Bilateral Chemical Linking at NiOx Buried Interface Enables Efficient and Stable Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells and Modules.

Inverted NiOx-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) exhibit considerable potential because of their low-temperature processing and outstanding excellent stability, while is challenged by the carriers transfer at buried interface owing to the inherent low carrier mobility and abundant surface defects that directly deteriorates the overall device fill factor. Present work demonstrates a chemical linker with the capability of simultaneously grasping NiOx and perovskite crystals by forming a Ni-S-Pb bridge at buried interface to significantly boost the carriers transfer, based on a rationally selected molecule of 1,3-dimethyl-benzoimidazol-2-thione (NCS). The constructed buried interface not only reduces the pinholes and needle-like residual PbI2 at the buried interface, but also deepens the work function and valence band maximum positions of NiOx, resulting in a smaller VBM offset between NiOx and perovskite film. Consequently, the modulated PSCs achieved a high fill factor up to 86.24%, which is as far as we know the highest value in records of NiOx-based inverted PSCs. The NCS custom-tailored PSCs and minimodules (active area of 18 cm2) exhibited a champion efficiency of 25.05% and 21.16%, respectively. The unencapsulated devices remains over 90% of their initial efficiency at maximum power point under continuous illumination for 1700 hours.

Unraveling IGFBP3-mediated m6A modification in fracture healing.

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the role of IGFBP3-mediated m6A modification in regulating the miR-23a-3p/SMAD5 axis and its impact on fracture healing, aiming to provide insights into potential therapeutic targets. METHODS: Utilizing fracture-related datasets, we identified m6A modification-related mRNA and predicted miR-23a-3p as a regulator of SMAD5. We established a mouse fracture healing model and conducted experiments, including Micro-CT, RT-qPCR, Alizarin Red staining, and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, to assess gene expression and osteogenic differentiation. RESULTS: IGFBP3 emerged as a crucial player in fracture healing, stabilizing miR-23a-3p through m6A modification, leading to SMAD5 downregulation. This, in turn, inhibited osteogenic differentiation and delayed fracture healing. Inhibition of IGFBP3 partially reversed through SMAD5 inhibition, restoring osteogenic differentiation and fracture healing in vivo. CONCLUSION: The IGFBP3/miR-23a-3p/SMAD5 axis plays a pivotal role in fracture healing, highlighting the relevance of m6A modification. IGFBP3's role in stabilizing miR-23a-3p expression through m6A modification offers a potential therapeutic target for enhancing fracture healing outcomes.

Machine learning-guided REIMS pattern recognition of non-dairy cream, milk fat cream and whipping cream for fraudulence identification.

The illegal adulteration of non-dairy cream in milk fat cream during the manufacturing process of baked goods has significantly hindered the robust growth of the dairy industry. In this study, a method based on rapid evaporative ionization mass spectrometry (REIMS) lipidomics pattern recognition integrated with machine learning algorithms was established. A total of 26 ions with importance were picked using multivariate statistical analysis as salient contributing features to distinguish between milk fat cream and non-dairy cream. Furthermore, employing discriminant analysis, decision trees, support vector machines, and neural network classifiers, machine learning models were utilized to classify non-dairy cream, milk fat cream, and minute quantities of non-dairy cream adulterated in milk fat cream. These approaches were enhanced through hyperparameter optimization and feature engineering, yielding accuracy rates at 98.4-99.6%. This artificial intelligent method of machine learning-guided REIMS pattern recognition can accurately identify adulteration of whipped cream and might help combat food fraud.

Insight into the Antibiotic Resistance of Bacteria Isolated from Popular Aquatic Products Collected in Zhejiang, China.

The present study was aimed to obtain a close insight into the distribution and diversity of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) among the aquatic products collected in Zhejiang, China. A total of 136 presumptive ARB picked up from six aquatic samples were classified into 22 genera and 49 species based on the 16S rDNA sequencing. Aeromonas spp., Shewanella spp., Acinetobacter spp., Myroides spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Citrobacter spp. accounted for 80% of the ARB. Among them, 109 isolates (80.15%) exhibited resistance to at least one antibiotic. Most isolates showed resistance to not only the originally selected drug but also to one to three other tested drugs. The diversity of ARB distributed in different aquatic products was significant. Furthermore, the resistance data obtained from genotypic tests were not entirely consistent with the results of the phenotypic evaluation. The genes qnrS, tetA, floR, and cmlA were frequently detected in their corresponding phenotypic resistant isolates. In contrast, the genes sul2, aac(6')-Ib, and bla PSE were less frequently found in the corresponding phenotypically resistant strains. The high diversity and detection rate of ARB and ARGs in aquaculture might be a significant threat to the food chains closely related to human health.

Role of Microorganisms in the Development of Quality during the Fermentation of Salted White Herring (Ilisha elongata).

Salted white herring (Ilisha elongata) is a popular fish product in the coastal region of China. The complex endogenous enzymes and microbial action determine the quality of a traditionally salted herring. In order to investigate the role of microorganisms in the quality formation of salted herring, three groups for different salting processes were established: traditional salted (TS), non-starter salted (NS), and starter culture salted (SS). The predominant microorganism in each processing group was Staphylococcus spp., as inferred by next-generation sequencing data. Different physicochemical parameters were obtained in each of the three processing groups (TCA-soluble peptide (trichloroacetic acid-soluble peptide), TVB-N (Total volatile basic nitrogen), and TBA values (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance)). The TS group had the maximum level of total biogenic amines, while the SS group had the lowest. A strong positive correlation was found between Staphylococcus and 14 aromatic compounds, of which 5 were odor-active compounds that created fishy, grassy, fatty, and fruity flavors. Shewanella may produce trimethylamine, which is responsible for the salted herrings' fishy, salty, and deteriorating flavor. The findings demonstrated that autochthonous strains of Staphylococcus saprophyticus M90−61 were useful in improving product quality because they adapted quickly to the high osmotic environment.

Docosapentaenoic Acid (DPA, 22:5n-3) Alleviates Ulcerative Colitis via Modification of Gut Microbiota and Their Metabolism.

N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3PUFA) are regarded as viable alternatives to aid the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). Most research focuses on eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); little information is available about the effect of docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) on the gut microbiota and their metabolism in UC mice. In this study, the changes in gut microbiota and their metabolism in UC mice were studied through the 16S rRNA sequencing method and untargeted metabolomics. Moreover, the differential bacterial genus and differential metabolites in responding to DPA supplementation were screened through permutation test after orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). The results indicated that DPA supplementation increased the diversity and altered the composition of the gut microbiota in UC mice; Akkermansia, Alistipes, Butyricicoccus, and Lactobacillus were selected as the differential bacterial genus. Supplementation of DPA also altered the fecal metabolite profile in the UC mice. Moreover, butyrate, N-carbamylglutamate (NCG), and histamine were screened as the differential metabolites. In conclusion, the regulation effect of DPA on the gut microbiota and their metabolism might be involved in the intervention mechanism of DPA in UC. More research needs to be carried out to elucidate the mechanism systematically.

Comparation of the structural characteristics and biological activities of chondroitin sulfates extracted from notochord and backbone of Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis).

To compare the structural properties and biological activities of chondroitin sulfate (CS) in two different tissues of Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis) and Russian sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedti), we extracted their backbone cartilage CS (Cart-CS) and notochord CS (Noto-CS), and analyzed the CS structural properties using chromatographic and spectroscopic methods. The molecular weights of Chinese sturgeon Cart-CS and Noto-CS were 54.7 and 25.4 kDa, respectively, and the molecular weights of Russian sturgeon were 50.0 and 38.4 kDa, respectively. The disaccharide composition results showed that Cart-CS was mainly composed of CS-C, while Noto-CS was almost composed of pure CS-A. The antioxidant activity of sturgeon CS and its effect on collagen fibril formation were discussed. Sturgeon CS exhibited higher antioxidant activity than shark and bovine CSs. Sturgeon CS inhibited the self-assemble of type I collagen into fibrils. The inhibition effect of Cart-CS was higher than that of Noto-CS. The high value-added utilization of Cart-CS and Noto-CS will increase the value of sturgeon by-products. Furthermore, the disaccharide composition of CS in sturgeon depends on tissues of origin, but not on species. It means that the CS of Chinese sturgeon can be substituted by the CS of other commercial sturgeon. That will contribute to the protection of endangered species of Chinese sturgeon from illegal fishing and increase the value of commercial sturgeon by-products.

Physicochemical, Structural and Antioxidant Properties of Collagens from the Swim Bladder of Four Fish Species.

This study aimed to isolate and characterize pepsin-solubilized collagen (PSC) from marine and freshwater fish swim bladders. The physicochemical properties, protein pattern, amino acid composition, structure, thermal denaturation temperature, and antioxidant activity of PSC from four different swim bladder sources were investigated and compared. The results demonstrated that the four types of collagen extracted were all type I collagen. The yield of PSC extracted from grass carp (GCSB-PSC), bighead carp (BCSB-PSC), grouper (GSB-PSC), and monkfish swim bladders (MSB-PSC) were 38.98, 27.97, 18.16, and 10.35%, respectively. Compared to the other three PSCs, BCSB-PSC has the highest thermal denaturation temperature (38.60 °C). Based on FTIR spectroscopy and circular dichroism (CD) analysis, the extracted PSCs retained the triple helix and secondary structure well. Antioxidant studies showed that in the swim bladders of four species the swim bladder PSC could scavenge DPPH and ABTS radicals. Overall, swim bladders from marine and freshwater fish can be utilized as raw materials for collagen extraction, and the extracted collagen has potential commercial applications.

Effect of Washing Times on the Quality Characteristics and Protein Oxidation of Silver Carp Surimi.

The aim of this work is to evaluate the effects of different washing times (zero (W0), one (W1), two (W2), and three (W3) times) on the physicochemical characteristics, gel property, and protein oxidation of silver carp surimi during 4 °C refrigeration. The results showed that the yield, types of fatty acids, redness (a*), total volatile basic nitrogen, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances of the surimi tended to decrease, and the whiteness, pH, gel strength, and water retention tended to increase with the increase of washing times. Meanwhile, washing removed some fatty acids and the fatty acid species showed a decreasing trend. The FTIR spectra showed that washing did not change the functional group composition but changed the content of each group of the functional groups, while decreasing the proportion of ß-sheet structures. Compared with the unwashed surimi, washing caused some of the immobilized water in the minced fish to be transferred to free water, and the water fluidity was enhanced. The washing enhanced the water holding capacity in the surimi gels, and the microstructure of the surimi gels was denser and delayed the protein oxidation during refrigeration. However, the difference between W2 and W3 surimi was not significant (p > 0.05). In practice, W2 can be used to produce surimi to improve its yield and reduce water consumption.

Astaxanthin Extract from Shrimp (Trachypenaeus curvirostris) By-Products Improves Quality of Ready-to-Cook Shrimp Surimi Products during Frozen Storage at -18 °C.

The effects of astaxanthin extract (AE) from shrimp by-products on the quality and sensory properties of ready-to-cook shrimp surimi products (RC-SSP) during frozen storage at −18 °C were investigated. Changes in 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) value, sulfhydryl groups, carbonyls, salt-soluble protein content, textural properties, color, and sensory quality over specific storage days were evaluated. The AE from shrimp by-products contained 4.49 µg/g tocopherol and 23.23 µg/g astaxanthin. The shrimp surimi products supplemented with 30 g/kg AE had higher redness values and greater overall acceptability and texture properties after cooking (p < 0.05). AE showed higher oxidative stability in RC-SSP than the control, as evidenced by lower TBARS and carbonyl content, and higher sulfhydryl and salt-soluble protein content. AE from shrimp by-products had positive effects on the antioxidant activity and color difference of RC-SSP, and could be used as a potential multifunctional additive for the development of shrimp surimi products.

Purification and Identification of a Novel Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitory Peptide from the Enzymatic Hydrolysate of Lepidotrigla microptera.

In this study, Lepidotrigla microptera were hydrolyzed with four different proteolytic enzymes (Papain, neutrase, flavourzyme, and alcalase), and their distribution of molecular weights and ACE-inhibitory activity were tested. The alcalase hydrolysates showed the maximum ACE-inhibitory activity. A novel ACE-inhibitory peptide was isolated and purified from Lepidotrigla microptera protein hydrolysate (LMPH) using ultrafiltration, gel filtration chromatography, and preparative high performance liquid chromatography (prep-HPLC). The amino acid sequence of the purified peptide was identified as Phe-Leu-Thr-Ala-Gly-Leu-Leu-Asp (DLTAGLLE), and the IC50 value was 0.13 mg/mL. The ACE-inhibitory activity of DLTAGLLE was stable across a range of temperatures (<100 °C) and pH values (3.0−11.0) and retained after gastrointestinal digestion. DLTAGLLE was further identified as a noncompetitive inhibitor by Lineweaver−Burk plot. The molecular docking simulation showed that DLTAGLLE showed a high binding affinity with ACE sites by seven short hydrogen bonds. As the first reported antihypertensive peptide extracted from alcalase hydrolysate of Lepidotrigla microptera, DLTAGLLE has the potential to develop functional food or novel ACE-inhibitor drugs.

Study on prediction in far-field aerodynamic noise of long-marshalling high-speed train.

It is still difficult to conduct numerical calculation of the aerodynamic noise of full-scale, long-marshalling, high-speed trains. Based on the Lighthill acoustic analogy theory, the aerodynamic sound source of the high-speed train is equivalent to countless micro-vibrating sound sources. An acoustic radiation model of the dipole sound source of high-speed trains is established, and a method to predict the aerodynamic noise in the far field of long-marshalling high-speed trains is proposed. By this method, combined with numerical simulation technology, the flow field, noise source, and far-field noise characteristics of high-speed trains with different marshalling numbers are studied. The improved delayed detached eddy simulation method is used for flow field calculation, to obtain aerodynamic noise source information regarding the surface of high-speed trains. The numerical calculation method is verified by wind tunnel testing. The results show that the flow field and noise source characteristics of high-speed trains with different marshalling numbers are similar. The greater the length of the train body, the longer the trailing distance of the train wake, and the stronger of a surface noise source the tail car becomes. The spatial distribution characteristics of aerodynamic noise in the far field of high-speed trains do not change significantly with the length of the train body, but the magnitude of the sound pressure level will increase with the increase in length of the train body. The middle car body parts of high-speed trains with different marshalling numbers have similar noise distributions and sound pressure levels. Based on the noise calculation results of the 3-marshalling high-speed train, the far-field noise of the 5-marshalling and 8-marshalling train models is predicted and found to be in good agreement with the far-field noise of the actual train model. The differences in average sound pressure level are 1.01 dBA and 1.74 dBA, respectively.

One-Step Preparative Separation of Fucoxanthin from Three Edible Brown Algae by Elution-Extrusion Countercurrent Chromatography.

A method for batch preparation of fucoxanthin from brown algae was established, which possessed the advantages of high yield and high purity. The ultrasonic-assisted extraction method was used to obtain a crude extract from Sargassum fusiforme as the separation sample. Then the crude extract was separated by elution-extrusion countercurrent chromatography. The optimum preparation conditions of fucoxanthin were determined as follows: n-hexane-ethanol-water (20:9:11, v:v:v) as a two-phase solvent system, the mobile phase flow rate was 5 mL min-1, the revolution speed was 800 r min-1, the loading capacity was 60 mg 10 mL-1 and the temperature was 25 °C. By this method, 12.8 mg fucoxanthin with a purity of 94.72% was obtained from the crude extract of Sargassum fusiforme. In addition, when the loading capacity was 50 mg 10 mL-1, the purity of fucoxanthin reached 96.01%. Two types of by-products, chlorophyll and pheophytin, could also be obtained during the process of separation. This optimal method was further applied to separate fucoxanthin from Laminaria japonica and Undaria pinnatifida, and 6.0 mg and 9.7 mg fucoxanthin with a purity of 96.24% and 92.62% were acquired, respectively. Therefore, it was demonstrated that the preparation method of fucoxanthin established in this study had an applicability to brown algae, which improved the utilization value of raw materials.

Identification of antifreeze peptides in shrimp byproducts autolysate using peptidomics and bioinformatics.

In the present study, a novel method based on peptidomics and bioinformatic was applied to identification and characterization of antifreeze peptides (AFPs) from shrimp byproducts autolysate (SBPA). According to the results of in silico prediction and high peptide structural inflexibility, DEYEESGPGIVH and EQICINFCNEK were picked as potential AFP-1 and AFP-2, respectively. The outcomes of DSC determination indicated that TH of synthesized AFP-1 and AFP-2 (10 mg/mL) were 1.37 °C and 1.57 °C, respectively. Besides, 0.1 %-3 % AFPs showed significant cryoprotection in shrimp muscle after 3 and 6 freeze-thaw cycles, evidenced by higher SSP content, Ca2+-ATPase activity, sulfhydryl content and lower surface hydrophobicity than control; while the higher concentration resulted in better protection against freeze induced denaturation. Both AFP-1&2 showed favorable hydrogen bonding affinity which facilitated ice binding and ice crystal growth inhibition. This work could provide new ideals for identification and characterization of AFPs.

Preparation of Antarctic Krill Oil Emulsion and Its Stability under Catalase Treatment.

Making Antarctic krill oil into emulsion is a good way to utilize Antarctic krill, but proliferation of microorganisms cannot be ignored. H2O2 is widely used in the sterilization of liquid food since its decomposition products are environmentally friendly, although residual H2O2 should be removed for food safety. Adding catalase (CAT) is an effective means to do this. However, the enzyme activity center of CAT is the iron porphyrin group, which has the risk of accelerating lipid oxidation in the oil emulsion. Therefore, we hypothesized that CAT might not be suitable for the removal of H2O2 in Antarctic krill oil emulsion. In this paper, Antarctic krill oil emulsion was prepared, and then the effect of CAT on the emulsion was studied through visual observation, microscopic morphology observation, turbidity and stability, particle size, and ζ-potential; finally, the mechanism of CAT destroying the emulsion was explored from the perspective of lipid oxidation. The results showed that a stable Antarctic krill emulsion was prepared using Tween-80 as the emulsifier, with the oil concentration of 1% (v/v) and the ratio of surfactant to oil phase of 1:5 (v/v). The emulsion treated with CAT had undergone demulsification, stratification, and coagulation after 2 days of incubation, while the emulsion treated with superoxide dismutase (SOD) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) changed little. In addition, the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) value and the content of hydroxyl radicals in the CAT group increased significantly. The preliminary research results indicated that the effect of CAT on the emulsion related to the lipid oxidation caused by the iron porphyrin group at the center of the enzyme activity. All these results indicated that CAT was not suitable for the removal of residual H2O2 in Antarctic krill oil emulsion. Moreover, it is helpful to avoid the contact of Antarctic krill oil emulsion and CAT during the processing of the krill.

Visualization of implanted mesh in the pelvic reconstructive surgery using an X-ray-detectable thread.

PURPOSE: Visualization of the implanted mesh after a pelvic floor repair surgery is important for evaluating mesh-related complications. We made an X-ray-detectable mesh and studied the histocompatibility and toxicity of it. METHODS: A thin barium sulfate thread was weaved on a traditional polypropylene mesh to make it X-ray detectable. The cytotoxicity of the mesh was tested by the MTT assay on L929 cell line. The histocompatibility and toxicity of mesh were evaluated in rabbits. Meshes were first implanted intraperitoneally. On postoperative day 7, bloods were tested to estimate the acute toxicity of meshes. After 6 months, rabbits were sacrificed and local inflammatory reaction and tissue regeneration at implantation sites were estimated by the HE stain and Masson stain. In addition, CT scans were performed after surgeries to display the location and shape of implanted meshes. RESULTS: Compared to the polypropylene mesh group, no significant difference was observed in the X-ray-detectable mesh group on both in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo acute and chronic toxicity. The amounts of extra cellular matrix between two groups did not differ. Through CT scan and 3D remodeling, the barium sulfate thread clearly revealed the position and shape of the X-ray-detectable mesh, whereas the traditional mesh was invisible under CT scan. CONCLUSION: Adding a thin barium sulfate thread on the polypropylene mesh does not change its histocompatibility or toxicity in rabbit model. The barium sulfate thread can effectively show the location and shape of implanted mesh under CT scan.

Steam Explosion-Assisted Extraction of Protein from Fish Backbones and Effect of Enzymatic Hydrolysis on the Extracts.

The development of an efficient pretreatment, prior to enzymatic hydrolysis, is a good strategy for the sustainable use of refractory fish byproducts. This study compared hydrothermal pretreatments at 159 °C for 2 min, followed by water extraction (steam explosion-assisted extraction, SE) and 121 °C for 70 min (hot-pressure extraction, HPE), for the recovery of proteins from fish backbones. The effect of enzymatic hydrolysis on the properties of the obtained fish bone protein (FBP) was also evaluated. The results demonstrated that FBP had high contents of protein (81.09-84.88 g/100 g) and hydroxyproline (70-82 residues/1000 residues). After hydrolysis with Flavourzyme, for 3 h, the FBP hydrolysates that were pretreated with SE (SFBP-H) exhibited a better degree of hydrolysis (DH) and nitrogen recovery (NR), and a higher level of umami taste free amino acids (151.50 mg/100 mL), compared with the HPE-treated samples. The obtained SFBP-H mainly distributed below 3000 Da and had strong scavenging effects on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazy (DPPH) (IC50 = 4.24 mg/mL) and 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) (IC50 = 1.93 mg/mL) radicals. Steam explosion-assisted extraction is a promising route for recovering proteins from native fish bone materials, and improving the flavor and antioxidant activity of the hydrolysates.

Antioxidant and Cryoprotective Effects of Bone Hydrolysates from Bighead Carp (Aristichthys nobilis) in Freeze-Thawed Fish Fillets.

Bone hydrolysates from bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis) were prepared using Protamex and Alcalase with degrees of hydrolysis (DH) of 5%, 10% and 15%. The antioxidant activity of bone hydrolysates was evaluated in vitro and then the hydrolysates with better antioxidant activity were used to immerse bighead carp fillets through a vacuum impregnation process at concentrations of 1% and 2%. Among the six hydrolysates, fish bone hydrolyzed with Protamex at DH 10% exhibited the highest ability to scavenge 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (88.79%), 2, 2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) (57.76%) and hydroxyl radicals (62.72%), as well as to chelate ferrous ions (91.46%). The hydrolysates effectively postponed freezing- and thawing-induced protein/lipid oxidation. Compared with the fillets without treatment, the impregnated fillets had higher sulfhydryl contents, greater Ca2+-ATPase activity, lower carbonyls and lower thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS). Bone hydrolysates also have a positive effect on the texture and water-holding ability of freeze-thawed fish fillets. Fish bone hydrolysates of Protamex could serve as potential antioxidants to preserve fish fillets.

Optimization and kinetic modeling of ultrasonic-assisted extraction of fucoxanthin from edible brown algae Sargassum fusiforme using green solvents.

The development of green and sustainable extraction technologies for various naturally active biomaterials is gaining increasing attention due to their environmentally friendly advantages. In this work, the ultrasonic-assisted extraction of fucoxanthin from edible brown algae Sargassum fusiforme using different green solvents was presented. Ethyl lactate, limonene, soybean oil, and sunflower oil were used in place of traditional organic solvents. Ethyl lactate showed similar performance to organic solvents, whereas limonene and vegetable oil exhibited higher selectivity for fucoxanthin. Moreover, the effects of various extraction factors, including liquid/solid ratio, extraction time, extraction temperature, as well as amplitude were studied. The optimal conditions were optimized as follows: liquid/solid ratio, 40 mL/g; extraction time, 27 min; extraction temperature, 75 ℃; amplitude, 53%; and solvent, ethyl lactate. Optimal model of second-order kinetic parameters (rate constant, equilibrium concentration, and initial extraction rate) was successfully developed for describing the dynamic ultrasonic extraction process under different operating conditions.

Do Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification Examination Ba and D Guide the Selection of Operation for Severe Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Purpose: To determine whether the preoperative Ba and D point could help to guide the choice of surgical procedure for POP. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study included 250 subjects with anterior/apical defect from January 2012 to June 2015. All subjects underwent a complete preoperative evaluation and completed 12 months of follow-up. Based on the connection of preoperative Ba and D point of Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q), patients were assigned two groups: 137 patients who underwent anterior vaginal repair with mesh (AVM) and 113 patients who underwent AVM combined with sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF). The primary outcomes were anatomical cure and recurrence rate of both procedures. Secondary outcomes were prolapse symptom, quality of life and sexual function based upon validated questionnaires. The complications were also recorded in both groups. Results: Both groups were homogeneous preoperatively. The anatomical success rates for the anterior, apical and posterior vaginal compartments were 99.2%, 97.0% and 97.7% in the AVM group, respectively. For patients who underwent AVM-SSLF, the anatomical success rates for the anterior, apical and posterior compartments were 96.1%, 98.1% and 98.1%, respectively. The recurrence for both techniques was low. Both procedures presented a significant improvement with regard to postoperative quality of life (QOL), prolapse symptoms, and sexual function after 1-year follow-up. Conclusion: The preoperative Ba and D point correlated with surgical choice for the treatment of anterior/apical prolapse, which further decided the surgical outcomes for prolapse support.