Objective To study binocular rivalry (BR)objectively and the correlation between fusiform face area (FFA)and visual cortex.Methods Six subjects participated in this study,with one eye presented a normal face expres-sion picture flickered at 8.57 Hz,while the other presented a fearful face flickered at 12 Hz or 15 Hz,respectively.Electro-encephalogram(EEG)was recorded during this process.Steady state visual evoked potential(SSVEP)evoked by two flick-ering rates was analyzed by time-frequency analysis of short time fourier transformation(STFT).The time index of BR was estimated and the correlation coefficient between FFA and visual cortex compared.Results The total average time was (411.6 ±73.8)ms for the left eye and (547.6 ±126.7)ms for the right eye.The switch rate of the two groups was not different,but the left FFA was more sensitive than the right FFA in process of the fearful face.Neither side of FFA had any frequency preference to the flickered fearful face.Conclusion SSVEP can be used as a frequency tag of BR or as a tool to evaluate visual sensation under BR objectively.SSVEP combined with BR can be used in research of neural mechanisms of visual awareness.

Aim TostudytheeffectsofCuO,ZnOand TiO2 nanoparticles on the viability and metastatic po-tential of EC-9706 and EC-109 esophageal squamous carcinomacelllineinvitro.Methods Characteristics of CuO,ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles were detected u-sing transmission electron microscope (TEM)and dy-namic light scattering (DLS ).EC-9706 and EC-109 cells were treated with different concentrations of CuO, ZnO and TiO2 (5 ~80 mg · L-1 ).The cell prolifera-tion was analyzed by MTT assay.The cell cycle and apoptotic rates were determined by flow cytometry (FCM).The cell invasion was assayed in Transwell chambers.The expression of Bcl-2 and caspase-3 pro-tein in cells was detected by Western blot method.Re-sults CuO,ZnOandTiO2nanoparticleswerespheri-cal with primary particle size 12,20. 6,12 nm.The particles were agglomerated in water and cell culture medium with negative charge.CuO and ZnO nanoparti-cles induced decreases in EC-9706 and EC-109 cell vi-ability dose-dependently.After exposed to increasing concentrations of CuO and ZnO nanoparticles,the cell cycle analysis revealed a decreasing proportion of cells in G2/Mand S phase,and up-regulation of the cells in G0/G1 phase.Apoptotic cells also increased along with decreased cell invasion upon CuO and ZnO treatment. Nanoparticles treatment after 48 h, the activated caspase-3 expression quantity increased significantly and the Bcl-2 expression quantity decreased obviously (P<0. 05 )compared with control group.TiO2 nanop-articles had no obvious effect on the EC-9706 and EC-109 cell proliferation,cell cycle,apoptosis and inva-sion.Conclusion ComparedwithTiO2,CuOand ZnO nanoparticles can inhibit EC-9706 and EC-109 cell viability and metastatic potential,the mechanism of action involves cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase and apoptosis.These findings can help the development of nanoparticles as anti-cancer therapeutics for esophageal cancer.

Background and Objectives: Preimplantation QRS-T morphology screening (TMS) is a composite tool for selecting subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD) candidates. However, its role in predicting the patient's response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is uncertain. Methods: A total of 55 consecutive de novo CRT candidates were enrolled between January 2016 and March 2017. Electrocardiogram (ECG) and TMS were performed before and soon after implantation. The ECG parameters were recorded, including QRS duration and morphology (such as ΔQRS_Index, QTc during biventricular pacing mode [BiV pacing QTc], and QRS/T ratio during biventricular pacing mode [BiV pacing QRS/T ratio]). TMS monitored three sensory vectors of the S-ICD. Six months after implantation, the responses to CRT were evaluated. Results: Thirty-nine patients (70.9%) passed the TMS during biventricular pacing mode. At the six-month follow-up, the number of responders and super-responders was significantly higher in the passing group than in the non-passing group (responders: 31/39 [79.5%] vs.5/16 [31.3%], p<0.001; super-responders: 9/39 [23.1%] vs. 1/16 [6.3%], p=0.020). The superresponse rate was higher among patients who passed all three vectors than among those who passed 1 or 2 vectors (3 vs. 2 vectors, p=0.018; 3 vs. 1 vector, p=0.003). A smaller left atrial diameter, vectors that passed TMS during biventricular pacing mode, and larger ΔQRS_Index values were independently associated with good CRT response. Conclusions Our study demonstrated that patients on CRT who pass the TMS during biventricular pacing mode are more likely to respond and super-respond to CRT.

Objective: To investigate the role and mechanism of Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) in the calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) induced by β-glycerol phosphate (β-GP). Methods: VSMC were cultured with 10% fetal bovine serum+1% double anti-high glucose DMEM medium at 37℃ and 5%CO₂ incubator, and were subcultured according to cell growth density at 1∶4 ratio. The cells were divided into three groups: control group (NC), high-phosphate-induced calcification (HP) group, and HSYA intervention (HSYA) group. The Calcium deposition amount was measured by alizarin red staining and calcium determination kit. The expressions of ALP, RUNX2, RANKL, α-SMA and inflammation indicators TLR4, TNF-α, IL-8 were detected by Western blotting method; Western blotting was also used to detect calcification index alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2). Nuclear factor kappa B receptor activating factor ligand(RANKL), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and the expressions of TLR4/NF-κB pathway and inflammatory response-related indicators Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). The nuclear protein and cytoplasmic proteins were respectively extracted. The expressions of p65 in nucleus and cytoplasm, as well as the expressions of p65 and phosphorylated p65 in total proteins were detected by Western blotting method. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) kit were used to detect the content of antioxidant enzymes and oxidation end products in cells. Results: Western blotting showed that the expressions of ALP, RUNX2 and RANKL in HSYA group were significantly lower than that in HP group. The expression of α-SMA was increased than that of HP group (all P<0.01). The expression levels of TLR4, TNF-α, IL-8 and p-NF-κB/p65 in HSYA group were decreased compared with that in the HP group, and p65 was decreased in nucleus and increased in cytoplasm (all P<0.05). SOD content in HSYA group was significantly higher than that in HP group, and MDA content was significantly lower than that in HP group (all P<0.01). Conclusions HSYA can reduce calcification and calcium deposition of vascular smooth muscle cells induced by high phosphorus. The mechanism is related to the inhibition of the activation of TLR4/NF-κB pathway and the inhibition of oxidative stress.

Objective To investigate the influence mechanism of Cordyceps sinensis (CS) on β-glycerophosphate-induced vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) calcification.Methods The effect of CS on VSMC cell viability was detected by CCK-8.The cellular models of rat VSMC calcification were established by treating with β-glycerophosphate (β-GP,10 mmol/L);then CS (10 mg/L),autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA,5 mmol/L),and AMPK inhibitor compound C (CC,10 μmol/L) were added to the cell cultures.There were a total of 5 experiment groups:VSMC cultured in normal medium (Control),VSMC treated with β-GP,VSMC treated with β-GP and CS,VSMC treated with 3-MA,β-GP and CS,and VSMC treated with CC,β-GP and CS.The calcium nodules and calcium content were examined with alizarin red S staining and the O-cresolphthaleincomplexone method,respectively.The autophagosomes within the VSMC were observed using transmission electron microscope (TEM).Immunofluorescence showed the accumulation of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) puncta.In addition,levels of osteogenic related proteins,autophagy related proteins,and AMPK/mTOR pathway related proteins were evaluated by Western blotting.Results CS increased the number of autophagosomes and the accumulation of LC3 puncta within VSMC.It also upregulated the protein levels of LC3 Ⅱ/LC3 Ⅰ,beclin1,α-SMA,and p-AMPK;whereas,the protein levels of Runx2 and p-mTOR,as well as calcium nodules and calcium content were reduced (all P ＜ 0.01).When the cells were pretreated with 3-MA before treating with β-GP and CS,the autophagosomes,accumulation of LC3 puncta,and protein levels of LC3 Ⅱ/LC3 Ⅰ,beclinl,and α-SMA were decreased (all P ＜ 0.01);however,the protein level of Runx2,and the calcium nodules and calcium content were increased (all P ＜ 0.01).Nevertheless,when the cells were pretreated with CC before giving β-GP and CS,the autophagosomes,the accumulation of LC3 puncta,and the expression levels of p-AMPK,LC3 Ⅱ/LC3 Ⅰ,beclin1,and α-SMA were significantly down-regulated (all P ＜ 0.01);whereas,the expression levels of Runx2 and p-mTOR,as well as calcium nodules and calcium content were increased (all P ＜ 0.01).Conclusions CS can effectively alleviate β-GP-induced VSMC calcification,which may be due to the activation of autophagy by AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.

Objective To study the generating algorithm of personalized external fixation model based on STL file, so as to realize the fabrication of personalized external fixation through 3D scanning, model generation and 3D printing. Compared with the traditional plaster fixation, the external fixation obtained by the proposed method has the advantages of good adhesion to the external surface of the limb, good gas permeability and light weight. Methods In order to generate a personalized external fixation model, the key generating algorithms of the model were studied. The point cloud file of the residual limb was obtained by a 3D scanner, and then was converted into an STL format file. The triangular patches were processed by cutting, offsetting, triangulating and hollowing to create an external fixation model with good gas permeability and conformable surface that is fully fitted with the body surface. Finally, the external fixation was fabricated by 3D printing. Results Using the improved point offset algorithm, the problem of severe distortion of the point offset at the plane and sharp corners was solved. Using the tangent sort method, the points on the contour ring were sorted clockwise to obtain a triangular profile. The hollowing of the model was achieved by using the typical three-dimensional "cutting tool" mathematical model and the STL file space intersection method. Conclusions The improved model generating algorithm was validated based on a wrist case, and the personalized external fixed fixation model with conformable surface was obtained. It is proved that the proposed model generating algorithm is effective and practical.

3D printing technology has unique advantages and broad application prospect in biomedicine field. In recent years, cell printing, tissue printing, and organ printing technologies h have appeared successively, and drug printing and medical device printing have been realized. For complex surgical cases, surgeons and researchers have explored a surgical program that involves 3D printing technology, and completed many clinical applications including case discussions, surgical simulations and implantation surgeries. These efforts promoted the application and development of 3D printing technology in medical field. The purpose of this paper is to describe the application and research status of 3D printing technology in medical field from the aspects of medical teaching, orthopedic surgery, stomatology, bioprinting, drug printing, medical device manufacturing, etc., and put forward the prospects for future development.

Hidradenitis suppurative is a chronic, refractory and recurrent dermatological disease. The disease should be managed by targeted surgical intervention on the basis of medical treatment. Currently, the surgical treatment methods include local treatments like incision and drainage, unroofing, laser therapy, intense pulsed light therapy, photodynamic therapy, as well as complete lesion resection such as skin-tissue saving excision with electrosurgical peeling and extended excision. The clearance range, therapeutic effect, postoperative complications, and recurrence risk vary among the different treatment methods. Local treatments cause less damage, but have high recurrence rates, and are mainly for mild to moderate hidradenitis suppurative patients. Complete lesion resections have relatively low recurrence rates, but may bring more surgical injuries, and postoperative reconstructions are needed, which are mainly for moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurative patients. In this article, the surgical treatment principles and various surgical treatment methods of hidradenitis suppurative are reviewed, to provide a reference for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease in clinical practice.
Humans ; Hidradenitis Suppurativa/complications* ; Hidradenitis/complications* ; Drainage ; Postoperative Complications ; Skin

Congenital generalized lipodystrophy type 1 (CGL1) is an autosomal recessive genetic disease caused by mutations in AGPAT2 gene. The main clinical mainifestations include body subcutaneous fat loss, muscle hypertrophy, obvious subcutaneous veins, pseudoacromegaly, hirsutism, and acanthosis nigricans. What′s more, CGL1 is always accompanied by metabolic diseases. Therefore, it is easily misdiagnosed as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, acromegaly, or Cushing′s syndrome. Meanwhile, it is difficult to distinguish it from partial lipoatrophy syndrome. In this article, we present clinical and molecular characteristics of a patient with CGL1 and review mutations reported in literature to replenish current knowledge about this orphan disease.

【Objective】 To confirm the role of Wnt signaling pathway in the occurrence and development of gastric cancer （GC）， establish a prognostic model composed of Wnt pathway related genes， and then evaluate the predictive value of the model. 【Methods】 We downloaded the gene expression data and survival data of GC in TCGA database， and used GSEA enrichment analysis to verify the enrichment of Wnt pathway in GC and para-cancer samples. In this study， univariable COX regression analysis and survival curve analysis were used to select the prognosis-related genes of GC. Then the multivariate COX proportional hazard regression model was used to obtain the prognostic model of Wnt signaling pathway related genes. Then， receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve and forest plot were used to verify the clinical predictive value of the model. The model was then validated in GEO external database. Finally， by utilizing quantitative real-time PCR （qPCR）， we detected the expressions of Wnt signaling pathway related genes in 8 pairs of clinical GC and para-cancer samples. 【Results】 We downloaded 32 samples of normal para-cancer samples and 375 cancer samples and their corresponding clinical data. GSEA enrichment showed that compared with normal samples， Wnt pathway was significantly enriched in GC samples （P<0.05）. The results of univariate COX analysis showed that 13 Wnt pathway genes were closely related to the prognosis of GC patients. Multivariate COX determined that the model was multiplied and accumulated by ETV2， SERPINE1， CPZ， VPS35 and IGFBP1 and their corresponding coefficient β. The survival curve and ROC curve showed that the model could accurately predict the prognosis of GC patients， and the 1-year， 3-year， and 5-year areas under the curve （AUC） were 68.0%， 69.4% and 78.5%， respectively. Clinical univariate and multivariate COX analyses showed that the model could become an independent prognostic factor other than TNM system of GC. The external data set （GSE84437） validation results of GC showed that the model could better predict the prognosis of GC patients. qPCR results indicated that ETV2， SERPINE1， CPZ， VPS35 and IGFBP1 expressions were upregulated in GC samples compared with para-cancer samples. 【Conclusion】 This study further confirmed that Wnt pathway plays an important role in the progress of GC from the perspective of bioinformatics， and we have established a prognosis-related risk model， providing a new perspective for clinical genetic testing， targeted therapy and individualized therapy.