM: To examine an increased risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma is restricted to patients who develop Barrett's esophagus or whether esophagitis per se is a risk factor for adenocarcinoma.METHODS: A population-based cohort of patients with histological evidence of esophagitis without Barrett's esophagus was constructed using electronic pathology reports relating to all esophageal biopsies in Northern Ireland between 1993 and 1996. Person-years of followup and incident cases of esophageal cancer were calculated by linking the cohort to death files and the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry records. Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) were calculated for esophageal cancers (adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and histologically unspecified cancers).RESULTS: A total of 2 013 patients in the cohort provided 13 559 patient-years of follow-up (mean follow-up 6.7 years). None of the patients developed adenocarcinoma. Three patients developed SCC, and six developed histologically unspecified cancers. The SIR for all esophageal cancers and for SCC were 2.73 (95%CI 1.25-5.19) and 2.93 (95%CI 0.61-8.59), respectively. In a sensitivity analysis in which all unspecified esophageal cancers were treated as adenocarcinomas, the SIR for adenocarcinoma was 2.64 (0.97-5.75).CONCLUSION: The risk of adenocarcinoma is not elevated in patients with histological evidence of esophagitis without Barrett's esophagus; however, these patients may have a moderately increased risk of SCC.Further studies are required to confirm these findings,which suggest that Barrett's esophagus, not esophagitis,is the key precursor lesion in the development of adenocarcinoma.

A comparative study on serologic profiles of virus hepatitis B

INTRODUCTIONHepatitis B viral infection, one of the most-prevalent liver disorders in China and Korea, is aserious infectious disease as it has the potential ofprogressing into liver cirrhosis and primary hepaticcarcinoma. China and Korea both belong to high-risk endemic regions of viral hepatitis[1]. TheHBsAg positive rates in China ranged from 6.9% -17.9% by age, race and test methods[2-5].

Expert panel’s guideline on cervicogenic headache:The Chinese Association for the Study of Pain recommendation

Cervicogenic headache(CEH)has been recognized as a unique category of headache that can be difficult to diagnose and treat.In China,CEH patients are managed by many different specialties,and the treatment plans remain controversial.Therefore,there is a great need for comprehensive evidence-based Chinese experts’recommendations for the management of CEH.The Chinese Association for the Study of Pain asked an expert panel to develop recommendations for a series of questions that are essential for daily clinical management of patients with CEH.A group of multidisciplinary Chinese Association for the Study of Pain experts identified the clinically relevant topics in CEH.A systematic review of the literature was performed,and evidence supporting the benefits and harms for the management of CEH was summarized.Twenty-four recommendations were finally developed through expert consensus voting for evidence quality and recommendation strength.We hope this guideline provides direction for clinicians and patients making treatment decisions for the management of CEH.

Okadaic acid: a tool to study regulatory mechanisms for neurodegeneration and regeneration in Alzheimer's disease

Okadaic acid： Okadaic acid （OKA）, a polyether （C38 fatty acid） toxin, is a potent and selective inhibitor of protein phosphatase, PP1 and protein phosphatase 2A （PP2A）. It is mainly extracted from a black sponge Hallichondria okadaii and has been suggested to play a potent probe for studying the various molecular, cellular, biochemical and mechanism of neurotoxicity. It is known as a selective and potent in- hibitor of serine/threonine phosphatases 1 and 2A induces hyperphosphorylation of tau in vitro and in vivo. It has been reported that Alzheimer＇s disease （AD） is a complex multi- factorial neurodegenerative disorder and hyperphosphor- ylated tau protein is a major pathological hallmark of AD. The reduced activity of phosphatases like, PP2A has been implicated in the brain of AD patients. OKA also induced inhibition of protein phosphatases cause neurofibrillary tangles （NFTs） like pathological changes and tau hyperphos- phorylation seen in AD pathology. Our and others reports inferred that OKA induces neurodegeneration along with tau hyperphosphorylation, GSK3β activation, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and neurotoxicity which are char- acteristic of AD pathology （Figure 1）.

LC-MS/MS法测定大鼠血浆中S,S,S-三丁基三硫代磷酸酯质量浓度及其毒物动力学研究

目的 建立LC-MS/MS法测定大鼠血浆中S,S,S-三丁基三硫代磷酸酯的质量浓度,并用于大鼠体内的毒物动力学研究。方法 采用沉淀蛋白法进行血浆样品前处理,以丙酸倍氯米松为内标。色谱柱为Agilent Zorbax SB C_(18)(50 mm×2.1 mm, 3.5μm)柱,流动相为水(含体积分数0.1%甲酸)-乙腈/甲醇(体积比1∶1),梯度洗脱,流速为0.8 mL·min^(-1)。质谱检测采用ESI源,正离子化方式,多反应监测模式(MRM)进行扫描检测。结果 血浆中S,S,S-三丁基三硫代磷酸酯线性范围为2~800μg·L^(-1),线性良好(r≥0.99),批内、批间RSD均在±15%内,准确度在85%~115%内。高、中、低质量浓度总体提取回收率为89.0%,变异系数为1.1%。结论 本方法适用于大鼠血浆中S,S,S-三丁基三硫代磷酸酯质量浓度的准确测定和动力学研究。

Comparative study of different theories on active earth pressure

Determination of distribution and magnitude of active earth pressure is crucial in retaining wall designs. A number of analytical theories on active earth pressure were presented. Yet, there are limited studies on comparison between the theories. In this work, comparison between the theories with finite element analysis is done using the PLAXIS software. The comparative results show that in terms of distribution and magnitude of active earth pressure, RANKINE＇s theory possesses the highest match to the PLAXIS analysis. Parametric studies were also done to study the responses of active earth pressure distribution to varying parameters Increasing soil friction angle and wall friction causes decrease in active earth pressure. In contrast, active earth pressure increases with increasing soil unit weight and height of wall. RANK/NE＇s theory has the highest compatibility to finite element analysis among all theories, and utilization of this theory leads to proficient retaining wall design.

Multi-model comparison of CO2 emissions peaking in China:Lessons from CEMF01 study

The paper summarizes results of the China Energy Modeling Forum's(CEMF)first study.Carbon emissions peaking scenarios,consistent with China's Paris commitment,have been simulated with seven national and industry-level energy models and compared.The CO2 emission trends in the considered scenarios peak from 2015 to 2030 at the level of 9e11 Gt.Sector-level analysis suggests that total emissions pathways before 2030 will be determined mainly by dynamics of emissions in the electric power industry and transportation sector.Both sectors will experience significant increase in demand,but have low-carbon alternative options for development.Based on a side-by-side comparison of modeling input and results,conclusions have been drawn regarding the sources of emissions projections differences,which include data,views on economic perspectives,or models'structure and theoretical framework.Some suggestions have been made regarding energy models'development priorities for further research.

PCR analysis of Yq microdeletions in infertile males, a study from South India

AIM: To estimate the frequency of microdeletions in the long arm of Y-chromosome of 20 infertile males from South India. METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification using Y-specific STS of azoospermia factor (AZF) regions i.e., SY 84 for AZFa, SY 127 for AZFb and SY 254 for AZFc. RESULTS: Of the 20 infertile subjects 3 (15 %), one azoospermic and two oligozoospermic, showed microdeletions in the AZF region of Y-chromosome. CONCLUSION: The frequency of deletions involving AZF region of the Y-chromosome is 15 % in azoospermic and severely oligozoospermic infertile men. PCR amplification of AZF locus is useful for the diagnosis of microdeletions in the Y-chromosome.

Theoretical Transplantation into Translation Studies——An Analysis on the Pragmatic Application of Hofstede’s

The deepening process of globalization has given rise to restless cultural exchanges among people from different regions of the world through newspapers,books,and other written media.However,the significant differences in languages and cultures have become an insurmountable gap in intercultural communication.To lubricate cultural exchanges,new translation theories that focus on the transformation of different cultural concepts shall be introduced and adopted.This paper aims to extract applicable notions from Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions for pragmatic translation studies by laying emphasis on its pragmatic value through case study.By such theoretical transplantation,valuable suggestions are proposed to tackle cultural misunderstandings and conflicts encountered amid cultural exchanges.