Coping with alpine habitats: genomic insights into the adaptation strategies of (Caprifoliaceae).

How plants find a way to thrive in alpine habitats remains largely unknown. Here we present a chromosome-level genome assembly for an alpine medicinal herb, (Caprifoliaceae), and 13 transcriptomes from other species of Dipsacales. We detected a whole-genome duplication event in that occurred prior to the diversification of Dipsacales.

Plant-on-chip: Core morphogenesis processes in the tiny plant .

A plant can be thought of as a colony comprising numerous growth buds, each developing to its own rhythm. Such lack of synchrony impedes efforts to describe core principles of plant morphogenesis, dissect the underlying mechanisms, and identify regulators. Here, we use the minimalist known angiosperm to overcome this challenge and provide a model system for plant morphogenesis.

Benefits of Mindfulness Training on the Mental Health of Women During Pregnancy and Early Motherhood: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a mindfulness-based psychosomatic intervention on depression, anxiety, fear of childbirth (FOC), and life satisfaction of pregnant women in China.

Methods: Women experiencing first-time pregnancy ( = 104) were randomly allocated to the intervention group or a parallel active control group. We collected data at baseline (T0), post-intervention (T1), 3 days after delivery (T2), and 42 days after delivery (T3).

BMP8A promotes survival and drug resistance via Nrf2/TRIM24 signaling pathway in clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

There is increasing evidence that bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) are involved in the proliferation and drug tolerance of kidney cancer. However, the molecular mechanism of BMP8A in renal cell proliferation and drug tolerance is not clear. Here we showed that BMP8A was highly expressed in renal cell carcinoma, which suggests a poor prognosis of ccRCC.

Polymer/glass hybrid DC-MZI thermal optical switch for 3D-integrated chips.

A directional coupler (DC) Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) thermal optical switch based on a polymer and glass waveguide hybrid for three-dimensional (3D)-integrated chips is demonstrated. The proposed thermal optical switch consists of a polymer waveguide and glass waveguide prepared using an ion-exchange technique. The two waveguide cores can achieve coupling in the vertical direction, improving the integration level on 3D-integrated chips, realizing the complementary advantages of polymer and glass materials.

Novel long noncoding RNA OTUD6B-AS1 indicates poor prognosis and inhibits clear cell renal cell carcinoma proliferation via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Background: The long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) OTUD6B antisense RNA 1 (OTUD6B-AS1) is oriented in an antisense direction to the protein-coding gene OTUD6B on the opposite DNA strand. TCGA database data show that the expression of the lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 is downregulated and that OTUD6B-AS1 acts as an antioncogene in a variety of tumors. However, the expression and biological functions of the lncRNA OTUD6B-AS1 are still unknown in tumors, including clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).

Investigation of A Slow-Light Enhanced Near-Infrared Absorption Spectroscopic Gas Sensor, Based on Hollow-Core Photonic Band-Gap Fiber.

Generic modeling and analysis of a slow-light enhanced absorption spectroscopic gas sensor was proposed, using a mode-tuned, hollow-core, photonic band-gap fiber (HC-PBF) as an absorption gas cell. Mode characteristics of the un-infiltrated and infiltrated HC-PBF and gas absorption enhancement of the infiltrated HC-PBF were analyzed. A general rule of microfluidic parameters for targeting different gas species in the near-infrared was obtained.

Computer-assisted resection and reconstruction of bilateral osteoradionecrosis of the mandible using 2 separate flaps prepared from a single fibula.

Objectives: Osteoradionecrosis of the mandible is a late radiation-induced complication, which is a major concern in survivors of head and neck cancer.

Study Design: In this study, we present a case of a patient with nasopharyngeal carcinoma who developed extensive bilateral osteoradionecrosis of the ascending ramus of the mandible. After preoperative virtual surgical planning, the obtained data were used to fabricate patient-specific cutting templates.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts confer cisplatin resistance of tongue cancer via autophagy activation.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play important roles in carcinogenesis and progression of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC). However, effect of CAFs on chemotherapy resistance of TSCC remains largely obscure. Here, we cultured the matched primary CAFs and normal fibroblasts (NFs) pairs and detected their roles in cisplatin sensitivity of TSCC, as well as autophagy-related protein LC3 and Beclin1 expressions.

Comparison of outcomes with extensive segmental pectoralis major myocutaneous flap via the anterior axillary line and the conventional technique in oral and oropharyngeal cancer.

Background: This study compared the outcomes of an extensive segmental pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (esPMMF) and a conventional pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMF).

Methods: The study enrolled 91 patients with primary oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) who underwent radical resection followed by reconstruction of the defect using either an esPMMF via the anterior axillary line or a PMMF. The pedicle lengths of the esPMMF and PMMF were 22-28 and 18-22 cm, respectively.

Roles of Loss of Chromosome 14q Allele in the Prognosis of Renal Cell Carcinoma with C-reactive Protein Abnormity.

Background:: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is frequently associated with paraneoplastic inflammatory syndrome (PIS). This study aimed at exploring the connections between the survival rate and specific gene alterations and the potential mechanism.

Methods:: We retrospectively studied 69 surgical RCC cases from August 2014 to February 2016, including 18 cases of clear cell RCC (ccRCC) demonstrating elevated pretreatment serum C-reactive protein (CRP, Group A).

IncRNA H19 promotes tongue squamous cell carcinoma progression through β-catenin/GSK3β/EMT signaling via association with EZH2.

H19 is involved in tumor metastasis and associated with tumor progression. Enhancer of zest homolog 2 (EZH2) is overexpressed in multiple cancer types and correlates with tumor proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and poor prognosis. However, the interaction between H19 and EZH2 to promote tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) progression remains largely uncharacterized.

Postoperative immune response and surgical stress in selective neck dissection: Comparison between endoscopically assisted dissection and open techniques in cT1-2N0 oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: Endoscopically assisted selective neck dissection (SND) has recently been applied in clinical N0 cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, nothing is known of the immune response after surgery.

Methods: A total of 60 patients with cT1-2N0 OSCC randomly underwent endoscopically assisted SND and open operations.

Endoscopy-Assisted Resection of Benign Lesions on the Base of the Tongue via the Transoral Approach Using a Harmonic Scalpel.

Purpose: Surgical removal of lesions from the base of the tongue can be challenging for head and neck surgeons. This study evaluated the clinical outcomes of patients with benign lesions at the base of the tongue who underwent endoscopy-assisted resection through the transoral approach using an ultrasonic harmonic scalpel.

Patients And Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted from May 2013 to January 2016.

Endoscopy-Assisted Transoral Versus Endoscopy-Assisted Transcervical Minimal Incision Plus Mandibular Osteotomy Approach in Resection of Large Parapharyngeal Space Tumors.

Background: Resection of the parapharyngeal space is often challenging. This study aims to evaluate the outcome of the endoscopy-assisted transoral approach for resection of the parapharyngeal space tumors compared with the endoscopy-assisted transcervical approach.

Methods: Twenty-three consecutive patients (15 males, 8 females) who underwent resection of large parapharyngeal space tumors via endoscopy-assisted transoral (ETO) approach or endoscopy-assisted transcervical minimal incision plus osteotomy of the vertical ramus outside the mandibular foramen (ETC + MO) approach were analyzed retrospectively.

Determinants of Detection of Stones and Calcifications in the Hepatobiliary System on Virtual Nonenhanced Dual-energy CT.

Objective To retrospectively determine the features of stones and calcifications in hepatobiliary system on virtual nonenhanced (VNE) dual-energy computed tomography (CT), and to evaluate the possibility of VNE images in diagnosis for those lesions.Methods A total of 128 gall stones and calcifications of the liver found in 110 patients were examined with triple phase abdominal CT scan from July 2007 to December 2011, in which true nonenhanced (TNE) phase and arterial phase were performed with single-energy CT (120 kVp) and portal venous phase was performed with dual-energy CT (100 kVp and 140 kVp). VNE images were generated from the portal venous phase dual-energy CT data sets by using commercially VNC software.

A comparative study of the endoscopy-assisted transoral approach versus external approaches for the resection of large benign parapharyngeal space tumors.

Objective: The advantages and limitations of the endoscopy-assisted transoral approach (EATA) and external approaches (EAs) in resection of parapharyngeal space tumors (PSTs) remain unclear. In our study, we compared the use of the EATA and the EAs for the resection of large, benign PSTs.

Study Design: Forty-four patients with PSTs were divided into the EATA and EA groups.

Endoscope-assisted extracapsular dissection of benign parotid tumors through a single cephaloauricular furrow incision versus a conventional approach.

Background: A few modified approaches have been reported for performing endoscope-assisted dissections of benign parotid tumors, but none that use incisions totally hidden in a natural furrow. This study evaluated the feasibility of performing endoscope-assisted extracapsular dissections of benign parotid tumors using a single cephaloauricular furrow incision.

Methods: Forty-six patients with benign parotid superficial lobe tumors were randomly divided into two groups: an endoscope-assisted (21 patients) group or a conventional (25 patients) surgery group.

Craniofacial Resection and Reconstruction in Patients With Recurrent Cancer Involving the Craniomaxillofacial Region.

Purpose: Head and neck tumors that involve the craniomaxillofacial region are classified as stage IVb disease and are clinically challenging. In this study, the outcomes of craniofacial resection and craniofacial reconstruction in patients with recurrent malignant tumors involving the craniomaxillofacial region were evaluated.

Patients And Methods: This retrospective observational study was conducted from January 2008 to August 2015.

Reconstruction of full-thickness cheek defects with a folded extended supraclavicular fasciocutaneous island flap following ablation of advanced oral cancer.

Purpose: The aim of the present clinical study was to evaluate the feasibility of a folded extended supraclavicular fasciocutaneous island flap (SFIF) for full-thickness cheek defect reconstruction following ablative oral cancer surgery.

Patients And Methods: The nine patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the buccal mucosa were six men and three women, with a mean age of 60.8 years.

Salvage Surgery for Patients With Recurrent Oral and Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Involving the Carotid Artery.

Purpose: Outcomes of salvage surgery and carotid artery (CA) management were evaluated in patients with oral and oropharyngeal cancer.

Patients And Methods: Eighteen patients with recurrent oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma involving the CA underwent salvage surgeries consisting of wide resection of the tumor, CA resection without and with reconstruction, and CA subadventitial dissection without and with encapsulation. Major tissue defects were reconstructed using a flap.

Tumor necrosis factor α induces myofibroblast differentiation in human tongue cancer and promotes invasiveness and angiogenesis via secretion of stromal cell-derived factor-1.

Objectives: Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an important role in tumor progression and are associated with a poor prognosis. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) has been involved in growth and metastasis associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in many types of cancers. However, the relationship among the TNFα, activation of CAFs and their tumor-promoting effects on tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) remain obscure.

Role of Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy in the Management of Submandibular Fistula After Reconstruction for Osteoradionecrosis.

Purpose: Although negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) for complicated wounds has been extensively studied, it is rarely used in cases involving a submandibular fistula due to radiation-induced osteoradionecrosis of the mandible. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of NPWT for submandibular fistulas after reconstruction for osteoradionecrosis.

Patients And Methods: Nine patients with submandibular fistulas after reconstruction for osteoradionecrosis treated with NPWT between 2011 and 2014 were included in the study.

Novel Local Full-Thickness Skin Grafts for Closure of Free Fibular Osteocutaneous Flap Donor Sites.

Purpose: The fibular flap donor site after skin paddle harvest is usually covered with abdominal full-thickness skin grafts. However, this kind of skin graft creates an inevitable third operative area and additional esthetic damage. The aim of this report was to present a novel approach to manage fibular donor site defects using a full-thickness skin graft from the adjacent area and avoid further esthetic damage in a third area.