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The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of hedgehog-interacting protein (HHIP) overexpression on the proliferation, migration and invasion of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Firstly, HHIP gene expression data of NSCLC tissues and normal tissues were obtained from GSE18842/GSE19804/GSE43458 databases of the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and then validated by TCGA NSCLC database in a cohort of 1027 cases of NSCLC patients and 108 cases of normal people. A chi-square test was used to analyze the relationship between HHIP expression and clinicopathological characteristics of NSCLC. The expression levels of HHIP in NSCLC cells were detected by quantitative-real time PCR. The function of HHIP was investigated by a series of in vitro assays. CCK-8, wounding healing, Transwell invasion assay were utilized to explore the mechanisms of HHIP. HHIP mRNA were significantly down-regulated in NSCLC in three GEO databases and TCGA database (P<0.05). This result was confirmed in NSCLC cell lines by qRT-PCR analysis, its expression in normal NSCLC cell line BEAS-2B was significantly higher than that in NSCLC cells. Chi-square test results showed that the low expression of HHIP was correlated with gender, cancer type, TNM stage and tumor size. Functional experimental results showed that over-expressing HHIP significantly decreased the ability of cell proliferation, migration and invasion in NSCLC cells (P<0.05). Overall, the above results indicated that HHIP could regulate proliferation, migration and invasion, and could be used as a judging criterion for identifying NSCLC classification and stage.

ObjectiveTo investigate the prediction of response to concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) through a combination of pretreatment multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with clinical prognostic factors (CPF) in cervical cancer patients.MethodsSixty-five patients underwent conventional MRI, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) before CCRT. The patients were divided into non- and residual tumour groups according to post-treatment MRI. Pretreatment MRI parameters and CPF between the two groups were compared and prognostic factors, optimal thresholds, and predictive performance for post-treatment residual tumour occurrence were estimated.ResultsThe residual group showed a lower maximum slope of increase (MSIL) and signal enhancement ratio (SERL) in low-perfusion subregions, a higher apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value, and a higher stage than the non-residual tumour group (p < 0.001, p = 0.003, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). MSIL and ADC were independent prognostic factors. The combination of both measures improved the diagnostic performance compared with individual MRI parameters. A further combination of these two factors with CPF exhibited the highest predictive performance.ConclusionsPretreatment MSIL and ADC were independent prognostic factors for cervical cancer. The predictive capacity of multi-parametric MRI was superior to individual MRI parameters. The combination of multi-parametric MRI with CPF further improved the predictive performance.Key points• Pretreatment MSILand ADC were independent prognostic factors for post-treatment residual tumours.• The residual groups showed lower MSIL, higher ADC and higher stage.• The predictive capacity of multi-parametric MRI was superior to individual MRI parameters.• The combination of multi-parametric MRI with CPF exhibited the highest predictive performance.

Background: TomoDirect (TD) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) are advanced techniques used in hypofractionated radiotherapy with simultaneous integrated boost (HFRT-SIB) for patients undergoing breast-conserving surgery. This study evaluates the dosimetric impacts of TD and IMRT on the target volume areas and organs at risk (OARs). Methods: This study is a retrospective dosimetric comparison. Thirty patients were enrolled. Computed tomography (CT) images were acquired with a slice thickness of 5 mm. The CT data were subsequently exported to the Pinnacle treatment planning system. IMRT plans were developed using Pinnacle. The TomoHDTM planning station was used for TD planning. For each patient, three treatment plans were generated: TD (field width [FW] = 2.5 cm), TD (FW = 5 cm), and IMRT. The HFRT-SIB prescription was administered as follows: a cumulative dose of 43.5 Gy was delivered to the planning target volume (PTV); a cumulative dose of 49.5 Gy was delivered to the planning gross target volume (PGTV). Results: For both the PGTV and PTV, the homogeneity index (HI) values were lowest with TD (FW = 2.5 cm). The conformity index (CI) values were highest with IMRT for both the PGTV and PTV. Mean target volume coverage met the requirements for the PGTV and PTV across TD with a FW of 2.5 cm, TD with a FW of 5 cm, and IMRT. For the left lung and heart, V5, V10, V20, V30, and the mean dose (Dmean) were the lowest with TD (FW = 2.5 cm). The maximum dose (Dmax) and Dmean for the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) were also lowest with TD (FW = 2.5 cm). TD (FW = 5 cm) provided slightly less protection for OARs than TD (FW = 2.5 cm). The average treatment time was 5 minutes for TD (FW = 5 cm) and 9 minutes for TD (FW = 2.5 cm). Conclusions: Compared with IMRT, TD provides better protection of cardiopulmonary function while maintaining target area quality. Overall, when employing TD for HFRT-SIB, a FW of 5 cm is recommended.

Theileria spp. are a group of parasites primarily transmitted by ticks and can pose a significant threat to domestic and wild animals globally. The main objective of this study was to understand the epidemiology of Theileria spp. in goats of Hainan Island/province, which is the only tropical region of China, and to study their hematological profiles in naturally infected goats. A total of 464 blood samples were collected from randomly selected local adult goats ( Capra hircus , local domestic breed with black hair), from six cities and eight counties of Hainan, from November 2017 to October 2020. Blood smear microscopy of the sample and a nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) targeting the 18S rRNA gene combined with DNA sequencing were used to detect piroplasm infections in goats. Data analysis of the obtained sequences revealed that all the sequences were highly similar to the Theileria luwenshuni 18S rRNA gene sequence from the database. This result is consistent with the microscopic examination. In the hematological test, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin of the goats naturally infected with T. luwenshuni significantly increased, while mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) were significantly decreased. Results showed that T. luwenshuni could cause macrocytic, hypochromic anemia in goats. This study provides reliable and comprehensive information about the epidemiology of the parasite infections and hematological profile of the infected goats in Hainan, which encourages further investigations to develop practical control strategies for Theileria spp. infections in tropical areas. Les Theileria spp. sont un groupe de parasites principalement transmis par les tiques qui peuvent constituer une menace importante pour les animaux domestiques et sauvages dans le monde. L’objectif principal de cette étude était de comprendre l’épidémiologie de Theileria spp. chez les chèvres de l’île/province de Hainan, qui est la seule région tropicale de Chine et étudier les profils hématologiques des chèvres naturellement infectées. 464 échantillons de sang ont été prélevés sur des chèvres adultes locales sélectionnées au hasard ( Capra hircus , race domestique locale à poils noirs), dans 6 villes et 8 comtés de Hainan, de novembre 2017 à octobre 2020. L’étude microscopique du frottis sanguin de l’échantillon et la réaction en chaîne par polymérase nichée (nPCR) ciblant le gène de l’ARNr 18S combinée au séquençage de l’ADN ont été utilisées pour détecter les infections à piroplasmes chez les chèvres. L’analyse des séquences obtenues a révélé que toutes les séquences étaient très similaires à la séquence du gène de l’ARNr 18S de T. luwenshuni de la base de données. Le résultat est cohérent avec l’examen microscopique. Dans le test hématologique, l’hématocrite, le volume corpusculaire moyen et l’hémoglobine corpusculaire moyenne des chèvres naturellement infectées par T. luwenshuni ont augmenté de manière significative, tandis que la concentration moyenne d’hémoglobine corpusculaire et la largeur de distribution des globules rouges (RDW) ont été significativement diminuées. Les résultats ont montré que T. luwenshuni pouvait provoquer une anémie macrocytaire et une anémie hypochrome chez les chèvres. Cette étude fournit des informations fiables et complètes sur l’épidémiologie des infections parasitaires et le profil hématologique des chèvres infectées à Hainan, ce qui encourage des investigations supplémentaires pour développer des stratégies pratiques de contrôle des infections par Theileria spp. dans les zones tropicales.

Background To determine the efficacy of adjuvant radiotherapy for stage II–III biliary tract carcinoma. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the data of 37 patients who underwent radical resection of biliary tract carcinomas at the Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University between 2016 and 2020. We analyzed survival differences between patients who did ( n  = 17) and did not ( n  = 20) receive postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy by using Kaplan–Meier analysis. The log-rank test and Cox univariate analysis were used. The Cox proportional risk regression model was used for the multifactorial analysis of factors influencing prognosis. Results The median survival time (28.9 vs. 14.5 months) and the 1-year (82.40% vs. 55.0%) and 2-year survival rates (58.8% vs. 25.0%) were significantly higher among patients who received adjuvant radiotherapy than among those who did not ( χ 2  = 6.381, p  = 0.012). Multifactorial analysis showed that pathological tumor type ( p  = 0.004), disease stage ( p  = 0.021), and adjuvant radiotherapy ( p  = 0.001) were independent prognostic factors in biliary tract carcinoma. Subgroup analyses showed that compared to no radiotherapy, adjuvant radiotherapy significantly improved median survival time in patients with stage III disease (21.6 vs. 12.7 months; p  = 0.017), positive margins (28.9 vs. 10.5 months; p  = 0.012), and T3 or T4 tumors (26.8 vs. 16.8 months; p  = 0.037). Conclusion Adjuvant radiotherapy significantly improved the survival of patients with biliary tract carcinoma, and is recommended especially for patients with stage III disease, positive surgical margins, or ≥ T3. Highlights 1. Adjuvant radiotherapy was an independent prognostic factor for stage II–III BTC. 2. Adjuvant radiotherapy improved the survival of patients with stage III BTC.

Background Neuroinflammation constitutes a critical pathological event subsequent to ischemic stroke. AD16, a novel anti‐neuroinflammatory compound, has demonstrated efficacy in alleviating neuroinflammation in neonatal rats induced by ischemia–hypoxia. This study aims to elucidate the therapeutic utility and underlying mechanisms of AD16 in an adult ischemic stroke rat model. Methods A rat transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) model was employed. Neurological function was evaluated using the Longa and Garcia JH scores, motor function was assessed through rotary rod and CatWalk gait analysis, and brain injury was examined via TTC and Nissl staining. Molecular docking techniques simulate the binding of a target compound to a potential target. Western blot, immunofluorescence, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to detect microglia phenotype, pro‐inflammatory factors, and activation of signaling molecules. Results AD16 treatment improved neural function in tMCAO rats, reduced cerebral infarction volume and brain water content, preserved blood–brain barrier integrity, and inhibited pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Molecular docking showed AD16 has high affinity for α7nAChR, TLR4, ERK, and STAT3. AD16 increased α7nAChR, CD206, and p‐ERK protein levels, while decreasing CD40, CD68, TLR4, and p‐STAT3. These effects were reversed by α‐BTX (α7nAChR inhibitor) and U0126 (ERK inhibitor). Conclusion AD16 may inhibit microglia activation and polarization via the α7nAChR‐ERK‐STAT3 pathway, thus reducing neuroinflammation from cerebral ischemia and protecting the brain. This study suggests AD16 as a potential treatment for ischemic stroke. AD16 regulates M1/M2 microglia polarization by α7nAChR–ERK–STAT3 signaling to restrain neuroinflammation induced by ischemic stroke.

Differential Acoustic Resonance Spectroscopy (DARS) has been developed to investigate the acoustic properties of samples in the kilohertz frequency range. This new laboratory measurement technique examines the change in resonant frequencies of a cavity perturbed by the introduction of a small test sample. The resonant frequency shift between the empty and sample‐loaded cavity is used to estimate the acoustic properties of the loaded sample. This paper presents a DARS perturbation formula that combines a theoretical derivation with numerical simulation and laboratory measurements. Furthermore, a semi‐empirical calibration technique is proposed to estimate the acoustic properties of a test sample. This research demonstrates the potential of the DARS measurement technique for estimating the acoustic properties of acoustically small and/or irregularly shaped samples. Key Points Differential Acoustic Resonance Spectroscopy (DARS) is low frequency technique Frequency shift is used to estimate the acoustic properties of sample Estimate acoustic properties of acoustically small or irregular shaped samples

Apparent differences in sedimentation and diagenesis exist between carbonate reservoirs in different areas and affect their petrophysical and elastic properties. To elucidate the relevant mechanism, we study and analyze the characteristics of rock microstructure and elastic properties of carbonates and their variation regularity using 89 carbonate samples from the different areas The results show that the overall variation regularities of the physical and elastic properties of the carbonate rocks are controlled by the microtextures of the microcrystalline calcite, whereas the traditional classification of rock- and pore- structures is no longer applicable. The micrite microtextures can be divided, with respect to their morphological features, into porous micrite, compact micrite, and tight micrite. As the micrites evolves from the first to the last type, crystal boundaries are observed with increasingly close coalescence, the micritic intercrystalline porosity and pore-throat radius gradually decrease; meanwhile, the rigidity of the calcite microcrystalline particle boundary and elastic homogeneity are enhanced. As a result, the seismic elastic characteristics, such as permeability and velocity of samples, show a general trend of decreasing with the increase of porosity. For low-porosity rock samples (φ 5%) dominated by tight micrite, the micritic pores have limited contributions to porosity and permeability and the micrite elastic properties are similar to those of the rock matrix. In such cases, the macroscopic physical and elastic properties are more susceptible to the formation of cracks and dissolution pores, but these features are controlled by the pore structure. The pore aspect ratio can be used as a good indication of pore types. The bulk modulus aspect ratio for dissolution pores is greater than 0.2, whereas that of the intergranular pores ranges from 0.1 to 0.2. The porous and compact micrites are observed to have a bulk modulus aspect ratio less than 0.1, whereas the ratio of the tight micrite approaches 0.2.

The elastic moduli of four sandstone samples are measured at seismic (2−2000 Hz) and ultrasonic (1 MHz) frequencies and water- and glycerin-saturated conditions. We observe that the high-permeability samples under partially water-saturated conditions and the low-permeability samples under partially glycerin-saturated conditions show little dispersion at low frequencies (2−2000 Hz). However, the high-permeability samples under partially glycerin-saturated conditions and the low-permeability samples under partially water-saturated conditions produce strong dispersion in the same frequency range (2−2000 Hz). This suggests that fluid mobility largely controls the pore-fluid movement and pore pressure in a porous medium. High fluid mobility facilitates pore-pressure equilibration either between pores or between heterogeneous regions, resulting in a low-frequency domain where the Gassmann equations are valid. In contrast, low fluid mobility produces pressure gradients even at seismic frequencies, and thus dispersion. The latter shows a systematic shift to lower frequencies with decreasing mobility. Sandstone samples showed variations in V p as a function of fluid saturation. We explore the applicability of the Gassmann model on sandstone rocks. Two theoretical bounds for the P-velocity are known, the Gassmann–Wood and Gassmann–Hill limits. The observations confirm the effect of wave-induced flow on the transition from the Gassmann–Wood to the Gassmann–Hill limit. With decreasing fluid mobility, the P-velocity at 2–2000 Hz moves from the Gassmann–Wood boundary to the Gassmann–Hill boundary. In addition,, we investigate the mechanisms responsible for this transition.

A serious of non-polar a-plane AlGaN-based multiple quantum wells (MQWs) were successfully grown on the semi-polar r-plane sapphire substrate with metal organic chemical vapor deposition technology. Intense MQWs-related emission peaks at an emission wavelength covered from 277-294 nm were observed based on the photoluminescence measurement. It was found that the employment of the trimethyl-aluminum (TMAl) flow duty-ratio modulation method which was developed based on the two-way pulsed-flows growth technique played a crucial role to control the Al composition of the non-polar a-plane AlGaN epi-layers. The non-polar a-plane AlGaN-based MQWs were deposited with the new developed TMAl flow duty-ratio modulation technique. Evident-3th order X-ray diffraction (XRD) satellite peak was observed from the high resolution-XRD measurement, proving the successful growth of non-polar a-plane AlGaN-based MQWs with abrupt hetero-interfaces.