Nanoscale Gap-Plasmon-Enhanced Superconducting Photon Detectors at Single-Photon Level

With a growing demand for detecting light at the single-photon level in various fields, researchers are focused on optimizing the performance of superconducting single-photon detectors (SSPDs) by using multiple approaches. However, input light coupling for visible light has remained a challenge in the development of efficient SSPDs. To overcome these limitations, we developed a novel system that integrates NbN superconducting microwire photon detectors (SMPDs) with gap-plasmon resonators to improve the photon detection efficiency to 98% while preserving all detector performance features, such as polarization insensitivity. The plasmonic SMPDs exhibit a hot-belt effect that generates a nonlinear photoresponse in the visible range operated at 9 K (∼0.64Tc), resulting in a 233-fold increase in phonon-electron interaction factor (γ) compared to pristine SMPDs at resonance under CW illumination. These findings open up new opportunities for ultrasensitive single-photon detection in areas like quantum information processing, quantum optics, imaging, and sensing at visible wavelengths.

[Research advances on size selection and vault prediction of posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens]

Posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens (pIOL) implantation has been widely adopted for the correction of refractive errors. Among pIOLs, the Implantable Collamer Lens is the most common choice. The selection of the appropriate pIOL size and achieving the desired postoperative vault to minimize complications has consistently been a focal point in academic research. With the advancement of ophthalmic biometric measurement technology and the application of artificial intelligence in the field of medicine, numerous new technologies and methods for pIOL size selection and vault prediction have emerged in recent years. This paper provides a comprehensive review on the topic of how to choose the pIOL size and predict the vault.

[Clinical and biological features and prognosis of patients with leukemic non-nodal mantle cell lymphoma]

Objective: To investigate the clinical, biological and prognostic characteristics of leukemic non-nodal mantle cell lymphoma (nnMCL). Methods: The clinical data of 14 patients with nnMCL and 238 patients with classical mantle cell lymphoma (cMCL) in Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from November 2000 to October 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Among the 14 patients with nnMCL, there were 9 males and 5 females, with the age [M (Q₁, Q₃)] of 57.5 (52.3, 67.0) years. Among the 238 patients with cMCL, there were 187 males and 51 females, with the age of 58.0 (51.0, 65.3) years. The clinical and biological characteristics of the two groups were recorded and compared. Follow-up and efficacy evaluation were conducted by re-examination during hospital stay and telephone follow-up and so on. Results: The proportion of CD200 expression in nnMCL patients was 8/14, which was higher than that in cMCL patients [14.6% (19/130)] (P=0.001). The proportion of CD23 expression in nnMCL patients was 8/14, which was higher than that in cMCL patients [13.5% (23/171)] (P<0.001). The proportion of CD5 expression in nnMCL patients was 10/14, which was lower than that in cMCL patients [97.4% (184/189)] (P=0.001). The proportion of CD38 expression in nnMCL patients was 4/14, which was lower than that in cMCL patients [69.6% (112/161)] (P=0.005). The expression proportion of sex-determining region of Y chromosome-related high-mobility-group box 11 (SOX11) in nnMCL patients was 1/5, which was lower than that in cMCL patients [77.9% (60/77)] (P=0.014). The proportion of immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (IGHV) mutations in nnMCL patients was 11/11, which was higher than that in cMCL patients [26.0% (13/50)] (P<0.001). As of April 11, 2021, the follow-up time for nnMCL and cMCL patients was 31 (8-89) months and 48 (0-195) months, respectively. Among the 14 nnMCL patients, 6 patients were still under observation, and 8 patients were treated. The overall response rate (ORR) was 8/8, including 4 patients with complete remission and 4 patients with partial response. The median overall survival and median progression-free survival were not reached in nnMCL patients. In the cMCL group, 50.0% (112/224) patients achieved a complete response, 24.6% (55/224) patients achieved a partial response, and ORR was 74.6% (167/224). There was no statistically significant difference in ORR between the two groups (P=0.205). Conclusions: nnMCL patients have an indolent progression, with higher expression rates of CD23 and CD200 and lower expression rates of SOX11, CD5 and CD38. Most patients have IGHV mutations, with a relatively good prognosis, and"watch and wait"approach is an optional treatment.

In silico package models for deriving values of solute parameters in linear solvation energy relationships

Environmental partitioning influences fate, exposure and ecological risks of chemicals. Linear solvation energy relationship (LSER) models may serve as efficient tools for estimating environmental partitioning parameter values that are commonly deficient for many chemicals. Nonetheless, scarcities of empirical solute parameter values of LSER models restricted the application. This study developed and evaluated in silico methods and models to derive the values, in which excess molar refraction, molar volume and logarithm of hexadecane/air partition coefficient were computed from density functional theory; dipolarity/polarizability parameter, solute H-bond acidity and basicity parameters were predicted by quantitative structure-activity relationship models developed with theoretical molecular descriptors. New LSER models on four physicochemical properties relevant with environmental partitioning (n-octanol/water partition coefficients, n-octanol/air partition coefficients, water solubilities, sub-cooled liquid vapour pressures) were constructed using the in silico solute parameter values, which exhibited comparable performance with conventional LSER models using the empirical solute parameter values. The package models for deriving the LSER solute parameter values, with advantages that they are free of instrumental determinations, may lay the foundation for high-throughput estimating environmental partition parameter values of diverse organic chemicals.

[Research progress in the application of non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma in dentin bonding]

As a convenient and effective surface modification approach, non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma (NTAPP)can be used to improve dentin bonding, and has recently become a research focus. Studies have shown that NTAPP can alter dentin surface properties, improve the penetration and polymerization of adhesives, stimulate the cross-linking of collagen, and change the micro-morphology and element content of dentin surface, thus improve the dentin bonding quality. This article introduces the current research progress in the application of NTAPP in the field of dentin bonding, in order to provide innovative information for future research in optimization of the quality of dentin bonding.

[Antibiotic resistance and virulence characteristics analysis of a carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae]

Objective: To characterize the antibiotic resistance and virulence in a carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP). Methods: A CRKP (designated K. pneumoniae C35) was isolated from a stool sample. The minimal inhibitory concentrations of antimicrobial agents were determined using the broth microdilution method. Whole-genome sequencing and genome analysis were performed to identify the antibiotic resistance and virulence genes. The genetic relationship among K. pneumoniae C35 and other CRKP isolates from our hospital was analyzed by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) typing of core genomes. Conjugation experiments were carried out by filter mating to evaluate the transferability and efficiency of resistance genes. The virulence phenotype was determined by Galleria mellonella infection model. Results: K. pneumoniae C35 exhibited resistance to the majority of tested antibiotics, especially carbapenems, sulbactam, and polymyxins. SNP typing showed that K. pneumoniae C35 shared a high degree of sequence homology with several CRKP isolates from different wards. This ST11 CRKP carried 13 resistance genes, including bla_KPC-2, bla_CTX-M-199, mcr-1, and tet(A) variant. bla_KPC-2 gene was located on an IncFⅡ plasmid with>69 800 bp in size, bla_CTX-M-199 and mcr-1 genes were located on an IncI2 plasmid (>64 800 bp), and tet(A) variant was located on an unknown Inc-type plasmid (83 628bp). All these three plasmids were conjugative. K. pneumoniae C35 was found to harbor rmpA, rmpA2, and iucABCD aerobactin-related genes, and was considered to be classic carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (CR-hvKP). The virulence potential of this strain was confirmed in a Galleria mellonella infection model. The survival rate of the larvae injected with strain C35 at 48 h after infection was significantly lower than that of negative control strain (16.7% vs 80.0%). Conclusion: Multiple conjugative plasmids are identified in a faecal CR-hvKP. The IncI2 plasmid co-carrying both bla_CTX-M-199 and mcr-1 genes is firstly identified in CR-hvKP. The emergence of such strain should be alerted and active surveillance is warranted.

[Diagnostic and prognostic value of peripheral lymphocyte subtyping for invasive candidiasis infection in critically ill patients with non-neutropenic sepsis]

Objective: To assess the diagnostic and prognostic value of lymphocyte subtyping for invasive candidiasis infection (ICI) in critically ill patients with non-neutropenic sepsis. Methods: A prospective observational cohort study was performed at Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), 377 patients with non-neutropenic sepsis admitted to Department of Critical Care Medicine from January 2017 to November 2019 were enrolled. There were 9.0% (34/377) patients diagnosed as ICI. Vital signs, supportive care therapy and microbiological specimens were collected. Peripheral blood lymphocyte subtypes, serum globulin, complements, inflammatory factors such as interleukin(IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor were detected within 24 hours after sepsis was diagnosed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic value and prognostic significance of immunological indicators for ICI. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors for ICI. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to analyze survival. Results: The acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) score was 17.0 (13.0, 21.0) in all 377 patients. The sequential organ failure score (SOFA) was 11.0 (8.0, 13.0), and the 28-day mortality rate was 27.6% (104/377). Peripheral blood CD8⁺absolute T lymphocyte count≤177 cells/μl, CD28⁺CD8⁺T-cell count≤81 cells/μl and 1, 3-β-D-glucan (BDG) ≥88.20 ng/L were closely correlated with the diagnosis of ICI (AUC=0.793,95%CI 0.749-0.833,P<0.000 1;AUC=0.892,95%CI 0.856-0.921, P<0.000 1;AUC=0.761, 95%CI 0.715-0.803,P<0.000 1, respectively), with sensitivity of diagnosis 94.12%, 100.00%, and 88.24%; the specificity of diagnosis 81.34%, 62.39%, 63.56% respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified CD8⁺T-cell count≤139 cells/μl (OR=7.463, 95%CI 1.300-42.831, P=0.024) and CD28⁺CD8⁺T-cell counts≤52 cells/μl (OR=57.494, 95%CI 3.986-829.359, P=0.003) as independent risk factors for higher mortality. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis suggested that CD8⁺T-cell count ≤139 cells/μl (P=0.0159) and CD28⁺CD8⁺T-cell count≤52 cells/μl (P=0.000 1) were associated with higher mortality within 28 days (68.8%, 91.7%). Conclusions: Low CD28⁺CD8⁺T cell count in peripheral blood is closely related to the development and clinical outcome of ICI in sepsis patients, which could be used as an effective indicator for the diagnosis and prognosis prediction of ICI.

Carcinogenesis of Male Oral Submucous Fibrosis Alters Salivary Microbiomes

Most oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tumors arise from oral premalignant lesions. Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF), usually occurring in male chewers of betel quid, is a premalignant stromal disease characterized by a high malignant transformation rate and high prevalence. Although a relationship between the inhabited microbiome and carcinogenesis has been proposed, no detailed information regarding the oral microbiome of patients with OSF exists; the changes of the salivary microbiome during cancer formation remain unclear. This study compared the salivary microbiomes of male patients with OSCC and a predisposing OSF background (OSCC-OSF group) and those with OSF only (OSF group). The results of high-throughput sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene indicated that OSF-related carcinogenesis and smoking status significantly contributed to phylogenetic composition variations in the salivary microbiome, leading to considerable reductions in species richness and phylogenetic diversity. The microbiome profile of OSF-related malignancy was associated with increased microbial stochastic fluctuation, which dominated the salivary microbiome assembly and caused species co-occurrence network collapse. Artificial intelligence selection algorithms consistently identified 5 key species in the OSCC-OSF group: Porphyromonas catoniae, Prevotella multisaccharivorax, Prevotella sp. HMT-300, Mitsuokella sp. HMT-131, and Treponema sp. HMT-927. Robust accuracy in predicting oral carcinogenesis was obtained with our exploratory and validation data sets. In functional analysis, the microbiome of the OSCC-OSF group had greater potential for S-adenosyl-l-methionine and norspermidine synthesis but lower potential for l-ornithine and pyrimidine deoxyribonucleotide synthesis and formaldehyde metabolism. These findings indicated that the salivary microbiome plays important roles in modulating microbial metabolites during oral carcinogenesis. In conclusion, our results provided new insights into salivary microbiome alterations during the malignant transformation of OSF.

[Risk factors of anastomotic leakage after robotic surgery for low and mid rectal cancer]

Objective: To investigate the risk factors associated with anastomotic leakage after robotic surgery in mid-low rectal cancer. Methods: A retrospective case-control study method was conducted. Inclusion criteria: (1) 18 to 80 years old; (2) pathologically confirmed rectal cancer; (3) distance <10 cm from tumor to anal margin; (4) robotic anterior rectal resection. Patients with previous history of colorectal cancer surgery, distant metastases or other malignant tumors, undergoing emergency surgery, with severe abdominal adhesions or those receiving combined organ resection were excluded. Based on the above criteria, 636 patients undergoing robotic radical sphincter-preserving surgery for mid-low rectal cancer in Zhongshan Hospital from January 2015 to December 2018 were included in this study, including 398 males (62.6%) and 238 females (37.4%) with a mean age of (61.9±11.3) years. Sixty-eight cases (10.7%) received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Amony the 636 included patients, 123(19.3%) underwent natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) and 15 (2.3%) underwent preventive stoma. According to the cirteria developed by the International Rectal Cancer Research Group in 2010, the anastomotic leakage was classified as grade A (no requirement of intervention), B (requirement of intervention), and C (requirement of operation). Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between anastomotic leakage and clinicopathological factors. Factors in univariate analysis with P<0.05 were included in the multivariate analysis. Results: Anastomotic leakage occurred in 38 cases (6.0%). The grading of anastomotic leakage was grade A in 13 cases (2.0%), grade B in 19 cases (3.0%), and grade C in 6 cases (0.9%). The 3-year disease-free survival rate of patients with anastomotic leakage and without anastomotic leakage was 83.5% and 83.6% respectively (P=0.862); the 3-year overall survival rate of the two group was 85.1% and 87.5% respectively (P=0.296). The results of univariate logistic regression analysis showed that male (P=0.011), longer operation time (P=0.042), distance ≤5 cm from tumor to anal margin (P=0.012), more intraoperative blood loss (P=0.048) were associated with anastomotic leakage (all P<0.05). NOSES was not associated with anastomotic leakage (P=0.704). Multivariate analysis confirmed that male (OR=3.03, 95%CI: 1.37 to 7.14, P=0.010), operation time ≥180 minutes (OR=2.04, 95%CI: 1.03 to 3.99, P=0.040), distance ≤5 cm from tumor to anal margin (OR=2.56, 95%CI:1.28 to 5.26, P=0.008) were independent risk factors for anastomotic leakage. Conclusion: Male, short distance from tumor to anal margin, and long operation time are independent risk factors for anastomotic leakage in patients undergoing robotic mid-low rectal cancer radical surgeries. These patients need to be cautiously treated during surgery.

[Blood-borne occupation exposures in dental practice of medical staff: status and protection]

Objective: To understand the status of blood-borne occupational exposure and protection among health care workers (HCWs) in dental practice, and provide evidence for making effective prevention. Methods: From April 1 to 15, 2019, a stratified random sampling method was conducted to investigate the data of blood-borne occupational exposure among 221 dental HCWs in 2018, and Chi-squared Test was used to evaluate the differences of status on occupational exposure and protection among different professionals, such as nurses, doctors and trainees, and among different-grade hospitals. Results: A total of 166 HCWs were exposed to occupational exposure 269 times, with the annual incidence of 75.11% (166/221) , and 37.55% (101/269) of exposures were reported. However, all source patients of exposures had failed to be traced. 89.59% (241/269) of exposures were sharp injuries. The top three instruments caused injuries were syringe/bilan needles, suture needles and vehicle needles, accounting for 35.68% (86/241) 、16.60% (40/241) and 16.18% (39/241) , respectively; and the top three exposure operations were removal/disposal of needles or instruments, suture/assisting suture and injection of anesthetic, accounting for 37.17% (100/269) 、22.30% (60/269) and 17.84% (48/269) , respectively. There were statistically significant differences among different professionals in occupational exposure frequency, reporting rate, the types of instruments caused injuries, exposure operations and hepatitis B vaccinated time (P<0.01) . The compliance rate of standard precautions, safe operation, post-exposure reporting and prevention, and training on occupational protection were generally poor among HCWs, with significant differences in different-grade hospitals (P<0.01) . Conclusion: There is a high incidence, low reporting rate and poor self-protection of blood-borne occupational exposure among dental HCWs. Strongly suggesting that standard precautions, safe use and disposal of oral instruments, active post-exposure report and prevention must be improved for everyone.

Spectral tomographic imaging with aplanatic metalens

Tomography is an informative imaging modality that is usually implemented by mechanical scanning, owing to the limited depth-of-field (DOF) in conventional systems. However, recent imaging systems are working towards more compact and stable architectures; therefore, developing nonmotion tomography is highly desirable. Here, we propose a metalens-based spectral imaging system with an aplanatic GaN metalens (NA = 0.78), in which large chromatic dispersion is used to access spectral focus tuning and optical zooming in the visible spectrum. After the function of wavelength-switched tomography was confirmed on cascaded samples, this aplanatic metalens is utilized to image microscopic frog egg cells and shows excellent tomographic images with distinct DOF features of the cell membrane and nucleus. Our approach makes good use of the large diffractive dispersion of the metalens and develops a new imaging technique that advances recent informative optical devices.

P6428The waist-to-body mass index ratio is a better predictor for cardiovascular outcome in patients with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease - No u-shaped phenomenon

Background

Many studies have observed an “obesity paradox” in patients with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), in which the body mass index (BMI)-mortality curve is U-shaped.

Purpose

To search a better anthropometric parameter to predict the cardiovascular events in patients with ASCVD.

Methods

The study was conducted from the Taiwanese Secondary Prevention for patients with AtheRosCLErotic disease (T-SPARCLE) Registry. Adult patients with stable ASCVD were enrolled. The primary composite endpoint of this study is the time of the first major cardiovascular event, defined as cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction or stroke, or cardiac arrest with resuscitation. Dose response association between primary outcome events and various traditional anthropometric parameters and a new parameter, the waist-to-BMI ratio, was examined using the Cox proportional hazards regression model. We used restricted cubic spline regression to investigate the potential nonlinear relationship between each anthropometric measure and primary outcome events.

Results

A total of 6921 patients with ASCVD were included in this analysis, and were followed up for a median of 2.5 years. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression showed a significant positive association between the waist-to-BMI ratio and the primary outcome events (adjusted hazard ratio 1.67, 95% CI 1.12–2.49, p=0.01). Other traditional anthropometric parameters, such as BMI, weight, waist and waist-hip ratio, did not showed significant associations (p=0.10, 0.31, 0.90, and 0.52, respectively). In the restricted cubic spline regression, the positive dose response association between the primary outcome and the waist-to-BMI ratio persisted across all the waist-to-BMI ratio, and was non-linear (the likelihood ratio test for nonlinearity was statistically significant, p<0.001) with a much steeper increase in the major cardiovascular event for the waist-to-BMI ratio >3.6 cm m2/kg.

Dose response curve of waist/BMI ratio

Conclusion

This study found the waist-to-BMI ratio to be a better predictor for major adverse cardiovascular events in established ASCVD patients than other traditional anthropometric parameters.

Relationship between the Degeneration and Regeneration of Neuromuscular Junction and Wound Age during the Repair of Mouse Skeletal Muscle Contusion

Abstract

Objective To investigate the morphological changes in the degeneration and regeneration of neuromuscular junctions （NMJ） during the repair of mouse skeletal muscle contusion and discuss the correlation between the degeneration and regeneration of NMJ and wound age. Methods A total of 50 healthy adult male mice were randomly divided into 10 groups, including 9 experimental groups and 1 control group. Immunofluorescent staining was applied, and neurofilament was marked with neurofilament protein-H （NF-H）, presynaptic membrane was marked with synaptophysin （Syn）, presynaptic membrane was marked with acetylcholine receptor （AChR）. Morphological changes of NMJ regeneration at different time points after mouse skeletal muscle contusion were detected. Results The neurofilament and presynaptic membrane of NMJ at the junction of contusion zones began to degrade after contusion, and completed degradation at about 3 d post-injury. Then they gradually regenerated, roughly completing the regeneration at about 21 d and basically reaching the control group level. The ratio of presynaptic membrane quantity to presynaptic membrane quantity showed a trend of decreasing then rising and finally reaching the control level. Conclusion During the repair of mouse skeletal muscle contusion, the morphological changes and wound age of the NMJ at the junction of contusion zones have a close correlation, which is expected to be one of the biological indicators for forensic skeletal muscle wound age estimation.

Relationship between Changes of Pericyte Number and Wound Age during Repair of Skeletal Muscle Contusion in Mice

Abstract

Objective To observe the change pattern of pericyte number at different time periods after mice skeletal muscle contusion and discuss its role in wound age estimation. Methods A mice gastrocnemius muscle contusion model was established. The form and number changes of pericytes at 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 14, and 28 d post-injury were detected by multiple immunofluorescence staining. Results Compared with the slender shape of pericytes in normal skeletal muscles, pericytes in the contusion area had increased volume, rounder form and a round nuclei. Part of pericytes were found to express satellite cell markers paired-box transcription factor （Pax7） or myoblast determination 1 （MyoD1）. The changes of pericyte number in skeletal muscles after contusion were time-dependant, and showed unimodal distribution with the extension of wound age. In the central contusion area, the number of pericytes peaked at 5 d post-injury while in the peripheral contusion area, the number of pericytes peaked at 5 d and 7 d post-injury. Conclusion The number of pericytes in contusion area varies time-dependently after skeletal muscle contusion in mice and might be a reference index for muscle wound age estimation, and is involved in the repair and regeneration of skeletal muscle injury.

Relationship between Expression Changes of CB2R and Wound Age of Brain Contusion in Mice

Abstract

Objective To investigate the expression of cannabinoid type 2 receptor （CB2R） at different time points after brain contusion and its relationship with wound age of mice. Methods A mouse brain contusion model was established with PCI3000 Precision Cortical Impactor. Expression changes of CB2R around the injured area were detected with immunohistochemical staining, immunofluorescent staining and Western blotting at different time points. Results Immunohistochemical staining results showed that only a few cells in the cerebral cortex of the sham operated group had CB2R positive expression. The ratio of CB2R positive cells gradually increased after injury and reached the peak twice at 12 h and 7 d post-injury, followed by a decrease to the normal level 28 d post-injury. The results of Western blotting were consistent with the immunohistochemical staining results. Immunofluorescent staining demonstrated that the changes of the ratio of CB2R positive cells in neurons, CB2R positive cells in monocytes and CB2R positive cells in astrocytes to the total cell number showed a single peak pattern, which peaked at 12 h, 1 d and 7 d post-injury, respectively. Conclusion The expression of CB2R after brain contusion in neurons, monocytes and astrocytes in mice suggests that it is likely to be involved in the regulation of the biological functions of those cells. The changes in CB2R are time-dependent, which suggests its potential applicability as a biological indicator for wound age estimation of brain contusion in forensic practice.

Achromatic metalens array for full-colour light-field imaging

A light-field camera captures both the intensity and the direction of incoming light^1-5. This enables a user to refocus pictures and afterwards reconstruct information on the depth of field. Research on light-field imaging can be divided into two components: acquisition and rendering. Microlens arrays have been used for acquisition, but obtaining broadband achromatic images with no spherical aberration remains challenging. Here, we describe a metalens array made of gallium nitride (GaN) nanoantennas⁶ that can be used to capture light-field information and demonstrate a full-colour light-field camera devoid of chromatic aberration. The metalens array contains an array of 60 × 60 metalenses with diameters of 21.65 μm. The camera has a diffraction-limited resolution of 1.95 μm under white light illumination. The depth of every object in the scene can be reconstructed slice by slice from a series of rendered images with different depths of focus. Full-colour, achromatic light-field cameras could find applications in a variety of fields such as robotic vision, self-driving vehicles and virtual and augmented reality.

Systematic review of clinical prediction models for survival after surgery for resectable pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

As more therapeutic options for pancreatic cancer are becoming available, there is a need to improve outcome prediction to support shared decision-making. A systematic evaluation of prediction models in resectable pancreatic cancer is lacking.

METHODS

This systematic review followed the CHARMS and PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were searched up to 11 October 2017. Studies reporting development or validation of models predicting survival in resectable pancreatic cancer were included. Models without performance measures, reviews, abstracts or more than 10 per cent of patients not undergoing resection in postoperative models were excluded. Studies were appraised critically.

RESULTS

After screening 4403 studies, 22 (44 319 patients) were included. There were 19 model development/update studies and three validation studies, altogether concerning 21 individual models. Two studies were deemed at low risk of bias. Eight models were developed for the preoperative setting and 13 for the postoperative setting. Most frequently included parameters were differentiation grade (11 of 21 models), nodal status (8 of 21) and serum albumin (7 of 21). Treatment-related variables were included in three models. The C-statistic/area under the curve values ranged from 0·57 to 0·90. Based on study design, validation methods and the availability of web-based calculators, two models were identified as the most promising.

CONCLUSION

Although a large number of prediction models for resectable pancreatic cancer have been reported, most are at high risk of bias and have not been validated externally. This overview of prognostic factors provided practical recommendations that could help in designing easily applicable prediction models to support shared decision-making.

Second Harmonic Light Manipulation with Vertical Split Ring Resonators

The second harmonic generation (SHG) of vertical and planar split-ring resonators (SRRs) that are broken centro-symmetry configurations at the interface of metal surface and air is investigated. Strong interactions, better electromagnetic field confinements, and less leakage into the substrate for vertical SRRs are found. Experimental results show a 2.6-fold enhancement of SHG nonlinearity, which is in good agreement with simulations and calculations. Demonstrations of 3D metastructures and vertical SRRs with strong SHG nonlinearity majorly result from magnetic dipole and electric quadrupole clearly provides potential applications for photonics and sensing.

[Advance of the use of auricular othosis in congenital ear deformities]

Congenital ear deformities are common diseases in infants and can be effectively corrected by ear molding. However, the current knowledge about the auricular othosis is still insufficiency. As the new type of ear correction system has been produced, non-surgical correction of ear deformities is increasingly popular. To promote and standardize its clinical application, here, we reviewed the advanced publications associated with neonatal ear molding, focusing on auricular deformities classification, incidence rate, self-healing rate, as well as pathological mechanism. The review also included various auricular othosis materials, treatment opportunity, cure rate and complications.

In ineffective esophageal motility, failed swallows are more functionally relevant than weak swallows

BACKGROUND

Esophageal pressure topography (EPT) diagnosis of ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) can be non-specific with unclear clinical significance.

AIMS

To determine whether peristaltic vigor or lower esophageal sphincter (LES) integrity is associated with poor clearance and acid reflux in IEM.

METHODS

Bolus clearance on high-resolution impedance manometry (HRIM) and available reflux studies in patients with IEM were retrospectively reviewed. Bolus clearance was assessed using both line tracing and colored contour methods on HRIM. EPT parameters, bolus clearance, and acid reflux variables were explored.

KEY RESULTS

Eighty-eight patients with IEM were included. Bolus clearance occurred in 71% of all swallows, and 55.7% of patients had complete bolus transit (CBT, bolus clearance in ≥80% of swallows). Bolus clearance was impaired in swallows with distal contractile integral (DCI) <100 mmHg•cm•s compared to DCI 100-450 (0.43 vs 0.79, P < .0001). A cutoff at DCI 100 mmHg•cm•s was associated with clearance with an accuracy of 76% compared to 49% at DCI 450 (P = .0001 for both). A median DCI <100 was associated with a higher Eckardt score (9 vs 3, P = .03), and on reflux testing available in 47 patients, with abnormal acid exposure time (P = .002). Peristaltic reserve (PR) defined as (DCI of multiple rapid swallow/median DCI of wet swallows), integrated relaxation pressure, and resting lower esophageal sphincter pressure were not associated with clearance or acid exposure.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Failed peristalsis, as defined by DCI <100 mmHg•cm•s, is associated with impaired bolus clearance and more severe dysphagia in IEM, and likely abnormal acid exposure.

Ultrathin Planar Cavity Metasurfaces

An ultrathin planar cavity metasurface is proposed based on ultrathin film interference and its practicability for light manipulation in visible region is experimentally demonstrated. Phase of reflected light is modulated by finely adjusting the thickness of amorphous silicon (a-Si) by a few nanometers on an aluminum (Al) substrate via nontrivial phase shifts at the interfaces and interference of multireflections generated from the planar cavity. A phase shift of π, the basic requirement for two-level phase metasurface systems, can be accomplished with an 8 nm thick difference. For proof of concept, gradient metasurfaces for beam deflection, Fresnel zone plate metalens for light focusing, and metaholograms for image reconstruction are presented, demonstrating polarization-independent and broadband characteristics. This novel mechanism for phase modulation with ultrathin planar cavity provides diverse routes to construct advanced flat optical devices with versatile applications.

[The clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of patients with gout in China]

Objective: To investigate the demographic characteristics, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of patients with gout in China. Methods: Clinical data of 6 814 patients with gout from 100 hospitals in 27 provinces, municipalities or autonomous regions in China were collected and analyzed. Results: (1) The ratio of male to female in patients with gout was 14.7∶1. The mean age of onset was (48.8±15.1) years old. Mean serum urate level was (526.7±132.3) μmol/L. Patients' education background was of U-shaped distribution; (2) Hypertension was the most common comorbidity [15.8%(1 079/6 814)], then overweight or obesity [51.9%(3 536/6 814)]; (3) Alcohol and high-purine food intake were dominant triggering factors in men. The diagnosis of gout was made after onset in majority of patients with cardinal symptom arthralgia. Most patients had the disease less than 5 years, and the longer the course, the more flares in the previous year of entry; (4) Febuxostat was the mostly used urate-lowering medication. 20.7%(1 412/6 814), 10.8%(739/6 814) and 3.9%(265/6 814) of patients were followed up in 4 weeks, 12 weeks and 24 weeks after registration, and 18.9%(267/1 412), 29.1%(215/739) and 38.1%(101/265) of them reached the control target of serum urate levels, respectively. After treatment, patients' liver function was not affected, but serum creatinine levels decreased significantly. Conclusions: The proportion of gout patients who reach target serum urate level is very low. Further steps including education and survey need to be carried on.

[Analysis of the tibial baseplate coverage and symmetrical tibial prosthesis in primary total knee arthroplasty]

Objective: To investigate the tibial baseplate coverage with symmnetrical tibial prosthesis in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: From August 2014 to February 2015, 39 patients (39 knees) with varus knee osteoarthritis were retrospective reviewed in Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin Xiqing Hospital. Nine males and 30 females; aged 50 to 78 years (67±6 year). 3D tibia models of the knee were built with Mimics 10.01 software, simulated TKA surgeries were performed. The morphology of the proximal tibia was measured, including the mediolateral (ML), anteroposterior (AP) and medial and lateral tibial plateau AP dimensions. 3D models of PFC Sigma tibial prosthesis were imported and the tibial coverage characters were analyzed. Results: The AP and ML dimensions of the tibial resection surface were (45.7± 3.4) mm, (71.7± 4.2) mm respectively, the plateau aspect ration ratio (AP/ML) was 63.8%±3.0%. The medial tibial plateau AP[(46.9± 3.3) mm]was significantly greater than the lateral side[(41.8±3.3) mm, P=0.000], the asymmetric ratio averaged 112.4%±6.9%. The medial tibial plateau, anteromedial, posteromedial, posterolateral unsatisfied coverage ratio were 33.3%, 76.9%, 20.5%, 33.3% respectively. There are 5 cases underhang and 3 cases overhang in the posteromedial side, whereas 1 case underhang and 12 cases overhang posterolateral, the overhang ratio was 30.8%. Posteromedial, posterolateral prosthesis coverage had linear positive correlation to the ipsilateral tibial plateau AP diameter. Conclusions: The medial AP diameter of tibial plateau is significantly lager than the lateral side in varus knee osteoarthritis patients. With symmetrical tibial baseplate placement in TKA, the prosthesis usually lead to medial tibial plateau anterior and posterior underhang and posterolateral overhang.

GaN Metalens for Pixel-Level Full-Color Routing at Visible Light

Metasurface-based components are known to be one of the promising candidates for developing flat optical systems. However, their low working efficiency highly limits the use of such flat components for feasible applications. Although the introduction of the metallic mirror has been demonstrated to successfully enhance the efficiency, it is still somehow limited for imaging and sensing applications because they are only available for devices operating in a reflection fashion. Here, we demonstrate three individual GaN-based metalenses working in a transmission window with extremely high operation efficiency at visible light (87%, 91.6%, and 50.6% for blue, green, and red light, respectively). For the proof of concept, a multiplex color router with dielectric metalens, which is capable of guiding individual primary colors into different spatial positions, is experimentally verified based on the design of out-of-plane focusing metalens. Our approach with low-cost, semiconductor fabrication compatibility and high working efficiency characteristics offers a way for establishing a complete set of flat optical components for a wide range of applications such as compact imaging sensors, optical spectroscopy, and high-resolution lithography, just named a few.

Bolus clearance in esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction is associated with strength of peristalsis

BACKGROUND

A manometric diagnosis of esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) without a mechanical cause creates a therapeutic conundrum. The aim of this study was to assess esophageal bolus clearance in EGJOO and assess manometric factors associated with clearance in EGJOO.

METHODS

Bolus clearance was assessed using line-tracing method and contour method to determine Complete Bolus Transit (CBT) and Functional Clearance (FC), respectively, on combined High-Resolution Impedance Manometry (HRIM). HRIM studies of EGJOO patients, as well as a sample of achalasia types I-III and asymptomatic controls, were retrospectively analyzed. In EGJOO, associations between Integrated Relaxation Pressure (IRP) or Distal Contractile Integral (DCI) and clearance were assessed using receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) curves.

KEY RESULTS

Seventy-five EGJOO, 28 achalasia, and 11 normal subjects were included. Agreement between CBT and FC was good (Kappa=0.75). CBT across swallows in each group was as follows: type I achalasia: 14%, type II achalasia: 8%, type III achalasia: 61%, EGJOO: 86%, and normal: 98% (p values .023, .006, and <.0001 for EGJOO vs normals, type III achalasia, and all achalasia, respectively). In idiopathic EGJOO, CBT ≥60% of swallows was seen in 96.4% of patients when mean DCI>610 mmHg-s-cm (accuracy 87.7%, P=.004). Complete Bolus Transit( CBT) across individual swallows was 97.8% when DCI>884 mmHg-s-cm (accuracy 81.9%, P<.0001). IRP was poorly associated with bolus clearance.

CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES

Bolus clearance in EGJOO is impaired compared to normal, but not as severely as in achalasia. In idiopathic EGJOO, weak peristalsis is associated with poor bolus clearance. Bolus transit appears to be unimpaired when DCI>900 mmHg-s-cm.

[Analysis of outcomes of tension-free mid-urethral sling procedure in women with mixed urinary incontinence]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the medium and long term outcomes of tension-free mid-urethral sling in the treatment of female patients with mixed urinary incontinence (MUI).

METHODS

Twenty-six patients who underwent the tension-free mid-urethral sling procedure for MUI from April, 2010 to September, 2016, were followed up. Four of the 26 patients underwent retropubic tension free mid-urethral sling (TVT), and 22 of them underwent transurethral middle obturator sling (TOT). Scales were used in the follow-up, such as urinary incontinence severity score (UISS), detrusor instability score (DIS), incontinence quality of life scale evaluation (I-QOL), Urogenital Distress Inventory short form (UDI-6), and the outcomes before and after the procedure were compared.

RESULTS

The mean age was 62 years, with a range of 42-80 years. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 26.82 kg/m², with a range of 21.48-31.14 kg/m². The mean follow-up time was 26 months, with a range of 8-69 months. Twelve patients never took M-blockers and the rest 14 patients took M-blockers within two weeks. None of the patients had complications, including dysuria, injury of bladder, urethra, obturator vessel or nerve during the surgery. After pulling out the catheter, no one suffered moderate or severe pain or difficulty of urination. The overall cure rate for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) was 96.15% with 25 patients cured, and for urge urinary incontinence (UUI) was 76.92% with 20 patients cured. The patients' life quality also improved significantly (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Ten of the 26 patients showed an overactive bladder according to urodynamic study, from whom all of the six failed patient were. And 16 patients didn't show an overactive bladder, which may due to two reasons. One is that their sense of urge is not so serious, the other one is that their sense of urge is from urethra. Proximal urethra is full of nerve, which plays a role in sense and urine control. The sense of urge may come from urethra instead of bladder. tension-free mid-urethral sling procedure is an effective treatment for women with mixed urinary incontinence. Even without taking the M-blockers, the cure rate for urge incontinence reached 76.92%. The efficacy of surgery remained stable in medium and long term, and the patients' quality of life improved significantly.

[Analysis of myopia and axial length changes and relevant factors of children aged 7 to 14 years in Wenzhou]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the incidence and features of myopia in children aged 7 to 14 years.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study. A total of 2 226 children (2 226 eyes) aged 7 to 14 years were selected from school during June 2012 and January 2015. Refraction was measured by fast cycloplegic retinoscopy. SPSS16.0 was used to analyze the data. Ocular refractive parameters, including axial length (AL), corneal power, anterior chamber depth, and white to white, were measured by IOLMaster (version 5.0, Carl Zeiss, Germany). Only the right eyes were included in the analysis.

RESULTS

(1) The incidence of myopia in children increased with age. The incidence of myopia in female children was higher than male children with the same age. The overall incidence of myopia in female children was higher than male children (χ(2)=4.284, P=0.036). The average AL was (23.53±1.12) mm in male children and (23.44±1.08) mm in female children, and there was no statistically significant difference (t=1.502, P=0.134). (2) The change of refractive parameters was as follows. The AL elongated with age ,the average AL located in (22.84±0.87) to (24.49±1.19) mm(F=10.076, P<0.001) . The anterior chamber became deepened with age,the average ACD located in (3.28±0.16) to (3.67±0.24) mm (F=8.059, P<0.001). The white to white reduced slightly with age, the average WTW located in (12.30 ± 0.35) to (12.16 ± 0.54) mm,although there was no significant difference (F=0.469, P=0.857). There was no difference in the corneal power with age ,the average corneal power located in (43.05±1.31) to (43.74±1.20) D(F=0.440, P=0.877). The values of AL, anterior chamber depth in the myopia group were greater than the emmetropia group with the same age (P<0.05). (3) Correlation factor analysis of AL was as follows. Mixed effects model displayed that the age, height, and body weight were related to eye axis. The regression equation of AL was: AL=19.120 4+0.124 2×A+0.019 6×H+ 0.015 3×W. The AL was positively correlated with the body height (r=0.527, P< 0.01) and weight (r=0.47, P< 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Among children aged 7 to 14 years, the incidence of myopia, AL, and anterior chamber depth increase with age. During the period of rapid physical development, the refraction and AL should be monitored. The prevalence of myopia is relatively high in girls, which may be associated with outdoor activity. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2016, 52: 514-519).

Versatile Polarization Generation with an Aluminum Plasmonic Metasurface

All forms of light manipulation rely on light-matter interaction, the primary mechanism of which is the modulation of its electromagnetic fields by the localized electromagnetic fields of atoms. One of the important factors that influence the strength of interaction is the polarization of the electromagnetic field. The generation and manipulation of light polarization have been traditionally accomplished with bulky optical components such as waveplates, polarizers, and polarization beam splitters that are optically thick. The miniaturization of these devices is highly desirable for the development of a new class of compact, flat, and broadband optical components that can be integrated together on a single photonics chip. Here we demonstrate, for the first time, a reflective metasurface polarization generator (MPG) capable of producing light beams of any polarizations all from a linearly polarized light source with a single optically thin chip. Six polarization light beams are achieved simultaneously including four linear polarizations along different directions and two circular polarizations, all conveniently separated into different reflection angles. With the Pancharatnam-Berry phase-modulation method, the MPG sample was fabricated with aluminum as the plasmonic metal instead of the conventional gold or silver, which allowed for its broadband operation covering the entire visible spectrum. The versatility and compactness of the MPG capable of transforming any incident wave into light beams of arbitrary polarizations over a broad spectral range are an important step forward in achieving a complete set of flat optics for integrated photonics with far-reaching applications.

[Analysis of the influence factors of school-age children's refractive status]

Objective: To analyze the influence of the eye biological parameters, height, and weight on the school-age children's refractive status. Methods: Cross-sectional study. A total of 1 656 children (1 656 eyes), aged from 7 to 14 years, were selected from 8 schools in Wenzhou during June 2012 and June 2013. The height and weight of each child were measured, and the body mass index (BMI) was calculated. The eye biological parameters, including axial length (AL), corneal power (C=1/CR), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and white to white (WTW), were measured by IOLMaster (version 5.0, Carl Zeiss, Germany), and the AL/CR was calculated. Refraction was measured by fast cycloplegic retinoscopy, and the spherical equivalent (SE) was calculated. Only right eyes were included in the analysis. SPSS16.0 was used to analyze the data. The correlations of the equivalent spherical power, the eye biological parameters, height, weight, and BMI were evaluated. Linear regression analysis was used for the SE, AL, and AL/CR. Results: The prevalence of myopia in 7- to 14-year-old school-age children was 50.2% on the average, 48.4% in boys, and 51.7% in girls. The average SE was (-1.07±1.74) D. With adjustment of the age, gender, urban and rural areas, there was an association between the SE and AL, AL/CR, ACD, height and weight. The correlation coefficient was -0.663, -0.730, -0.416, -0.365, and -0.281, respectively (P<0.05). There was no significant correlation between the SE and WTW, corneal power and BMI. Regarding the different refractive statuses, there was a stronger correlation between the SE and AL, AL/CR in children with hyperopia, moderate myopia or high myopia than those with emmetropia or mild myopia (P< 0.01). In the older children, the correlation between the SE and AL, AL/CR was stronger. Linear regression analysis showed SE= 26.55-9.11·AL/CR and 23.0-1.02·AL. Conclusions: There was an association between the SE and AL, AL/CR, ACD, height and weight in school-age children. In children with hyperopia, moderate myopia, high myopia or at an older age, the correlation was more significant between the SE and AL, AL/CR. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2016, 52:831-835).

Using the zebrafish to understand tendon development and repair

Tendons are important components of our musculoskeletal system. Injuries to these tissues are very common, resulting from occupational-related injuries, sports-related trauma, and age-related degeneration. Unfortunately, there are few treatment options, and current therapies rarely restore injured tendons to their original function. An improved understanding of the pathways regulating their development and repair would have significant impact in stimulating the formulation of regenerative-based approaches for tendon injury. The zebrafish provides an ideal system in which to perform genetic and chemical screens to identify new pathways involved in tendon biology. Until recently, there had been few descriptions of tendons and ligaments in the zebrafish and their similarity to mammalian tendon tissues. In this chapter, we describe the development of the zebrafish tendon and ligament tissues in the context of their gene expression, structure, and interactions with neighboring musculoskeletal tissues. We highlight the similarities with tendon development in higher vertebrates, showing that the craniofacial tendons and ligaments in zebrafish morphologically, molecularly, and structurally resemble mammalian tendons and ligaments from embryonic to adult stages. We detail methods for fluorescent in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry as an assay to examine morphological changes in the zebrafish musculoskeleton. Staining assays such as these could provide the foundation for screen-based approaches to identify new regulators of tendon development, morphogenesis, and repair. These discoveries would provide new targets and pathways to study in the context of regenerative medicine-based approaches to improve tendon healing.

[Effect of age on urodynamic parameters of women with urinary incontinence]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate age related changes in urodynamic parameters of women with urinary incontinence.

METHODS

From May 2008 to October 2015, a total of 214 patients diagnosed with urinary incontinence in Peking University People's Hospital was involved in this study. Average age was (56.97±10.68) years, ranging from 30 to 82 years, and average history was (8.44±8.85) years, ranging from one month to 50 years. Urodynamic examinations of each patient were taken before operation routinely in Department of Urology, Peking University People's Hospital. The urodynamic study was composed of non-invasive and invasive procedures. Analysis included maximal flow rate (Qmax), average flow rate, time to Qmax, voiding time, detrusor pressure at Qmax, maximal detrusor pressure, voided volume, post-void residual urine volume (PVR), the total capacity of bladder, first-, strong-, and urge-desire to void, cough leak point pressure (CLPP), and Valsalva leak point pressure (VLPP). Patients were divided into four groups according to age, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and one-way ANOVA were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 214 patients were enrolled in this study. The data of Qmax, average flow rate, voided volume, and total capacity of bladder decreased with statistical significance. The value of residual urine volume and voiding time increased without statistical significance, while the value of maximal detrusor pressure decreased.

CONCLUSION

Urodynamic examination data of females with urinary incontinence changes along with the elapse of age, which was mainly observed as age ascends, and the changes in urodynamic parameters of women with urinary incontinence suggest that the value of Qmax, average flow rate, voided volume, and total capacity of bladder decreased significantly, while the value of PVR and the voiding time increased and the value of maximal detrusor pressure decreased.

[Significance of preoperative urodynamics for clinical diagnosis of female patients with stress urinary incontinence]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the impact of preoperative urodynamic study on the diagnosis and treatment for female patients with clinical diagnosis of stress urinary incontinence by studying their diagnosis and treatment database, and to assess its clinical significance of urodynamic study.

METHODS

From April 2011 to December 2015, 196 female patients diagnosed clinically with stress urinary incontinence underwent preoperative urodynamics study, after excluding pelvic organ prolapse. The preoperative urodynamic data of these 196 cases were analyzed and the clinical significance of urodynamics on differential diagnosis and treatment for the female patients with stress urinary incontinence was evaluated.

RESULTS

In this study, 23 cases (11.73%) changed or amended their diagnoses by the urodynamic study, which were inconsistent with the previous clinical diagnoses concluded by the symptoms, physical examinations, and lab tests. A total of 10 cases underwent a different surgery or conservative treatment instead of the original treatment according to urodynamic study. Of them, 3 were diagnosed as detrusor overactive and undertook conservative treatment; 3 were diagnosed as bladder outlet obstruction plus stress urinary incontinence and were undertaken the transurethral resection of the bladder neck (TURBN) plus tension free vaginal tape (TVT); 2 were diagnosed as bladder outlet obstruction plus stress urinary incontinence and were undertaken TURBN alone; 1 was diagnosed as bladder outlet obstruction plus stress urinary incontinence and was undertaken TURBN plus tension free vaginal tape obturator (TOT); 1 was found no abnormal bladder function turned out to be interstitial cystitis and went for a bladder instillation of drug. The changed treatments avoided the risk of dysuria or residual urine increased after operation due to inappropriate surgical methods.

CONCLUSION

In order to make a correct diagnosis and suitable treatment for female patients with stress urinary incontinences, the preoperative urodynamic study is necessary besides detailed medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. With the help of the urodynamic study, the concomitant diseases of patients with stress urinary incontinence may be detected, the individualized treatment regimen can be developed, and more importantly, the inappropriate surgical decision can be avoided.

A new paradigm of genetic testing for hereditary breast/ovarian cancers

INTRODUCTION

Genetic risk factors and family history play an important role in breast cancer development. This review aimed to summarise the current genetic testing approach to hereditary breast/ovarian cancer.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was performed by searching the PubMed database. Publications available online until January 2015 that addressed issues related to hereditary breast/ovarian cancer genetic counselling/testing were selected. The search terms used were "familial breast/ovarian cancer", "susceptibility genes", "genetic counselling", and "genetic testing". The data extracted for this review were analysed by the authors, with a focus on genetic testing for hereditary breast/ovarian cancer.

RESULTS

Although a greater proportion of inherited breast/ovarian cancers are due to the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, a number of new genes have emerged as susceptibility candidates, including rare germline mutations in high penetrance genes, such as TP53 and PTEN, and more frequent mutations in moderate/low penetrance genes, such as PALB2, CHEK2 and ATM. Multi-gene testing, if used appropriately, is generally a more cost- and time-effective method than single-gene testing, and may increase the number of patients who can be offered personal surveillance, risk-reduction options, and testing of high-risk family members.

CONCLUSIONS

Recent advances in molecular genetics testing have identified a number of susceptibility genes related to hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancers other than BRCA1 and BRCA2. The introduction of multi-gene testing for hereditary cancer has revolutionised the clinical management of high-risk patients and their families. Individuals with hereditary breast/ovarian cancer will benefit from genetic counselling/testing.

[Significance of preoperative urodynamics for clinical diagnosis of female patients with stress urinary incontinence]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the impact of preoperative urodynamic study on the diagnosis and treatment for female patients with clinical diagnosis of stress urinary incontinence by studying their diagnosis and treatment database, and to assess its clinical significance of urodynamic study.

METHODS

From April 2011 to December 2015, 196 female patients diagnosed clinically with stress urinary incontinence underwent preoperative urodynamics study, after excluding pelvic organ prolapse. The preoperative urodynamic data of these 196 cases were analyzed and the clinical significance of urodynamics on differential diagnosis and treatment for the female patients with stress urinary incontinence was evaluated.

RESULTS

In this study, 23 cases (11.73%) changed or amended their diagnoses by the urodynamic study, which were inconsistent with the previous clinical diagnoses concluded by the symptoms, physical examinations, and lab tests. A total of 10 cases underwent a different surgery or conservative treatment instead of the original treatment according to urodynamic study. Of them, 3 were diagnosed as detrusor overactive and undertook conservative treatment; 3 were diagnosed as bladder outlet obstruction plus stress urinary incontinence and were undertaken the transurethral resection of the bladder neck (TURBN) plus tension free vaginal tape (TVT); 2 were diagnosed as bladder outlet obstruction plus stress urinary incontinence and were undertaken TURBN alone; 1 was diagnosed as bladder outlet obstruction plus stress urinary incontinence and was undertaken TURBN plus tension free vaginal tape obturator (TOT); 1 was found no abnormal bladder function turned out to be interstitial cystitis and went for a bladder instillation of drug. The changed treatments avoided the risk of dysuria or residual urine increased after operation due to inappropriate surgical methods.

CONCLUSION

In order to make a correct diagnosis and suitable treatment for female patients with stress urinary incontinences, the preoperative urodynamic study is necessary besides detailed medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. With the help of the urodynamic study, the concomitant diseases of patients with stress urinary incontinence may be detected, the individualized treatment regimen can be developed, and more importantly, the inappropriate surgical decision can be avoided.

Intrafollicular expression and potential regulatory role of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript in the ovine ovary

Follicular growth is regulated by a complex interaction of pituitary gonadotropins with local regulatory molecules. Previous studies demonstrated an important role for cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) in regulation of granulosa cell estradiol production associated with dominant follicle selection in cattle. However, intraovarian expression and actions of CART in other species, including sheep, are not known. The objective of this study was to investigate the expression of CART in sheep follicles and determine the effects of CART on indices of ovine granulosa cell function linked to follicular development. Results demonstrated the expression of CART messenger RNA and prominent intraovarian localization of CART peptide in granulosa cells of sheep follicles. Granulosa cell CART messenger RNA was lower, but follicular fluid estradiol concentrations were higher in large (>5 mm) follicles vs smaller 3- to 5-mm follicles harvested from sheep ovaries of abattoir origin. CART treatment inhibited follicle stimulating hormone-induced estradiol production by cultured ovine granulosal cells and also blocked the follicle stimulating hormone-induced increase in granulosa cell numbers. Results demonstrate expression of CART in sheep follicular tissues and suggest potential biological actions of CART, which are inhibitory to ovine follicular growth and development.

Efficacy of adjunctive laser in non-surgical periodontal treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis

To evaluate the efficacy of the adjunctive laser therapy in conventional non-surgical treatment of chronic periodontitis, an electronic search was performed through the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and China Biology Medicine (CBM) Disc, for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs. All the 12 included studies (11 RCTs and 1 quasi-RCT) were qualified for descriptive and quantitative analysis. Outcomes were divided into two groups according to the length of follow-ups (long term and short term). Subgroup analyses were performed based on the mode of laser (inside and outside mode). Among all included researches, reduction in probing depth (PD) and gain in clinical attachment level (CAL) were presented with the mean value and 95 % confidence interval, while bleeding on probing (BOP) was assessed descriptively. Meta-analysis suggested that adjunctive laser therapy reduced PD at 3 months [mean difference (MD) = -0.26, 95 % confidence interval (CI) range = -0.43 to -0.09, p = 0.003] but did not demonstrate significant effect on the CAL at either 3 months (MD = -0.03, 95 % CI range = -0.25 to 0.19, p = 0.79) or 6 months (MD = -0.11, 95 % CI range = -0.38 to 0.16, p = 0.43). Subgroup analyses indicated that laser therapy would be more effective when the probes were set up outside the periodontal pockets.

Clonal expansion of hepatocytes with a selective advantage occurs during all stages of chronic hepatitis B virus infection

Hepatocyte clone size was measured in liver samples of 21 patients in various stages of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and from 21 to 76 years of age. Hepatocyte clones containing unique virus-cell DNA junctions formed by the integration of HBV DNA were detected using inverse nested PCR. The maximum hepatocyte clone size tended to increase with age, although there was considerable patient-to-patient variation in each age group. There was an upward trend in maximum clone size with increasing fibrosis, inflammatory activity and with seroconversion from HBV e-antigen (HBeAg)-positive to HBeAg-negative, but these differences did not reach statistical significance. Maximum hepatocyte clone size did not differ between patients with and without a coexisting hepatocellular carcinoma. Thus, large hepatocyte clones containing integrated HBV DNA were detected during all stages of chronic HBV infection. Using laser microdissection, no significant difference in clone size was observed between foci of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive and HBsAg-negative hepatocytes, suggesting that expression of HBsAg is not a significant factor in clonal expansion. Laser microdissection also revealed that hepatocytes with normal-appearing histology make up a major fraction of the cells undergoing clonal expansion. Thus, preneoplasia does not appear to be a factor in the clonal expansion detected in our assays. Computer simulations suggest that the large hepatocyte clones are not produced by random hepatocyte turnover but have an as-yet-unknown selective advantage that drives increased clonal expansion in the HBV-infected liver.

Vertical split-ring resonator based anomalous beam steering with high extinction ratio

Metasurfaces created artificially with metal nanostructures that are patterned on surfaces of different media have shown to possess “unusual” abilities to manipulate light. Limited by nanofabrication difficulties, so far most reported works have been based on 2D metal structures. We have recently developed an advanced e-beam process that allowed for the deposition of 3D nanostructures, namely vertical split-ring resonators (VSRRs), which opens up another degree of freedom in the metasurface design. Here we explore the functionality of beam steering with phase modulation by tuning only the vertical dimension of the VSRRs and show that anomalous steering reflection of a wide range of angles can be accomplished with high extinction ratio using the finite-difference-time-domain simulation. We also demonstrate that metasurfaces made of 3D VSRRs can be made with roughly half of the footprint compared to that of 2D nano-rods, enabling high density integration of metal nanostructures.

Rapid identification of red-flesh loquat cultivars using EST-SSR markers based on manual cultivar identification diagram strategy

Manual cultivar identification diagram is a new strategy for plant cultivar identification based on DNA markers, providing information to efficiently separate cultivars. We tested 25 pairs of apple EST-SSR primers for amplification of PCR products from loquat cultivars. These EST-SSR primers provided clear amplification products from the loquat cultivars, with a relatively high transferability rate of 84% to loquat; 11 pairs of primers amplified polymorphic products. After analysis of 24 red-fleshed loquat accessions, we found that only 7 pairs of primers could clearly separate all of them. A cultivar identification diagram of the 24 cultivars was constructed using polymorphic bands from the DNA fingerprints and EST-SSR primers. Any two of the 24 cultivars could be rapidly separated from each other, according to the polymorphic bands from the cultivars; the corresponding primers were marked in the correct position on the cultivar identification diagram. This red-flesh loquat cultivar identification diagram can separate the 24 red-flesh loquat cultivars, which is of benefit for loquat cultivar identification for germplasm management and breeding programs.

Effect of clenbuterol on tracheal mucociliary transport in horses undergoing simulated long-distance transportation

BACKGROUND

Pneumonia is observed in horses after long-distance transportation in association with confinement of head position leading to reduction in tracheal mucociliary clearance rate (TMCR).

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES

Clenbuterol, a beta-2 agonist shown to increase TMCR in the horse, will ameliorate the effects of a fixed elevated head position on large airway contamination and inflammation in a model of long-distance transportation model.

ANIMALS

Six adult horses.

METHODS

A cross-over designed prospective study. Horses were maintained with a fixed elevated head position for 48 hours to simulate long-distance transport, and treated with clenbuterol (0.8 μg/kg PO q12h) or a placebo starting 12 hours before simulated transportation. TMCR was measured using a charcoal clearance technique. Data were collected at baseline and 48 hours, and included TMCR, tracheal wash cytology and quantitative culture, rectal temperature, CBC, fibrinogen, and serum TNFα, IL-10, and IL-2 levels. There was a 18-21 day washout between study arms, and data were analyzed using regression analysis and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests.

RESULTS

Tracheal mucociliary clearance rate was significantly decreased after transportation in both treatment (P = .002) and placebo (P = .03) groups. There was a significant effect of treatment on TMCR, with the treatment group showing half the reduction in TMCR compared with the placebo group (P = .002). Other significant differences between before- and after-transportation samples occurred for serum fibrinogen, peripheral eosinophil count, quantitative culture, tracheal bacteria, and degenerate neutrophils, though no treatment effect was found.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Treatment with clenbuterol modestly attenuates the deleterious effects of this long-distance transportation model on tracheal mucociliary clearance.

Experimental initial partial polymerization method for Fuji II placement evaluated for microleakage with/without Fuji Coat

PURPOSE

This laboratory study evaluated an experimental 1-second initial partial polymerization (IPP) technique using Fuji II LC vs the manufacturer's standard placement (control), both with and without Fuji Coat, relative to microleakage.

METHODS

Class V restorative preparations were placed on the buccal and lingual aspects of 30 permanent, caries-free and restoration-free, third molar teeth. Fuji II LC restorations were placed either following manufacturer-specified guidelines or IPP for 1 second prior to contouring and full light curing. Half of the restorations were placed using the IPP experimental technique and half of the teeth were finished using Fuji Coat LC. Following thermocycling, specimens were sectioned and dye penetration was measured. SPSS 16 was used for statistical analysis (p<0.05).

RESULTS

Mean microleakage results: experimental/varnish (0.08 ± 0.15 mm), control/varnish (0.17 ± 0.35 mm), experimental/nonvarnish (0.33 ± 0.33 mm), and control/nonvarnish (0.58 ± 0.47 mm). Univariate analysis of variance demonstrated significantly less microleakage for the experimental technique (p<0.001), use of finishing varnish (p<0.001), and the combination of experimental/varnish (p=0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

The initial partial polymerization technique of Fuji II LC placement significantly reduces microleakage. Fuji Coat LC results in further diminished microleakage.

Benchmark dose approach for low-level lead induced haematogenesis inhibition and associations of childhood intelligences with ALAD activity and ALA levels

Lead (Pb) levels, delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activities, zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) levels in blood, and urinary delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) and coproporphyrin (CP) concentrations were measured for 318 environmental Pb exposed children recruited from an area of southeast China. The mean of blood lead (PbB) levels was 75.0μg/L among all subjects. Benchmark dose (BMD) method was conducted to present a lower PbB BMD (lower bound of BMD) of 32.4μg/L (22.7) based on ALAD activity than those based on the other three haematological indices, corresponding to a benchmark response of 1%. Childhood intelligence degrees were not associated significantly with ALAD activities or ALA levels. It was concluded that blood ALAD activity is a sensitive indicator of early haematological damage due to low-level Pb exposures for children.

Efficacy of short-term chincup therapy for mandibular growth retardation in Class III malocclusion

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of chincup therapy for mandibular growth retardation in early orthopedic treatment of Class III malocclusion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An electronic search for articles reporting randomized clinical trials, controlled clinical trials, and cohort studies testing the efficacy of chincup appliance for Class III malocclusion published up to the present was done through four databases: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; to March 2010), MEDLINE (1950-March 2010), EMBASE (1980-March 2010), and CBM (1978-March 2010). Study quality assessment and data extraction were done by two reviewers independently. Meta-analysis was done with the assistance of Revman 5.01.

RESULTS

The search resulted in 50 articles. After selection following the established criteria, four cohort studies qualified for the final review analysis. The results showed that chincup therapy decreased SNB angle and increased ANB angle; the total pooled weighted mean difference values (95% confidence interval) were −1.18 (−1.69, −0.67; P < .00001) and 1.90 (0.60, 3.21; P = .004), respectively. Two studies showed a increase in Gonial angle (P < .05) but no significant change in the mandibular length (Cd-Gn; P = .059 and .39, respectively). One study indicated that chincup therapy exerted no effect on mandibular growth retardation, and mandibular growth continued after the treatment in a downward direction.

CONCLUSION

There are insufficient data in these studies to make clear recommendations regarding the efficacy of chincup therapy in the retardation of mandibular growth.

Obesity does not influence the unique pharmacological properties of different biphasic insulin aspart preparations in patients with type 2 diabetes

AIM

To investigate the influence of obesity in type 2 diabetic patients upon pharmacological properties of different biphasic preparations of insulin aspart.

METHODS

A total of 75 type 2 diabetic patients were stratified according to their body mass index (BMI) into 40 non-obese (BMI 23-28 kg/m(2)) and 35 obese (BMI 30-35 kg/m(2)) subjects. The trial was a double-blinded crossover study. In two periods of 4 weeks each the patients received subcutaneous injections of biphasic insulin aspart 50 (BIAsp 50) or biphasic insulin aspart 70 (BIAsp 70) thrice daily in random order. Insulin doses were titrated individually. At the end of each period 24-h serum profiles of insulin aspart, C-peptide and glucose were recorded. The primary endpoint was the area under the curve of serum glucose concentration during 24 h (AUC(Glu)(0-24 h)).

RESULTS

The insulin concentration profiles of BIAsp 50 and 70 were as expected according to the content of protamine-bound insulin aspart (50 and 30% respectively). AUC(Glu(0-24 h)) BIAsp 50/BIAsp 70 ratios were 0.97 (95% CI: 0.90-1.05, p = 0.49) for non-obese and 0.98 (95% CI: 0.92-1.05, p = 0.55) for obese. Fasting serum glucose (FSG) BIAsp 50/BIAsp 70 ratios were 0.90 (95% CI: 0.84-0.96, p = 0.002) for non-obese and 0.90 (95% CI: 0.84-0.97, p = 0.006) for obese. During both treatment regimens the frequency of minor hypoglycaemic episodes was highest for the non-obese group.

CONCLUSIONS

The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of the two preparations of biphasic insulin aspart were different; however, they were not influenced by the degree of obesity in type 2 diabetic patients.

Adverse health effects of lead exposure on children and exploration to internal lead indicator

Our research on adverse effects of lead exposures on physical and neurobehavioral health of children aged 6-12years in 4 villages, labeled as K, M, L, and X, in rural China, was reported in this article. Lead in blood (PbB), urine (PbU), hairs (PbH), and nails (PbN) were measured by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Abbreviated Symptom Questionnaire of Conner's instruments and Revised Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices were applied to evaluate childhood attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) and intelligences. Geometric means (SD) of PbB, PbU, PbH and PbN concentrations were 71.2 microg/L (1.56), 11.7 microg/g (1.75), 12.5 microg/g (2.82), and 25.3 microg/g (2.79), respectively. 54 (17.0%) children had PbB levels of > or =100 microg/L. Boys, 6-10 years old, and living in village K were 2.11, 2.48, and 9.16 times, respectively, more likely to be poisoned by lead than girls, aged 11-12 years, and residing in X. 18 (5.7%) and 37 (11.7%) subjects had ADHD and mental retardations, respectively. Inverse relationships between intelligences and natural log transformed PbU and PbH levels were observed with respective odds ratios (95%CI) of 1.79 (1.00-3.22) and 1.46 (1.06-2.03) or 1.28 (1.04-1.58) and 1.73 (1.18-2.52) by binary or ordinal logistic regression modeling. ADHD prevalence was different by gender and age of subjects. PbU, PbH, and PbN related to PbB positively with respective correlation coefficients of 0.530, 0.477, and 0.181. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of the three measurements revealed areas under curves (AUCs) being 0.829, 0.758, and 0.687, respectively. In conclusion, children had moderate levels of lead exposures in this rural area. Intelligence declines were associated with internal lead levels among children. ROC analysis suggests PbU an internal lead indicator close to PbB.