Topological surface electronic states in candidate nodal-line semimetal CaAgAs

We investigate systematically the bulk and surface electronic structure of the candidate nodal-line semimetal CaAgAs by angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy and density functional calculations. We observed a metallic, linear, non-$k_z$-dispersive surface band that coincides with the high-binding-energy part of the theoretical topological surface state, proving the topological nontriviality of the system. An overall downshift of the experimental Fermi level points to a rigid-band-like $p$-doping of the samples, due possibly to Ag vacancies in the as-grown crystals.Comment: 6 pages, 5 figure

Propofol Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Expression and Myocardial Depression through Decreasing the Generation of Superoxide Anion in Cardiomyocytes

TNF-α has been shown to be a major factor responsible for myocardial depression in sepsis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of an anesthetic, propofol, on TNF-α expression in cardiomyocytes treated with LPS both in vivo and in vitro. In cultured cardiomyocytes, compared with control group, propofol significantly reduced protein expression of gp91phox and phosphorylation of extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38 MAPK, which associates with reduced TNF-α production. In in vivo mice studies, propofol significantly improved myocardial depression and increased survival rate of mice after LPS treatment or during endotoxemia, which associates with reduced myocardial TNF-α production, gp91phox, ERK1/2, and p38 MAPK. It is concluded that propofol abrogates LPS-induced TNF-α production and alleviates cardiac depression through gp91phox/ERK1/2 or p38 MAPK signal pathway. These findings have great clinical importance in the application of propofol for patients enduring sepsis

Transcriptomic comparison of the self-pollinated and cross-pollinated flowers of Erigeron breviscapus to analyze candidate self-incompatibility-associated genes

Table S1. Functional annotation of E.breviscapus transcriptome. (XLSX 4281 kb

Case report: VA-ECMO for fulminant myocarditis in an infant with acute COVID-19

Fulminant myocarditis in children was rare during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, but it had the potential for high morbidity and mortality. We describe the clinical course of a previously healthy 9-month-old young male infant who rapidly deteriorated into cardiogenic shock due to coronavirus disease 2019-related fulminant myocarditis. He developed severe heart failure and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome that were treated promptly with central venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and continuous venovenous hemofiltration. He made a good recovery without significant morbidity

Ground Movement Analysis Based on Stochastic Medium Theory

In order to calculate the ground movement induced by displacement piles driven into horizontal layered strata, an axisymmetric model was built and then the vertical and horizontal ground movement functions were deduced using stochastic medium theory. Results show that the vertical ground movement obeys normal distribution function, while the horizontal ground movement is an exponential function. Utilizing field measured data, parameters of these functions can be obtained by back analysis, and an example was employed to verify this model. Result shows that stochastic medium theory is suitable for calculating the ground movement in pile driving, and there is no need to consider the constitutive model of soil or contact between pile and soil. This method is applicable in practice

A pilot study on acute inflammation and cancer: a new balance between IFN-γ and TGF-β in melanoma

Recent data have redefined the concept of inflammation as a critical component of tumor progression. However, there has been little development on cases where inflammation on or near a wound and a tumor exist simultaneously. Therefore, this pilot study aims to observe the impact of a wound on a tumor, to build a new mouse tumor model with a manufactured surgical wound representing acute inflammation, and to evaluate the relationship between acute inflammation or wound healing and the process of tumor growth. We focus on the two phases that are present when acute inflammation influences tumor. In the early phase, inhibitory effects are present. The process that produces these effects is the functional reaction of IFN-γ secretions from a wound inflammation. In the latter phase, the inhibited tumor is made resistant to IFN-γ through the release of TGF-β to balance the inflammatory factor effect on the tumor cells. A pair of cytokines IFN-γ/TGF-β established a new balance to protect the tumor from the interference effect of the inflammation. The tumor was made resistant to IFN-γ through the release of TGF-β to balance the inflammatory effect on the tumor cells. This balance mechanism that occurred in the tumor cells increased proliferation and invasion. In vitro and in vivo experiments have confirmed a new view of clinical surgery that will provide more detailed information on the evaluation of tumors after surgery. This study also provides a better understanding of the relationship between tumor and inflammation, as well as tumor cell attacks on inflammatory factors

Expressions and clinical significances of CD133 protein and CD133 mRNA in primary lesion of gastric adenocacinoma

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>To study on expressions and clinical significances of CD133 protein and CD133 mRNA in primary lesion of gastric adenocarcinoma (GC).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Expressions of CD133 protein by immunostaining (99 cases) and CD133 mRNA by semi-quantitative RT-PCR (31 cases) were detected in primary lesion and in noncancerous gastric mucosa tissue (NCGT). Correlations of CD133 protein expression with clinicopathological parameters and post-operative survival were analyzed. Relations of CD133 mRNA level with Ki-67 labeling index (LI), and lymphatic metastasis were assessed too.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Brown particles indicating CD133 protein positivity occurred in some parts of tumor cells and epithelium. Expressive percentage of CD133 protein positivity was significantly higher in subgroups with >5 cm diameter (<it>P </it>= 0.041), later TNM stage (<it>P </it>= 0.044), severer lymph node metastasis (<it>P </it>= 0.017), occurrences of lymphatic invasion (<it>P </it>= 0.000) and vascular invasion (<it>P </it>= 0.000) respectively. Severer invasion depth (<it>P </it>= 0.011), lymph node metastasis occurrence (<it>P </it>= 0.043) and later TNM stage (<it>P </it>= 0.049) were the independent risk factors for CD133 protein expression. Average brightness scale value (BSV) of CD133 mRNA was significantly higher in subgroups with >5 cm diameter (<it>P </it>= 0.041), lymph node metastasis occurrence (<it>P </it>= 0.004) and in lower Ki-67 LI (<it>P </it>= 0.02). Relative analysis revealed that BSV of CD133 mRNA related positively to metastatic lymphatic nodes ratio (<it>P </it>= 0.008) and metastatic lymph node number (<it>P </it>= 0.009), but negatively to Ki-67 LI (<it>P </it>= 0.009). Survival of positive subgroup of CD 133 protein was significantly poorer (<it>P </it>= 0.047). Lymph node metastasis occurrence (<it>P </it>= 0.042), later TNM stage (<it>P </it>= 0.046) and CD 133 protein positive expression (<it>P </it>= 0.046) were respectively the independent risk factors to survival.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Higher expressive level of CD133 mRNA is associated to lower Ki-67 LI and severer lymphatic metastasis. Therefore, the expressive level of CD133 mRNA can play an appropriate role to reflect the status of lymph node metastasis and proliferation of GC. CD133 protein expression is closely related with larger tumor, later TNM stage, lymphtic metastasis and survival of GC.</p