The potential importance of the angular momentum which is gained by accreting white dwarfs (WDs) has been increasingly recognized in the context of Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) single-degenerate model. ...The expectation that the spin of the WD can delay the explosion should help the single-degenerate model to be consistent with the observed properties of most SNe Ia, in particular by avoiding hydrogen contamination. In this paper, we attempt to study the most prominent single-degenerate supersoft (WD + MS) channel when the rotation of accreting WDs is considered. We present a detailed binary population synthesis study to examine the predicted population of SNe Ia for this channel. For our standard model, we find that 77 per cent of these SNe Ia explode with WD masses which are low enough to be supported by solid-body rotation ( ≤ 1.5 M⊙); this is a substantially higher proportion than found by previous work. Only 2 per cent have WD explosion masses ≥2.0 M⊙; these require the initial WD mass to be larger than 1.0 M⊙. We further discuss the possible origin of the diversity of SNe Ia from the pre- and post-accretion properties of the WDs in this population. We also suggest that some SN Ia progenitors with substantial circumstellar hydrogen, including some apparent Type IIn SNe, might be related to WDs which required support from differential rotation to avoid explosion, since these can still be accreting from hydrogen-rich donors with a relatively high mass-transfer rate at the time of the SN explosion.
Background
Acupuncture is used to treat chronic functional constipation (CFC) in China, despite limited evidence. We aim to assess the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in managing CFC.
Methods
...A multicenter randomized controlled trial was performed involving 684 patients with CFC; the patients were randomly allocated to receive He acupuncture (n = 172), Shu‐mu acupuncture (n = 171), He‐shu‐mu acupuncture (n = 171), or oral administration of mosapride (n = 170). Sixteen sessions of acupuncture were given in the treatment duration of 4 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in spontaneous bowel movements (SBMs) at week 4 (at the end of treatment) compared to baseline. The secondary outcomes included stool consistency (Bristol scale), the degree of straining during defecation, and adverse events.
Key Results
The SBMs increased in all the four groups at week 4, and the magnitude of increase was equivalent in the four groups (He acupuncture, 2.7 95% CI, 2.3‐3.1; Shu‐mu acupuncture, 2.7 95% CI, 2.3‐3.0; He‐shu‐mu acupuncture, 2.2 95% CI, 1.9‐2.5; and mosapride, 2.4 95% CI, 2.0‐2.9; P = .226). However, the change in SBMs at week 8 was significantly smaller in mosapride group (1.4 95% CI, 1.0‐1.8) than the three acupuncture groups (2.4 95% CI, 2.1‐2.7, 2.3 95% CI, 1.9‐2.7, 2.1 95% CI, 1.7‐2.5 in He, Shu‐mu, and He‐shu‐mu group, respectively, P = .005).
Conclusions & Interferences
The three acupuncture treatments were as effective as mosapride in improving stool frequency and stool consistency in CFC, but the magnitude of the treatment effect is unknown due to the lack of sham acupuncture control.
The effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of chronic functional constipation is unknown. Our study result showed that acupuncture treatments are as effective as mosapride in improving stool frequency and stool consistency.
Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum species is a serious disease of more than 30 plant genera. Several Colletotrichum species have been reported to infect chili in different countries. Although ...China is the largest chiliproducing country, little is known about the species
that have been infecting chili locally. Therefore, we collected samples of diseased chili from 29 provinces of China, from which 1285 strains were isolated. The morphological characters of all strains were observed and compared, and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses (ITS, ACT, CAL, CHS-1,
GAPDH, TUB2, and HIS3) were performed on selected representative strains. Fifteen Colletotrichum species were identified, with C. fioriniae, C. fructicola, C. gloeosporioides, C. scovillei, and C. truncatum being prevalent. Three new species, C. conoides, C. grossum,
and C. liaoningense, were recognised and described in this paper. Colletotrichum aenigma, C. cliviae, C. endophytica, C. hymenocallidis, C. incanum, C. karstii, and C. viniferum were reported for the first time from chili. Pathogenicity of all species isolated from chili
was confirmed, except for C. endophytica. The current study improves the understanding of species causing anthracnose on chili and provides useful information for the effective control of the disease in China.
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multi-potent progenitor cells that are isolated from the bone marrow and several adult organs and tissues. These cells possess remarkable immunosuppressive ...properties and can inhibit the proliferation and function of the major immune cell populations, including T cells, B cells and natural killer (NK) cells; modulate the activities of dendritic cells (DCs); and induce regulatory T cells both in vivo and in vitro. These unique properties make MSCs ideal candidates for clinical application as immunosuppressants. The immunomodulatory effect of MSCs is mediated by a non-specific anti-proliferative action of these cells, which is dependent on cell-cell contact or secreted soluble factors such as indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), nitric oxide (NO), histocompatibility leucocyte antigen-G (HLA-G), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-1β. Considerable progress has been obtained in preclinical studies on MSCs, including those on their ability to activate allogeneic cells. This review examines the current understanding of the immunomodulatory properties of MSCs and its therapeutic implication for immune-mediated diseases and transplant rejection.
Summary Objective The purposes of this study were to assess whether local anesthetics (LAs), such as ropivacaine and bupivacaine, could induce apoptosis of rabbit annulus fibrosus (AF) cells in vitro ...and further to explore the possible underlying mechanism. Methods Rabbit AF cells at second passage were treated with saline solution and various concentrations of LAs. Apoptosis of AF cells were examined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), Annexin V assays, Hoechst 33342 staining, and Caspase-3, -9 activity assays. The expression of apoptosis-related markers was detected by real-time PCR (RT-PCR) and Western Blot. The JC-1 staining was used to evaluate the change of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Moreover, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined with fluorescent probe DCFH-DA. Results The results of flow cytometry indicated that LAs could induce apoptosis of rabbit AF cells in a dose-dependent manner. Apoptosis was confirmed by cell morphology, condensed nuclei and activation of Caspase-3 and -9. In addition, the molecular data showed that LAs could significantly up-regulate the expression of Bax, accompanied by a significant down-regulation of Bcl-2 expression. Furthermore, we also observed that LAs resulted in alteration of MMP and accumulation of intracellular ROS in AF cells. Blockade of ROS production by N-acetyl- l -cysteine (NAC) inhibited LAs-induced apoptosis. Conclusions These findings suggest that LAs in clinically relevant concentrations could induce apoptosis of rabbit AF cells in vitro , and the mitochondrial pathway was, at least in part, involved in the LAs-mediated apoptosis. Further investigations focusing on the potential cytotoxicity of LAs on IVD cells are needed.
CTONG0806 assessed the efficacy of pemetrexed versus gefitinib as second-line treatment in advanced nonsquamous nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring wild-type epidermal growth factor receptor ...(EGFR).
Patients with locally advanced or metastatic nonsquamous NSCLC harboring wild-type EGFR, detected by direct sequencing, and previously treated with platinum-based chemotherapy were randomized to receive gefitinib (250 mg/day) orally or pemetrexed (500 mg/m2) i.v. on day 1 of a 21-day cycle until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS). The Independent Review Committee (IRC) evaluated all pictorial data.
From February 2009 to August 2012, 161 patients were enrolled, and 157 were assessable (81 in the gefitinib arm, 76 in the pemetrexed arm). Baseline characteristics were balanced between the two arms. The median PFSs were 4.8 versus 1.6 months in the pemetrexed and gefitinib arms, respectively hazard ratio (HR) 0.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.40–0.75, P < 0.001 as confirmed by IRC evaluation (5.6versus 1.7 months, HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.38–0.75, P < 0.001). The median overall survival (OS) showed a trend of superiority in the pemetrexed arm (12.4 versus 9.6 months, HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.49–1.04, P = 0.077). Quality-of-life assessment showed no marked difference between the arms. No unexpected adverse events were found. Of 108 patients with sufficient DNA samples, EGFR mutation status was re-tested by Scorpion amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS); 32 (29.6%) tested positive (19 in the pemetrexed arm, 13 in the gefitinib arm; median PFS: 8.1 versus 7.0 months, HR 0.94, 95% CI 0.43–2.08, P = 0.877).
CTONG0806 is the first trial to show significant improvement in PFS and an improved OS trend with pemetrexed compared with gefitinib as second-line setting treatment of EGFR wild-type advanced nonsquamous NSCLC. ARMS is superior to direct sequencing in excluding false-negative patients.
NCT00891579.
Background
Various minimally invasive approaches have been described for infected necrotizing pancreatitis. This article describes a modified minimal‐access retroperitoneal pancreatic necrosectomy ...(MARPN) procedure assisted by gas insufflation.
Methods
This retrospective, observational study documented patients who had undergone a step‐up MARPN between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2016. A minimum follow‐up of 1 year was required for inclusion. The step‐up approach involved percutaneous catheter drainage followed by the modified MARPN and necrosectomy. If more than one access site was needed it was categorized as complex MARPN.
Results
Of 212 patients with infected necrotizing pancreatitis, 164 (77·4 per cent) underwent a step‐up approach. The median number of percutaneous catheter drains and MARPN procedures was 3 (range 1–7) and 1 (1–6) respectively. Ninety patients (54·9 per cent) underwent complex MARPN. For residual necrosis after MARPN, three patients (1·8 per cent) underwent sinus tract gastroscopy, and 11 (6·7 per cent) had sinography combined with a tube change. However, operations in 13 patients (7·9 per cent) required conversion to open surgery. Postoperative complications developed in 103 patients (62·8 per cent). The mortality rate was 6·1 per cent (10 deaths).
Conclusion
A step‐up approach using a modified MARPN for infected necrotizing pancreatitis is a reasonable option.
Antecedentes
Los procedimientos mínimamente invasivos se han convertido en los más frecuentes para el tratamiento de necrosis pancreáticas infectadas. El objetivo de este estudio fue presentar un procedimiento de necrosectomía pancreática retroperitoneal de acceso mínimo (minimal‐access retroperitoneal pancreatic necrosectomy, MARPN) modificado y asistido mediante insuflación de gases, así como evaluar su seguridad y eficacia.
Métodos
Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo y observacional de los datos de un hospital desde el 1 de enero de 2010 hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2016. Se incluyeron en el análisis todos los pacientes en los que realizó un abordaje por etapas, que consistía en el drenaje percutáneo mediante la colocación de un catéter seguido de un procedimiento MARPN modificado, en los que se dispusiese de un seguimiento postoperatorio mínimo de 1 año. El MARPN en el lado derecho y la necrosectomía realizada a través de más de un acceso se clasificaron como MARPN complejo. Se evaluaron los resultados radiológicos y quirúrgicos.
Resultados
De 212 pacientes con necrosis pancreática infectada, en 164 (77,4%) se realizó un abordaje por etapas. La mediana del número de drenajes percutáneos y procedimientos MARPN fue 3 (rango, 1‐7) y 1 (rango, 1‐6), respectivamente. En 90 pacientes (54,9%) se realizó un MARPN complejo. Para la exéresis de necrosis residual después de un MARPN, en 3 pacientes (1,8%) se realizó mediante gastroscopia y en 11 pacientes (6,7%) con un recambio de drenaje bajo control radiológico. En 13 pacientes (7,9%) fue necesaria la reconversión a cirugía abierta. Hubo complicaciones postoperatorias en 103 pacientes (62,8%). La tasa de mortalidad fue del 6,1% (n = 10).
Conclusión
El abordaje por etapas con un MARPN modificado es seguro y efectivo en el tratamiento de la necrosis pancreática infectada.
Minimally invasive approaches have been used increasingly in the management of infected necrotizing pancreatitis. This study presents a modified minimal‐access retroperitoneal pancreatic necrosectomy procedure assisted by carbon dioxide insufflation, instead of saline. A clear field of view without necrotic debris floating in saline makes the technique safe and efficient.
High degree of success
VIDEO
Presented in part to the Joint Congress of the Sixth Biennial Congress of the Asian–Pacific Hepato‐Pancreato‐Biliary Association and the 29th Meeting of the Japanese Society of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic Surgery, Yokohama, Japan, June 2017
The pressure crashes observed in shot No. 71326 in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak are numerically investigated with the three-dimensional, toroidal, and full ...resistive-magnetohydrodynamics code (CLT). Based on the experimental observations, the pressure crash is caused by the nonlinear evolution of the m/n = 2/1 double tearing mode (DTM), where n and m are the toroidal and poloidal mode numbers, respectively. However, we find that the m/n = 2/1 DTM is stable based on the safety factor (q) profile from the equilibrium code EFIT, which indicates that the original q profile is somewhat inconsistent with the actual profile due to q measurement uncertainty. Since there is no motional Stark effect diagnostic for this shot, the local information of the magnetic field is missing, which leads to the largest contribution to the discrepancy. If other information is perfectly known and the q profile is the only uncertainty, then we could provide some information for the EFIT reconstruction by comparing our simulation results with electron cyclotron emission signals to constrain the uncertainty of the q profile to a much smaller region. The influence of plasma rotation and the two-fluids effect is also discussed.
The protein phosphatase-2A (PP-2A) is one of the most important serine/threonine phosphatases in eukaryotes. The holoenzyme of PP-2A consists of three subunits: a scaffold A subunit, a catalytic C ...subunit and a regulatory B subunit. While both A and C subunits are coded by two different genes, the B subunits exist in 26 or more isoforms which are encoded by at least 15 different genes. Previous studies have shown that besides regulating specific PP-2A activity, various B subunits may have other functions. To explore the possible roles of the regulatory subunits of PP-2A in vertebrate development, we have cloned the gene encoding goldfish striatin, a member of the B'" family regulatory subunits for PP-2A, and determined their tissue-specific and temporal expression patterns.
The cDNA cloning was conducted with RT-PCR-based RACE. The mRNA expression levels for the goldfish striatin were analyzed with RT-PCR. The expression levels of the striatin protein from goldfish were determined with Western blot analysis. The semi-quantitation of the mRNA and protein expression levels was conducted with the software of U-scanning.
Our study revealed that the full length cDNA for striatin consists of 2965 bp coding for a deduced protein of 769 amino acids, which bears a very high level of amino acid sequence identity with the homolog protein from other species. The striatin mRNA is highly expressed in the kidney, to a less degree in brain, fin, muscle, liver, ovary and gill, and the lowest in testis and heart. Similar pattern of protein expression is detected in the above 9 tissues. During the development of goldfish, the striatin mRNA maintains a relatively high level at the 2-cell, multiple cell and blastula stages. Then, it drops down substantially at gastrula stage and fluctuates around this level in the next 8 different stages. At the protein level, the striatin maintained higher level from 2-cell to gastrula stages, then decreased at neurula and optic vesicle stages, and gradually increased again to peak at eye pigmentation stage, then slightly decreased in the next few stages of development.
Our results suggest that the striatin may play an important role in regulating goldfish development and adult tissue homeostasis. While the former function may or may not occur through PP- 2A functions, the later function appears to occur via PP-2A activity.